A Protocol of Hope

We never know what a day will bring; our lives can change in a given moment. In July of last year a doctor discovered a malignant neoplasm in my lower intestine- cancer. He outlined a course of treatment and explained, "If you do not follow my protocol you will die." 

Thankfully, twenty-six years earlier, my wife and I decided that if we were to ever receive this statement from a doctor we would be prepared with a statement of our own- “We look to God for healing or passage Home with Him.” 

And that is what we did.

My protocol involved prayer and fasting:

–personal prayer for deliverance from strongholds and unforgiveness, as well as prayer coverage from family, friends, coworkers, and pastors

–fasting from food that was harmful (or unnecessary) replaced with good nutrition

One of our friends, a Naturopathic Doctor, navigated my diet. Another friend guided me through emotional issues that dealt with unforgiveness. The medical profession now links unforgiveness with illness. My pastors laid hands on and prayed for me. Almost daily someone told me they were praying for me and all the while I had peace in the faith that God is in control.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies want to be well. While there are factors beyond our control, there are steps we can take to agree with our body and its well being. 

The first step is to recognize and agree with the One Who made us, the One Who says, “Let us reason together. Are you telling Me what I can or cannot do?”

The next step is to recognize we are more than the sum of our parts. We are spiritual beings in physical bodies that operate with mental and emotional capabilities. When one area is unbalanced (or ill) the other areas suffer.

Someone said, “You are what you eat.” Jesus said, “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.”

Recently I had my blood tested. The test results confirmed what my wife and I already knew to be true- the cancer is gone.

God is in control.

It’s a Good day.

N.B.  The word protocol comes from Old French, via Latin from Greek protokollon ‘first page’- protos (first) + kolla (glue). It is good for me to remember that God’s word is my protokollon.

A Story of Light and Darkness

"...when the words mean even more than the writer knew they meant, then the writer has been listening. And sometimes when we listen, we are led into places we do not expect, into adventures we do not always understand."

–Madeleine L'Engle

     T W Carter has been listening, and she has shared the story in her new book Curio. Part I, in a series of three books, Curio is an epic fantasy story that draws the reader into a realm of supernatural intrigue, raising questions that challenge the reader's paradigm of good and evil. The forces of darkness are confronted by the 'first day child' Curio as he begins life by asking the simple question, "Why?" 

     Curio will captivate your imagination, lead you into places you do not expect, and reveal an adventure that is certain to become a classic. I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old, who is curious about the supernatural realm–a topic that is more prevalent in today's culture than ever before.

Click Here for a paperback copy.

Click Here for a Kindle Version.  

Wounds of Light

Wounds of Light
2015

Water soluble oil and charcoal on corrugated paper

So Moses said, “I must turn aside now, and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” Exodus 3:3 NASB

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29 The Message

Light defines shape and provides color, but the light of a fire is ever shifting, providing ‘active’ color and definition to the surrounding environment. Firelight give memories to our eyes, like a visual conversation, leaving bits and pieces to ponder. William Blake said, “Colours are the wounds of light.”

Moses experienced a conversation with God through light, sound, and, lest we forget, temperature... fire commands the space between the observer and the consumed.

Michael Card said this,
     "You know, the rabbis asked the question as to why the God of the universe should speak through a lowly bush. They said it takes two minutes to determine if the bush is being consumed or not. They concluded that God was looking for a man who could listen for two minutes!"

John O’Donohue said, “To be holy is to be home, to be able to rest in the house of belonging that we call the soul.” Perhaps there, in the holy shadow of God's fire, God saw a man who could listen and Moses saw the intended shape of his life and felt home.

Wounds of Light incorporates water soluble oil paint and charcoal- water, oil, and charred wood- basic materials artists have used for millennia.

Unbreakable

     The line in the Post Office was especially slow Friday, and I am grateful, for I was blessed to overhear a conversation taking place behind me between a father and his son. The son was a young teenager and would be considered 'special' by some, which to me means 'better' than most. Without ceasing, the son asked a stream of questions that would have challenged Job. The dad calmly answered every question with the tone of a man who loves his son. Here is a piece of the conversation:

     "Dad, why does it say fragile on the package?"
     "Because it's breakable."
     "Is glass fragile?"
     "Yes."
     "Are sticks fragile?"
     "Some."
     "Is clay?"
     "Yes."
     "Are eggs fragile?"
     "Yes."
     "Can I throw eggs in here?"
     "That would be a definite no."
     "Is it because they're fragile?" 
     "No, it's just wrong."
     "Can I bring toys in here?"
     "Some."
     "Can I give them to people?"
     "If they want them."
     "Am I talking too loud?"
     "No."

     I didn't want to leave the Post Office... the father/son relationship I was privy to in that moment was a picture of my relationship with God– me, the incessant asker, and God, the patient giver. It is a relationship that seems fragile and, from a human perspective, exhausting. Thankfully the nature of God is the definition of good. He holds me with an unbreakable grip, forever listening to my questions.


     And yes, in spite of long, slow lines, it is just wrong to throw eggs in the Post Office.

Life is Serious Business

     Last night I fell asleep thinking about my Hebrew teacher. Many years ago he was diagnosed with cancer. His prognosis was bleak. And so, he began to do weird things: he juiced carrots... a lot of carrots; he slept on magnets and he drank kombucha. The result? Today he is cancer free. My teacher is a highly intelligent, Godly man, fluent in Biblical Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. His decision to pursue 'alternative' methodology was bathed in prayer and soaked in research.

     Like my teacher, I have decided to treat my cancer diagnosis seriously. Life is serious business. After prayer and research I have adopted a strict protocol. Since friends and family are curious and/or concerned about this decision, here is a partial list of my protocol:

• Digestive enzymes
• Intramax
• Organic, non-GMO meats and vegetables
• Essiac Tea
• Activated Charcoal enemas
• Colonic treatments
• Cod Liver Oil
• Buffered Ascorbate Powder (Pharmaceutical Vitamin C)
• Distilled Water- 1/2 body weight in ozs.
• Probiotics
• Capsaicin (more on this in another post)
• RAW Organic Green Super Food

   ...and I drink Kombucha.

     I highly recommend the following books for more information:

A Cancer Battle Plan

The Cancer Killers

Outsmart Your Cancer

The King's Protocol

A Letter To My Doctor

12 August 2015

Dear Dr. _______________,

I received your letter dated July 24 and was touched by your concern. Your advice to treat my colon cancer with ‘traditional modalities’ is duly noted. On first meeting you I was glad to learn you are Jewish. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is my God as well. The journey with Him continues to amaze me.

In regard to my condition, your advice is based in science and medicine…

a knowledge that can provide remedy within certain limits. The human body is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” with elements that exist outside the remedy of traditional modalities. I can say, with humility and respect, I know my God’s voice; He assures me ‘This is not my end.’

I believe in the power of prayer. It is because of praying parents I am alive today. I have friends and family who support, counsel, and pray for me regularly. I am following a strict protocol of nutrition and exercise, one that has been followed by many who are now ‘cancer-free,’ and I carry a peace and confidence that surpasses human understanding.

I am grateful for you, Dr. ____________. You are part of my story and I will keep you apprised of my health. May Hashem bless you and protect you and your family. May you hear His voice as a son hears a loving Father.

 Shalom,

Michael R. Carter

Fort Mill, SC

R.A. Foster and Age of Shadows

Robert A. Foster has released his first installment in a new four part series- Age of Shadows. 

My elementary school library was a cave of wonders, a place where I could go to nourish my imagination. One day I discovered science fiction. On that day my world changed. Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, and Isaac Asimov, became my close friends. After much pleading and whining and gnashing of teeth, I convinced my Mom to let me join the Sci-Fi Book of the Month Club, and more newfound friends arrived in my mailbox.

When Robert sent me the manuscript for Age of Shadows I felt fortunate to be among the first to read a book not yet published. When he commissioned me to design the cover I was thrilled because I had now read the book (twice) and was ready for the next installment (a draft of which I am now reading). 

Present and future become intertwined in Age of Shadows as intriguing character development provides unexpected twists and turns. Interspace travel through time and global alien conflict are not new to the Sci-Fi genre but Robert Foster introduces a new element to the scene- something that gave this seasoned Sci-Fi reader an 'aha' moment (you will have to read the book to find out for yourself).   

Whether you like Sci-Fi or not, this is a good read. Period.

Well done, Robert.

R.A. Foster