"I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task."-Sarah Young (Jesus Calling).
In the past, when I was in my prime both physically and mentally, I was one of those folks who said "Yes" to nearly everything I was asked to do if it had merit in my estimation. It was easy back then. The task of meeting the needs of family became pretty routine, my health was good, my energy level high and there was usually energy left over for participation in life outside the home as well.
With age and its accompanying changes it became easier to say "No" on occasion. Out of necessity I became a better steward of self.
Now, as I face the challenge of accepting the job of having cancer, I realize that I still have the option of saying "Yes" or "No", and I am choosing "Yes".
With the promise of the above quote I can go forward knowing that I have already been equipped for the task. I have a stellar team, both personal and professional, to help me here on earth and with God as my Great Physician, I can be assured of doing the job well.
Yet while answering "Yes" to my present challenge, I am aware that there will be the occasional "No" along the way. I will say "No" to discouragement, and to discomfort , and to ignorance and defeat, even though it's no easy task when the body is depleted.
Today I feel depleted, but it will not always be today. I am slowly learning the rhythms of this dance and I know that the tempo of the dance changes regularly with the music.
Tomorrow there will be a new melody.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life."-Psalm 138:7.
"O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
When under all the trials that weary me,
The fears that disturb me,
The infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to Thee in my need
And feel peace beyond understanding!"-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.
On the health front:
Blood draw early this morning to determine whether or not I'll need more Neupogen before my next chemo infusion.
I'm ready for a nap.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
God's Presence
Recently we were thinking back to the beginning of our journey through cancer, back to the early post-surgery phase when my challenges were at their peak. There was pretty significant pain at that time, accompanied by discouraging news regarding my situation, so attempting to focus on God's plan for me didn't always result in clarity of thought or perception. But as I think back I am struck again, for the millionth time, by the reality that the intensity with which I feel His presence has nothing to do with His actual presence. God is fully with me 100% of every moment that I exist. It is I who moves closer to or farther away from Him.
I would be dishonest if I said that discouragement never sets in, but it's at those times that I most clearly see the need to have a serious discussion with God regarding what I know to be true about Him.
"Believer! What a glorious assurance! This way of thine-this, it may be, a crooked, mysterious, tangled way- this way of trial and tears. 'He knoweth it.' The furnace seven times heated- He lighted it......
The furnace is hot; but not only can we trust the hand that kindles it, but we have the assurance that the fires are lighted not to consume, but to refine; and that when the refining process is completed (no sooner-no later) He brings His people forth as gold."-Macduff ( Streams in the Desert).
What encouraging words from Macduff, whoever he was. He gave me just what I needed for today.
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come out as gold."-Job 23:10 (ESV).
On the health front:
Captivity at home is resulting in many cupboards getting cleaned and closets reorganized, and that's not a bad thing!
Tomorrow's lab work results will determine what the week will bring, but as of this moment I have no complaints😊
I would be dishonest if I said that discouragement never sets in, but it's at those times that I most clearly see the need to have a serious discussion with God regarding what I know to be true about Him.
"Believer! What a glorious assurance! This way of thine-this, it may be, a crooked, mysterious, tangled way- this way of trial and tears. 'He knoweth it.' The furnace seven times heated- He lighted it......
The furnace is hot; but not only can we trust the hand that kindles it, but we have the assurance that the fires are lighted not to consume, but to refine; and that when the refining process is completed (no sooner-no later) He brings His people forth as gold."-Macduff ( Streams in the Desert).
What encouraging words from Macduff, whoever he was. He gave me just what I needed for today.
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come out as gold."-Job 23:10 (ESV).
On the health front:
Captivity at home is resulting in many cupboards getting cleaned and closets reorganized, and that's not a bad thing!
Tomorrow's lab work results will determine what the week will bring, but as of this moment I have no complaints😊
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Growing old
I'm not sure why I'm attracted to verses about growing old this morning, but it is what it is.
I don't remember ever fearing growing old and for that I am grateful. I have had a great life and I view each day as a gift. Life is a privilege that I hope to enjoy for a long time and I don't want to miss out on a minute of it. If I could change one thing about life, however, it would be that we could be given the gifts of the wisdom and experience of old age at the same time we enjoyed a young and energetic body, but that wasn't God's plan so I suspect He knows something that I don't on that subject.
Enough rambling. I'm ready to focus on a few of God's promises regarding old age:
"Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and I will take care of you. I will carry you and save you."-Isaiah 46:4 (NCV).
And I am here to tell you, gray hairs and all, that the above verse is absolutely true!
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man [older], I put childish ways behind me."-1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).
I had a great childhood but there's no doubt in my mind that I'd rather be right where I am than back in my younger years. Life just gets better and better!
"God, You have taught me since I was young. To this day I tell about the miracles You do. Even though I am old and gray, do not leave me, God. I will tell the children about Your power; I will tell those who live after me about Your might."-Psalm 71:17,18 (NCV).
And I can read the above verses in Psalm 71, confident that He will never leave me. What a wonderful promise.
Max Lucado, in his own inimitable way, sums it all up in a few concise thoughts:
"Aging? A necessary process to pass on to a better world.
Death? Merely a brief passage, a tunnel.
There, was that so bad?"-Max Lucado (God Came Near).
Today I am grateful for the privilege of growing old, and at the same time I ask for the privilege of growing older. There's just so much left to see and experience!
And I have just discovered, as I re-read this post, another blessing of old age. When I re-visit topics of past blogs, which I often do, I find that I have totally forgotten what I wrote back then so it's new all over again😊
On the health front:
Aside from being held captive in my own home by unmanageable white blood cells, I feel great.
Thank you, my Great Physician.
I don't remember ever fearing growing old and for that I am grateful. I have had a great life and I view each day as a gift. Life is a privilege that I hope to enjoy for a long time and I don't want to miss out on a minute of it. If I could change one thing about life, however, it would be that we could be given the gifts of the wisdom and experience of old age at the same time we enjoyed a young and energetic body, but that wasn't God's plan so I suspect He knows something that I don't on that subject.
Enough rambling. I'm ready to focus on a few of God's promises regarding old age:
"Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and I will take care of you. I will carry you and save you."-Isaiah 46:4 (NCV).
And I am here to tell you, gray hairs and all, that the above verse is absolutely true!
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man [older], I put childish ways behind me."-1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV).
I had a great childhood but there's no doubt in my mind that I'd rather be right where I am than back in my younger years. Life just gets better and better!
"God, You have taught me since I was young. To this day I tell about the miracles You do. Even though I am old and gray, do not leave me, God. I will tell the children about Your power; I will tell those who live after me about Your might."-Psalm 71:17,18 (NCV).
And I can read the above verses in Psalm 71, confident that He will never leave me. What a wonderful promise.
Max Lucado, in his own inimitable way, sums it all up in a few concise thoughts:
"Aging? A necessary process to pass on to a better world.
Death? Merely a brief passage, a tunnel.
There, was that so bad?"-Max Lucado (God Came Near).
Today I am grateful for the privilege of growing old, and at the same time I ask for the privilege of growing older. There's just so much left to see and experience!
And I have just discovered, as I re-read this post, another blessing of old age. When I re-visit topics of past blogs, which I often do, I find that I have totally forgotten what I wrote back then so it's new all over again😊
On the health front:
Aside from being held captive in my own home by unmanageable white blood cells, I feel great.
Thank you, my Great Physician.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
New territory
I have acquired a new label. I am now "Neutropenic", which doesn't sound particularly flattering as adjectives go. In truth it's simply a new health category so I look forward to not having to carry the label forever. However, with a new health situation comes the need to seek encouragement from sources that have always been available but that will now become more in focus for me. Psalm 46 more than fits the bill this morning.
The very first verse reads, "God is our [my] refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." "Always".....not sometimes, not conditional. How encouraging is that!
Then I go to verse 2, which assures me that I will not need to fear "...when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." When compared to these catastrophes my challenges pale, so I truly have no need to fear.
Verse 5 assures me that when God dwells in a city, it cannot be destroyed. It may be a stretch, but this morning I am considering my body to be that city that cannot be destroyed. I can then claim the promise of the second portion of that verse, "From the very break of day, God will protect it." Absolutely no worries!
There is much more to consider in this beautiful psalm but my focus today will simply be on the words of verse 10a, which encourage me to, "Be still, and know that I am God."
On the health front:
Neutropenic means that my white blood cell count is unacceptably low. With that category comes new precautions: Limited interaction with people in order to reduce the chance of infection, taking temps several times daily, some food restrictions and general vigilance on physical signs that might indicate that something is "off".
Fortunately there is an injection that boosts white cell production. I have had one so far and will probably require more depending on what the lab work reveals. Abnormally low white cell numbers=temporary suspension of chemo infusions=longer treatment schedule=delayed PET scan=longer wait to see if this has all been worthwhile.
I am opting for as fast a track as possible to further understanding of where we are medically. Spiritually, my Great Physician is providing all the treatment I need. Thank You, Lord, for Your continuing faithfulness.
The very first verse reads, "God is our [my] refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." "Always".....not sometimes, not conditional. How encouraging is that!
Then I go to verse 2, which assures me that I will not need to fear "...when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." When compared to these catastrophes my challenges pale, so I truly have no need to fear.
Verse 5 assures me that when God dwells in a city, it cannot be destroyed. It may be a stretch, but this morning I am considering my body to be that city that cannot be destroyed. I can then claim the promise of the second portion of that verse, "From the very break of day, God will protect it." Absolutely no worries!
There is much more to consider in this beautiful psalm but my focus today will simply be on the words of verse 10a, which encourage me to, "Be still, and know that I am God."
On the health front:
Neutropenic means that my white blood cell count is unacceptably low. With that category comes new precautions: Limited interaction with people in order to reduce the chance of infection, taking temps several times daily, some food restrictions and general vigilance on physical signs that might indicate that something is "off".
Fortunately there is an injection that boosts white cell production. I have had one so far and will probably require more depending on what the lab work reveals. Abnormally low white cell numbers=temporary suspension of chemo infusions=longer treatment schedule=delayed PET scan=longer wait to see if this has all been worthwhile.
I am opting for as fast a track as possible to further understanding of where we are medically. Spiritually, my Great Physician is providing all the treatment I need. Thank You, Lord, for Your continuing faithfulness.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thanks, Charles
"Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of."-Charles Spurgeon.
Spurgeon was a British theologian who lived and taught in the 1800s. He was known as The Prince of Preachers, and for good reason. Although he was firmly rooted in his denomination, his appeal was to all people and even today he is widely quoted and respected.
I needed to read the above quote this morning. We were thrown a curve at our doctor visit yesterday and I am finding myself reacting in a less than stellar way. I was looking forward to doing some things that I had planned and my plans were changed. Imagine that!
In past blogs I have expressed gratitude for my closeness to God and for the things He is teaching me and here I sit, irritated in the most childish of ways. Spurgeon, as God's representative this morning, will nudge me back on track.
"'Stand still'. Keep the posture of an upright man [woman], ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, 'Go forward.'"
"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."
"The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
"You might not always get what you want but you always get what you expect."
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Thanks, Charles. I needed those words today!
On the health front:
We got an unexpected surprise from Dr. Polowy yesterday. My white blood cells have tanked, probably due to the cumulative effects of Phase 2 treatment combined with the Gemzar treatment last week. No chemo treatment was allowed due to the unacceptable numbers.
I received a booster shot to stimulate white blood cell production instead and will get my chemo infusion today, followed by additional boosters next week if the white blood cell count doesn't improve.
I'm back in captivity. Limited interaction, no crowds, no fresh fruits and veggies (possible bacteria), hand washing often.
Please pray for an increase in those white blood cells. They could use a little encouragement 😊
Spurgeon was a British theologian who lived and taught in the 1800s. He was known as The Prince of Preachers, and for good reason. Although he was firmly rooted in his denomination, his appeal was to all people and even today he is widely quoted and respected.
I needed to read the above quote this morning. We were thrown a curve at our doctor visit yesterday and I am finding myself reacting in a less than stellar way. I was looking forward to doing some things that I had planned and my plans were changed. Imagine that!
In past blogs I have expressed gratitude for my closeness to God and for the things He is teaching me and here I sit, irritated in the most childish of ways. Spurgeon, as God's representative this morning, will nudge me back on track.
"'Stand still'. Keep the posture of an upright man [woman], ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, 'Go forward.'"
"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."
"The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
"You might not always get what you want but you always get what you expect."
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Thanks, Charles. I needed those words today!
On the health front:
We got an unexpected surprise from Dr. Polowy yesterday. My white blood cells have tanked, probably due to the cumulative effects of Phase 2 treatment combined with the Gemzar treatment last week. No chemo treatment was allowed due to the unacceptable numbers.
I received a booster shot to stimulate white blood cell production instead and will get my chemo infusion today, followed by additional boosters next week if the white blood cell count doesn't improve.
I'm back in captivity. Limited interaction, no crowds, no fresh fruits and veggies (possible bacteria), hand washing often.
Please pray for an increase in those white blood cells. They could use a little encouragement 😊
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Yesterday's thoughts, today's promises
Yesterday the unknown writer, F.B.M., encouraged me to keep my eyes not so much on the promises but on the Promisor. Keeping that counsel in mind, I'm now drawn to a few of the innumerable promises of the Promisor that keep me encouraged on a daily basis.
"Love never ends. These three things continue forever: Faith, hope and love."-1 Corinthians 13:8,13 (NCV). God Himself is the true essence of love. Even on my worst days, when I feel neither loving nor lovable, God loves me. He chose to do that, He promises to do that and He will always do that. Inconceivable!
"God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him."-Luke 1:50 (NCV). He didn't lift me up only to drop me. His grip is firm. Reassuring!
"So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep His agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love Him and obey His commandments."-Deuteronomy 7:9 (NCV). God is not hindered by time as I know it. His "agreement of love" was on the scene long before I was and it will continue long after I've departed. Encouraging!
"Every word of God is true. He guards those who come to Him for safety."-Proverbs 30:5 (NCV).
Two promises here. I never have to doubt what He imprints on my heart. He is the Real Deal. And I will never need to worry about His ability to keep me in His hand. I have a safe harbor at all times. Comforting!
That should be enough to keep me going for today😊
"Do Thou be with me, and prepare me for all the smiles of prosperity,
The frowns of adversity,
The losses of substance,
The death of friends,
The days of darkness,
The changes of life,
And the last great change of all.
May I find Thy grace sufficient for all my needs."-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.
Beautiful!
On the health front:
Chemo today but other than that nothing significant to report this morning, thankfully.
"Love never ends. These three things continue forever: Faith, hope and love."-1 Corinthians 13:8,13 (NCV). God Himself is the true essence of love. Even on my worst days, when I feel neither loving nor lovable, God loves me. He chose to do that, He promises to do that and He will always do that. Inconceivable!
"God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him."-Luke 1:50 (NCV). He didn't lift me up only to drop me. His grip is firm. Reassuring!
"So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep His agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love Him and obey His commandments."-Deuteronomy 7:9 (NCV). God is not hindered by time as I know it. His "agreement of love" was on the scene long before I was and it will continue long after I've departed. Encouraging!
"Every word of God is true. He guards those who come to Him for safety."-Proverbs 30:5 (NCV).
Two promises here. I never have to doubt what He imprints on my heart. He is the Real Deal. And I will never need to worry about His ability to keep me in His hand. I have a safe harbor at all times. Comforting!
That should be enough to keep me going for today😊
"Do Thou be with me, and prepare me for all the smiles of prosperity,
The frowns of adversity,
The losses of substance,
The death of friends,
The days of darkness,
The changes of life,
And the last great change of all.
May I find Thy grace sufficient for all my needs."-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.
Beautiful!
On the health front:
Chemo today but other than that nothing significant to report this morning, thankfully.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Trust
Good thoughts from Streams this morning. "He leant not so much on the promises as upon the Promisor."-F.B.M. (Streams in the Desert).
This food for thought is based on the Old Testament account of Abraham's calling from God to go forward into an absolutely unknown future, secure only in the knowledge that he was being called by God and that he could trust Him in and for everything that the call would involve.
Would it be totally weird to compare myself to Abraham? I don't have family, camels, goats, tents, provisions to move across miles and miles of unknown and often unfriendly territory. I am comfortably settled in Mesa, surrounded by all needed provisions. But I am being called, nevertheless, albeit in a different way. I am called to an absolutely unknown future and I am relying not so much on the promises as on the Promiser. (But then again, aren't we all called to an unknown future?)
I take great comfort in the fact that, regardless of my circumstances, I am not the one in control.
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed."-Hebrews 11:8.
"....Earth's best cannot bear comparison with Heaven's least."-F.B.M. (Streams in the Desert).
On the health front:
I will have a chance to visit with Dr. Polowy tomorrow before chemo. If there is anything of interest to report, it will be reported.
Stay tuned😊
This food for thought is based on the Old Testament account of Abraham's calling from God to go forward into an absolutely unknown future, secure only in the knowledge that he was being called by God and that he could trust Him in and for everything that the call would involve.
Would it be totally weird to compare myself to Abraham? I don't have family, camels, goats, tents, provisions to move across miles and miles of unknown and often unfriendly territory. I am comfortably settled in Mesa, surrounded by all needed provisions. But I am being called, nevertheless, albeit in a different way. I am called to an absolutely unknown future and I am relying not so much on the promises as on the Promiser. (But then again, aren't we all called to an unknown future?)
I take great comfort in the fact that, regardless of my circumstances, I am not the one in control.
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed."-Hebrews 11:8.
"....Earth's best cannot bear comparison with Heaven's least."-F.B.M. (Streams in the Desert).
On the health front:
I will have a chance to visit with Dr. Polowy tomorrow before chemo. If there is anything of interest to report, it will be reported.
Stay tuned😊
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Closer to Heaven
This is not meant to be a bummer blog in the least and there has been no recent news that has caused me to anticipate heading heavenward anytime soon, but I am finding myself contemplating heaven more often now than in the past. There's a pretty good chance that I won't be the first human being to cheat death and there's nothing like a diagnosis of cancer to bring that reality home in a big hurry.
When life is relatively problem free it's easy to relegate death and heaven to the back burner. There is plenty to think about in the present. But now I find myself enjoying life in a new way. I find myself looking for inklings of the heaven that I imagine here on earth.
Carson enjoys gardening. On our patio are infant tomatoes and peppers. Lettuce is growing and a few garlic buds are pretty close to the surface. There's something satisfying and exciting about watching those plants grow. God's hand is at the core of the beauty of that little garden.
As I plunk away this morning I can look to the East and enjoy yet another beautiful Arizona sunrise. In the background I hear birds busily attending to their duties and singing as they go. A preview of heaven? Maybe. I look forward to pleasant interaction with folks I love today. A glimpse of heaven right here on earth? Hopefully. And the list goes on and on.
As I prepare for my day I will ask God to keep me aware of the fact that I am surrounded by His beauty in creation. And I will ask Him to keep me aware of the knowledge that although He offers me all this here on earth, what awaits me in heaven is so much more.
"Thou art the blessed God....
Thou hast produced me and sustained me,
Supported and indulged me,
Saved and kept me;
Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries.
May I live by Thee, live for Thee,
Never be satisfied with my Christian progress
But as I resemble Christ;
And may conformity to His principles, temper and conduct
Grow hourly in my life......"-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.
On the health front:
No new surprises, thankfully.
God is good.....all the time.
When life is relatively problem free it's easy to relegate death and heaven to the back burner. There is plenty to think about in the present. But now I find myself enjoying life in a new way. I find myself looking for inklings of the heaven that I imagine here on earth.
Carson enjoys gardening. On our patio are infant tomatoes and peppers. Lettuce is growing and a few garlic buds are pretty close to the surface. There's something satisfying and exciting about watching those plants grow. God's hand is at the core of the beauty of that little garden.
As I plunk away this morning I can look to the East and enjoy yet another beautiful Arizona sunrise. In the background I hear birds busily attending to their duties and singing as they go. A preview of heaven? Maybe. I look forward to pleasant interaction with folks I love today. A glimpse of heaven right here on earth? Hopefully. And the list goes on and on.
As I prepare for my day I will ask God to keep me aware of the fact that I am surrounded by His beauty in creation. And I will ask Him to keep me aware of the knowledge that although He offers me all this here on earth, what awaits me in heaven is so much more.
"Thou art the blessed God....
Thou hast produced me and sustained me,
Supported and indulged me,
Saved and kept me;
Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries.
May I live by Thee, live for Thee,
Never be satisfied with my Christian progress
But as I resemble Christ;
And may conformity to His principles, temper and conduct
Grow hourly in my life......"-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.
On the health front:
No new surprises, thankfully.
God is good.....all the time.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Encouragement
The Gemzar has kicked in. I don't think I fully appreciated the return of energy during my mini-chemo vacation. Now that it's draining again, it appears that I'm back to being a semi-slug for the time being. At the outset of our journey into cancer many friends and family members offered verses from the Bible and words of encouragement that had benefited them in times of need and before I begin my quiet time reading this morning I'm reviewing those thoughts to remind me again that I'm not alone on this trek.
Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."-From BFF Pat.
Isaiah 41:13-"For I, The Lord God, hold your right hand. It is I Who says to you, 'Fear not. I am the One Who helps you.'"- Again, Pat.
Psalm 119:49,50-"Remember Your Word to your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life."-From Mary.
Oswald Chambers-"God does not ask me to do the things that are naturally easy. He only asks me to do the things that I am perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come."-From Lee Ann.
Philippians 1:27-"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ."-From Beth.
Philippians 4:6,7-"Be not anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."-From Jody.
There are dozens more but I will focus on these today.
God is faithful.
On the health front:
Prayer request: Discouragement can set it when energy is drained. I'll need some heavenly help to keep that from happening. Any prayer offerings in that direction will be appreciated.
Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."-From BFF Pat.
Isaiah 41:13-"For I, The Lord God, hold your right hand. It is I Who says to you, 'Fear not. I am the One Who helps you.'"- Again, Pat.
Psalm 119:49,50-"Remember Your Word to your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life."-From Mary.
Oswald Chambers-"God does not ask me to do the things that are naturally easy. He only asks me to do the things that I am perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come."-From Lee Ann.
Philippians 1:27-"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ."-From Beth.
Philippians 4:6,7-"Be not anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."-From Jody.
There are dozens more but I will focus on these today.
God is faithful.
On the health front:
Prayer request: Discouragement can set it when energy is drained. I'll need some heavenly help to keep that from happening. Any prayer offerings in that direction will be appreciated.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Escape
We are running away from home until Sunday afternoon before the Gemzar catches up with me, so this spot will be blog less for a couple of days.
See you on Monday😊
On the health front:
Believe it or not, it was actually pleasant to see the familiar faces of the Oncology nurses again. I was greeted so warmly that one would think they actually remembered me!
The memories of Phase One came back quickly as I experienced slight dizziness and an unpleasant taste in my mouth, but that was the extent of my discomfort today.
There is a reason that the whole experience was so anxiety free. That reason is a colorful, cozy blanket to keep me warm in the always-chilly chemo room. It was given to me on Tuesday by a dear childhood friend, Joni, who presented it on behalf of the Solera Desert Mountain Bible Fellowship of Chandler. These beautiful women select the fabric, then pray over it specifically for the needs of the recipient. When the cheery, colorful blanket is assembled, a personalized label is sewn into it, reading, "Made especially for Barbara: Covered with Prayer." They have named their unique ministry "Knots of Love".
I firmly believe that the sense of peace that I enjoyed today in my recliner, stuck with tubes dripping the gross cocktail into my body, was the direct result of the prayers imbedded in this blanket. I am indebted to these ladies and I smile inwardly when I think of the joy that they must also bring to so many others. What a beautiful example of God's love in action.
See you on Monday😊
On the health front:
Believe it or not, it was actually pleasant to see the familiar faces of the Oncology nurses again. I was greeted so warmly that one would think they actually remembered me!
The memories of Phase One came back quickly as I experienced slight dizziness and an unpleasant taste in my mouth, but that was the extent of my discomfort today.
There is a reason that the whole experience was so anxiety free. That reason is a colorful, cozy blanket to keep me warm in the always-chilly chemo room. It was given to me on Tuesday by a dear childhood friend, Joni, who presented it on behalf of the Solera Desert Mountain Bible Fellowship of Chandler. These beautiful women select the fabric, then pray over it specifically for the needs of the recipient. When the cheery, colorful blanket is assembled, a personalized label is sewn into it, reading, "Made especially for Barbara: Covered with Prayer." They have named their unique ministry "Knots of Love".
I firmly believe that the sense of peace that I enjoyed today in my recliner, stuck with tubes dripping the gross cocktail into my body, was the direct result of the prayers imbedded in this blanket. I am indebted to these ladies and I smile inwardly when I think of the joy that they must also bring to so many others. What a beautiful example of God's love in action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)