Sad News

Our dear friend, Blaine Savage, lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma last night at age 43.  He leaves behind him a devoted wife and 4 incredible children.  Blaine was a man of character, nobility, honor and goodness, and has left his mark on those whose lives he touched...most especially his family.  He will live on through them, but will be sorely missed.  Please pray for Marleigh and the children as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

Here is the blog post by their daughter, Dani

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon him. 

May he rest in peace.

***UPDATED TO INCLUDE: This link to funeral information and an address where cards may be sent.

Words fail

I have no wise words or deep thoughts to share...only numbness.
My dear friend's husband, Blaine Savage, who's name has appeared here before, is no longer in remission. He is only 43.
He writes about it here:
Ben Hur

Their faith and strength have been inspiring throughout this ordeal. They are special people and dear to my heart, as are their children.

Also, another young woman (age 27) I have known since her birth has received the same news as Blaine: "The cancer has returned." Her name is Hillary.

I am asking for prayers for both Blaine and Hillary and their families. And perhaps a miracle...or two...

Call it Courage

Last Wednesday, a dear friend I've known since 6th grade (which was a loooong time ago, btw) had to put her husband on a plane to Utah, for an indefinite stay. For a mom with 4 active and involved children, that's tough.
Add to this the fact that her 43 year old husband has multiple myeloma, a very aggressive cancer, and Dartmouth Hitchcock and Dana Farber had no further plans to treat his illness. There is a multiple myeloma clinic in Heber City, Utah that does have a treatment plan for him, along with a good success rate. They were led to this clinic after much prayer and fasting. He needed to go.
He had just finished up a 5 day round of 24 hour chemo on Sunday night. His blood work on Monday morning wasn't good. Since Monday was Labor Day, on Tuesday, my dear friend phoned the institute in Utah and they agreed to see Blaine immediately. So, Wednesday morning he was on board a plane headed to Utah.
Alone.
Sick.
Most likely scared (though he's a big strapping kind of guy and probably wouldn't admit it:)
And my friend didn't know when she was going to see her sick husband again.
Still, she made him get on that plane. He needed to be on that plane. His life depended on it. Their life depended on it.
He didn't want to go, but he went because she asked him for a gift...the gift of his health...an anniversary gift.
You see, the day she put him on that plane was their 20th anniversary.

These friends of mine have a strength and courage born out of a deep and true love for one another and an unwavering trust in God. It is inspiring. And beautiful.

I know I keep asking, but would you please remember Blaine and Marleigh Savage and their family in your prayers?


UPDATES:
For an update on Blaine's condition go here.

Marleigh and her children are enroute to Utah, expecting to arrive tomorrow night!

Storming Heaven

My dear friend writes here about her husband's latest results in the battle against Multiple Myeloma. This is not good news. They are both faithful, strong and determined. Most importantly they are prayerful. Marleigh and her family will be praying and fasting for Blaine this weekend.
Our Lord himself tell us that some demons can only be cast out through prayer and fasting. This is powerful stuff! Many times, physical illnesses have spiritual components. It is extremely wise of the Savage family to add the "prayer and fasting combo punch" to their treatment regiment. The good docs are doing their very best with all the medical technology available to them. The prayer and fasting combination means that Blaine's cancer is being treated with the most powerful tools available, both medically and spiritually. He is being treated body and soul. It doesn't get better than that!
Please join me in prayer and fasting for Blaine Savage. If a complete fast is not possible, please consider fasting from something you really like for the day, whether it be a TV show, coffee, internet, etc. I know the Savage family will truly appreciate it.

Dear Jesus, when you walked on earth you healed all who came to you. We come before you now and ask for the healing of Blaine Savage. Cast out the "demon" of cancer and heal his body that he may glorify God in all things. As always, we ask in accordance with the Holy Will of God.

I found this great explanation of why fasting is so powerful:

Fasting must accompany our prayer. Why? Because Fasting helps subject our bodies to our spirits (1 Cor 9:27), because fasting disciplines the body, mind, and spirit (Prov. 25:28), because fasting subordinates our flesh with its desires to the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:17), because fasting helps us to set priorities in our lives. (Mt 6:33) and because fasting is really longing after God. (Ps 63:1-2). The power of fasting is a mystery. Which is probably why those who deem themselves "intelligent," "reasonable" and "rational" cannot understand its importance. But whether such people accept it or not, fasting breaks demonic strongholds and demonic attacks and helps us to walk in the spirit rather than the flesh, to sow to the Spirit, not to the sinful nature.

Prayer request

The Savage family could really, really use some prayers right now. We know our God is a God of miracles, and that is what we are asking for. Please consider joining me in storming heaven for Blaine Savage and his family.