“When one of God’s servants is faithfully afflicted, it is a joy for others to be around that person because only a wounded heart can share certain things that are unshakably true, deep, and lasting.” -Dick Brogden
Thanks for sharing unshakable truth.
Bill, I hope you don’t mind, but I referenced your blog post, Still Living in Hope, in a recent blog post at http://www.shadowsandshelters.com — with a link. You are an amazing witness for eternal hope. Thank you for your vulnerability and your words that help so many. Barclay
Hallo br. Bill! Thanks for your news, you are very strong in this storm! My brother-in-law Salvatore Freni had ALS since 2017; we’ll praying for his healing! Jesus clean his soul by holy blood. Pray for Salvatore! Thanks a lot! God bless you! My name is Biagio from Sicily, Italy!
good morning Bill and to Mary also,
Thank you for your blog today, about BREATHING. You are so right..I take it for granted, and if I start to really think about the breathes I take I feel as if I am losing my breath. It is precious. And please know that I pray for you and Mary every evening and every morning and whenever I am noticing how God supports our life..by air and water and heartbeats, and so much more. I pray for you both then, too.
Nancy
Good morning, Bill!
We read your post about God giving us more than we can handle with our 20 something year old sons this a.m. We really appreciate the unshakable hope the Lord has given you and your wife and family 🙏🏻💕
Thank you for sharing what The Lord has allowed you to share with so many of us- all at different ages and from diverse back grounds-that need this!!
All glory and honor to our God on high!!!
Thank you for your encouraging comments. There is so much grace needed with raising our children, a job that seems never-ending 🙂 We have to continually give them to God.
Amen!! One of our boys went to a “Christian “ college… it has actually made him be some what of a rebel against God right now 😔 I can’t help but think of the Prodigal Son 🙏🏻💕
I am sorry to hear that, but I’ve heard that from others. So many Christian colleges teach a dry Gospel that doesn’t quench our thirst for Christ. Sad. I’m stopping to pray that the Holy Spirit opens his eyes to the true Gospel message – there’s nothing more exciting than the real Jesus!
Hi Bill, my sister-in-law shared your post on Facebook about the lie “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle” It made me smile because I have a couple of journal entries that say the exact same thing. I totally could have written that post. Isn’t it so great that we love a God who carries us through all the hard stuff that we can’t handle? We are live in God’s abundant grace! Thank you for your blog – it is super encouraging. Many blessings to you. -Bonnie
Thank you for your comments, Bonnie. Yes, those who say that God never gives us more than we can handle have obviously never been through a difficult trial. Followers of Christ that have been through difficulties, learn just how powerful God’s grace is. Thank you for dropping by my blog.
Bil, so nice to hear from you. You made my day. Please give your wife and family my best wishes. I am off to celebrate my Son’s birthday this weekend. I am so very grateful I have such a good man as my Son is. We are probably as close to one another as one could be. I give him plenty of space but we stay in touch and have many good and rich conversations.
That said, I have had plenty of trials. This past Dec 29th would have been my 40th anniversary had my wife not passed away 40 years ago (at 29). You know I have never been away from her all these years. Good never fades from heart or view.
Dear Bill and Mary Sweeney, I love you both and wish that I could meet both of you. I have been a follower of your blog for years and they inspire me. I, unfortunately, don’t get to hear real talk and I think it’s because I am a minister of the gospel. I have always considered you and your wife as friends and my heart longs to actually spend time with you through virtuality of our social media. However, knowing that you all are facing many challenges you continue to stand on the Word of GOD. This is like fire settling in my bones each time I set aside some time to read your blogs often times in groups. Meaning I don’t get to read the blogs at the time they are posted but I do read them sometimes five in one sitting. We may never meet though I will like to, the both of you are most wonderful in CHRIST JESUS and you both are authentic. GOD Bless you both from the bottom of my heart. Your sister in CHRIST JESUS, Shawn.
Bill, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
Please do not feel obligated to participate. If you are award free, that is okay.
Just sharing a little of His Light with you! God loves you.
The link to your nomination is below: https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/11/26/sunshine-blogger-award-11-21-18/
Bill, I could not begin to tell you how many losses, betrayals, and calamities I have experienced or witnessed first hand. Sufficient it to say – I will be 73 on December 16th and it is now 40 years since I lost my beloved wife Sylvia (cancer so raw that Sloan Kettering had NO numbers on it at all and only one man in Australia had the same thing). She contracted her illness in our first year of marriage and died one month short of our 4th anniversary at age 29. I add – my father walked out on my mother and me when I was an infant, we ended up in public housing with the legendary Irish mob (the Winter Hill Gang) in Boston … the list goes on … I have had some life …
We share challenges … and the mystical reality and experience of a loving God. My many friends who have known me for years would say of me: that I was destined to experience some remarkable things/hardships because I could carry them and NEVER me defeated …
I practiced law handling all sorts of extremely hard cases like death and dying cases charged with suffering and conflict (with hospitals and within families) … it’s been some ride.
What is my point? God selects those of us much like He selects St. Michael (actually an angel not a Saint) – because we are made of the right combination of toughness, tenderness and faith. We are chosen for what it helps others see. It is that simple.
Know that I am with you EVERT DAY in prayer and friendship and with your wife and family … please know that anyone can contact me at any time – through email (xlbobs@msn.com) or cell (540-683-4931) or postal mail: Bob Sylvester, P.O. Box 144, Bentonville, VA 22610)
From one child of God to another – I send my love and friendship …
That is one powerful testimony, Bob!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife, way too young. I’m glad that you were with her to love and support her.
I live in Texas now, but I was an Irish kid from Boston. We moved to Chicago when I was a kid.
I don’t feel “tough,” Bob, just the opposite, I am as weak as a newborn baby.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.
Hi Bill and Mary,
Found you on twitter when joined about a year ago. Your story is so inspiring. So grateful loving Christians have given you and Mary encouragement over the years. Although it makes me chuckle, because it is you that helps people like me, persevere. Please forward your address. 😊✝️❤️
Until Heaven,
Annette Converse
Hi, Bill, Did I tell you that I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award? I know I fell asleep as I was finishing up the post and think I might have forgotten to notify my nominees. I f I did please forgive me. If I am repeat myself, I ask your forgiveness for that also. However, your blog is worth celebrating every day! God loves you! https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/08/27/blogger-recognition-award-8-15-18/
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Please do not feel obligated to participate! If you do, please don’t rush. Do it as God leads you! Just wanted to share a little of His love! ❤
God loves you! ❤ Below is a link to your nomination! https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/04/06/versatile-blogger-award-4-3-18/
Thank you for writing this wonderful post! I look forward to it coming into my inbox and find such encouragement and wisdom from your words. My husband has recently been diagnosed w pancreatic cancer. It has been a shake up to our world but we have “unshakable hope”
I posted to our caring bridge and referred to your most recent post. It is truly a game changer to be thankful! Here is what I wrote. Please know I think if you and pray for your family! You are a beautiful testimony to our lord, Jesus!
Jana marshall
“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies, but the thankful heart will find, in every hour some heavenly blessings” Henry Ward Beecher
Bob often says, “ we are busy living….not dying”. He makes that statement true in his daily life! He lives life to the fullest…even on chemo! I think that all who come in contact with Bob would agree that what punctuates his living is that he is so THANKFUL!
He has come through the second round of chemo well. His body reacted differently to the second round than it did the first…but for the most part he got through it with enough energy to enjoy Thanksgiving with his fabulous family in Dahlonega, GA. It was a beautiful time to be visiting the North Georgia Mountains and make precious memories with all his siblings!
While visiting with family, I read a blog from a 25 year ALS survivor who is crippled to the point that he cannot eat anymore and receives food from a feeding tube. The title of the post is “Thanks – living”.
His words rang true to me in a way that it may never have before due to the situation Bob and I find ourselves in. Through his journey he has concluded that ungratefulness and unhappiness go hand-in -hand. He poses a good question, “ Have you ever known a happy-ungrateful person?”
God tells us repeatedly in His word to be thankful….not happy! I think that being “Thankful” is the precursor to finding satisfying happiness and joy. The author of the post is convinced that if we are intentional about being thankful and we succeed in that area, then true lasting joy will follow.
During this season I think Bob and I are learning more and more what it means to be thankful and to experience that joy. Do not get me wrong….CANCER does STINK! It is not easy and our days can have moments of doubt and sadness. But there is an underlying voice that supports us through all the emotion. We just know that we know that God has control and the final say. We are either going to believe or not believe.
As my friend Pam Worley shared with us:
“There is a “beauty” in cancer that some people miss~~~if your eyes are open you’ll see miracles and experience God in a raw, up close way that you have never experienced before and it truly is beautiful.
It is terrible to be experiencing Cancer…but it is amazing to experiencing God in this way!”
It is by being carried and prayed for and loved by so many of God’s people that our hearts are full of thanks! God is opening our eyes to see how He reveals Himself everyday. There is nothing like it and it is changing us. It is like we are standing on tip toe in anticipation of what God is going to do next in the midst of this hardship. We really are looking forward with expectant hearts. And that is getting us through each day.
As we enter Round 3 of Chemo tomorrow, Monday, please pray for continued health and strength. Pray that the Chemo is doing the job of killing the cancer. Pray for wisdom as we walk through the days and that we seek God first in all we do.
This has been a Thanksgiving weekend to remember….we are Thankful and most importantly we are THANKS – LIVING!
Hi Bill, Listening again to your radio interview as I write this. Psalm 71: 17-18 is my prayer every day. “Oh, God, you have taught me from my youth. And hitherto I have declared your wondrous works. And now, when I am old and gray-headed, forsake me not; until I have showed your strength onto this generation and thy power to everyone who is to come.” You have already done all that, Bill. Every day you are showing forth God’s strength. I’ve had ALS for 12 years so you’re way ahead of me. I commend you for finding a way to help in Global Media and new Christians around the world. I have just finished writing another book, ‘ALS MEETS CHRIST’. That happens when we, as Christians, yield ourselves to God’s will for our life, even using ALS to do that. I may turn it into blogs. God bless every minute of every day as you offer the Lord the Sacrifice of Praise.
Thank you so much for your kind words, they are so encouraging to me. How do you write, are you still able to type (with your fingers)? I recently checked your blog to see if you had any new posts, I thought I might have overlooked the email notice, but nothing recent.
God bless you.
I have no idea what the Lord is doing. I can’t speak or swallow well, but the rest of me is doing OK. I almost feel guilty saying that. I went on Rilutek almost right away after I was diagnosed and I think that worked, and lots of prayer. So I am still able to type on my computer. I am slowing down, finding it hard to do up buttons, my hands are weaker, I wear a neck brace because my neck muscles are weak. I have a feeding tube, but still able to eat soft, moist food. I haven’t fallen yet, but I getting a bit wobbly.
My biggest ministry is in prayer. I have a lot of people I pray for and love seeing the Lord at work. The Lord keeps bringing people to mind for me to pray for, from years ago and I’m in touch with missionaries in Cuba, Mexico, Nepal, Bolivia and the middle east and pray for their ministries and converts. Our message last week was on spending time with the Lord. I hadn’t thought that I might be spending too much time praying and not enough time alone with the Lord. So I’m working on that. I consider myself the persistent widow. 🙂
So good to know more about your family. I often thought I would like to pick your brain as I was writing this last book. I sent it in to the WordAlivePress Writing contest. Monday they are announcing the results. If I don’t win, I will probably break it down into blogs and find out how to set up a web site like you have.
I don’t know how to do all the links and extra’s you have going.
I don’t sleep well, so I’ll be praying for you during the night,
It’s so good to hear that you can still type and walk…
Prayer and worshipping the Lord are the most important things; I’m glad to hear this is your ministry.
I am going to attempt to write a book. Any advice?
Please email me some time. Unshakablehope@gmail.com
Hi Bill, Just wanted to share a few verses that have come to mean so much to me. John 21: 18 – Jesus said to Peter, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old (or have ALS) you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go. Verse 19 is the real blessing. Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would GLORIFY GOD. That was a new concept to me – to still Glorify God when I can’t move a muscle. Thank you, Lord.
I was recently diagnosed with ALS and am so hungry for fellow believers to share with. I have recently begun to write a blog also. You can find it at stones424.wordpress.com. Thanks for writing about your journey. Kathy
Dear Bill,
How I enjoy reading your blog. It’s so comforting to me.
The problem is, I can’t seem to be able to get your latest post even though I have your blog on my iPhone screen. Is there some way I can get on a list to get your latest posts?
God bless you.
Thank you for your encouragement, Rosie. If you look on the right hand side of my blog, there should be a follow button where you can put in your email address. Maybe it’s not visible on a phone? I’ve never had a smart phone, but I’ll ask my wife to show me what my blog looks like on her phone.
Dear Bill, I want you to know how much I appreciate that you are reading my blog posts. You and your family are in my prayers. I always look forward to reading whatever you post.
Hello Bill! I just sent you a rather wordy invitation asking if you would consider writing a guest post for my blog – DoseDependent – on the topic of hope in unchanging circumstances but I think I messed it up because on my phone so I thought I would try again!
Please let me know if you are interested as I would be greatly honored if you were able.
Blessings
Julie, I’m sincerely honored by your invitation to be a guest blogger on your blog, but I cannot make any commitments right now – I’m struggling to keep up with just my blog and email… right now.
Thank you so much for the invitation.
Dear Bill, thank you for responding. I can understand why you say that; I find it very difficult as well … it took me two months from the time I decided to ask you til I sent the message! So no worries. I love reading your posts and seeing how God is moving in your life. Please accept an open invitation to write for my blog if you should ever find the time to do so.
Blessings.
I mentioned your fabulous site in my blog-posting today and was sure to link my readers to you! I hope many others will find you (and your sharing,) to be as delightful as I do!
Dear Bill
As one who has suffered a deep valley with illness spanning over 40 years I am blown away by your courage and grace through these pages. Jesus is alive and well in you,
your spirit shines, his grace abides. I am blessed to find your thoughts
In his love
Lynn
Hi, Bill – I just watched your ice bucket challenge and it was great. My son was supposed to pour a small pail of ice water over me and instead he substituted a five gallon pail. I survived but took me a long time to warm up. His grandson did the challenge with me, five years old, and after he said, “I thought it was going to be hot”. I’m starting a second blog – title: The Eternal Optimist. That’s me. PTL.
Thinking about you today Bill! I was challenged to do the ice bucket thing. Instead, for some reason, I just couldn’t. It seems everyone’s doing it and people are starting to ignore the videos. So I posted on Facebook some thoughts of real people I know who have struggled or are struggling with ALS. A friend/former boss and my father-in-law and you. I shared your link with my friends and asked them to visit your site to find out why you still have unshakable hope. I know you are a strong Christian, but I do pray this morning, that you and your family would be comforted and reminded of your true hope, Jesus. I also pray that you will be encouraged by your purpose. I believe the Lord has given you a great ministry and you have touched many people’s lives through your blog and ministry. Blessings to you and your family. We’re all inspired by what God has done in your heart. You are able to pull back the veil between the spiritual and physical in a way we may not be able to so easily. You help your readers to see the true spiritual realities of this life. Thank you for striving to encourage us while you fight this battle.
Hey Bill! I have finally had a chance to stop by your blog. Thank you for all of your encouragement. I feel like your blog will be a well- visited stop during our journey with ALS. Since we just started this hard battle, we are encouraged to know someone going through or who went through what we are facing. Thank you for being vulnerable and taking the time to reach out and educate. I am still getting the hang of using wordpress, so I may inquire about some settings that we would like to add to our page. May God bless you and your family.
-Hugs!- The Dobos’
This is just a note of blessing to you and your family and of thanks for your witness throughout the challenges God has placed in your life. Please know that you and your blog are a great blessing to me, as it is to so many others who have written to you here.
I wanted, somehow, to give something back to you…so I searched about my writing and found this prayer I wrote last fall. I hope you’ll take a moment to click through to it and that it blesses you.
Thank you for following me. I pray I return soon to a more active presence in my blog. I’ve missed over the last couple of months of my life’s busy-ness the inspiration and gifts of God’s love that I receive through this growing online community of believers.
Your story and your perspective hold so many gifts. Thank you for your single-minded perseverance in sharing your life and experience with the rest of us.
Hello Bill: I have been in awe of you since I first read your blog. I don’t know if you accept awards or not, but I just nominated you for the Beautiful Butterfly Award. To view it please visit my site. If you do not wish to accept, no worries. I will always “Follow” you…http://kimgosselinblog.wordpress.com/
So inspiring you are, Bill. I think I told you of my precious aunts who lived many, many years with a rare, hereditary disorder. Such a gift they were to me and my family. Your spirit reminds me of theirs. Such appreciation for the importance of life and all that is good in it. Blessings to you always, Bill. You have a “fan” forever, now. 🙂
One more thing Bill (and please forgive me). Its much easier following when one receives an email when there is a new post. On WordPress blogs its very easy to include a Widget that permits followers to sign-up for such an email. Just a thought . . .
You are now responsible for me sitting here a couple of hours as I pour through your posts. All I can say is thank you and may I never forget to be grateful to God for every moment I’m given. I’m almost embarrassed to think that my story might be an encouragement for others. God though has given me an extraordinary light into how to run the race set out before us. (This might help make some sense out of my comments: http://www.bhmatson.com/the-book/ ). I look forward to following. I love your style and writing. I love your sense of humor. I love your theology. And, lets just say, words are not sufficient to express my admiration for your courage and your witness.
I’m so thankful the Lord led me to your blog via “Weekly Photo Challenge” and you liking my photo. I noticed the title of your blog, and immediately I hoped with everything in me that you were going to talk about the the same unshakable hope that I have. I have been so moved by reading your entries. I can’t wait to read more. Chronic illness and pain does break us, but the LORD promises that a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. The weaker the man, the greater Christ’s power can be perfected in our weakness… For when we are weak, He is strong. I so greatly appreciated your entry about empathy. It brought me to tears… Suffering does change a person. And the LORD’S faithfulness in the midst of it all AMAZES me!! Well, I am just so encouraged to read more of your blog! You will be in my prayers, my brother!! Lord bless you abundantly!!
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments and for your prayers! I can tell from reading your posts that you know what it is to trade your weaknesses for God’s strength! God bless you.
Just letting you know that you are on our prayer list. The ladies are prayer warriors and excited to be used of God. We will pray for you always. We don’t erase names. Have a great day
….Mary
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. You can find more information about it at http://drawingfromthewell.wordpress.com/awards/#Liebster. If the link doesn’t work simply go to the Awards page on Drawing From The Well and scroll down. Congratulations!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I would not have found yours otherwise. I believe God lead me here. 🙂 I have been very encouraged. I suffer from 7 autoimmune diseases and have been told that I will have a shortened life. I am in a rough spot right now and pretty sick. I have horrible pain every day, can’t eat, and so weak.
I created my blog to reach women for Christ and to leave a godly legacy. I feel as though I am being sifted as wheat, but I know He intercedes for us. I can’t imagine what you are going through and I thank you for sharing with us.
Thank youBill for the encouraging Post you post on here!! They are filled with hope!!! God bless you continually and your family and your ministry!!!
Dr. Hooks
Brother Bill, since I am following you, just wanted to let you know that I put a link to your site in my left-side navigation menu entitled: Some Blogs I Follow
Love your writing and inspiration and maybe (even though I’m new to blogging) can get some more coming your way! God Bless!
I can testify to many of the things you speak about. My husband was injured in a car accident & is now a quadriplegic. He was hit by an uninsured driver and we have endured a lot of what you said. Our financial relief sadly came when his parents passed away and left us a small inheritance that paid off the medical bills and the house. Praise the LORD for your unshakeable hope and may the LORD of the Harvest continue to use you and your blog for His glory.
Thank you very much for your comments, Toni. I have read about Larry and your trial on your blog. You can surely relate to our difficulties. You and my wife, and all caregivers are genuine heroes! I am sorry that Larry lost his parent’s, but I know they would have been glad that they left something that helped you and Larry. God bless you with the health, strength and patience you need to help Larry.
Unshakable Hope 
“When one of God’s servants is faithfully afflicted, it is a joy for others to be around that person because only a wounded heart can share certain things that are unshakably true, deep, and lasting.” -Dick Brogden
Thanks for sharing unshakable truth.
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Great quote, Savanah. Thank you.
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Bill, I hope you don’t mind, but I referenced your blog post, Still Living in Hope, in a recent blog post at http://www.shadowsandshelters.com — with a link. You are an amazing witness for eternal hope. Thank you for your vulnerability and your words that help so many. Barclay
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Thank you, Barclay.
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Hallo br. Bill! Thanks for your news, you are very strong in this storm! My brother-in-law Salvatore Freni had ALS since 2017; we’ll praying for his healing! Jesus clean his soul by holy blood. Pray for Salvatore! Thanks a lot! God bless you! My name is Biagio from Sicily, Italy!
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Thank you, Biagio. I am praying for Salvadore. Don’t give up on believing for Salvatore’s healing. God bless you and your family.
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God bless you, Bill. Just thank you for your extraordinary witness. You give us strength. God gives us those like you whose witness is inspiring.
With gratitude and in thanks –
Bob Sylvester @ Spirlaw.wordpress.com
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Thank you, Bob.
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good morning Bill and to Mary also,
Thank you for your blog today, about BREATHING. You are so right..I take it for granted, and if I start to really think about the breathes I take I feel as if I am losing my breath. It is precious. And please know that I pray for you and Mary every evening and every morning and whenever I am noticing how God supports our life..by air and water and heartbeats, and so much more. I pray for you both then, too.
Nancy
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Nancy, thank you for your comments and especially for your prayers. I don’t think I’d still be here if others were not lifting me up in prayer.
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Good morning, Bill!
We read your post about God giving us more than we can handle with our 20 something year old sons this a.m. We really appreciate the unshakable hope the Lord has given you and your wife and family 🙏🏻💕
Thank you for sharing what The Lord has allowed you to share with so many of us- all at different ages and from diverse back grounds-that need this!!
All glory and honor to our God on high!!!
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Thank you for your encouraging comments. There is so much grace needed with raising our children, a job that seems never-ending 🙂 We have to continually give them to God.
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Amen!!!
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Amen!! One of our boys went to a “Christian “ college… it has actually made him be some what of a rebel against God right now 😔 I can’t help but think of the Prodigal Son 🙏🏻💕
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I am sorry to hear that, but I’ve heard that from others. So many Christian colleges teach a dry Gospel that doesn’t quench our thirst for Christ. Sad. I’m stopping to pray that the Holy Spirit opens his eyes to the true Gospel message – there’s nothing more exciting than the real Jesus!
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I REALLY appreciate that, Bill!!
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Hi Bill, my sister-in-law shared your post on Facebook about the lie “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle” It made me smile because I have a couple of journal entries that say the exact same thing. I totally could have written that post. Isn’t it so great that we love a God who carries us through all the hard stuff that we can’t handle? We are live in God’s abundant grace! Thank you for your blog – it is super encouraging. Many blessings to you. -Bonnie
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Thank you for your comments, Bonnie. Yes, those who say that God never gives us more than we can handle have obviously never been through a difficult trial. Followers of Christ that have been through difficulties, learn just how powerful God’s grace is. Thank you for dropping by my blog.
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Bil, so nice to hear from you. You made my day. Please give your wife and family my best wishes. I am off to celebrate my Son’s birthday this weekend. I am so very grateful I have such a good man as my Son is. We are probably as close to one another as one could be. I give him plenty of space but we stay in touch and have many good and rich conversations.
That said, I have had plenty of trials. This past Dec 29th would have been my 40th anniversary had my wife not passed away 40 years ago (at 29). You know I have never been away from her all these years. Good never fades from heart or view.
God bless,
Bob (Sylvester)
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God bless you, Bob. Enjoy your time with your son.
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I encountered the Holy Spirit, say the cloud, God works in mysterious ways, amen
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Dear Bill and Mary Sweeney, I love you both and wish that I could meet both of you. I have been a follower of your blog for years and they inspire me. I, unfortunately, don’t get to hear real talk and I think it’s because I am a minister of the gospel. I have always considered you and your wife as friends and my heart longs to actually spend time with you through virtuality of our social media. However, knowing that you all are facing many challenges you continue to stand on the Word of GOD. This is like fire settling in my bones each time I set aside some time to read your blogs often times in groups. Meaning I don’t get to read the blogs at the time they are posted but I do read them sometimes five in one sitting. We may never meet though I will like to, the both of you are most wonderful in CHRIST JESUS and you both are authentic. GOD Bless you both from the bottom of my heart. Your sister in CHRIST JESUS, Shawn.
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Thank you so much for your encouraging comments, Shawn. I am thankful for encouraging friends like you.
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Bill, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
Please do not feel obligated to participate. If you are award free, that is okay.
Just sharing a little of His Light with you! God loves you.
The link to your nomination is below:
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/11/26/sunshine-blogger-award-11-21-18/
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Thank you, Gail, that is very kind of you.
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PTL! I am glad He allowed me to share! 🙂
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Bill, I could not begin to tell you how many losses, betrayals, and calamities I have experienced or witnessed first hand. Sufficient it to say – I will be 73 on December 16th and it is now 40 years since I lost my beloved wife Sylvia (cancer so raw that Sloan Kettering had NO numbers on it at all and only one man in Australia had the same thing). She contracted her illness in our first year of marriage and died one month short of our 4th anniversary at age 29. I add – my father walked out on my mother and me when I was an infant, we ended up in public housing with the legendary Irish mob (the Winter Hill Gang) in Boston … the list goes on … I have had some life …
We share challenges … and the mystical reality and experience of a loving God. My many friends who have known me for years would say of me: that I was destined to experience some remarkable things/hardships because I could carry them and NEVER me defeated …
I practiced law handling all sorts of extremely hard cases like death and dying cases charged with suffering and conflict (with hospitals and within families) … it’s been some ride.
What is my point? God selects those of us much like He selects St. Michael (actually an angel not a Saint) – because we are made of the right combination of toughness, tenderness and faith. We are chosen for what it helps others see. It is that simple.
Know that I am with you EVERT DAY in prayer and friendship and with your wife and family … please know that anyone can contact me at any time – through email (xlbobs@msn.com) or cell (540-683-4931) or postal mail: Bob Sylvester, P.O. Box 144, Bentonville, VA 22610)
From one child of God to another – I send my love and friendship …
God bless,
Bob (Sylvester) – it’s been some ride …
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That is one powerful testimony, Bob!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife, way too young. I’m glad that you were with her to love and support her.
I live in Texas now, but I was an Irish kid from Boston. We moved to Chicago when I was a kid.
I don’t feel “tough,” Bob, just the opposite, I am as weak as a newborn baby.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.
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You’re Faith in action my friend….
Thanks for such a powerful word!
We love you
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Hi Bill and Mary,
Found you on twitter when joined about a year ago. Your story is so inspiring. So grateful loving Christians have given you and Mary encouragement over the years. Although it makes me chuckle, because it is you that helps people like me, persevere. Please forward your address. 😊✝️❤️
Until Heaven,
Annette Converse
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Hi, Bill!
Just checking to make sure you are still doing good- no pneumonia?
Elizabeth from Born Again
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I’m doing well, relatively speaking 🙂 Thank you for asking.
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Good! I have shared your most recent post with many people that have been inspired and motivated by your strength in our Lord!
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Thank you for your prayers, for sharing my post, and for your encouragement.
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And thank you for letting the Good
lord use you!!!
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Hi, Bill, Did I tell you that I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award? I know I fell asleep as I was finishing up the post and think I might have forgotten to notify my nominees. I f I did please forgive me. If I am repeat myself, I ask your forgiveness for that also. However, your blog is worth celebrating every day! God loves you!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/08/27/blogger-recognition-award-8-15-18/
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Thank you so much, Gail.
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Hi! Nominating you for the 3-Day Quotes Challenge, NOT mandatory. Details here– https://friendwise.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/favorite-quote-day-1/
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I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Please do not feel obligated to participate! If you do, please don’t rush. Do it as God leads you! Just wanted to share a little of His love! ❤
God loves you! ❤ Below is a link to your nomination!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/04/06/versatile-blogger-award-4-3-18/
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Thank you very much for this nomination, Gail.
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PTL! 🙂
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Thank you for writing this wonderful post! I look forward to it coming into my inbox and find such encouragement and wisdom from your words. My husband has recently been diagnosed w pancreatic cancer. It has been a shake up to our world but we have “unshakable hope”
I posted to our caring bridge and referred to your most recent post. It is truly a game changer to be thankful! Here is what I wrote. Please know I think if you and pray for your family! You are a beautiful testimony to our lord, Jesus!
Jana marshall
“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies, but the thankful heart will find, in every hour some heavenly blessings” Henry Ward Beecher
Bob often says, “ we are busy living….not dying”. He makes that statement true in his daily life! He lives life to the fullest…even on chemo! I think that all who come in contact with Bob would agree that what punctuates his living is that he is so THANKFUL!
He has come through the second round of chemo well. His body reacted differently to the second round than it did the first…but for the most part he got through it with enough energy to enjoy Thanksgiving with his fabulous family in Dahlonega, GA. It was a beautiful time to be visiting the North Georgia Mountains and make precious memories with all his siblings!
While visiting with family, I read a blog from a 25 year ALS survivor who is crippled to the point that he cannot eat anymore and receives food from a feeding tube. The title of the post is “Thanks – living”.
His words rang true to me in a way that it may never have before due to the situation Bob and I find ourselves in. Through his journey he has concluded that ungratefulness and unhappiness go hand-in -hand. He poses a good question, “ Have you ever known a happy-ungrateful person?”
God tells us repeatedly in His word to be thankful….not happy! I think that being “Thankful” is the precursor to finding satisfying happiness and joy. The author of the post is convinced that if we are intentional about being thankful and we succeed in that area, then true lasting joy will follow.
During this season I think Bob and I are learning more and more what it means to be thankful and to experience that joy. Do not get me wrong….CANCER does STINK! It is not easy and our days can have moments of doubt and sadness. But there is an underlying voice that supports us through all the emotion. We just know that we know that God has control and the final say. We are either going to believe or not believe.
As my friend Pam Worley shared with us:
“There is a “beauty” in cancer that some people miss~~~if your eyes are open you’ll see miracles and experience God in a raw, up close way that you have never experienced before and it truly is beautiful.
It is terrible to be experiencing Cancer…but it is amazing to experiencing God in this way!”
It is by being carried and prayed for and loved by so many of God’s people that our hearts are full of thanks! God is opening our eyes to see how He reveals Himself everyday. There is nothing like it and it is changing us. It is like we are standing on tip toe in anticipation of what God is going to do next in the midst of this hardship. We really are looking forward with expectant hearts. And that is getting us through each day.
As we enter Round 3 of Chemo tomorrow, Monday, please pray for continued health and strength. Pray that the Chemo is doing the job of killing the cancer. Pray for wisdom as we walk through the days and that we seek God first in all we do.
This has been a Thanksgiving weekend to remember….we are Thankful and most importantly we are THANKS – LIVING!
With a Thanks for each of you ~ Bob and Jana
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Thank you for your powerful message, Jana. Bob has a great partner through his horrible trial. I am praying for Bob and you.
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I wanted to say thank you for liking on post: Are You Listening to the Voice of Truth?
It means a lot to me to know that these blog posts are helping to give you a different perspective on the situations that happen in your life.
God Bless you Bill!!
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Thank you very much for your encouragement.
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Hi Bill, Listening again to your radio interview as I write this. Psalm 71: 17-18 is my prayer every day. “Oh, God, you have taught me from my youth. And hitherto I have declared your wondrous works. And now, when I am old and gray-headed, forsake me not; until I have showed your strength onto this generation and thy power to everyone who is to come.” You have already done all that, Bill. Every day you are showing forth God’s strength. I’ve had ALS for 12 years so you’re way ahead of me. I commend you for finding a way to help in Global Media and new Christians around the world. I have just finished writing another book, ‘ALS MEETS CHRIST’. That happens when we, as Christians, yield ourselves to God’s will for our life, even using ALS to do that. I may turn it into blogs. God bless every minute of every day as you offer the Lord the Sacrifice of Praise.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, they are so encouraging to me. How do you write, are you still able to type (with your fingers)? I recently checked your blog to see if you had any new posts, I thought I might have overlooked the email notice, but nothing recent.
God bless you.
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I have no idea what the Lord is doing. I can’t speak or swallow well, but the rest of me is doing OK. I almost feel guilty saying that. I went on Rilutek almost right away after I was diagnosed and I think that worked, and lots of prayer. So I am still able to type on my computer. I am slowing down, finding it hard to do up buttons, my hands are weaker, I wear a neck brace because my neck muscles are weak. I have a feeding tube, but still able to eat soft, moist food. I haven’t fallen yet, but I getting a bit wobbly.
My biggest ministry is in prayer. I have a lot of people I pray for and love seeing the Lord at work. The Lord keeps bringing people to mind for me to pray for, from years ago and I’m in touch with missionaries in Cuba, Mexico, Nepal, Bolivia and the middle east and pray for their ministries and converts. Our message last week was on spending time with the Lord. I hadn’t thought that I might be spending too much time praying and not enough time alone with the Lord. So I’m working on that. I consider myself the persistent widow. 🙂
So good to know more about your family. I often thought I would like to pick your brain as I was writing this last book. I sent it in to the WordAlivePress Writing contest. Monday they are announcing the results. If I don’t win, I will probably break it down into blogs and find out how to set up a web site like you have.
I don’t know how to do all the links and extra’s you have going.
I don’t sleep well, so I’ll be praying for you during the night,
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It’s so good to hear that you can still type and walk…
Prayer and worshipping the Lord are the most important things; I’m glad to hear this is your ministry.
I am going to attempt to write a book. Any advice?
Please email me some time.
Unshakablehope@gmail.com
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Hi Bill, Just wanted to share a few verses that have come to mean so much to me. John 21: 18 – Jesus said to Peter, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old (or have ALS) you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go. Verse 19 is the real blessing. Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would GLORIFY GOD. That was a new concept to me – to still Glorify God when I can’t move a muscle. Thank you, Lord.
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Thank you, Bruce. I’m so glad you survived!
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Thank you very much, Bruce, for your encouraging comments and for your prayers. I’m sorry I was so slow to reply.
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Miss your blogs. Haven’t heard from you since November 2015. I pray that all’s well. Any nuggets of wisdom you’d like to share??
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Karen, thank you so much for your concern and for your prayers.
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thanks Bill. it’s been a while I haven’t posted anything on my blog site. thanks for reminding me. hope i could write again soon. *smile* Gid bless
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Thank you for sharing, Bill, the reason for the hope that is within you.
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Thank you, Bette.
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Love you dude!
This is for you, God Bless!
http://www.christiancreativewriters.com/t7811-unshakable-hope-moving-forward-dedicated-to-bill-courageous-battler-of-a-l-s-and-faithful-servant-of-the-lord#23950
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Awesome! Love it. Thank you so much, my friend.
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I was recently diagnosed with ALS and am so hungry for fellow believers to share with. I have recently begun to write a blog also. You can find it at stones424.wordpress.com. Thanks for writing about your journey. Kathy
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I’m SO sorry for your diagnoses, Kathy. I’m looking forward to following your blog. God bless you.
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Dear Bill,
How I enjoy reading your blog. It’s so comforting to me.
The problem is, I can’t seem to be able to get your latest post even though I have your blog on my iPhone screen. Is there some way I can get on a list to get your latest posts?
God bless you.
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Thank you for your encouragement, Rosie. If you look on the right hand side of my blog, there should be a follow button where you can put in your email address. Maybe it’s not visible on a phone? I’ve never had a smart phone, but I’ll ask my wife to show me what my blog looks like on her phone.
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Dear Bill, I want you to know how much I appreciate that you are reading my blog posts. You and your family are in my prayers. I always look forward to reading whatever you post.
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Thank you, Beckie, for your comments and for your prayers.
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Hi thanks for the like. I have a story about ALS and several on trees! Take care!
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Thank you for visiting my blog, Myrna.
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Hello Bill! I just sent you a rather wordy invitation asking if you would consider writing a guest post for my blog – DoseDependent – on the topic of hope in unchanging circumstances but I think I messed it up because on my phone so I thought I would try again!
Please let me know if you are interested as I would be greatly honored if you were able.
Blessings
Julie
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Julie, I’m sincerely honored by your invitation to be a guest blogger on your blog, but I cannot make any commitments right now – I’m struggling to keep up with just my blog and email… right now.
Thank you so much for the invitation.
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Dear Bill, thank you for responding. I can understand why you say that; I find it very difficult as well … it took me two months from the time I decided to ask you til I sent the message! So no worries. I love reading your posts and seeing how God is moving in your life. Please accept an open invitation to write for my blog if you should ever find the time to do so.
Blessings.
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Thank you for understanding, Julie. Thank you also for the open invitation.
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Hello Bill!
I mentioned your fabulous site in my blog-posting today and was sure to link my readers to you! I hope many others will find you (and your sharing,) to be as delightful as I do!
Thank you for the continued inspiration!
Hugs & Blessings!
Dawn Marie
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Thank you so much, Dawn Marie. Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply.
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Dear Bill
As one who has suffered a deep valley with illness spanning over 40 years I am blown away by your courage and grace through these pages. Jesus is alive and well in you,
your spirit shines, his grace abides. I am blessed to find your thoughts
In his love
Lynn
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Thank you so much, Lynn.
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I really enjoyed finding your blog and reading your writings. You are truly an inspiration! I look forward to hearing more from you. ~Rita
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Thank you very much, Rita.
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Hi, Bill – I just watched your ice bucket challenge and it was great. My son was supposed to pour a small pail of ice water over me and instead he substituted a five gallon pail. I survived but took me a long time to warm up. His grandson did the challenge with me, five years old, and after he said, “I thought it was going to be hot”. I’m starting a second blog – title: The Eternal Optimist. That’s me. PTL.
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I love your attitude!
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Thinking about you today Bill! I was challenged to do the ice bucket thing. Instead, for some reason, I just couldn’t. It seems everyone’s doing it and people are starting to ignore the videos. So I posted on Facebook some thoughts of real people I know who have struggled or are struggling with ALS. A friend/former boss and my father-in-law and you. I shared your link with my friends and asked them to visit your site to find out why you still have unshakable hope. I know you are a strong Christian, but I do pray this morning, that you and your family would be comforted and reminded of your true hope, Jesus. I also pray that you will be encouraged by your purpose. I believe the Lord has given you a great ministry and you have touched many people’s lives through your blog and ministry. Blessings to you and your family. We’re all inspired by what God has done in your heart. You are able to pull back the veil between the spiritual and physical in a way we may not be able to so easily. You help your readers to see the true spiritual realities of this life. Thank you for striving to encourage us while you fight this battle.
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Thank you, Amy, for your encouraging comments and for your prayers. God bless.
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Hey Bill! I have finally had a chance to stop by your blog. Thank you for all of your encouragement. I feel like your blog will be a well- visited stop during our journey with ALS. Since we just started this hard battle, we are encouraged to know someone going through or who went through what we are facing. Thank you for being vulnerable and taking the time to reach out and educate. I am still getting the hang of using wordpress, so I may inquire about some settings that we would like to add to our page. May God bless you and your family.
-Hugs!- The Dobos’
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Thank you so much. I hope and pray that you guys are well (haven’t seen a post from you in a while).
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Dear Bill,
This is just a note of blessing to you and your family and of thanks for your witness throughout the challenges God has placed in your life. Please know that you and your blog are a great blessing to me, as it is to so many others who have written to you here.
I wanted, somehow, to give something back to you…so I searched about my writing and found this prayer I wrote last fall. I hope you’ll take a moment to click through to it and that it blesses you.
Thank you, Bill,
Mary Adrienne
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Thank you very much, Mary. I really like that poem.
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Thank you for following me. I pray I return soon to a more active presence in my blog. I’ve missed over the last couple of months of my life’s busy-ness the inspiration and gifts of God’s love that I receive through this growing online community of believers.
Your story and your perspective hold so many gifts. Thank you for your single-minded perseverance in sharing your life and experience with the rest of us.
Mary Adrienne
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Thank you very much, Mary.
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Hello Bill: I have been in awe of you since I first read your blog. I don’t know if you accept awards or not, but I just nominated you for the Beautiful Butterfly Award. To view it please visit my site. If you do not wish to accept, no worries. I will always “Follow” you…http://kimgosselinblog.wordpress.com/
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Thank you so much, Kim.
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So inspiring you are, Bill. I think I told you of my precious aunts who lived many, many years with a rare, hereditary disorder. Such a gift they were to me and my family. Your spirit reminds me of theirs. Such appreciation for the importance of life and all that is good in it. Blessings to you always, Bill. You have a “fan” forever, now. 🙂
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Thank you so much for your encouraging comments, Kim.
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Hi Bill!
I’ve just nominated you for the Interesting Blogger Award. You can find out more here: http://technothomas.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/interesting-blogger-award/
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Thank you so much for the nomination, Tom!
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You’re very welcome!
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One more thing Bill (and please forgive me). Its much easier following when one receives an email when there is a new post. On WordPress blogs its very easy to include a Widget that permits followers to sign-up for such an email. Just a thought . . .
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You are now responsible for me sitting here a couple of hours as I pour through your posts. All I can say is thank you and may I never forget to be grateful to God for every moment I’m given. I’m almost embarrassed to think that my story might be an encouragement for others. God though has given me an extraordinary light into how to run the race set out before us. (This might help make some sense out of my comments: http://www.bhmatson.com/the-book/ ). I look forward to following. I love your style and writing. I love your sense of humor. I love your theology. And, lets just say, words are not sufficient to express my admiration for your courage and your witness.
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Thank you very much for your encouraging comments, Bruce! Happy New Year!
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I’m so thankful the Lord led me to your blog via “Weekly Photo Challenge” and you liking my photo. I noticed the title of your blog, and immediately I hoped with everything in me that you were going to talk about the the same unshakable hope that I have. I have been so moved by reading your entries. I can’t wait to read more. Chronic illness and pain does break us, but the LORD promises that a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. The weaker the man, the greater Christ’s power can be perfected in our weakness… For when we are weak, He is strong. I so greatly appreciated your entry about empathy. It brought me to tears… Suffering does change a person. And the LORD’S faithfulness in the midst of it all AMAZES me!! Well, I am just so encouraged to read more of your blog! You will be in my prayers, my brother!! Lord bless you abundantly!!
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Thank you so much for your encouraging comments and for your prayers! I can tell from reading your posts that you know what it is to trade your weaknesses for God’s strength! God bless you.
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Praying for you!
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Thank you so much, Joye.
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Just an FYI note: Over at my blog, I’ve written about the blogs I follow, including yours–ALL GOOD! Just wanted you to know.
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Thank you so much, Nancy!
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Just letting you know that you are on our prayer list. The ladies are prayer warriors and excited to be used of God. We will pray for you always. We don’t erase names. Have a great day
….Mary
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Thank you very much, Mary!
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My ladies have you on top of the prayer list this week. Hang on. God is blessing!
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Thank you so much!
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I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. You can find more information about it at http://drawingfromthewell.wordpress.com/awards/#Liebster. If the link doesn’t work simply go to the Awards page on Drawing From The Well and scroll down. Congratulations!
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Thank you so much for the nomination, Pastor!
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It is my pleasure. I don’t stop by your blog enough. I’m going to remedy that. 🙂 In His Service, Jeff
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I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award . Check out the simple rules later today on my website, blessings my sweet friend!
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Thank you very much for the nomination!
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Hello Bill, 🙂 I wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for blogging excellence awards. Congratulations! Should you choose to, the criteria and acceptance info can be found here:http://lifentruthz.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/thank-you-this-is-awesome/
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Thank you very much, Hannah!
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You are welcome, Thank you for sharing your fantastic work/words/thoughts
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I’m encouraged by your posts. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you this way. http://www.lovener.com
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Thank you very much.
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Hi Bill,
Congratulations! I have nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award! Should you accept, you’ll need to display the image and link back to the person who nominated you. You also need to nominate 14 other bloggers. See details here. http://enoughtribulations.com/2013/07/03/the-wonderful-team-member-readership-award/
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Thank you so much for your nomination, Gertrude.
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Thank you for visiting my blog. I would not have found yours otherwise. I believe God lead me here. 🙂 I have been very encouraged. I suffer from 7 autoimmune diseases and have been told that I will have a shortened life. I am in a rough spot right now and pretty sick. I have horrible pain every day, can’t eat, and so weak.
I created my blog to reach women for Christ and to leave a godly legacy. I feel as though I am being sifted as wheat, but I know He intercedes for us. I can’t imagine what you are going through and I thank you for sharing with us.
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Blessings to you! God is certainly doing a work in me! 🙂
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In you and through you!
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🙂
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Hello, I just nominated you for a cool WP Award. Welcome to the family! Follow this link to find out more.
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Thank you very much for the nomination, Elizabeth!
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Thank youBill for the encouraging Post you post on here!! They are filled with hope!!! God bless you continually and your family and your ministry!!!
Dr. Hooks
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Thank you very much, Dr. Hooks.
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Brother Bill, since I am following you, just wanted to let you know that I put a link to your site in my left-side navigation menu entitled: Some Blogs I Follow
Love your writing and inspiration and maybe (even though I’m new to blogging) can get some more coming your way! God Bless!
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Thank you very much, Pastor.
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You have been nominated for The Super Sweet Blogging Award, check out my blog for details!
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Thank you very much for the nomination, Toni!
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You are welcome! You truly deserve it!
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I can testify to many of the things you speak about. My husband was injured in a car accident & is now a quadriplegic. He was hit by an uninsured driver and we have endured a lot of what you said. Our financial relief sadly came when his parents passed away and left us a small inheritance that paid off the medical bills and the house. Praise the LORD for your unshakeable hope and may the LORD of the Harvest continue to use you and your blog for His glory.
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Thank you very much for your comments, Toni. I have read about Larry and your trial on your blog. You can surely relate to our difficulties. You and my wife, and all caregivers are genuine heroes! I am sorry that Larry lost his parent’s, but I know they would have been glad that they left something that helped you and Larry. God bless you with the health, strength and patience you need to help Larry.
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