Remembering Glenn
November 17, 1955 - October 7, 2021
Excerpts of Emails Shared By Glenn and Terry During His Two Year Journey With Cancer
10/19/19 (Following round 1 of chemo)
I was asked this week how I deal with the idea of fear: fear of dying, fear of pain, fear of leaving loved ones behind. My response was two-fold. First, I have lived a very blessed life. I have no regrets (okay, I never did learn to play the guitar). I have loved, and been loved by, a wonderful wife….and by lots of other family and friends. I have been blessed to have found my passion – that for which I was created – and have enjoyed a wonderful career in teaching high school students. Secondly, EVERY day when I wake up I say, “This is the day the Lord has made…..I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.” That way every day starts out as good….that is my baseline, this is a good day. (It makes this attitude a mite easier when you wake up and look up at Pikes Peak in all of its fall splendor!) Now we all know that there are various levels of good: not-so-good, good, Good, GOOD, very good, and, like yesterday: VERY VERY GOOD. But all these levels were created by God, so they are all good. I was reminded yesterday that “perfect love casts out all fear.”
11/14/19
It also has led to some different discussions between Terry and me. At what point do we move from “hunker-down mode” to “create the new normal mode”? Many of you understand the statement “create the new normal” because you have gone through life-changing moments where life goes on, just not like it used to. It is a very hope-filled thought to be considering “moving on”, because at first we weren’t sure what there would be to move on to. Grateful to God, and for your prayers, that we can now consider there is something out there ahead to enjoy and plan for.
One more thought before I close…..when you have a “CT scan with contrast” there are two types of “contrast”. The first is from a liquid that you consume prior to the scan, the second is from a liquid that enters your body from an IV in your arm. The nurse had warned me that the liquid from the IV would cause my body temperature to raise quickly…….wow, this gave new meaning to the phrases: “filled with anger”, “filled with envy” . The source of the heat came from INSIDE my blood vessels unlike anything I had experienced…..I now know what the phrase, “I am having a hot flash” means.
My prayer for all of you is that the phrase, “filled with the Holy Spirit” would like-wise be memorable: filled from the inside, filled in an unmistakable way, filled with a sense of power.
12/18/19
So, with Christmas only seven days away, the question for today is: no, not do you have your shopping done….the question for today is: What is your favorite Christmas carol?
Although cultural favorites (Elvis in “Blue Christmas”) and personal-history favorites (the first time my dad let me stay up to watch a “late night” movie was to watch “White Christmas”…..okay, actually he fell asleep and I kept watching, but Bing Crosby will always have a warm place in my heart) come to mind, at this time in my life I would have to say my favorite Christmas carol is “Mary, Did You Know?”.
Mary, a teenager at the time of Jesus’ birth, could not have imagined, short of heavenly visions, what was ahead of her as the mother of Jesus on a day by day basis. Each day would have brought its own challenges and blessings. I guess that is why this song resonates with me now.
One thing about this chemo journey is that each day is different / unknown. Some with its challenges (lack of sleep, nausea, stomach pain) and some with its blessings (people sending cards, people coming by to say “hello”, tumor marker numbers going down). I guess I should write a song: “Glenn, did you know?” And the answer would be: I had no idea.
My prayer for all of us this Christmas season is that we allow the unknown of each day to be a part of the wonder of the season. Most days will have challenges, all days will have blessings, all days will be filled with God’s love …..”did you know?”
12/31/19
So, New Year’s Eve…..did I really agree to begin the New Year by having an infusion with the feel-not-so-good days that follow? What a way to begin 2020.
Of course, this morning’s paper was filled with the obligatory “top ten” lists…..I always give them a look over to see if I can still remember the events to which they are referring. (Senior moment) There seems to be a cultural appreciation for the top ten accomplishments, failures, deaths, etc. And there is nothing wrong with looking back, we are admonished throughout the Bible to take stock of the times that God has been particularly active in our life. My favorite is the teaching to “raise an Ebenezer”, a pile of stones that exist to mark the times when God was present. So when our children ask, “Dad, why did you build this pile of stones?” we can answer to “acknowledge God’s presence in our lives” and then tell them the story.
But how about, as we enter the new year, we examine the present-tense Jesus. Eight times in the book of John he claims “I AM”. Not I was, or I will be, but “I AM”. (John 6:48, 8:12, 10:9, 10:11, 10:36, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1). Max Lucado says it this way:
“The present-tense Christ. He never says, “I was.” We do. We do because “we were”. We were younger, faster, prettier. (In my case, healthier) Prone to be people of the past tense, we reminisce. Not God. Unwavering in strength, he need never say, “I was”. Heaven has no rearview mirrors. Or crystal balls. Our “I AM” God never yearns, “Someday I will be.””
So, in the midst of everything (successes, failures, loneliness, health issues) Jesus is present with all the power of an “I AM” God. Whatever you need, he stands with you and declares “I AM that which you need….at this very moment.”
May you know this present-tense Jesus as you step into the year 2020.
1/22/20
I finally got around to reading chapter two of “The Red Sea Rules – Ten God Given Strategies for Difficult Times.” Rule #1: God means for you to be where you are, He also has already thought of a way out. Rule #2 is about a paradigm shift – instead of asking questions like “why am I here?, change the type of question to “how can God be glorified in and through this situation?”
Multiple references refer to this in the Psalms (115:1, 106:7-8) and to Jesus during his last week on earth (John 12: 27-28.) In my 38 years of teaching at Air Academy HS, I have come to be very aware of how to ask a question and what type of question to ask. Good teachers help their students grow by asking the great question that leads the student to new understandings. I once read a book study entirely on the questions that Jesus asked others in the New Testament.
How has God received glory in my situation? The fact that you are still reading this attests to the testimony that God has given me to share. Tumor marker numbers up or down, CT scan good or not so good, I know that God has my whole life, my whole family’s lives, and all of you in His loving care. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. The goodness of God does not depend on how my medical situation is evolving. May we all ask, “How can God be glorified in my life today?”
4/1/20
Boy, there sure is enough anxiety to go around these days. From being anxious about going into a hospital today, to visiting the local grocery store (wearing a mask), to our daughter being anxious about bringing her new born baby boy (due any day now) into such a crazy world, it seems anxiety is everywhere. God must have known that we would struggle with anxious thoughts as he spoke about it in many places:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
(I’m typing this as I am “on hold” to schedule another CT scan prior to my next chemo – another trip to a, gasp, medical building…more anxiety)
...and Terry’s favorite: This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
These all come with things for us to do (verbs): humble yourselves, cast all, be strong. And then we are reminded of God’s love for us, his presence in our lives. And then, where my mind goes, is to a devotion that I read recently, that reminds us to “leave room for God.” Whether in taking time to pray, to sit quietly, to acknowledge that God DOES love us, or to acknowledge that He is bigger, more powerful than any anxious thought, any virus, that enters our life.
4/9/20
Hello!
Just a little bit of mid-chemo-cycle news:
I don't know if it was the closure of all the barber shops or the thinning of my hair from the chemo treatments, but, anyway, it became time to give me a home-made "buzz-cut" haircut. So, enjoy the attached picture as I enjoy the "new normal!"
Happy Easter
Glenn
5/14/20
As I sat in my “drip, drip” recliner yesterday in Outpatient Oncology, surrounded by people wearing masks (yes, me included) it was very evident that the pandemic has brought grief and fear over our world. And some of us are dealing with some heavy stuff in addition to the virus. So, as I read the following excerpt from “The Red Sea Rules”, I thought I would share these thoughts:
“South African pastor Andre Murray, who once faced a terrible crisis, gathered himself into his study and sat a long while quietly, prayerfully, thoughtfully. Presently his mind flew to his Lord Jesus. Picking up his pen, he wrote this in his journal: First, He brought me here, it is by His will that I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lesson He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last, in His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows. Let me say I am here:
1) By God’s appointment
2) In His keeping
3) Under His training
4) For His time
Personally, I am kinda partial to number 2, surrounded by His love as evidenced by the many prayerful people that are supporting Terry and me. We are indeed grateful for your support.
7/13/20
Upon returning from the Black Hills, I took our travel trailer back to the storage facility where we keep it. Driving up, there is a keypad where you enter the space number followed by the last four of your social security number. When you have done that the keypad says, “Access Granted”. That led me to think about other places in my life that grant me access:
Key to my house
Magnetic key card to enter the high school
ATM card to my account
Metaphorically, the ability to say, “I’m sorry” in order to gain access back into a relationship.
But what about our final request, that of trying to gain access to the Kingdom of God? Perhaps there will be a keyboard at the gate…. what will be the possible entries to “gain access?”
“I attended church most of the time.”
“I sang in the church choir.”
“I taught teenagers for 40 years.”
“I was a good person.”
What about you – what would you enter?
Our ability to gain access into heaven is made very clear in Romans 10:9 and Ephesians 2:8-9:
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
After some thought, I think I would type, “Jesus is Lord. His blood, alone, gains me access.”
Thanks for your prayers!
8/6/20
The great majority of modern Christians don’t actually believe holiness is possible; possible maybe for Mother Teresa and our grandmother, but not for us. Yet, in First Thessalonians, chapter 4, verse 3 God says it is His will for us to be holy. How about you? Do you believe you can be holy? If not, Mr. Kelly would say you are “contributing to one of the greatest tragedies of every Christian era.”
Mr. Kelly: “The lie that has convinced so many Christians that ‘holiness isn’t possible’ is easy to disprove. It saddens me that we don’t teach and reteach every Christian how to overcome this debilitating lie. Can you go out tomorrow and create just one Holy Moment? Not a holy life or even a holy day. Not a holy hour or even a holy fifteen minutes – just one single Holy Moment.”
You will probably ask, “What is a Holy Moment?”
A Holy Moment is a moment when you open yourself to God, when you make yourself available to him. You set aside self-interest and you simply do what you believe God is calling you to do at that moment. It could be with a son or daughter, a spouse, a co-worker, or a stranger. It is giving God the couple of seconds before you respond to suggest to you a more God-like response. It is asking God, “What now Lord? Who needs your touch today?”
As I hit the SEND button I am sending you my prayers that you will let go of the idea of being perfectly holy all of the time (that region belongs to God) and you will look for opportunities to have Holy Moments (prayers going especially for the teachers as they welcome their students back to some type of school soon). I pray that you will experience the happiness that comes from being used of God in others’ lives.
9/19/20
We have been reflecting on the word “abide.” Abide means to rest in something bigger than ourselves. It can be easy to allow our focus to move to the future and the uncertainties it holds. There is so much to worry about – needs of our world, our friends, our family. This worry absorbs so much energy and steals our joy of the moment. Each day offers another opportunity to learn to abide in God’s love and trust in His faithfulness. Jesus reminds us: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)
10/2/20
Some of you have asked, “How is retirement going?” Well, here is a little blurb on that:
Glenn – September 30th -- retirement day #120:
Go to doctor appointment
Go pick-up prescription
Go to mountains to see the leaves turning color (hike some, drive some)
Stop off in Cripple Creek and sit on bench eating ice cream
Go to pick up second prescription
Come home and take a nap
Boy, if that doesn’t seem like something out of “What Old Folks Do”!! Anyways, I am very content being retired and cannot imagine trying to teach classes this semester and manage my chemo care at the same time.
We also took the kids and grandkids up to “see the leaves” on Sunday – the colors were wonderful, and Terry did wear her “Change is Good” t-shirt! Terry and Payton collected enough colorful leaves to glue to a piece of construction paper for the next homemade art project.
In closing, allow me to quote from the book of Philippians: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4: 6-7)
Thanks for your many prayers and kind thoughts.
10/17/20
So, what did we do on our “week off” from infusion. Well, we had always said, “When we retire, we are going camping in October – smaller crowds, beautiful colors, nice fall temperatures…” So, we did: first to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, then to Utah for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse State Park. Still lots of people around (lots of students doing homework on their laptops while at the campground), but definitely beautiful colors and lower temperatures.
But now we are back home and into the three one-week infusion routines. It really makes me focus on the day, the single day, in front of me: how do I feel? Stomach? Fatigue? Tongue? Not many days until the next infusion. And in the back of my head is the fact that, statistically, only about 20% of pancreatic cancer patients make it past 12 months, so I am living on “borrowed” time. Also, add to that, that a family friend recently passed away from the results of pancreatic cancer. Our hearts are with the family. It reminds me to be thankful for each day: THIS, this one, the one I am experiencing right now, THIS is the day the Lord has made – and has gifted it to me – and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen and Amen.
12/12/20
I also realize that anything I put out there with my name on it reflects back on me. I have learned many times throughout the years that people watch us. My pastor at First Pres used to give a lesson periodically about how unique we are. That we are the only person with our specific job, our specific neighbors, our family, our contacts -- our position is a unique witness to the world. In my thirty-odd years with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I learned that they want each Christian-athlete to realize the powerful influence they have on other athletes. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy says it this way:
“I think it is important for everyone to be aware of the platforms they have in their lives and to understand them as God-given opportunities. In fact, that’s one of the best ways to view the trials and hardships we experience. Losing a son (to suicide) gave me a platform I never would have sought, but that loss has given me opportunities to comfort and encourage others that are going through painful times. … I am an (NFL) coach, a husband, a father, a coworker, a church member and a guy who has experienced grief and loss. My roles are my platforms, just as your roles are your platforms. … Our platforms are given by His design.”
“Our platforms are given by His design….” Throughout our lives there are things that Terry and I would not have chosen, including this cancer diagnosis; but by His design, we accept them and look to move forward with grace and thanksgiving.
Thank you again for praying for us. How can we pray for you so that your platform may be used as a witness to God’s glory?
1/8/21
So, here’s to 2021 – with all the changes that are awaiting for us around the bend. Only God can know what is coming, only God can give us the strength to handle what is coming, only God can give us the possibility to turn any trials into blessings.
To God be the glory
Great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life-gate that all may go in
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice
Come to the Father
Through Jesus the Son
Give Him the glory
Great things He has done
Oh yes
Therefore, Father, please open that life-gate into the New Year, that we may go in with your praise on our lips.
1/16/21
Hello friends!
Did you know that this is Round 31? And that 31 is a prime number (divisible only by itself and the number one) – therefore this is a prime round to destroy some cancer cells and get feeling better – right?
The tumor marker went up a wee bit to 26.7, upward trend? Don’t know, but still way below the top of the “normal” of 37. As always, we’ll see how this plays out…
CT Scan was taken on Friday, no results yet as we talk to the Doctor on Tuesday - so that information will be in our next message. In these middle rounds it seems that the chemo sessions come awfully close together….just get feeling like I have some energy and then the phone rings with a message reminding me of my next chemo appointment.
So with all the NFL playoffs going on, how about a NFL story today? As a former football coach, I chuckle at the half-time interviews that the coaches give:
Interviewer: “Coach, that was a rough first half, you are down by 30 points at half-time. What are your plans for the second half?”
Coach: “I think we will try to out-score them by THIRTY-ONE points in the second half.”
Making plans….sometimes simple, often more complex……often inter-related to other plans. Follow these plans as stated by a former NFL head coach, Tony Dungee:
“It probably got me in a little trouble at times – especially as a head coach – when I would suggest that while our goal was to win football games there were other things I wanted our teams to focus on that were more important to me. Because that is what I believed God called us to. To build traits like integrity and character, to help others in need, to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in every decision we made. To commit every action, everything we did, to the Lord. What standard of success are you following?”
What standard of success are you following? Notice the order of the words from Proverbs:
“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Or, this passage from the Psalms:
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37: 5-6)
May we all take that first step this week: to commit our plans to the Lord.
Have a great week, Glenn
2/8/21
It has been such a pleasure to hear from those of you that write back after getting these emails. Believe me, it gives Terry and me great strength and comfort to know that all y’all are praying for us. And you have been so complimentary about our sharings and what they have meant to you. I have often told Terry that the Lord must intercede in a big way between my hitting “Send” and the email getting to your inbox. We are just two people on a journey looking for God and trying to help other travelers along their way. Or as the Apostle Paul said:
“Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on.” (Philippians 3: 13-14)
So, I don’t know about you, but I am going to forget my past sins, that have been forgiven, and forget those two days last week when I didn’t feel well, and praise God for this day (which is beautiful) and the many blessings that lay ahead in the days to come!
2/22/21
Since this memo happens near Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about love – no, not the mushy love, but the love we have for God and each other. Two verses point us from our love for God to our love for each other:
Dear friends, since God loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)
He who loves God must love his brother (and sister) also. (1 John 4:21)
So, you know, it is easy to read these verses and say, “yeah, yeah, I know I’m supposed to love my brother (meaning the guy next to you, well, the guy six feet away from you wearing the smiley-face mask). But, really, what does that mean? How do I “show love” to the next person that crosses my path? I have been pondering that (that is what we do in Colorado – we ponder) and my thoughts have taken me back to the (c’mon, say it with me in a Barry White voice), the 1 Corinthians LOVE chapter:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Wow, that set of verses has sixteen different descriptors of how love is supposed to look. If we took each one and focused on that characteristic for two days, we would be thinking about loving others and God, for an entire month.
Wishing you a love filled month. Thanks for showing us love with your prayers.
3/13/21
There is really good news to report:
Numbers on March 1 and March 8 were both still low (26.5 and 29.0). That makes eleven blood takes that have been in the normal range! Wow!
My latest CT scan (last week) came back “stable” – no new growth of the cancer.
My doctor says he has had patients on this protocol for 18 months.
But to give you the greatest news I have to go back to Sept 2019 when I first heard that I had this disease. Terry and I were told that, with treatment, I had 12 – 18 months to live. Well, this next Tuesday marks the end of 18 months and I am feeling really good and praising God for the daily health I experience.
It is an interesting, protected joy that we feel. We know that, at any time, this disease can pivot, defeat the medicine I am on and send us looking for protocol #3. But the CT scan, and the continued low numbers combined with both of us getting our COVID vaccines, have led us to start looking at traveling again and treating life as “normal”. Of course that normal still demands “3 weeks of cancer chemo for each one week of no-chemo”. Normal indeed!?! But, believe me that every “one week of no chemo” is getting serious travel consideration!
So, as I look at the numbers above, and I listen to my doctor interpret my CT scan (no way I could say what it shows!), I conclude that they are testifying to my current health condition. I recently read a devotion by Tim Gustafson in which he discusses reliable experts. We all do that – we listen to our “experts” to interpret our world for us. But, are they always correct? Think back to the pollsters of last year’s elections….or a little further back to this quote from Henry Ford (in 1928) when he declared “People are becoming too intelligent ever to have another war.” Countless other predictions have missed the mark badly.
Only one person is completely reliable. Jesus said:
“You study the scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5: 39-40)
Our confidence remains in the One at the very heart of the scriptures. He alone can interpret our “health” for us.
4/3/21
Wow, I don’t know where you are, but here in the Rockies it is a jaw-dropping beautiful Easter weekend. But before we get to that….
Snowshoeing 3/16/21
Numbers were again wonderful (yay God!) slightly up to 31.8 – still low enough to make the medical staff smile. Last week was my off-week, and we spent a lovely time in California with my mom and my younger brother. Mom was set to move, so we packed lots of boxes and looked at hundreds of old photos…..a very special time was had by all…… and I felt very good the whole week.
I am in-between cycle 39 and cycle 40 and feel pretty good this day (Saturday). So here is hoping for a wonderful Easter Sunday --- Terry already has the eggs colored and ready to hide in the backyard.
It has always interested me that the joy and happiness celebrated during Easter is linked to a very awful death three days prior. I recently read a book that expands on the idea of death, but also brings us to a point where we can really celebrate that resurrection in the present. The author and book are: “a Grace Disguised” by Jerry Sittser. In his words:
Our sense of personal identity depends largely on the roles we play and the relationships we have. What we do and who we know contributes significantly to how we understand ourselves. Catastrophic loss is like undergoing an amputation of our identity. It is not the literal amputation of a limb. Rather, it is more like the amputation of the self from the self. It is the amputation of the self as professional, if one has lost a job. Or the self as husband, if one has lost a spouse through divorce or death. Or the self as an energetic and productive person, if one has lost good health.
Even in loss and grief, we can choose to embrace the miracle of each moment and receive the gifts of grace that come to us all the time. This present moment, this eternal now, is sacred because, however painful, it is the only time we have to be alive and to know God. The past is gone, the future is not yet here. But the present is alive to us.
As y’all know, I have spoken the “live one day at a time” mantra many times as the way Terry and I are getting through this “death” of good health. This takes it down to “living by the moment”, living each moment by the grace of God.
As you celebrate this Easter, we pray that you will take a moment, a holy moment (remember those?), and thank God for the grace you are experiencing at that moment.
5/13/21
So what’s next? Tomorrow, at 11:00 a.m., I am scheduled for a procedure with the doctor who put in the stent. He is to examine the stent and see if he can determine how to relieve the blockage. That has to happen, the liver has to heal, before any more chemo can happen. This seems to be the month of postponing chemo treatments.
After tomorrow, there will be another blood draw on Monday and then a doctor appointment on Tuesday to discuss all the results. The “plan” is to, once again, change chemo protocols (drugs and delivery) once the liver is healing. We will let you know once we know.
So how are we doing?
Extremely grateful to live in a country where a next-day bile duct procedure is possible
Extremely grateful for the doctors and nurses at UC Health in Colorado Springs
Feeling a little squeamish about tomorrow’s procedure
Feeling a little squeamish about the future chemo protocol – we were so used to the current one
Extremely grateful for friends and family that are praying for us
We read in Matthew 9:36:
When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Today, when I read that, it read:
When Jesus saw Glenn and Terry, he had compassion on them because they were helpless.
For God so loved the world…(John 3:16)
Thanks for your prayers,
Glenn and Terry
5/25/21
It is a beautiful day in Colorado! This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!
The first thing to report is that the chemo treatment went well last Thursday. Very little nausea, but three days of being wiped out (slept all three days). I’ll take it. Now we wait to see how effective these ninja turtles are at wiping out the cancer.
The second thing to report, the really big thing, is that the school where I worked for 39 years, yesterday, re-named the Math / Science building to be “Glenn Hoit Hall”. We had a wonderful celebration at which lots of old friends came to say some very nice things. I am extremely humbled and honored.
The third thing to report is that Terry and I leave for Cabo San Lucas this Friday to celebrate our niece’s wedding. We look forward to a great time of celebration with family.
Today’s devotion was from Hebrews 4:16:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
What struck me is that we are being instructed to approach God’s throne, the throne of the Almighty God, with confidence. I don’t think I could do that if not for three thoughts: a) it is a throne of grace, b) Jesus goes before me, covering my sins with His blood, c) all the way up to the throne I would be saying, “God loves me, God loves me, God loves me…..” Wow, I hope I remember this when I get there!
May you remember these things when you approach Him today in prayer.
6/5/21
From Terry – During the past two months I spoke with friends who were reading through the Bible chronologically. I was convicted to do this, downloaded the app, and got started. Partway through Genesis, I was surprised to discover that the book of Job fit in there chronologically. While I would confess it does not seem like the most encouraging book at first, I was encouraged when I read Job 19:25 . . . “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand on the earth.” How many times have I sung that hymn and never realized it came from Job? Job, in the midst of his confusion, hardship and loss, could say “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Not I think, not I hope, but I know. What a humbling example Job has set.
So, in closing, please pray that my numbers cease their upward trends, that the family reunion goes off safely, and that we all know, most assuredly, that our Redeemer lives.
7/9/21
Back to waiting….seems like we have a choice to wait in fear, or to wait on God and trust Him. From Psalm 25 we read, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…Show me your ways, O Lord….You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:3-5)
May we all find God’s presence as we choose to wait on Him.
7/25/21
Terry . . . Last week, my chronological trek through the Bible was in Deuteronomy. After many chapters concerning the law, it came time for Moses to leave earth and the people to follow Joseph. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses tells the people to be “strong and courageous,” for God is with them, three times. On the third time, he adds “do not be discouraged.” In Joshua 1, Joshua tells the people to be strong and courageous in verses 6 and 7. He repeats this in verse 9, with the added warning about discouragement. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where you go.”
I have been reflecting on why the word discouragement is added on some of the verses. For me, it easier to be strong and courageous in times of crisis. When faced with a circumstance that threatens someone we love, it is easier to turn to God and be strong in knowing that He is in control. Discouragement comes when it feels like the same battle, situation, or circumstance needs to be faced over and over and over. God wants me to trust in Him even when I’m tired, even when discouragement seems to lurk. He knows the power discouragement can have in my heart and wants to remind me that He is still there.
Wishing you all a wonderful week, resting in the knowledge that God is with us wherever we go.
8/8/21
Looking forward, I believe that the next three weeks will go by very slowly. I have said often over the last year that I must take this “one day at a time”. I will be focusing on the following:
1) “Your strength will be renewed day by day like morning Dew.” (Psalm 110:3)
2) “Give us today our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3)
3) “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (Matthew 6:34)
Prayers, please, for Terry’s and my ability to focus on God’s will during this time of uncertainty.
8/25/21
Hello! Welcome to cycle #49.
As expressed in my last message, we are in a holding pattern until the next CT scan. I have had blood work done and one more chemo treatment on the way to the scan. The numbers were up again, but less of a percent increase than the previous “up”. The PA suggested the chemo treatment may be holding back the growth, just not decreasing the size of the tumor.
The change (and there always seems to be something different!) this week is the presence of stomach cramps. I have had severe stomach cramps, enough to double me over, that then lead to other problems. The doctor gave me a prescription for a little blue pill, and it seems to be helping, with some side effects, of course. Thanks for your prayers on this matter.
So I will bid goodbye, until we hear next week from the doctor and the radiologist.
I hope your summer is winding down gloriously, and don’t forget:
God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
8/31/21
Hello! Thank you for your prayers.
As scheduled, I had my CT scan yesterday morning and met, by phone, with the doctor last night. The news was not good. The scan showed fluid around the liver and the abdomen and nodules developing around and inside the abdomen…. the cancer is spreading. Also, the CA 19-9 antigen number went from 865 to 1310 in two weeks. (Remember when it was below the normal of 37? It was back in April.)
So, we have stopped the current treatment and plan to meet tomorrow to discuss next steps. The limited options include:
1) seek out a research study that will accept my case
2) seek continued quality of life and stop all treatment
3) seek a new cocktail of chemotherapy drugs
Tomorrow is September. That represents 24 months since I was told I was a terminal cancer patient. In that time I have received lots and lots of love and prayers from family and friends. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. We will continue this journey one day at a time.
The following verse was recently shared with me (thanks, Erica). I love how it sounds when you replace the “you” with “Glenn”, especially the part: The Lord makes his face shine on Glenn and be gracious to Glenn. It makes me feel very loved by an Almighty God. Go ahead, try it with your name.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
I will write again when we have a plan in place.
9/24/21
After praying for clarity about my Thursday afternoon meeting with the doctor in Denver, it came in the form of massive stomach cramps when I woke up Thursday – why is it pain that brings clarity? I wasn’t going to make it to Denver, so we cancelled that meeting and scheduled three meetings with Hospice staff to help arrange a schedule for all my medications. Talk about angels! You could see the stress leave Terry’s body as we talked with them. Calling in Hospice does not mean you are counting down the hours or the days, but it does mean you have a wonderful team working with you to get through these difficult times and have as much quality of life along the way as possible.
Things we are grateful for these past two weeks:
1) Family and friends who have faithfully supported us through this journey
2) Two wonderful days in Acadia National Park
3) Angels we have crossed paths with these past days
4) A God who always loves us
After looking at the verse from our last message, I found another nugget to concentrate on for this message.
“Therefore, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith …. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10: 19-24)
Hold on, hold on, hold on! God is faithful.
10/7/21
Dearest friends and family,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)
Early this morning Glenn left this earth to make his home in heaven. You were each so important to him on this journey. We are heartbroken, but know he is safe, whole and healthy in His Father’s arms.
I will reach out when arrangements are made.
With love,
Terry, Bryan, Megan, Christian, Payton and Camden
Glenn Malcolm Hoit Obituary
Having fought the good fight and surrounded by love, Glenn Hoit finished the race, kept the faith, and entered paradise with Christ in the early morning hours of October 7, 2021, at the age of 65.
Glenn was born, the middle of three boys, on November 17, 1955, in Piedmont, CA, to Marilyn and Blair Hoit. Eventually, the family included an additional five stepbrothers and sisters. From his earliest days, Glenn was an exceptional student-athlete, competing in football and track and field. After graduating high school, he studied engineering at Stanford University, played football during his freshman and sophomore years, and served as team manager. Completing his bachelor's degree in engineering, Glenn then turned to graduate school for a master's degree in education. Teaching and coaching became his life’s career and passion.
After graduate school and on a whim, Glenn moved to Vail, CO, to experience life as a ski bum. He quickly fell in love with both Colorado and his soon-to-be wife, Terry. They married in 1982, and Glenn began teaching math at Air Academy High School (AAHS) in Colorado Springs, a position he held for 38 years. Still following his passions, Glenn was soon walking the sidelines as an assistant football coach and serving as the head coach of the co-ed track and field team. Continuing to teach calculus, Glenn transitioned from the sports field to the theatre, where he taught students how to design and build sets and run lighting and sound. It was in these various roles that Glenn formed more close friendships among his colleagues. Honoring Glenn’s many contributions to the students and staff of the school, AAHS this past Spring dedicated the newly remodeled math building “Hoit Hall.”
Ready to start a family, Glenn and Terry welcomed Bryan in 1987 and Megan in 1991. A devoted father, he always made family camping excursions and summer trips around the United States a priority. More recently, Glenn was likewise able to impart his love of adventure, exploring new places with his grandchildren, Payton and Camden. In addition, Glenn tirelessly offered himself, investing countless hours in construction and home improvement projects helping Bryan and Megan create homes of their own.
His passion for his family, friends, faith, and work was evident to all who knew him. One of his greatest joys was spending time with friends, whether hiking, attending a play or musical, or barbecuing, Glenn loved his friends. For the last 30 years, he joined friends on an annual group camping trip, packing into campers and exploring new places. This time spent with friends and their families was a treasured part of his life.
Central to his life was an unshakable love of Jesus. Glenn shared this love with those around him, including a Bible study group that met for multiple years, and, until his illness, sponsoring the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at AAHS. Demonstrating God’s unfailing love to students was a ministry he took seriously both in and out of the classroom. Following his diagnosis, Glenn embraced the opportunity to share his faith in a new way. As he walked through his health journey, Glenn offered his testimony to family and friends through regular emails, sharing his unwavering faith in the undying love of his Savior. His illness became an unexpected ministry to others and produced a tremendous outpouring of support in return.