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Peace


We continue to journey well. Dad most of all. Each day is one of gratitude for the incredible blessings God has poured out over us.

We have come to the end of treatments for Dad. He recently stepped back from all work commitments and we have been focusing on our time as a family. Physically he continues to weaken. His appetite is very low. We are thankful that his pain is managed well so he is comfortable. He is also well emotionally. Spiritually he is doing just fine, resting in the truth of the song "In Christ Alone" that says "No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny." And in Dad's words: "And who knows, His destiny for me may include healing and my time will be extended, but Psalm 31:15 shares the final word, 'My times are in your hands, O Lord.'"

Mom has been an absolute rock in this journey. She has always been a model of grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness, and this journey has only polished the diamond of who she is. 

Dad would like to specifically thank each of you for your prayers and encouraging words. So many of you have held us up through this journey, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you. 

Life is a fascinating journey that includes death for all of us. As Dad has reminded us through his own journey, that it is nothing to fear but we can plan so we are physically, spiritually, and emotionally prepared to walk home well. We are praying for many of you. Dad continues to remind us all that people are precious and please know that you are precious to us. 

I've titled this post 'Peace.' We have tremendous peace that is only from the Lord. But I am struck with the truth that peace is not painless. Peace and pain sit in tension with each other, and they will continue to do so while the Kingdom is here and yet to come. 

It's in this tension that I, Jordan, wrote this poem: 

I know you can move mountains
If that is what you will
I know you can speak just once
And the storm is calm and still
I know you can bring healing
With just one simple touch
I know your heart's desire
Is much more life for us.

I know that little birds
Are in your tender care
I know I shouldn't worry
About the clothes that I will wear
I know all your abundance
Is cattle on a thousand hills
I know your promises are yes, amen
Bringing heaven closer still

I know that you are trustworthy
I know that you are good
I  know that you are faithful, sure
On a rock my faith is built
I trust in you, my faith is strong
Whatever comes I'm ready
The storm clouds gather, lashed to you
I'm certain, strong, and steady

But somewhere deep inside
When I cry to you in prayer
And ask for cancer to be gone 
A sorrow buries there
That the answer to my questions
The thing that I want most 
While something you can surely do
For reasons unknown, you don't.

I have been reading through the book of Matthew. I recently read about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. I found much comfort in the fact that Jesus himself asked for another way three times that pain and sorrow-filled night, even as he surrendered to the Father's will. So we continue to pray, and we continue to submit our will to His. All for His glory. 


Comments

  1. I am truly sorry you are all going through this but your faith is bigger then any disease and that is clear. Im grateful that your dad's pain is managed and that he is at peace in faith. Without our faith we cannot battle the darkest storm. Im praying for God's Will for your dad and the rest of your family. I feel amazed by the faith your family has in such a painful time because the pain is the love you all have for eachother. Your in my deepest prayer. A song I hold dear to my heart is It Is Well With my Soul and you all are living in the words of that song. God Bless You All (((hugs)))

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  2. Please know that Dr. Hazzard, Stacey and your entire family are constantly being lifted up before the Father’s throne of grace. Should there be even one second when one of us isn’t praying, your precious Savior will still be interceding on your behalf. God bless you, dear and precious friends.

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  3. While recently working with David, I was reminded of his wonderful sense of composure, exceeded only by his abiding reverence and trust in Jesus. He keeps the context of eternity in his field of view as well as temporal things like cheering for the Leafs. It was always a nice touch to see Stacey in the background of some of our Zoom calls. David, Stacey and the Hazzard family, you are in our hearts and prayers.

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  4. Jordon your poem is an amazing expression of how I have felt over these recent years having lost 2 of my younger sisters to cancer. David your quotation of Psalm 31:15 “My times are in your hands, O Lord." are true for you my dear brother and apply to each of us. You are in my constant intercession.

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  5. I am so sorry that you are going through this . I pray for David every day and wonder how he is doing . Thank you for sharing the update on his journey . Will keep praying for him that the Lord will heal him of this cancer. Please keep up posted .

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  6. There's only one David Hazzard. As I have had the privilege of being part of the Mission Canada team I have grown to know and love his sense of delight, fervent wisdom and open faith. And now, he is further up the mountain where the air is thinner, the wind is harsher and the pinnacle will be reached one step at a time. Even now, you are teaching the rest of us how to climb. Thank you for continuing to love us all. We are behind you and we are following.

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  8. Bless precious David and special gems dear to my heart .I am so blessed and honored to stand with you in prayer and declare God's promise will not part.I know we are to be content as we reflect on the sufferings of our Lord ,What I know is that there is power in his name to still heal every cell ,tissue and every bone . Psalm 77:14 shares he will perform miracles and will display his power to all man .I am in still in intercession in faith and trust God's healing plan and his mighty will. The is a liar but God's truth always remains .Precious Pst David by his stripes you are healed continue to saturate in in his Love I stand with you all in faith .You are the number 1 pastor who has been so kind ,Please do not give up you are an amazing fighter on Christ the solid rock you stand no sick or devil in hell will hinder God s plan .Stand strong mighty warrior you are needed and so loved .A blessing to many and we love you so much .You are a great general and solider in the Lord,A godly leader of kindness love and wisdom a true precious soul .Love and honor to you Pst Pastor and I hold you all in pray.Our faith is being stretched this year and peace in God's presence is real May we reflect and press in with his anointed power and declare Gods Miracle still Psalm 107:20

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  9. Dave and family, you have consistently been a blessing to many by way of leadership and example. Even in your current valley, you continue to do the same. Thank you for that, and know we are keeping all of you in our hearts and are holding you up in prayer.

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  10. So beautifully written. Our hearts are full of thanks that we know your family and were blessed to be a small part of the journey. All our love and prayers to you at this tender time. Heather and Doug and Tim Seargeant.

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  11. Thank you Jordan for your update on your father so articulate and well said. I have known you Dad for a long time and have always observed his stalwart faith, his evident wisdom, and his Christlike demeanor. Solid and steady always he has lead well and supported and enhanced the leadership of many Superintendents under whom he has served so nobly and with humility. And... on top of all that he's a Leafs fan which makes him stand even taller in my eyes. David, you are loved, respected, and greatly appreciated. We are continuing to stand with you in prayer. Shalom!

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  12. Wow! We love this man and continue to pray for him and your entire family!

    Thank you Jordan for this update and honest poem! David/Your father has been an incredible encouragement in my life! Please know we are wanting God's very best for all of you!

    Love
    Graham and Lindsay Kivell

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  13. Thank you for being a constant example and testimony of God's love. His love is always with you and your family. Thank you for your update. Your family is in my prayers.

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  14. Continuing to pray for all of you. David, the wisdom, care, and joy you have given me and Stephen will ALWAYS be rooted in peace - taken from the source of Jesus living and sprouting from within your heart. Your friendship is a daily blessing.

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  15. chandra singh

    man of God . When everything fails to work the Precious Blood of Jesus will work wonders for you against all sin and evil . We love you Pastor Hazzard and Stacey and family very much and are holding you up in prayer before the throne of His mercy and Grace .

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  16. Rev. Hazzard, we love you and your family. Praise God He's got this; He has you in the palm of His hand. He has everything in control. Fear not. Worry not. He is with you; all is well.

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  17. Love you my brother...we are praying for you and all your family.

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  18. Love you my brother...we are praying for you and all your family.

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  19. Thank you Jordan for sharing your families precious journey. Thank you God for your Holy Spirit that gives hope and peace beyond what are own hearts can muster up. Trusting this step in the journey will be rich in the love and laughter of your family as you enjoy your time together, and rich with His presence.

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  20. David, you have enriched my life. I'm a better person having known you. Grace and humility abound in you. It has always been easy to see Christ in you. Your Christlikeness seemed so effortless, and we all have our moments where we are not who we strive to be, but I don't think I can personally think of an interaction that didn't exude the character of Christ. Thank you for who you are. We love you and are praying for you!

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  21. David, you have enriched my life. I'm a better person having known you. Grace and humility abound in you. It has always been easy to see Christ in you. Your Christlikeness seemed so effortless, and we all have our moments where we are not who we strive to be, but I don't think I can personally think of an interaction that didn't exude the character of Christ. Thank you for who you are. We love you and are praying for you!

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  23. ELOQUENCE, is how we would describe Davids preaching. Truly blessed of God, which you obviously inherited as your blog proves .
    Happily David has not left us as his children and grandchildren are filled with the essence of him, spiritually and genetically. So his presence goes on.
    We are privileged that we are able to call your family friends.
    Our prayers have been and will continue to be with your family.
    "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news...who proclaim salvation. Isaiah 52.7
    Rick, Lise and Sebastien

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  24. He was our pastor for many years at Queensway Cathedral Church (Church on the Queensway). He was the man who loved his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, a man of integrity and wisdom. He was a great expository preacher and Bible teacher. When he spoke to you personally, he would look you straight in the eyes and listen intently. When he got to know you, he would never forget your name. He touched many lives with his uprightness. His memory lives on.

    May the tangible love of God comfort his beloved wife Stacey, his children, grandchildren and the entire Hazzard family.

    "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His (Jesus) appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, The word of Apostle Paul)

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