2/22/06

HOST_Carolann: Welcome again everyone! And a special welcome to Joshua Goodling who is our guest speaker for today.
HOST_Carolann: The title of his session is One Week To Live.
Joshua: Thank you...it's a pleasure to be here
HOST_Carolann: He is here to describe his fight with cancer, how it has changed and impacted his life, and how God has used this in his life to be an encouragement and inspiration to others.
HOST_Carolann: Welcome Joshua, and I will turn our time over to you.
Joshua: Okay...I'd like to start with telling a good portion of my life story
Joshua: 40 years ago, in the city of Chicago, a new life came into the world
Joshua: I was the second of seven children in my rather small family
Joshua: Growing up in a family of seven children will leave you with many stories to tell.
Joshua: Some which bring a smile, and sadly a few which bring tears.
Joshua: My life as a young child was a happy one. I learned to walk, to talk, and to make a total mess of my parent's house as most children do.
Joshua: All those days were rather typical, the sun shone, the birds sang, and it even rained occasionally.
Joshua: It seemed all would be fine. My life would be normal. I would probably grow up to be a billionaire tycoon.
Joshua: Then, when I was four years old, disaster struck.
Joshua: A swelling began to grow under my jaw.
Joshua: Being obviously concerned, my parents took me to visit a doctor.
Joshua: After a close examination, he thought the swelling was being caused by an abscess.
Joshua: However, after further study, this was not the case.
Joshua: They noticed in their studies that my lymph nodes looked rather odd, so they decided to do a biopsy of them.
Joshua: This also produced no new evidence as to the cause of the swelling
Joshua: The doctors also noticed that my tonsils were so swollen they almost touched each other, so they removed them for testing.
Joshua: The swelling continued to grow, and by now had grown around the side of my neck and close to the main nerve in the back of my head.
Joshua: I soon lost control of my eyeballs - they would just roll around like marbles in a bowl of grease.
Joshua: I couldn't keep them both focused in the same direction.
Joshua: Then they decided to perform another biopsy of the swelling itself, and I was soon wheeled into the operating room for the third time in a matter of weeks.
Joshua: Having three major operations in such a short time would be traumatic for anyone, but especially for a 4 year old boy.
Joshua: My mother tells me that following that 3rd operation, when she visited me in the recovery room, she didn't think I would live.
Joshua: Later that evening, the doctor came by my hotel room and motioned my mother to come out into the hallway.
Joshua: They had finally diagnosed the cause of the swelling.
Joshua: It was a cancerous tumour called Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Joshua: This is one of the deadliest childhood cancers, and the doctor told my parents he didn't know of anyone who had lived through it.
Joshua: He told my parents that I wouldn't make it.
Joshua: He said I had at the most one week to live.
Joshua: That was over 36 years ago, so it's been a long week!
Joshua: A decision was then made that radiation therapy was the one thing that might work.
Joshua: I almost didn't live to receive my first radiation treatment though.
Joshua: On the night before that first treatment, I was asleep in my hospital bed.
Joshua: Because of the tumor in my throat, my breathing was loud and hoarse, and could be heard across the room.
Joshua: That night, I stopped breathing.
Joshua: My mother went running to get help, and a doctor and 2 nurses came to my aid, and were able to get me breathing again.
Joshua: The following morning, as I was leaving to get my first radiation treatment, my mother's aunt and cousin came by to visit.
Joshua: They said that judging from the way I looked, the doubted if I would make it through the day, let alone an entire week.
Joshua: That day, the radiologist had more discouraging news for us.
Joshua: He said that usually when they used radiation on a tumor such as mine, the tumor started to grow faster.
Joshua: He told my parents that as far as he was concerned, my chances of survival were zero.
Joshua: Every day for the next 30 days, I went back for those radiation treatments.
Joshua: Instead of the cancer growing and killing me, it went away.
Joshua: So, after spending 3 months on the verge of death, I was on my way home.
Joshua: However, a few months later, me and my family were visiting relatives out of town.
Joshua: One night I awoke with a terrible headache.
Joshua: The next day, while cutting my hair, my mother noticed another swelling - this time on the back of my head.
Joshua: We ended our vacation and returned to the hospital.
Joshua: The cancer was back, and this time they couldn't operate because of the critical location of the new tumor.
Joshua: The doctors said; "Joshua is going to die. It's just a matter of time."
Joshua: They decided to try a new form of chemotherapy, which I received through injection.
Joshua: I received so many shots, I just would sit there and watch while they stuck more and more needles in me.
Joshua: Again, after several weeks of struggle on the borderline of death, the cancer went away, and there has been no sign of it since.
Joshua: However - there were many scars which remain with me to this day.
Joshua: The radiation and chemo destroyed my growth hormone, and the doctors said I wouldn't grow any more.
Joshua: At this date, I am only 4' 11" tall...so I did grow much more than they said, but I'm still a lot shorter than I should be, and I look a lot younger.
Joshua: The cancer partially destroyed my vocal chords making it very difficult at times for people to understand me.
Joshua: The cancer and radiation also made it very hard for me to eat, I have to force food to go down.
Joshua: And many times my face breaks out in a sweat just from eating.
Joshua: There are other problems that I won't take time to go into, but humanly speaking - my life was destroyed.
Joshua: However, when I was in the fifth grade, God called me to preach.
Joshua: People said - "Joshua, you'd better rethink that....there's no way you can be a preacher. You're too short, you talk funny, etc."
Joshua: And they were right.
Joshua: There was no way in my own strength I could be a preacher or public speaker.
Joshua: But the Bible tells us; "I can do all things through Christ."
Joshua: And I knew through the power of God I could do whatever He wanted.
Joshua: Since that time, I've spoken in churches, schools, prisons, colleges, and businesses all over the United States.
Joshua: Encouraging people and challenging them to overcome their problems and find true joy and happiness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Joshua: I am also the founder of www.inspiritnews.com
Joshua: A website dedicated to inspiring others to make a difference in this world, overcome their problems, and meet our wonderful Savior.
Joshua: Thank you.
Mary_Lou: Wow! It sounds like you're a walking miracle, Joshua!
HOST_Carolann: thank you Joshua, that is quite a testimony of God's purposes
Joshua: Only because of the power of Jesus
HOST_Carolann: amen
Ron: indeed it is
Mary_Lou: Were there times when you got discouraged and wished things had been different?
HOST_Carolann: did you go through a time when you were angry with God at how things were going in your life?
Joshua: Oh yes, many times where I've felt like that.
Joshua: I didn't mention it....but I'm still single
Joshua: For all my life I've never had a girlfriend
Joshua: And I feel it's all due to the cancer and the effects on my life
Joshua: I've many times wondered why God would do this.
Joshua: But then He calmly reminds me....He has a purpose for everything.
Mary_Lou: Yes, it sounds like he has asked you to make sacrifices for the furthering of his kingdom.
Joshua: And there are other problems I've had to face which at times get rather annoying.
Joshua: The problem is, we're too accustomed in this life to look at life through our own eyes or through the eyes of this world.
Mary_Lou: That's well-said, Joshua.
HOST_Carolann: yes absolutely
Joshua: Things that often don't make sense to use or seem totally unfair
Joshua: make perfect sense to God, and He knows a lot better how to handle our lives than we do.
Mary_Lou: Have you received seminary training since?
Joshua: yes, I graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 1987
Mary_Lou: I know seminary training isn't necessary. There have been some fine preachers who were led by the Holy Spirit and never attended Bible college.
Joshua: Yes, I felt that more people outside of church needed to hear my messages, needed to be inspired, encouraged.
Alice: Were your parents church goers when you were going through all your cancer and treatments, etc?
Joshua: So I became an inspirational speaker, although I do still speak in churches, but that's not my main focus.
HOST_Carolann: I think the message you have to give is excellent and needed today
Joshua: Yes, my parents were both Christians, and spent a lot of time praying when I had cancer, as did many of my other extended family.
Joshua: I think the root problem in our society today is selfishness.
Joshua: Most of the problem today come because people don't care about others.
HOST_Carolann: absolutely, hasn't it always been since Day One though
Alice: so, at that early age you preached mostly what you had heard in church and from your family?
Joshua: Yes, that's true....but I think people need to be alerted to the simple fact that if we just live for others, we can make such a difference.
HOST_Carolann: we need to learn that the world doesn't revolve around us
Mary_Lou: What!!! You mean the world doesn't revolve around me, Carolann?!!!!!!
Joshua: Yes, Alice...I'm sure that's true. I don't recall any of my messages from that time, but I'm sure it was just repeating stuff I'd heard around the house and at Sunday School.
HOST_Carolann: yes, Me
Mary_Lou: I'm shattered!
Alice: That's so great!!!
Joshua: Kind of mind boggling isn't it.
HOST_Carolann: sorry to break that to you Mary Lou
Joshua: But yet, that's what many people think today.....their needs and wants make it okay to do whatever they want, whenever.
craftingrama: and I hate to say it but I think the kids are worse then ever I play online games with my grandson and the kids are 8 and up and they are horrible monsters
HOST_Carolann: that is quite a testimony Joshua, quite amazing - interesting what God will do with a willing heart
Joshua: Thank you
Mary_Lou: It shows how God uses broken vessels. It's an encouragement to me since I'm a broken vessel, too!
Alice: It is mind boggling -- but it shows how God can operate in a "willing vessel" He is so awesome! And, you were a willing vessel.
HOST_Carolann: amen Alice
Mary_Lou: Did the cancer leave you with disabilities making it hard for you to get around at all, Joshua?
Joshua: No, as far as getting around, I'm fine.
Mary_Lou: That's good, considering all the travelling you do.
HOST_Carolann: I think the disabilities that make people shun us can be just as hard to bear
Joshua: Yes...God knew what I needed.
Joshua: Yes...like I mentioned about being single.
HOST_Carolann: loneliness due to people's rejection based on how we look or speak can be so hard
Joshua: I've had many girls tell me - "You'd make a perfect husband.....Just not for me."
Mary_Lou: Well, at least they're honest!
HOST_Carolann: yes, that must have been and still be hard
Alice: Being single -- just look what Paul the apostle did!
Mary_Lou: I'm still single at 50 so I know what you mean, Joshua.
HOST_Carolann: yes Alice, God has a definite purpose for single people
Joshua: Yes, and I finally told God if He wanted me to be single, that was what I would be content with.
HOST_Carolann: that is so great Joshua
Mary_Lou: Yes, there comes a time to say, "Okay, God! Whatever you want!" re: marriage and singleness.
HOST_Carolann: in whatever state I am - there to be content - I forget where that is, Philippians?
Joshua: But if some beautiful girl comes along and wants to marry me, I'll be content with that as well.
Mary_Lou: Yes, Philippians 4
HOST_Carolann: thanks Mary Lou
Mary_Lou: And she might, Joshua!
HOST_Carolann: you never know, in God's timing it may be right for you yet Joshua
Joshua: One day at a time.
HOST_Carolann: absolutely, that is all any of us can so and should do
Joshua: Or as I like to say - One minute at a time.
Alice: How far from you home do you go to minister, Joshua?
Mary_Lou: I think sometimes God asks us to let go of a dream before he realizes it for us because he wants us to give him control.
HOST_Carolann: yes Mary Lou, so true
Joshua: I travel anywhere in the world.
Mary_Lou: Once we have submitted to his will, then he can answer yes to some of those prayers he has been holding off on.
Mary_Lou: It sounds like you lead an exciting life for the Lord, Joshua.
HOST_Carolann: so you are dependent on the Lord to provide for all those expenses
Alice: Do you make enough to do so on just love offerings, or do you charge a specific fee. (you don't have to answer that if you don't' want to.)
Joshua: Yes, I don't charge a fee, I leave everything up to God.
HOST_Carolann: I wondered the same thing Alice
Joshua: I also have a new book out - Finding True Happiness
HOST_Carolann: another great testimony how God provides for what He has called to do
Joshua: You can find it on Amazon.com
Joshua: Or on my website www.inspiritnews.com
HOST_Carolann: that's excellent, I pray God uses it in many people's lives to direct them to Himself
Joshua: and my inspirational speaking website is www.joshuagoodling.com
Mary_Lou: I'm looking forward to exploring your web site.
Mary_Lou: Any advice for the person who is about ready to give up? (I'm not, but I encounter people who are).
HOST_Carolann: yes good question Mary Lou
Alice: Oh, my husband just came in -- I'm sorry, I must go, but God bless you and your ministry, Joshua. Bye everyone!
Joshua: If you're about to give up. Ask God what lesson He has that you haven't learned yet. He'll show you.
HOST_Carolann: bye Alice
Joshua: bye Alice - thanks for coming
Mary_Lou: Excellent! I hadn't thought of that!
HOST_Carolann: yes that's a good way of looking forward with God's perspective
Alice has left.
Joshua: If things are so bad that you're about to give up, obviously God is trying to get your attention.
HOST_Carolann: often we don't realise He is trying to teach us or do something in our life
HOST_Carolann: yes, but we get caught up in "self" and how can we get rid of this pain or discomfort
Joshua: Either we're not completely trusting Him, and letting Him do with us as He please, or else He's trying to teach us something that we're not willing to learn.
HOST_Carolann: yes agreed
Mary_Lou: That's excellent advice. Thank you!
Joshua: As David in the Bible said - "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
HOST_Carolann: I really want to thank you Joshua for coming today and for telling us about your life and encouraging us to keep our focus on God
HOST_Carolann: I love that verse!
Joshua: Thank you for inviting me, It was a pleasure.
HOST_Carolann: I am sorry not more were here today
Mary_Lou: Yes, thank you, Joshua, for sharing your story and giving us encouragement. May God continue to bless your ministry.
HOST_Carolann: God bless you as you continue to speak for Him and serve Him
Joshua: Well, the ones God wanted to hear this were here.
HOST_Carolann: and may He provide for your every need
Ron: thank you Joshua
Mary_Lou: Maybe it's the new chatroom. Maybe some people had trouble dealing with it.
Joshua: Thank you again.
HOST_Carolann: yes absolutely, I know for me I am quite encouraged
HOST_Carolann: yes Mary Lou I suspect it is that too
Mary_Lou: Must go now. Bye all!
Joshua: Bye Mary Lou
HOST_Carolann: we are at the end of our hour, thank you for coming everyone
craftingrama: yes it was food for thought for me once again I will be chewing on God's lesson this week hehe
HOST_Carolann: Good craftingrama
HOST_Carolann: yes I am going to think over it this week too
Pamela: I'm so sorry I missed this.. can someone explain to me again how I can view today's content?
HOST_Carolann: there will be a transcript on the web site later Pamela