When life slows down and you are moving closer to the end of it, you spend a lot of time in front of the tube. For us, it’s old movies – either cowboys and outlaws – soldiers and war – inspirational stuff based on real life – and occasionally something a little different. The other night we watched the second version of “The Manchurian Candidate,” with Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep. This was a 1972 remake of a film starring Laurence Harvey and Frank Sinatra made in 1962. Both films were based on the Richard Condon novel of 1959. It was a political thriller about brainwashing, conspiracy and politics. The movie stirred up quite a controversy and left the term, “Manchurian Candidate,” remain as describing a political candidate who is being used by an enemy nation or controlled by mind bending as a puppet to do their bidding. It is not to be taken lightly when referring to a Manchurian Candidate.
On that same date we had seen the oncologist and were told about possible genetic testing for the Cancer Paul has.
It occurred to me that we can bend our own thinking when it comes to our health, our country, the news media, our politicians, our teachers and leaders. We can be led to believe that a certain treatment “might” help in future treatments and eventual cure. Certainly, I am not claiming that the Manchurian Candidate has anything to do with health care, but it could be a possibility. Especially if you believe in stuff like that.
God created us before we were even born. Each intricate design was manufactured by Him. He knows what we are capable of and how our lives will go. When one of our parts don’t work, we seek medical attention and for the most part we trust what they have to tell us. Yet are they making patients feel guilty if they determine they don’t wish further treatment? God is capable of restoring health. He brings us back to life when there is no breath left in us. He directs our path in life. He gives us talents and gifts for us to share with others. We can count on His promises and truth. He may allow life to continue for many years or decide to end our time of grace on earth so we can enjoy eternity with Him. He alone knows the number of our days.
Well, enough of that. I’m not an expert on any of this, but it sure creates food for thought. Maybe I should think of something else to do besides watching old movies.
atimetoshare.me 
My first trip to China was when I purchased the most DVDs on the street corner, less than a dollar per DVD, but no guarantee they would work. The Manchurian Candidate was the Anchrian candidate because they set up a video camera inside the theater to copy it, but it could not get everything on the screen. I am still praying for Paul and you.
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Thanks Mark. We’re doing OK and with all the health issues Paul has, he has opted to not do any treatment for the cancer. He has my support and that of our family.
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I understand, and you will need the prayers all the more.
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❤️
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Dear Kathy, I wish I could give you a hug. My heart goes out to you and Paul.
Right now, I am tending to my husband, who had knee replacement surgery on August 4. Caring for his needs is a fulltime job. He also had cancer treatments in 2021. Getting older definitely isn’t for sissies! Where would we be without the Lord?
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You are so right, Linda. I can’t imagine how people get through this process without the Lord. He is our mainstay. He knows all about us, our needs, our worries and our hopes. He tends to all of them, and we are putting our complete trust in Him right now. Thanks for the hugs and prayers.
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Dear Mama K,…I’ve missed you. I’m so behind. My apologies. I just returned from a trip to visit my youngest son. I am not aware of Paul’s cancer. You explained how I feel. With tears this morning, I was sharing with others how my “boundaries” no longer exist. Through this cancer I’ve taken the burden of how others feel about it, the treatments, and allowed them to project it on me. Even as much so as allowing texts, calls, drop-in visits,…because I say, “Yes, Lord” each morning and feel “guilty” if I don’t. But it steals my joy. God has Paul. And you. And me. And all of us if we choose. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. Upon my return yesterday there was an opening with the gastroenterologist. I really liked her. She sees the “big picture” and wants to help with symptoms knowing that there is no “magic bullet”. I was able to share my faith. And last Saturday night I had an answered prayer in sharing my walk with Christ with my daughter-in-law. I have tears just reflecting. Kathy, it was a miracle. I believe God can provide miracles in Paul, in me, in you,…in anyone who chooses. Genetics, brainwashing….there’s so much out there! I choose to cling tight to what I know and believe in my heart and soul. Like you both, I enjoy old movies and shows, too. They make me think and at times, give me a “brain break” to just BE. I enjoy watching The Walton’s, Little House on the Prairie, old westerns, Andy Griffith. Mama K, will you tell Paul I’m supporting him and praying for him? I understand completely. I hope to get on email (I’m so far behind) so I can know more. I love you. I always will and although I’m not here consistently, there’s not a day I don’t pray for you both. 💕🙏
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I will send an email tomorrow❤️❤️
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Thank you. ❤️ much love
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When dealing with sickness, we have to be hardheaded. You have probably heard this old idiom. “I’m From Missouri You’ve Got to Show Me.”
The origin of the phrase is kind of funny. => https://www.trivia-library.com/b/origins-of-sayings-im-from-missouri-youve-got-to-show-me.htm
I will pray for Paul. It is difficult for us to put our fate in the hands of
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Thank you for sharing the link to the origin of Missouri being called the Show Me state. I grew up in Missouri, and most of my family still lives there. My father, stepfather, and now my younger brother all worked for Show Me Power, which is an electrical company. I often heard the saying “I’m from Missouri, you have to show me.” But I never knew its origin until now!
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Have no idea why my comment posted prematurely, but here is the rest.
….our Lord. We want to think something we can and should do, but sometimes doing nothing is as good as it gets. We have to remember then that the choice to do nothing can be just as wise as the decision to say nothing. Don’t we all remember those occasions when later we wished we had kept our mouth shut?
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We are praying for Gods wisdom. Thanks for your comments and prayers. One day at a time❤️
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