And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal http://lancechristopher.net/news.html Lance Christopher: Journal Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:19:59 -0700 God blessed in Bishop, Ca http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#35 Sunday morning was wonderful!


The folks at Oasis of Grace Foursquare were so supportive and loving!


Monday night was a beautiful experience as well!


Michelle and I are so proud of how Kaeli Anne ministered :)


A big thanks to Dave Tackett, my incredible inlaws Ken and Roberta Wilder, and the precious believers at Oasis of Grace!!!


Hopefully next time we can see Pastors Chris and Deedee :D

]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#35 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal I AM YOUR BROKEN HEART http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#34 Lance Christopher: RE-CONSTRUCTION

I have been involved with music most of my life, but I have to admit that my beautiful daughter Kaeli Anne Moriah has injected new joy into my musical endeavors! 


I have stretched out and tried my hand at directing a music video, hers to be exact : )


We did the whole project on a true "shoestring", but even on a "shoestring", St. Pete's beach is AMAZING!


Please watch the video and let me know what you think!



 













 


Kaeli ANNE Moriah | 


]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#34 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal 2010 ~ It Feels Real! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#33 "You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many" II Cor 1:11


All of you wonderful praying friends are living proof that God is faithful!!!


God is still heals... December was a scary month... lots of really disturbing medical things that led to a difficult bone marrow biopsy from the right hip on the 15th of January.


We got the call from the VA hospital today... well, yesterday... Negative for Multiple Myeloma (cancer)!


This was NOT predicted by most of the medical team.


God bless dear Dr. Chin for standing with us :)


Still some issues to get through, BUT THIS IS A MIRACLE!


Blessings,


Lance

]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#33 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal Come on 2009! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#32
2008 has been a year with great highs, lows, and much in between”¦ AND it has also been another year filled with God’s grace.

We have felt it in the loving prayers offered up on our behalf by all of you.

We have experienced it in the gentle acts of mercy by friends and family.

We have seen it in the continued care and faith of our gracious business partners, Bob, and Dennis.

The last few months were challenging. No surprise there, huh? LOL. I think all of you probably have your own stories of trials and, I pray, victories. If there ever was a time to practice the counting of blessings, it is surely now. I think it just might be one of the sweetest acts of worship!

My precious wife Michelle is doing well. I am sure I try her patience . She is always a source of joy and calm for the entire family.

Abigail is a successful sophomore at Trevecca.

Ethan is now a senior in high school, and Kaeli-Anne is a sophomore.

All of them are doing well. It probably sounds cliché, but they really are growing up so quickly. We are truly proud of them.

I have simply been healing. Doctor visits (our VA medical team s incredible), lots of tests, a bout with pneumonia last month, medications, physical therapy, working on our music business, trying to get my voice and guitar chops back up to speed, writing new songs, meeting with our Square One Ministries family, and above all else trying to catch God’s heart for how we are to grow both the music and ministry in 2009”¦ The days go by pretty quickly!

Tapering down the medications over the last few months has been a little tougher than we thought. However, overall it is going well. I have been having a problem with elevated liver enzymes. The doctors aren’t sure what is causing it”¦ It could be several different things”¦ We are praying that it isn’t anything serious, and God will just fix it. He is SO good 

Your prayers are hugely appreciated as always!

This holiday season has been a quiet, blessed time with family and a few friends who were in town. Here are some of the many beautiful Holiday highlights; a visit from our dear friend Bob, who flew up from Hollywood, Florida, the AWESOME Square One Christmas party, a precious December 23rd birthday party with Meema, a wonderful Christmas visit from my business partners, a much anticipated Christmas Eve party at Chris & Camille Wallin’s home (their kin folk are fun), a great Hanukah party put on by Gary Flamberg’s ministry and hosted at Meema’s house, sharing Christmas songs at the Web Grove A.M.E. Church here in Tennessee with Reverend Parker and his ministry team, a beautiful holiday evening with the Byrum’s, a Christmas game of Cranium with my producer, Ernie Petrangelo, all the phone calls, Christmas cards, and loving gifts of cheer and faith given by so many!

I did receive one gift that every member of my family was grateful for”¦ A big, oversized, terry robe! Why were they grateful? Last month I had to dash out of my bedroom, and I had, in desperation, donned Michelle’s flowery bath robe”¦ The kids said it creeped them out. Michelle just shook her head, commenting on how my sister’s DNA must really be kicking in. Me? Well, it seemed to make sense in the moment, and hey, it inspired a gift that I REALLY like”¦ No regets here!

What they don’t know (I’m pretty sure the kids don’t read my updates”¦ They have to live it, hah hah!) is this, on that very morning, I had to let our dog, Moriah, out to relieve herself. No big deal, right? It was before 6 in the morning, and I had donned the same robe, because I honestly thought no one would be out and about that early.

Well, I had the singular privilege of greeting several neighbors on their way to work. I have always tried to be faithful to the principle of “hold your head high and act like you meant it”. Maybe they thought I was Michelle”¦ The facial hair probably gave me away though. My Mama always says, “The older you get. The less you care what others think about you.” This likely means my old age will be something to talk about. (I am writing this on a laptop in bed. Michelle is asleep. I am pretending that I don’t know this. Well, I read her what I just wrote, and asked her if it is too much information. Her muffled voice just came from beneath the pile of blankets, “That’s sweet honey.” Hmmm”¦ Okay, I’ll just keep on.)

I know that I am getting long winded, so let me just say how awesome it is to be alive and CANCER FREE. In the name of Jesus, it is going to stay this way!

O yes, in February, my song “Rainy Day”, will be officially released to Christian Country radio. We are fervently praying it will do well!

I am really missing going out and sharing the gift of music God has given. I have led worship a couple of times lately, and shared some specials in a few services. But with the advent of an actual IMMUNE SYSTEM, and with more strength, we should be finally able to minister out more and more.

Michelle and I have much to share about real joy, and how to walk in it. If you would like us to come and minister in music, and/or the Word simply let us know. We can come to your church, venue, or if you like, we can even come to your home meeting. We love to laugh and have a good time with God’s people.

Times are difficult right now for so many. However, God has an answer and we have a blast sharing it!!! You can call me at (615) 268-2642 or just shoot me an email.

Here is to a fruitful, joyful, glorious 2009! Let us go into it together with a BIG shout of praise. God loves faith. Let’s give Him lots of it in 2009!!!!!!!

More than anything else know that YOU are LOVED!!!!

Lance]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#32 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal COMPLETE REMISSION! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#31
What a summer... I am sure most of you could echo this sentiment :-) God's grace abounded, but there were a lot of challenges that covered the spectrum — body, soul, and spirit!

It has been a while now since I last sent out an update, but when we got the latest bit of news, I new it was time to send one out!

About three weeks ago, I had a week long series of rigorous tests. For the clinical study I am part of, this is protocol at the one year mark of the donor transplant. Then it was time to wait for the results. We spent a lot of time in prayer, and then tried not to think about it LOL! Finally, the news came by telephone. Our wonderful Physician's Assistant who directly handles my case with Dr. Chin, told us that the latest bone marrow biopsy (that one REALLY hurt), along with all the many other tests showed a COMPLETE REMISSION! All of our wonderful friends at the VA Stem Cell Transplant Unit were celebrating with us! Over the past five years they have become like family :-)

We have also discovered that most of my organs have held up remarkably well, though my heart has sustained some damage. Also, the skeletal damage is currently a bit problematic, all the nerve damage is difficult, and the medications' side effects are challenging. HOWEVER, the same God who has brought us this far WILL see us through to a COMPLETE HEALING!

One other notable fact is that my bones are showing evidence of restoration. According to the doctor, this is impossible! I believe that this restoration will continue, because with God “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”!!!

Thanks to your FAITH filled prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we are TOHETHER proving what is “the good and acceptable will of God” to HIS glory and honor!

Okay, I know there have been a lot of exclamation points in this letter, but PRAISE GOD, we feel as if there is a whole new, WONDERFUL season right ahead. I am gradually tapering off all the medications, and by God's grace, at the first of the year I can get my BABY SHOTS (the immune system has to start from scratch). Also, in January, I turn 42. Getting my baby shots at 42? :-) So cool to be alive to do it!

The next season will be pretty rigorous as I rehab my body to transition off the meds, build overall constitution, detox and strengthen up, facilitate the body's healing process, get my voice back in shape (next week I start vocal rehab with the AWESOME Jaime Babbitt), playing chops strengthened, and prepare to really return to the work and ministry I love.

It will be an interesting time for Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, and Kaeli-Anne. To have “Papa” back - undrugged, able to get around better, and genuinely engaged with life. That will be a change. I know my beloved business partners, Bob and Dennis, will be glad as well!

Over this last season, I have had much time to consider and prayer. WOW! The future is REALLY bright! God has given me new vision and hope. There are some amazing things in store, of this I am sure. Lots of MUSIC and MINISTRY! Furthermore, Michelle and the kids will be stepping into the public eye more and more. They have much to share both in the arts and in simply speaking. These struggles have abundantly taught all of us about love, family, and community.

As a family, we are so very GRATEFUL for all the prayers that have been selflessly offered on our behalf. Your continued prayers are a precious gift that we do not take lightly. Know that we are praying for you. Give us a call or send us an email with any specific requests.

Together we can press into God's best!

We love YOU!!!!!

Lance, Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, & Kaeli-Anne]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#31 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal HEALTH UPDATE: I’m home again :-) http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#30
Between health issues that were related to the immune suppression treatments and the flu virus — NOT a good combination — I ended up back in the hospital for awhile and then released back into the Vanderbilt apartments, next to the VA, for about 2 weeks.

While in the hospital, we had a couple of scary days, and unbelievable amounts of IV antibiotics on top of all the other drugs”¦ I felt like a chemical cocktail!

My beloved Michelle was there constantly with her love and care. The doctors and nurses were there as well”¦ It seemed like every 20 minutes or so! Sleep was in real short supply LOL! I praise God that Michelle didn’t get sick.

My son Ethan, and my daughter Kaeli-Anne both ended up sick (they caught it from me). Abbi was spared. Thank God for Meema’s help! Michelle was stretched thin, indeed.

For those of you that were contacted and were praying, THANK YOU! For those of you who weren’t aware, please accept my DEEPEST APOLOGIES. It happened suddenly and became serious quickly”¦ I went unconscious and stopped breathing and that got the ball rolling without delay. Ugh! Furthermore, I was pretty much computer-less during my hospital/Vandy apartment sojourn, and honestly, I don’t know how much I would have used the computer if it were available.

The good news is that I AM HOME AGAIN! Last night I slept in my own bed, and that felt WONDERFUL! Strengthening up seems to be a process, but one that is going well.

Also, most of the “six month out from transplant” tests are back. THE RESULTS ARE GREAT! Last Friday the physician’s assistant who handles my case told us that she has seen the good, the bad, and everything in between, and I am in the “great part of the good”. Dr. Chin told us that clinically I am doing remarkably well!

Their main concern is the graft-versus-host disease (basically, transplant rejection issues). They really want to see it lessen significantly so that we can use less immune suppression. It can be dangerous if it doesn’t. We are praying that God will intervene and supernaturally control it. We know that He is well able! Less graft-versus-host disease and less medication would truly feel good.

I have lots to share, but I know that this is getting long. So, I will get this ready to send out and post on the site, and try to get some sleep!

I love all of you and thank God for you daily. Your prayers for my family and I are so very appreciated. We never take them for granted!

Here’s to God’s miracle moments and great love!

Lance & Family]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#30 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal 2008! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#29
My family, friends, and I wrapped up 2007 with a wonderful holiday season here at home in Nashville. We had a quiet, simple holiday that was genuinely touched with peace and joy.

We took a lot of time just to reflect on 2007 and dream about 2008!

Musically, 2007 was filled with...


Having the honor of being an ICM TOP 10 nominee for MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR!

Having my second single, "THE CROSS OF JESUS", climb to #8 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Having my first single, "JOY UNSPEAKABLE", climb to #16 on the Power Source Christian Country Charts!

Knowing that the song I co-wrote with my dear friend and brother, Primorus/Universal recording artist Woody Bradshaw, "SAVED BY A WOMAN", is being played by him in his live shows all over the USA, and is on his debut album LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE!!!! Please, check out his website http://woodybradshaw.com and go buy his album - it is INCREDIBLE!

Writing new songs

Putting together a collection of songs from demos, and sessions over the last four years as an "internet only" release for early 2008

Working with my daughter Kaeli-Anne on her budding music career (she is AWESOME)!

Mentoring several other young songwriters

Recording some new worship music

And itching to get back to sharing the music I love with all of you!

Thank you, Bob and Dennis of our label, Torn Sky Records, for making the music possible!


On the health front, 2007 was certainly a challenging year with a lot of hospital time, but God's grace was ever-present and everyone's love, faith, and prayers were strengthening and miracle working!

The donor stem cell transplant (bone marrow) from my sister, Melody, which I received back in July, has been very successful.

The process - from then to now - was difficult, but the worst is over we believe, and 2008 is a year for complete health restoration - lots to heal up from :-)

We also wholly believe that the cancer is truly defeated.

Now that my bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system are entirely my sister's DNA, we believe that my immune system has become a "cancer killing machine", quickened by God to bring health!

The last tests appear to confirm this, too!

I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible medical team at the Transplant Unit. Dr. Goodman, Dr. Chin, Dr. Savani, PA Tiny, PA Tommy, PA Wendy, PA Rachel, and all the precious nurses and staff - their spirit of excellence and care have given hope and life!

So, here's to 2008

A YEAR OF OPEN DOORS

JOY UNSPEAKABLE

ANSWERED PRAYERS

NEW BEGINNINGS

AND GREAT LOVE!

That is what I am believing for you and yours - for all of us.

Rejoicing to be alive,

Lance]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#29 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal Health Update! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#28 Php 1:19


It is hard to believe that November is here. It feels like a time for GOOD changes! it is also hard to believe that it has been about 3and 1/2 months since my donor transplant began. What a journey it has been thus far. The challenges have at times been quite overwhelming, but we are still standing by God's grace. AND there is good news!

Initially, the doctors wanted to try to get some control on the cancer with my own transplant to buy time to then administer a donor transplant. They felt we had a chance of controling the cancer with time, and that there was a chance for a cure. Their concern was that the cancer would stage a comeback before the donor had fully engrafted and then there would be needed more cancer treatments on top of all the other immune suppression, antibiotic, treatments, etc... They told me today that this is actually a normal scenario and that it is not uncommon to happen at around 3 months. Hence ALL of the tests that they have been running lately. HOWEVER, they don't know why exactly - but they are quite pleased - because so far ALL the cancer markers show NO cancer progression or abnormal cells! The other concern was that the graft versus host disease that kicked me pretty hard over the last month would get out of control, because it flared pretty badly. HOWEVER, the triple stacked immune busters they are hitting me with- though difficult to cope with - have brought the graft versus host disease into a manageable range. THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

We had about a 50/50 chance that even with the heavy antiviral treatments I am on, something called CMV virus could trigger in my body and do a lot of damage (because of the heavy immune suppression). However, the CMV virus has not grown! THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

Also, my organs are holding up well, which is a blessing. They did discover a gall stone that was elevating all the liver counts (they said it was from all the past treatments) and there was concern about infection, but it is being treated with a drug to try and dissolve it and over the last 2 weeks my liver counts have dropped to almost normal. THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

All in all, the doctors are very pleased with how things are going.

At this point most of my blood has converted to my sister and does not appear to be regressing... And that is VERY GOOD NEWS! Because her immune system key. I just know deep inside that it is working, and by God's grace will KEEP working.

SO, today was a day of news that was quite encouraging!

All of your selfless gifts of prayer mixed with God's infinite compassion and mercy add up to GOOD NEWS!

We keep standing in faith and prayer and doing everything we must. The drug regimen is unbending and gruelling. The drug set up is quite a routine. I have to take many distinct high dose drugs every day and deal with side effects. Without Michelle's help it would be impossible. That is why you can't even be approved for the treatment without a caregiver. At each time the specific drugs must be taken then the side effects have to be monitored and treated along with vitals including blood sugar, blood pressure, and temp throughout the day. The huge doses of steroids are the trickiest, because they REALLY effect your mind and emotions and body. The steroids were so strong that I had to be put on insulin after the first dose. Thank God that this is only temporary. The steroids also really weaken the muscles, but I keep walking every night (not allowed to be in the sun yet) and so far I'm holding my own. Sometimes I shake, but I am alright (I lost another 10 pounds lol).

I am grateful that we are able to be at the apartment, because so far I have been able to avoid catching any colds or flus... In the current situation, I sure don't want any of those :-) I don't know when they will release us to our home again, but we are flowing with everything as best we can.

Everyday, I meditate and pray and do all I can on that level, too. Michelle and I have found a special comfort in taking communion each day... There is such power in the Body and Blood of Jesus. We remember all of you as we consider His Body broken for us. It is "The Meal That Heals" (God bless David and Marty of KSItoday.com for this encouragement). We want and declare over all of you God's best - in body, soul, and spirit!

As to what to expect over the next few months... First, I have to say that I know in a MOMENT God can radically intervene and REALLY show off with an INSTANT, TOTAL HEALING! THAT would be fine by me **smile**, and you know I get excited at the thought that it could happen that way. Wouldn't it be COOL to really confound the doctors with something like that! It IS a time of MIRACLES! We just keep walking and trusting in His timing and goodness.

Right now the doctors strategy is to start slowly tapering off some of the immune suppression again, to see how the two immune systems get along. With all the faithful prayer, we have good reason to believe that it will just keep getting better and by this schedule I should be way down on the steroids by December - January. THIS will be a relief!

Here is a summary of the immediate needs:

1) The donor immune system to completely engraft with minimal "graft versus host disease".

2) The donor immune system to recognize and kill ALL cancer.

3) The CMV virus to be destroyed.

4) The gall stone to totally dissolve and the liver to be protected.

5) Protection from all the side effects of the drugs.

6) The mind of Christ for the doctors.

7) Strength, abundant blessing, and grace for my family - especially Michelle - and my gracious business partners.

All in all we just want God's best, and we know according to His Word what that is :-)

I know there is a lot here... And your sacrifice of time and love in reading this email, and then praying however God leads you is never taken for granted!

Pressing on with joy for the future,

Lance]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#28 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal Prayer Works! http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#27
Last week I went through a grueling round of tests to see what was happening with the transplant.

The news was very encouraging!

They showed that as of last week 86% of my blood was my sisters DNA... That is ahead of schedule!

My DNA and her DNA seem to be playing fairly well together.

The goal is for my blood and marrow to be 100% my sister's DNA (bless you Melody).

As per the last prayer request, the graft versus host disease is only minimal... Enough to help whip the cancer, but manageable enough to not require serious treatment.

And the CMV virus is being suppressed quite well.

THIS is a HUGE blessing!
All in all every last point we asked for prayer on, God has moved upon... YES, PRAYER WORKS!!!

Although the side effects have been miserable at times, I keep rebuking them and pushing forward each day (some days better than others).

Michelle and ther kids have been so sweet, even when I have been grouchy and groggy... They are troopers, indeed!

Now we are entering some potentially tricky waters... The doctors want to start slowly tapering off one of the immune suppressing drugs (micophenylate).

This new season will tell us a lot about what is going on.

Please pray that

1) The graft versus host disease is supernaturally kept to a minimum.

2) The CMV is supernaturally destroyed.

3) Melody's DNA creates a super-cancer-killing-immune-system!

4) I would be protected from the various side effects of the treatments.

5) The mind of Christ and His healing virtue would flow through the doctors at the VA Transplant Unit.

Again, thank you from all of us here for your prayers, faith, and love.

These are gifts that we esteem HIGHLY!

Pressing in together,
Lance]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#27 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal God's Touch http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#26
Michelle and I treasure EVERY one.

If I haven't personally responded to yours, please know that I am joyfully working through to yours, and I should be caught up in the next day or two :-)

It is truly a labor of love, both to read and respond.

I want to give a HUGE SHOUT of PRAISE, because your prayers are WORKING, indeed!

During a 48 hour period, the cyclosprine (immune suppresant drug) levels in my blood shot to over 1,000.

That is twice what is considered to be a toxic level :-(

The potential nuerological and organ damage that the doctors expected NEVER happened.

I was supposed to have been shaking uncontrollably, blood pressure through the ceiling, with organs being damaged...

And yet, aside from joint pain and some increased naseua...

I WAS FINE!

It really tripped them out :-)

Of course, you know we loved that!

We got to share about all the prayer going up!

IT SUSTAINED ME MIRACULOUSLY...

Now THAT is cool!

Being held up by God's hands, the precious hands of HIS Body, is both humbling and wonderously exhilirating.

God bless each of you for the sacrifice of time and energy spent on our behalf.

I know that all of you have many PRESSING needs...

And yet you have chosen to include us as part of your prayer burden.

We do not take your sacrifice for granted!

Here's to the JOY that only HE can give!!!!!!!


In love with Jesus,

Lance]]> http://lancechristopher.net/news.html#26 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a - Lance Christopher - Journal