Sunday, March 11, 2012

Up And Down!

Can you remember the first time you were ever on an elevator?  In their earlier years, most elevators, even in downtown hotels required an operator.  Someone getting into an elevator would say the number of the floor they desired to travel to, and the operator would announce when he/she had reached the floor.  In particular I remember one in Maison Blanche, a huge store in New Orleans in the early '50s.  That operator normally sat on a stool in the corner near the controls.  He went up one floor at a time, announcing, "2nd floor!"  "Door's closing!"  "3rd floor!"  Up and down.  All day every day.  I heard someone ask him, "How is your day going?"  He responded with, "Oh...up and down!"

That's my stock answer these days whenever anyone asks how I'm doing.  "Oh...Up and down!"  The ups and downs of my life are not determined by the elevator - or the "lift" as it is referred to in many European countries.  Mine is more determined by the chemo treatments I'm receiving for treatment of stage IV colon cancer.  I receive a "chemical cocktail" basically every other week in the treatment center for 3 to 5 hours; then a "chemo-pump" is attached and I return home wearing it for another 48 hours.  As more time elapses I "feel" better.  It's nice to be on the "up-side" of these chemo-lifts. 

Come to think of it, I remember reading one man's testimony after he accepted Christ as his Savior.  He said, "When I feel bad now, I feel better that I felt before, when I thought I was feeling Great!"  (or words to that effect.)  Honestly folks, it's a great feeling to know that one is in the hands of a faithful and all-wise God.  There is nothing quite like it.

Go ahead, make that decision today to "Try Jesus!  If you don't like Him the devil will always take you back!"

13 comments:

Joyful said...

A great little post here Fred and great analogies. I am so glad there is an "up" to go with those "downs". God is good. Still praying for you my friend. Blessings.

jack69 said...

Ahh my friend, still haven't lost the preacher! That is so good. Love you friend, and good to know you as a brother. Will be glad to be hearing of the many ups and few downs. Cause HE is good!
Love from a rainy day in florida!!!
Sherry & jack

Ginny Hartzler said...

You still got it, Fred!!! And I know you are going to be fine!So glad to read your post!

Jean said...

Hi Fred so glad to see a post from you. I'm praying there will be more ups then downs for you from now on. When my husband was taking the chemo I would see people there taking it through an IV. He took his with a shot once a week for 6 months. He has done well now for 13 years. You're always in my prayer. Take care. Jean

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Fred, God loves you so much and smiles down on you. Life is a time of ups and downs and for a while, you have had many..However, Jesus IS the answer...
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face..."
Life is DIM compared to HIM. Hugs

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great post, Fred... Yes--life is full of UPS and DOWNS. We do go up and down on that life elevator, don't we?????

With God in YOUR/OUR lives, we can handle all of the ups and downs... Prayers for you.

We are home from our 2nd trip is a month--and both of us have colds.. Yuk! Guess it will be REST for this upcoming week for both of us.

Hugs to you and Frances,
Betsy

Dar said...

Oh Fred, I am so happy to read that you are having more of the UP days. What you already have endured, pains me but I know that our Lord and Savior is by your side for every second of your recovery, my friend.
I loved the surprise you gave your lovely bride, Frances for Valentines. You are a true romantic.
Stay happy and healthy.
BlessYourHearts

Cher' Shots said...

Oh Fred, you always put a smile on my face with the comments you leave me. My sister Mel (UpNorthwithMel) and I were talking about how we could just sit down and visit with you for hours on end (and your bride too of course) Sometimes distance is too much but I love having the opportunity to meet you via the blog. Do take care and keep the faith!
'love & hugs from afar'

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Popped in to say HI...Hope all is well and praying for you. Hug OO

George said...

Even 'downs' with the Lord are better than any 'ups' without Him. Thanks for a wonderful and uplifting post.

Dar said...

Good Morning Fred and Frances,
I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing today. Baby steps, one day at a time., as our Dad used to say. I pray this finds you getting stronger every day, Fred. It's like I'm talking to life-long friends when visiting you two. You are, as you once described Jack and Sherry,
'Genuine folks.' Though I'm not on the web wave often these days, I still have you in my deepest prayers for recovered health. Have a most wonderful spring, enjoy every last second of God's gifts. Like George said, 'downs' with the Lord are better than 'ups' without Him. So
BlessYourHeart

JDS said...

This is an excellent post, Fred. I love the quote about "when I feel bad now, I feel better than I felt before, when I thought I was feeling great." But most importantly, I hope your chemo treatments are working with God to eradicate the cancer.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I have to tell you that whenever I post something, I look forward to seeing what you say about it!

Dar said...

Just checking in on one of my favorite patients...thanks for stopping by and checking in on me also. You are a love. I hope each day finds improvement for your health. God sure gives us strength when we need it, doesn't he.
Bless you my dear friend. I feel as tho we have known one another all of our lives. Maybe someday, your lives and ours will actually meet. Jack and Sherry sure speak highly of you, most genuine folks and dear friends. I feel the love.
Get well. and hugs to you and your lovely bride, Frances.
BlessYourHearts

About Me

My photo
Cleveland, TN, United States
I am Fred Alton Brannen, the son of Louis A. Brannen (deceased) and Bonnie Jones Brannen, Louis was an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God. Bonnie is an Ordained Licensed Minister and at 89 years of age is still actively engaged in speaking and singing engagements. I am married to the former Frances Hildreth. We celebrated 53 years of marriage this past June and we are the parents of 3, grand-parents of 10, and great-grandparents of 10. I pastored in Tennessee for 24 years and served the Church in some capacity in missions for over 23 years. I retired from full-time ministry in August of 2008 but remain active, speaking and singing and teaching whenever opportunity affords itself. In January of 2010 I received a letter of commendation for having been credentialed as a minister in the Church of God for 50 years! My family is very important to me. Our get togethers are always noisy affairs and most times will include family sing-alongs. The children love their Mom's cooking so we have the privilege of seeing them regularly! WE LOVE having them over.

TheCabin on Day One

TheCabin on Day One
Fred Alton