“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awakemys.htm


I guess the words (and the musical score) to this most renown Christian
doxology were imbedded in my subconsiousness many many years ago
when I was a child sitting in the pews of the First Baptist Church - Greenville.

Whenever I hear really good news, this is usually the first thing that starts
running through my mind.

On Friday afternoon the choir struck up the tune; we had gotten a really good report.

I will be coming back to Memphis for follow up chemo treatments and we are
in awe of how God works in our lives.

Just over a month ago I thought I was walking my last steps.

Now I can see that there are a few more steps to take than I thought,
‘Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!’

Frank

Hello everyone,

The Carlton's are patiently waiting to meet with Dr Barlogie on Friday to see what is in store
for us next.

While in Little Rock I bumped into some dear friends and fellow patient (Margaret) & Sam Martin.

After we had spent some time catching up on things she reminded me of something I had said to her a long time ago. It had really resonated with her, and in a strange way, it once again resonated with me too.

Since we were both waiting to speak with the Dr. to find out if we were 'alright!', Margaret recalled a conversation that we had. At some point in this walk I told her that often we ask God to give us clear answers or clear understanding about what we can expect next. Sometimes we are left wanting because we don't get those answers. It occurred to me that the reason we might not get those assurances is because God wants us to rely on Him daily.

I know in my own walk I am guilty of thinking that since all the BIG STUFF is taken care of I can revert back to auto pilot where I am in control. I'll call on God when I get back in a jam. It's not a conscious process, it just happens. I have to confess that I wind up in this mind set way to often and I have to ask for forgiveness for wanting those reigns.

Thank you Margaret for reminding me that each day, I need to reach upand grab hold of my heavenly Father's mighty hand.

We have so many friends going through some rough times. We are praying for YOU, but today I have a real burden for a family that is in the midst of "the battle". John & Candy are fighting hard today. Instead of praying for me, please, lift them up in the following ways:

John has asked for some very specific things, so please pray that God will show His mighty power leaving no doubt in the minds of those in attendance that they have witnessed a miracle.
Pray that it won't be necessary to remove as much of the bone as they have predicted.
Pray that John will make a miraculous recovery not suffering as they have told him he will.
Pray for strength and encouragement for Candy as she waits alone during the lengthy surgery.
Pray for their children as they wait for news.
Pray for wisdom and skill of the surgeons.
Pray they get every bit of the cancer so that John won't have to go through this again.
Pray that God calm their fears tonight.

More from the Carlton Gang later.........................Frank

Florida update!

Oh..... we did not mean to be bad bunnies....

(we hope you remember Dr. Seuss's book.... "PJ Funnybunny did not mean to bad... but sometimes he could not help it.... ")

We have gotten several emails wondering why we haven't posted in a while. We feel so bad. We are pleased to tell you that no news is good news.

Frank and I enjoyed Christmas in July a few weeks ago and then he had labs the following Monday. Things were steady... everything creeped up a little bit and he enjoyed a good week at work and resumed most of his normal activities. Actually, we all did. Once things get back to normal with our schedules, things aren't so "in your face" concerning his treatments and such. We read this blog and wonder whose family that is on the screen... it not ours!!

Some dear friends of ours have been gracious enough to open up their home and we are now updating the site from Panama City Beach, FL. It's been a long time since just the 5 of us have been away and we are having so much fun. The beach is wonderful. (Esp when you loose your head!!)

I took my i-pod and walked the shoreline and had such a peaceful morning. I walked past condo after condo, family after family. It's amazing how we flock to the majesty of God's creation, just to be near it! And then I felt a pain.... I have that same majesty at home right outside my kitchen window. How often do I take for granted my own sunsets?

Since we've been here Frank has been totally into cooking, which he enjoys so much. I feel guilty, but since I have clean up duty, it all evens out, right? The kids and I are all into the Twilight series of books. There are 4 of them and and we are each working on one, reading all the time. Zach reads so fast that he started them in the car, finished the 2nd and is now passing me up on the 3rd book. Every time I turn around he's stealing my book and then we play tug of war with it! Being here is very relaxing and we are grateful. Chase has beaten Frank at gin 6 times in a row, and is enjoying his bragging rights! Chandler is on the 4th Twighlight book that was released at Midnight Friday. Since we were on the road, we stopprd at Barnes and Noble in Birmingham and joined about 100 others that had waited in line all day for the release. We took pictures as we left there at 1:30 am, and then go back on the road!

We will leave here and drive to Huntsville, AL for Zach's soccer tournament and be home Sunday.

I know we have asked for prayer concerning the kids school for next year. After much prayer, we have decided to home school this next term. Our plan is for them to return to school the following year. This will allow them to come with us to Little Rock from now on and not leave them anymore. Frank always says that he can handle the treatments, but having our family split apart makes things harder. We both felt strongly about the time we spend together and felt like this was the best decision. God has confirmed this decision for us over and over. Although it's going to be very different and we are nervous, sad and excited all at the same time... we know we are where we are suppose to be in this regard. Thank you for your prayers about it.

Frank will go to Little Rock on Wed, Aug 13th for his testing. Radiology and labs only... no bone marrow biopsy this time! Then, on Friday, Aug. 15th, we'll both go and meet with Dr. Barlogie about what to do next. After keeping up with our other patient friends that are on this same MED PAC regimen, we are expecting another 2-3 week stay in Little Rock very soon, but that may not be the case at all. We'll have to wait and see what test results show.

Oh... we love you guys so much for being to faithful to come to this site to check on us and pray for us. We are praising God for each of you today!