34 Tips For a Better 2010

Health: (1) Drink plenty of water. (2) Eat breakfast like a KING, lunch like a PRINCE, and dinner like a BEGGAR. (3) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. (4) Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy. (5) Make time to PRAY. (6) Play more games. (7) Read more books than you did in 2009. (8) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. (9) Sleep for 7 hours. (10) Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality: (11) Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. (12) Don't have negative thoughts about things you can not control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment. (13) Don't overdo. Keep your limits. (14) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. (15) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip. (16) Dream more while you are awake. (17) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. (18) Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. (19) Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

Society: (20) Call your family often. (21) Each day, give something good to others. (22) Forgive everyone for everything. (23) Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. (24) Try to make at least 3 people smile each day. (25) What other people think of you is none of your business. (26) Your job won't take care of you when you're sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life: (27) Do the right thing! (28) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful. (29) GOD heals everything. (30) However good or bad a situation is, it will change. (31) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up. (32) The best is yet to come. (33) When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. (34) Your inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Source: Anonymous

1st CT Scan, CLEAR...NO CANCER SIGNS

We just received word that Dad's 1st CT Scan, which precedes his chemotherapy treatment is clear of any signs of cancer growth since the surgery. Thank you for all the continued prayers. Please keep it up. It is working!

The Holland Family

Prayer Requests...

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Leigh Plagens & Family (fighter)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)
Diane McMinn & Family (fighter)
Josh Copes & Family (brain tumor)
Jackie Thoreson & Family (pancreatic fighter)
Ethan Tate & Family (leukemia fighter)
Family of Peyton Ricker (recent loss)
Father of Terry Garrett of Rockwall (recent loss)
Family of Bob McDonald of Rockwall (recent loss)
RISD Teacher Families (many affected)
Grandfather of Nick and Katie Gay (recent loss)
Nate Oxford & Family (cancer free!)
Sherri Johnston & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Gary Briscoe & Family (colon cancer)

Lance Holland: 01/19/2010

Yesterday we went to dad's first oncologist appointment at Dallas Presby. The people at Texas Oncology were very welcoming and comforting. I think that collectively (as a family) felt very comfortable with the team that they have assembled there to help dad through his recovery process. Dr. Barve asked dad a few routine questions and examined his scar which has "healed VERY well".

We talked with Dr. Barve about how the next six months are going to unfold. Dad has been accepted in a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer patients with the same stage and classification as dad. As a supplement to his Gemzar treatment, dad will be taking a vaccine shot with every treatment, which will be administered every week for the next six months. His first vaccine begins this Thursday. He will have three vaccines before the Gemzar starts on February 11th; which he'll receive both chemo and the vaccine. The Gemzar is to be administered every Thursday at Dallas Presby for the next six months. The vaccine will continue as long as dad is in remission.

Gemzar is a milder chemotherapy drug, which enables them to administer weekly. He is not expected to lose his hair or tastebuds. He will experience mild nausea which will be treated with an oral perscription. Overall, the appointment was VERY POSITIVE. We all felt good about it, the people were great, the atmosphere was upbeat, and really seemed like a great place to go every week to beat your cancer. On top of that, one of his nurses is a Tri-Delt sorority sister with my wife Neely. She's great and we feel like we have someone on the "inside".

Today, dad went in for a CT scan which will be the first of many in the near future. Early Thursday, we've scheduled a day-surgery to have his port put in, and then over to Texas Oncology for the first dose of vaccine for the clinical trial.

Yesterday, dad looked great. He has a fresh haircut, had great coloration, is getting around just like normal, lost some weight (but not too much weight), and basically looked like he was dressed for work. He's ready. Positive, Faithful, Trusting, and Ready.

Nate Oxford

"Praise God, for HE is merciful. We got the results back from Nate's MRIs, and all scans are clear…no cancer. The doctors are very pleased, and were excited to be able to provide this news. When chemo started last January he was given a 15% chance to make it 3 months, and he made it six months before it came back worse than ever. When he began radiation in June and ended at the end of July, he was given six weeks to six months of borrowed time, and here he is…TO GOD BE ALL PRAISE AND GLORY. Nate truly is a miracle from God every day he is alive. I am not saying any of us deserve this, I am, however, saying that God had mercy on us and we will forever give HIM the glory for his healing. We thank all the doctors and nurses who have seen us through this. Many people have spent many hours laboring over him to help him get to this point. We also want to thank everyone around the world for your much needed prayers and for helping us along the way. We have been praying about larger ways to give back and help others, and we will begin on those things in the near future, using what God has done for us as a way to show HIS love to others.

Nate still needs a lot of therapy and attention to help him with his physical and cognitive abilities. He has been making great strides with his walking and talking…and so far we see no reduction in cognitive skills. We work with him every day on this, and he will begin new therapies soon to help him even more. He will go back in three months for another MRI and will continue to do so for a stretch of two years and then every six months for five years. What Nate had was very nasty and it hit him with full intensity trying to steal his life on this earth away from us, but today is a day of victory, and with each day comes new reasons to praise THE LORD even more. God bless you all. Spread the word about HIS mercies.

The Oxford family

Prayers...

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Leigh Plagens & Family (fighter)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)
Diane McMinn & Family (fighter)
Josh Copes & Family (brain tumor)
Jackie Thoreson & Family (pancreatic fighter)
Ethan Tate & Family (leukemia fighter)
Family of Peyton Ricker (recent loss)
Father of Terry Garrett of Rockwall (recent loss)
Family of Bob McDonald of Rockwall (recent loss)
RISD Teacher Families (many affected)
Grandfather of Nick and Katie Gay (recent loss)
Nate Oxford & Family (cancer free!)
Sherri Johnston & Family (breast cancer fighter)

It's in the Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

(This poem was written by Jane Eggleston who currently lives in Virginia. Her son Jeff states, "She is a wonderful person, loves Jesus and has been the best mother anyone could ever ask for." What a fitting tribute to any mother.)

Lance Holland Update: 01/15/2010

Dad will go to meet with the Oncologist on Monday. The doctor plans to schedule a minor day surgery to put a port in that will remain throughout the chemotherapy process.

We did receive notification today that his first chemo treatment is scheduled to take place on Thursday January 21, 2010. His chemotherapy will be administered once per week for six months from that date.

The family would like to thank everyone who has been involved in dad's healing process thus far. All the visits, calls, cards, and meals are greatly appreciated (I've heard it first hand from mom). The prayers are working; dad is healing well, has been out of the house a few times. We went to Man Church the other night, which was a great lesson for all about how to cope when times are hard. We had lunch today with a friend at Chick-fil-a as well. Again, the prayers are working and the RECOVERY process has begun.

Thank you and God Bless,

JAH

Prayer Requests...

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Leigh Plagens & Family (fighter)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)
Diane McMinn & Family (fighter)
Josh Copes & Family (brain tumor)
Jackie Thoreson (pancreatic fighter)

WHAT TO DO WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH?

As delivered by Steve Stroope on 1/13/2010 at Man Church in Rockwall, TX.

Notes from Greg Beauchamp

TRUST GOD - Romans 8:28-32

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

3 REASONS YOU CAN TRUST GOD

1. God is in Control

Romans 8 - "God works..."

Psalm 147: 8-9, He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

Lamentations 3:37-38, We can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

To say, “God is kind of in control” will wreck you.

Joseph was sold to slavery by his own brothers, accused of rape, in jail 13 years. To his brothers, he said (Gen 45:8) 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

2. God knows what we do not know

Sometimes benefit does not come this side of heaven. “In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer (Philippians).

Jeremiah 29:11, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Isaiah 55:8-9, 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We define “GOOD” differently than God. God defines “GOOD” as “conforming to the image of His Son.” We usually define “GOOD” as “comfort.”

What tough times do for us:
1. Clarify our faith. Job says, “Tough he slay me, yet will I praise Him.”
2. Increase our compassion
3. Humble us. If we are not humbled, we begin to think we can exist without God.
4. Gives us opportunities to witness
5. Increases our longing for heaven. This world is not our home.
6. Makes us stronger.

3. God Loves us

Romans 8:31, 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Abraham – God told him he was going to have children – waited 25 years
Moses – God told him he would deliver people from slavery – waited 40 years
Paul – Thorn in the flesh was never removed
Jesus on the cross – Asked God for help – God was silent, hidden and unfair, while also pulling off the most brilliant, loving, merciful act in all of history.

1 Corinthians 10:13, 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

"Never let your prayin' knees get lazy..."

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse "I Love You"
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense,
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy,
And love like crazy…

Pray For Haiti

Many people have been affected (beyond our belief) in Haiti by the devastating earthquake. May our Lord be with victims, families, and rescue personnel. As with all things, we must trust when we do not understand.

JAH

Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Prayer List: 1/12/10

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)
Diane McMinn & Family (fighter)
Josh Copes & Family (brain tumor)
Jackie Thoreson (pancreatic fighter)

Lance Holland Update...

Re: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/621488/

Thanks again to everyone who has signed up to help! And feel free to forward the link to anyone you know who might want to help or just keep up with Lance and Saundra.

Here is our Monday morning update from Saundra:

Lance is getting better everyday. We go to the oncologist on 18th. She will let us know when his first chemo treatment will be.
We will have a port put in for his chemo. The surgeon said it will be just a quick day surgery.
Not sure when they are doing that yet.


--
Visit our community site: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/621488/

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Ephesians 6

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Growing Prayer List = More Powerful Prayer

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)
Diane McMinn & Family (fighter)

How can I help?

(excerpts from 15 Helpful Tips for Family, Friends, and Co-Workers)

by Chris McHugh

Keeping in touch is important. Send cards, notes, banners, kids drawings, or any message of hope to show you care. I found receiving "Get Well" cards with the message "While You Recover" to be very important in my Healing.

Form a Relay for Life team. This can show great team support while giving the patient something to look forward to.

Seek out positive survivor stories and share them often with your friend. Everyone who fights cancer needs to know that 8 million Americans are LIVING with cancer today.

Stay connected. Nothing bothered me more than when I would hear "I kept tabs through so-and-so because I just did'nt know what to say". Remember simply saying "I'm here and I care" is better than nothing at all.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For info on Relay for Life, reference my post on 12/31/09. I'll be posting more info on our family team in the near future. JAH

Be Chemo Savvy:

Tips for surviving chemotherapy from a seasoned chemo survivor.

By Chris McHugh ©

Try to relax while taking treatment. Headphones or good conversation can take your mind off the drugs. Embrace the drug. Don't think of it as toxic, let it do it's work.

Pamper and reward yourself! Even something small is special. Maybe a goal after your chemo journey, like a trip or weekend away. Why wait!? Break up the rounds of chemo with a "chemo-get-away" or "retail therapy" (shopping). You will come back refreshed.

*Important* You will NOT get all of the symptoms listed on the chemo handouts.

When life hands you lemons, drink lemonade! Drink some lemonade or suck on lemon drops. It's really refreshingand I could taste it. Sucking on hard candy when they flush your mediport or line is helpful. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids after treatment.

Cut a fresh lemon in half when scents around the home make you fell "urpsy". The neutralizes the unwanted odors. Also, mild soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste can be found in your local grocery store.

If smells from the kitchen send you running, have someone bring you in a meal. It will allow someone to fell good about helping you out. Eat whatever sounds good or tastes good to you. Now is NOT the time to diet. (Try to remember comfort foods from your youth.

Stay ahead of the nausea. Don't wait to feel sick before taking your anti-nausea drugs. Listen to your nurse or pharmacist for scheduling your medicine. Anti-nausea drugs can cause headaches and constipation. Make a mental note of your week and adjust your next treatment accordingly.

If you are tired, rest and let people help you. Remeber it helps them too, as they feel helpless. When you are over-tired, everything seems worse. Life is worth the fight!

Get many hugs from all. Hugs heal!

This is a "germ free zone"! Wash your hands often when your white cell count is low. It's not a bad idea to have all your guests wash their hands as well.

Talk to others undergoing chemo. It really helps to share information and know that you have the same feelings and symptoms. A support group is a great resource or your hospital's learning library.

The best advice I ever received was "to remember to set short-term goals and take it one day at a time. Do or take whatever you need to get through this time, and most importantly, "Choose Hope."

Courtesy of Chose Hope, Inc.

***These tips and hints ARE NOT intended as a substitute to professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your physician.

A Message From Saundra Holland...

Thank you to my wonderful son and daughter-in-law Neely for your love and support. We are so fortunate to have you here with us during this time.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks and love to our wonderful family, great friends, and church family at The First Christian Church of Rockwall for your loving support and help you all have shown to us since Lance's diagnosis and surgery. The cards, prayers, phone calls and wonderful meals are very much appreciated during this time. Your support has allowed me to give 100% of my time to my dear Lance for a 100% recovery for him.

Special thanks to my sister Terri Ferguson for devoting her entire Christmas break away from her family in Wharton and staying with me and helping me with Lance during his hospital stay and for her love and support. I thank God daily for you all and appreciate your continued prayers.

With Love,

Saundra

Udated Prayer List

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)
Rosemary Green & Family (leukemia fighter)
Riley Hicks & Family (leukemia survivor!)

The power of prayer at work...

Thanks to everyone who continues to pray. In my opinion, yesterday (Sunday) was my dad's best day since surgery. He was in VERY good spirits, looked/felt great, good mood, active in conversation, and starting to heal well. I attribute this to a good rest on Saturday night. He might have been a bit tired from my traditional "after-midnight call" on New Year's Eve to wish him a Happy Birthday (47th fyi). At this point, I think we are starting to scale back on visitors at the house so that the healing process can fully take place and that he receives the proper rest and relaxation needed for that to happen. Needless to say, I feel that your prayers are working and that he's well on the road to full recovery and ready to fight. We have an appointment set for January 18th to meet with the Texas Oncology doctors so dad can start to prepare for chemotherapy.

Updated Prayer List (1/4/10):

Lance Holland & Family (pancreatic fighter)
A.J. Wells & Family (leukemia fighter)
Cissi Scott & Family (survivor!)
Ewing Family in Kansas (leukemia - recent loss)
Ben & Meredith Fox Family (survivor & fighter)
Shirley Dodge & Family (liver fighter)
Wayne Neal Family in Paris, TX (recent loss)
Brenda Stokley Lanclos & Family in League City, TX (fighter)
Tammy Osborn & Family (breast cancer fighter)


Pray. Pray. Pray.

to send a request, e-mail: ja.holland@yahoo.com

JAH