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John Stalmach's avatar

Chris, I have been reading your posts since last August, and subscribed in March. I noted when subscribing that I had seen a steady growth in your walk with the Lord. Looking back, it seems God has been preparing you for this current journey.

We all have different ways of interacting with Him, which may change from season to season. Some become daily good habits, others come and go as our needs change. The important part is staying in touch with Jesus in the way that works for you.

For me that means daily Bible reading; set prayers upon awakening and when going to sleep; "spot" prayers whenever a need is communicated or recognized; constant "Thank you's" though the day, and seeing God through his amazing work in the world around us.

Keep going. God will see you through this. He's done it for me, either walking close by or carrying me when that was necessary. He can do the same for you.

And when I read below that you're getting a hard-hitting drug today, I sent up one of those spot prayers.

Chris Russo's avatar

Thank you so much for that encouragement John and that’s such a good point. Sometimes I get rigid and want to cling to a certain way of connecting with God that’s “working.” But you’re right…the seasons change and I believe staying flexible and malleable is important. Thank you for pointing that out and for praying. 🙏

Cheryl Arcidiacono's avatar

Chris - I have had a similar routine for more than 4 years now. After reading the book Two Chairs by Bob Beadine I have embraced s set time each morning with a cup of coffee, sitting with another chair next to/across from me where I imagine God taking the same time to hear me. It's my chance to thank him, to ask him for guidance on something specific and to ask him to help my family and friends. I ask him to open my eyes and ears to his messages throughout the day so I can make the most of my day. ❤️. I love making this the start of my day 🙏❤️

Chris Russo's avatar

That is sooo cool! I’ll have to check that book out. 😊❤️ I’m taking the hardest hitting drug at the hospital today, so throw me in your prayers that it would do its job and go smoothly. 🙏❤️‍🩹 love you guys!

Cheryl Arcidiacono's avatar

Our prayers are with you! 🙏 ❤️ Call us when you're feeling up to it!

Your copy of 2 Chairs will be arriving at your house on Sunday! Enjoy!😘

Chris Russo's avatar

Y’all are amazing!! Thanks so much and will do!

Austin Gardner's avatar

I have stage 4 kidney cancer and am currently in the middle of radiation treatment for two grape-sized tumors in my left lung. I feel weird today; not sure why, but I am trying to listen. This hard time has been the best for me, learning how our Father loves us and feels everything; He is touched by your hurts. What a Savior!

Chris Russo's avatar

What a Savior indeed. 🙌🙌 receiving my 5th infusion of the week right now and praying for you. 🙏❤️‍🩹

Carolyn Jacobs's avatar

In your weakness, He is made strong.

Zane Schauer's avatar

Chris, my prayer is that YOU are WILLING for this to a practice that will far outlast your time as a cancer patient. I am thankful that this season has introduced you to a slower, deeper way of being with God that you never want to lose.

Chris Russo's avatar

I’m so thankful for that too, brother. Love you man!

Carolyn Jacobs's avatar

Oh, how I loved reading this, and seeing how you are drawing closer to Christ.

Meditate on good Christian music.

It so centers you and lets you see God.

I think I may have already recommended to you to listen to Be Still by Newsboys -"turn our attentions to what will last." - nice melody and beat, not to mention lyrics.

But here's one you may not have heard which is a great one to close your eyes and meditate while it plays. It's "Chains Hit the Ground" by Leeland. It's slow and melodic, his voice so soft, like an angel. - "when you bowed your head, your love was poured out, and my chains hit the ground." So deep. Just the way I love good songs. The ones that grab your heart and you truly see the depth of God's love.

Chris Russo's avatar

Thank you so much for the recommendations 😊 he’s so much more available to us than we frequently give him credit for.

Shirley Weaver Ministries's avatar

Thank you Chris. We are learning from you. Plus you are blessing our socks off! Keep going!

Clement Charles's avatar

So true!

Chris Russo's avatar

Thank you so much for that encouragement! 🙌🙌

Teddi Deppner's avatar

Joining others in praying for you today as you deal with the "hardest hitting" drug in your treatment. May the Lord soften the hardest hits, Chris. I love hearing that you are finding something new that you want to last beyond this trial, something deeper and strong that you hadn't experienced the same way before. And when I read the other comments, I'm so glad that God has given you community and people who love you, appreciate sharing the journey, and support you the way they do. Surely, the Lord is with us, and not least in the Body that He's placed us in.

Chris Russo's avatar

I certainly have no idea what all God may have for my family and I in this, but one of my biggest prayers is I don’t miss it. 🙏❤️

Joyce Jacobs Erfert's avatar

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Clement Charles's avatar

First I loved... There have been so many questions. So much confusion. So many moments where I simply haven’t known what to think or how to make sense of it all.... I've experienced this first time lately. It does not have to do with cancer but a perceived betrayal by my Church's hierarchy. I explain in my most recent post Synodality: I am still looking.

The other line was...And almost every time, I leave with the same powerful sense: I am completely understood and deeply loved exactly where I am....

This is amazing and one I understand (and experienced). Great piece. Thank you!

Chris Russo's avatar

I’m so glad it was helpful! 😊

Teddi Deppner's avatar

This song came to mind, thinking about what you shared here: https://youtu.be/SVe4dTok7Lw?si=MyQex1vLiYDzUVbs "The Lord is With Me" by Red Rocks Worship

Chris Russo's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing