Our sweet sister Linda went home to be with our Lord... Linda was with Dave and her family when she went home. She passed around noon in her sleep without pain or discomfort. Dave, Sarah, Daniel, Justin and Ryan continue to be overwhelmed by all of the prayers, encouragement and love that has been extended by all of you. 

Memorial Service

On December 28th we had the privilege of celebrating Linda’s earthly life together with many her friends and family. Since you live outside of the area I wanted to make sure that you were aware of her home going and also to share with you the enclosed memorial.  My hope is to encourage you to give thanks to the One who created her and empowered her to bless so many others.

Linda has a wonderful way about her that you probably have experienced.  She loved God and because of that love she couldn’t help but love and cherish the people that God put around her.  Often I would be ready to head out and “get something accomplished” and Linda would be in a long conversation with someone she had just met.  These meeting could occur almost anywhere…in Costco, in the baseball bleachers, or just out in the neighborhood.  I’d usually notice that the person she was sharing with was in tears sharing their deep feelings and struggles. 

Just recently in the hospital in Santa Clarita a nurse entered into Linda’s room.  It was later at night and so the room was dark and Linda was, at the time, in a deep sleep, unable to be awakened.  The nurse who’s name was Jill, said to me, “Is this Linda Ludwig?”  I replied, “Yes, it is.”  She then began to tear up and said, “After talking with her a few weeks ago I went home and shared with my husband that I had just met the most incredible person that I have ever met in my entire life.”  I was speechless…for a few seconds and then responded by saying, “Do you know why she is the way she is?  Jill said, “She is religious, right?”  Yes”, I said, “she committed her life to Jesus Christ and because of Him she seeks to listen to people and love them for His glory.”  In the darkness of that hospital room I had the joy of talking about spiritual things with that nurse for at least 45 minutes, all because Linda was willing to love and listen.  As I was answering Jill’s questions about God and the Bible I remember asking God to allow Linda to hear that conversation.  Sometimes the hearing is the last to go…I’ve been told. 

The Apostle Paul says in first Timothy 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (NASB)  I have no doubt that Linda understood this teaching of the Apostle.  She understood that we are here on earth to use our knowledge of God to deepen our love for Him and to love people for His name sake.  She did that consistently through her acts of kindness, her hugs, and her willingness to share the Good News with those who were lost.  This is the legacy that she leaves with me, her children and almost all of those who spoke at the memorial service last week.  I count it a privilege to have loved and cared for her these past 26 years of marriage.  God is good and I wanted you to know about just how good He is.

With Love in Christ,
 Dave

 A look into Linda's journey...

  -September 2010

As I begin to write this update to all of you, my heart is filled with greatfulness; first to our wonderful God for His Mercy and kindness, and secondly for each one of you who so faithfully pray for us. Though it has been a difficult week; a tripple dose of chemo and a blood transfussion, I am quickly reminded that God is in control and working things out for His glory. On Monday I found out that this new chemo that I am on, though it is harsh, is working amazingly well. It is a new drug that for the first time is specific to my type of breast cancer. It brings me great joy to be able to give God the glory that only He is worthy of . My tumor marker is at 82, which is the lowest it has been for over a year, and not too far from the high end of normal range. My doctor is even saying that I seem to be heading toward remission! I didn't think that was possible, and yet am quickly reminded that with God, all things are possible.

While we are on this earth, we have the opportunity to know God and make Him known. May I encourage you to make the most of these opportunities, because our time here is short.

 -May 2010

What could have been the worst day of my life became one of the best days I ever had. Why? Because when my circumstances were the worst I ever had, I had to make a choice: Do I give in to my circumstances or do I really choose to follow Christ? By His grace, I chose the latter, and as a result three amazing and exciting things happened to me.

By His grace, I chose the later, and as a result three amazing and exciting things happened to me.

First, a wonderful reconciliation took place in my family. We were so happy to see relationships healed and opened again.

Second, I had the privilege of sharing Christ many times and to hear many positive responses such as, “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain…Thanks for sharing with me.”

Third, just before going into the hospital I was in bed listening to the college group sing praises to God. The Lord was working on my heart because I needed to be at peace with the situation He had me in. I needed to be totally surrendered to His will even if it meant not ever walking again. As I listened, they began to sing, “I Surrender All...All to Him I Freely Give…” My heart was broken at that moment and I reminded myself that 14 years ago I had given my life, my cancer, and my journey to Him to use me as He pleased...for His glory. What a joy filled my heart when I remembered that commitment and surrendered once again.

In the days, that followed my doctor was focused on my abdomen and the troubles I was having with my digestive system. Though this was an important issue that needed attention, the real concern was occurring in my spinal column—the cancer had settled in my tail bone area and was affecting the feeling in my legs and feet.

So in March 2010, I was admitted to Henry Mayo Hospital in Santa Clarita, unable to keep food down and little to no feeling in my legs and feet. That very day a team of doctors addressed my situation in a very aggressive and amazing way. Though I’m home now and doing much better…here is the real story and what God has taught me along the way…

“This is not at all about me; it’s about God and His glory entirely.

Edited From My Journal…
I’ve been told by my nurse here at the Henry Mayo hospital that I have created a buzz throughout the hospital staff. Everyone is calling me their favorite patient. Why? Because those who don’t know the Lord and are aware of my condition are amazed that I can have such peace and joy in the midst of such pain and suffering. They don’t understand how I can be so kind and considerate when I’m facing such difficult circumstances myself. This has brought me many opportunities to share with the staff and to point them to my source of peace and confidence. Those who know the Lord here at the hospital are also telling me how excited they are. They are getting a chance to share the gospel with their fellow employees as well. It’s all about making the Lord’s name magnified.

Even my doctor has been impacted. He just came into my room and told me that he can’t believe how many of his staff and also the hospital staff are rooting for me. Each Thursday he gives a talk to the Oncology department and he decided to use me as an example. He was astonished by how many of those present knew me and were watching my progress. Many mentioned that they were amazed at what was happening with me both in my attitude and in regard to my healing progress. God gets all the glory again!

An example of my physical healing took place a couple of days later. I had just had my spinal infusion (chemo directly injected into the spinal fluid) and one of my other doctors was drawing out the fluid and spontaneously said, “Wow…look at that.” I asked him to explain and he told me that spinal fluid should be clear as water but last week when he drew it out, the first time, mine was amber in color. The amber color occurs when there are a lot of cancer cells present. Now, just one week later, the fluid was almost perfectly clear—only a little ting of yellow remained, he said. God again gets all the glory and what a joy it is to be with Him in this journey."

All I need to do, to give God permission to do amazing things

Do you want to see God do great things in and though your life? I’ve found that it isn’t really that difficult. All we need to do, to give God permission to do amazing things, is to—Just Obey Him! Don’t focus on your own plans or the “what ifs” of life; just forget about the past and press on to obedience—He’ll do the rest.