I had a CT scan done today to see how things are progressing with my treatment. The doctor just called with the results. He said everything looks VERY GOOD! He said the tumor has shrunk from 2 inches to a 1/2 inch! Praise God!!!!! I do need ya'll to pray about one thing though. The radiologist doesn't have anything to compare with so I'm to get a copy of the previous MRI to them next week. From the radiologist report, there are areas that look like metastatis, but my doctor talked to the radiologist and they agreed that because I'm doing so well, that more than likely (notice emphasis) it is where healing is taking place or scar tissue. My doctor told me not to worry because he said it is hard to distinguish this in the lung especially if you don't have anything to compare it to. The radiologist agreed with him that if it has metastasized, we would be seeing symptoms of that and we're not. Remember all this started with back pain and I have NO pain in my body!! Praise God!!
So, please continue to pray that when the radiologist sees the previous MRI and compares this to the CT next week, that he will confirm that this is healing tissue, not metastatis. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
As we wrap up the year, it's been an extraordinary year to say the least. God has been so good to us and has never left us to walk this path alone. I've never felt his presence like I have this year. The peace that passes all understanding has been a gift He has given to us, one I can't quite explain, but know it has been so precious. The lessons we've learned, the prayers we've seen answered, the love we've experienced, the grace He has given to sustain us have been a gift. I know people think I'm crazy when I say that this cancer diagnosis has been a gift, but when you really think about it, it is. I've learned to rely on the Father in a way I have never known before. I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. We're in the palm of His hand, right where He wants us to be.
For each prayer you've prayed for us, for the phone calls, the emails, the cards, and other expressions of love and concern, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This year will not be forgotten. It's all written down on paper. Who knows, one day it might be a book. My prayer is that He receives all the glory for the great things He has done. My spirit just shouts on the inside with excitement about all He has done and will do in the future! "I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all the Lord has done for us,"… Isaiah 63:7a,b
May the New Year be one where we all find ourselves seeking His face more each day, drawing closer to Him, and learning to walk closer with Him! May it be filled with love, joy, peace, and good health for each of us! Thanks for sharing the journey with us!
Living with hope,
Molly
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Answer me when I call, O God of my right! ~ Psalm 4:1a
In so many of our lives today, when we phone others we get busy signals. Or we quickly get put on hold. Or our calls are screened. Or we must navigate through a dozen messages in order to reach who we need. Or we have to leave a message that never gets returned. It's especially frustrating when we are seeking answers that directly impact on our health and lives. In our desperation and anxiety we want to reach the ones who can help us without complication or delay. But with God it is not complicated. With God there is no delay. Because God is already at work even before we ask or know what to ask. God is the One whose line is always open, who never screens us and who is never too busy to hear.
I remember that you are always listening, even when I am not calling to you. Your ear is already waiting for my voice. Your hands are already creating a solution for me. Thank you for always being ready for me, O God. Amen.
In so many of our lives today, when we phone others we get busy signals. Or we quickly get put on hold. Or our calls are screened. Or we must navigate through a dozen messages in order to reach who we need. Or we have to leave a message that never gets returned. It's especially frustrating when we are seeking answers that directly impact on our health and lives. In our desperation and anxiety we want to reach the ones who can help us without complication or delay. But with God it is not complicated. With God there is no delay. Because God is already at work even before we ask or know what to ask. God is the One whose line is always open, who never screens us and who is never too busy to hear.
I remember that you are always listening, even when I am not calling to you. Your ear is already waiting for my voice. Your hands are already creating a solution for me. Thank you for always being ready for me, O God. Amen.
Friday, December 18, 2009
This was my devotion for today. I think it is a pretty powerful one.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power." ~ Ephesians 6:10
Trust. Confidence. Resolve. Hope. A positive vision. These things are of God. They give us strength. They empower us. They supply us with the courage to face the uncertain future before us. We need each of these things to help us react to all that lies ahead with a healthy attitude and with grace. The gifts we need for healing, like these, all come from the One who is an endless source of support and sustenance for us. We do not have to travel on this road alone, left to our own limited knowledge and skills. But we can certainly rely on God to supply us with every gift necessary to find exactly what we need.
I can't do this alone, O Lord. I need your power to help me find my way. Don't let me try to find healing without you. Remind me of my own limitations and of your infinite care and love. Amen.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power." ~ Ephesians 6:10
Trust. Confidence. Resolve. Hope. A positive vision. These things are of God. They give us strength. They empower us. They supply us with the courage to face the uncertain future before us. We need each of these things to help us react to all that lies ahead with a healthy attitude and with grace. The gifts we need for healing, like these, all come from the One who is an endless source of support and sustenance for us. We do not have to travel on this road alone, left to our own limited knowledge and skills. But we can certainly rely on God to supply us with every gift necessary to find exactly what we need.
I can't do this alone, O Lord. I need your power to help me find my way. Don't let me try to find healing without you. Remind me of my own limitations and of your infinite care and love. Amen.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
We are all significant in God's eyes
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? " - Matthew 6:26
One of the things I've learned through my walk with cancer is that we are all signficant in God’s eyes. I knew I was important before the diagnosis, but after the diagnosis, I really knew, if that makes sense. Up until that time, I never saw myself as being a real vital part of this big world we live in. I knew the Lord loved me, but after the diagnosis, the Lord showed me truly how much He loves me through the body of Christ. I remember days going by when all I could do was cry. I've never cried such big tears and there was nothing I could do to stop them. They just kept coming. A friend told me tears bring healing and I could certainly use some healing. He truly holds each of us in the palm of His hand.
Realizing that I am valued in God’s kingdom is one of the most vital gifts we can give ourselves. Knowing how much God wants us to believe we are created in a divine image can change our outlooks in many positive ways no matter what we are facing. When we comprehend how much God loves us and wants to help us, our lives are renewed and transformed. We are changed for the better when we believe inherently that God cares for us deeply and that God’s only will is for us to have only the best of life and love.
My value in your eyes is ultimately impossible for me to understand, dear Lord. The love you have for me is far more deep and strong than I can ever know. But as I grow more aware, I thank you for the way it gives me hope and new life. Amen.
One of the things I've learned through my walk with cancer is that we are all signficant in God’s eyes. I knew I was important before the diagnosis, but after the diagnosis, I really knew, if that makes sense. Up until that time, I never saw myself as being a real vital part of this big world we live in. I knew the Lord loved me, but after the diagnosis, the Lord showed me truly how much He loves me through the body of Christ. I remember days going by when all I could do was cry. I've never cried such big tears and there was nothing I could do to stop them. They just kept coming. A friend told me tears bring healing and I could certainly use some healing. He truly holds each of us in the palm of His hand.
Realizing that I am valued in God’s kingdom is one of the most vital gifts we can give ourselves. Knowing how much God wants us to believe we are created in a divine image can change our outlooks in many positive ways no matter what we are facing. When we comprehend how much God loves us and wants to help us, our lives are renewed and transformed. We are changed for the better when we believe inherently that God cares for us deeply and that God’s only will is for us to have only the best of life and love.
My value in your eyes is ultimately impossible for me to understand, dear Lord. The love you have for me is far more deep and strong than I can ever know. But as I grow more aware, I thank you for the way it gives me hope and new life. Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
God is bigger than our problems
VERSE:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20-21
THOUGHT:
What grand "Kingdom dreams" do you have for God's glory? What incredible ideas can you imagine requesting that God would bring to fruition? What are your expectations of heaven with God? Now that you have stretched mind, challenged your imagination, and loaded up your expectations, are you ready for some down to earth truth straight from the Marvel of heaven? God is able to do far more than any of that. His power is at work in us to do his glorious will and accomplish his eternal purposes. So let's not set our sights too low and expect too little. Live for his glory and expect to see it at work in your life.
PRAYER:
O LORD, God of heavens and earth, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd, please stir my thoughts by your Spirit to dream bigger dreams and have higher hopes than my earthbound and selfish brain can imagine. Give me a sense of wonder and expectation as I live for your glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20-21
THOUGHT:
What grand "Kingdom dreams" do you have for God's glory? What incredible ideas can you imagine requesting that God would bring to fruition? What are your expectations of heaven with God? Now that you have stretched mind, challenged your imagination, and loaded up your expectations, are you ready for some down to earth truth straight from the Marvel of heaven? God is able to do far more than any of that. His power is at work in us to do his glorious will and accomplish his eternal purposes. So let's not set our sights too low and expect too little. Live for his glory and expect to see it at work in your life.
PRAYER:
O LORD, God of heavens and earth, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd, please stir my thoughts by your Spirit to dream bigger dreams and have higher hopes than my earthbound and selfish brain can imagine. Give me a sense of wonder and expectation as I live for your glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
“Whatever you ask in prayer with faith, you will receive.” - Matthew 21:22
If we want something to work for us the first and most essential step is to believe it will work. If we believe that establishing a connection with God through prayer can give us strength, guidance and vision, it surely will. As we put our trust in the power of God to show us a better way, we will surely find a better way to face the challenges that confront us. Connecting with the power of eternity that God gives us helps us profoundly to see answers we could never see on our own. Believing that God has only the best in mind for us will encourage and energize us beyond imagination. Putting our trust in a divine authority will enable us to discover renewed hope for each new day.
In confidence I reach out to you, Lord, to show me the direction you want me to go. I know you want only the best for my life. I look to you in faith today to help me understand what all that means for me. Amen.
If we want something to work for us the first and most essential step is to believe it will work. If we believe that establishing a connection with God through prayer can give us strength, guidance and vision, it surely will. As we put our trust in the power of God to show us a better way, we will surely find a better way to face the challenges that confront us. Connecting with the power of eternity that God gives us helps us profoundly to see answers we could never see on our own. Believing that God has only the best in mind for us will encourage and energize us beyond imagination. Putting our trust in a divine authority will enable us to discover renewed hope for each new day.
In confidence I reach out to you, Lord, to show me the direction you want me to go. I know you want only the best for my life. I look to you in faith today to help me understand what all that means for me. Amen.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A Spirit of Joy
I believe having a spirit of joy is essential for every one of us, not just those walking through trials. Our attitude about life affects every area of our lives and the people around us. Having a joyful spirit can be infectious. Remember the Lord told us to "Consider it pure joy, my dear brothers, for when you face trials of many kinds, for the testing of your faith, will develop perserverance." James 1:2
Take a minute to ponder on this devotion.
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy;" - Psalm 5:11a
Possessing a spirit of joy is essential on this journey with cancer. Joy is an amazing gift from God. Joy is a spirit of trust, confidence and calm that helps us transcend all the challenges we face. Joy grants us serenity in spite of the turmoil within and around us. Joy infuses us with a sense of well-being even as we face the most difficult problems. Joy is a refuge in times of trouble. Joy is a balm that soothes our souls no matter what threatens our lives. Joy enables us to rise above our physical circumstances to experience hope and peace. That is a gift in which we truly can rejoice.
O Lord, I need this joy in my life today. I cannot be knocked down and pushed around and survive without the refuge you give. I’m looking to you today to help me find your joy alive in everything I do. Amen.
Take a minute to ponder on this devotion.
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy;" - Psalm 5:11a
Possessing a spirit of joy is essential on this journey with cancer. Joy is an amazing gift from God. Joy is a spirit of trust, confidence and calm that helps us transcend all the challenges we face. Joy grants us serenity in spite of the turmoil within and around us. Joy infuses us with a sense of well-being even as we face the most difficult problems. Joy is a refuge in times of trouble. Joy is a balm that soothes our souls no matter what threatens our lives. Joy enables us to rise above our physical circumstances to experience hope and peace. That is a gift in which we truly can rejoice.
O Lord, I need this joy in my life today. I cannot be knocked down and pushed around and survive without the refuge you give. I’m looking to you today to help me find your joy alive in everything I do. Amen.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Lord sustains me
I wish I could say I wrote this, but I didn't. Even if you aren't dealing with cancer, I'm sure that you know someone who is. Take a minute to read this devotion. What a great reminder to every one of us! Life is a precious gift!
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me." - Psalm 3:5
Each new day of life is a precious gift from God. Most of us know that in our minds. But we don’t always live and react like we do. Many cancer survivors reflect on the fragileness and uncertain pathways of life. They realize that each breath we take and each step we make are granted to us by a loving, caring creator, a creator who wants us to find goodness and joy in each of them. Never forget that God has given you a special and wondrous gift with this day. Always know that God is with you to sustain you and to share blessings with you in every moment you have on this earth.
When my eyes open each new morning, I am reminded that the day is a gracious gift from you. I pray to use this gift gratefully and joyfully for you, O God. Amen.
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me." - Psalm 3:5
Each new day of life is a precious gift from God. Most of us know that in our minds. But we don’t always live and react like we do. Many cancer survivors reflect on the fragileness and uncertain pathways of life. They realize that each breath we take and each step we make are granted to us by a loving, caring creator, a creator who wants us to find goodness and joy in each of them. Never forget that God has given you a special and wondrous gift with this day. Always know that God is with you to sustain you and to share blessings with you in every moment you have on this earth.
When my eyes open each new morning, I am reminded that the day is a gracious gift from you. I pray to use this gift gratefully and joyfully for you, O God. Amen.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" - Ephesians 6:10
Some of our strength to fight evil comes from our experiences in the past, from the encouragement of others, and from our knowledge of the truth in the Scriptures. Ultimately, however, our strength comes from God's mighty power. Paul uses his letter to the Ephesians to remind Christians that this power is what raised Jesus from the dead (1:19-20). Through that power in us, God can do much more than we can ask or imagine (3:20-21). Most important of all, as we put on our spiritual armor and dedicate ourselves to spiritual discipline, God blesses us with his power and might. We can be strong in God's mighty power.
PRAYER:
O LORD God Almighty, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd, strengthen me with your might and grace so that I can withstand the attacks and temptations of the evil one. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.
(Taken from http://www.heartlight.org/)
PRAYER:
O LORD God Almighty, my Abba Father and loving Shepherd, strengthen me with your might and grace so that I can withstand the attacks and temptations of the evil one. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.
(Taken from http://www.heartlight.org/)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine." Ephesians 3:20
This has become one of my favorite verses as I've walked this journey. This is where I got the name of my blog. We are all truly abundantly blessed. As human beings, we truly cannot begin to envision how much God can do for us. We cannot begin to imagine how much God loves us. God’s power and love are so vast and infinite. Because of our own limited understandings we actually limit how God can act in our lives. To find healing and hope we need to be open to the unimaginable power of God to break into our lives and give us far more than we can comprehend. We limit the answers God gives by limiting what we think God can do. Don’t go to God in prayer with preconceived answers about how God should respond. But go to God with a spirit open to accepting God’s amazing power and limitless love. You will be in awe of what can happen.
I come to you with an open heart, O God, ready to receive all that you give to me. I know your help is far greater than anything I can perceive. Amen.
This has become one of my favorite verses as I've walked this journey. This is where I got the name of my blog. We are all truly abundantly blessed. As human beings, we truly cannot begin to envision how much God can do for us. We cannot begin to imagine how much God loves us. God’s power and love are so vast and infinite. Because of our own limited understandings we actually limit how God can act in our lives. To find healing and hope we need to be open to the unimaginable power of God to break into our lives and give us far more than we can comprehend. We limit the answers God gives by limiting what we think God can do. Don’t go to God in prayer with preconceived answers about how God should respond. But go to God with a spirit open to accepting God’s amazing power and limitless love. You will be in awe of what can happen.
I come to you with an open heart, O God, ready to receive all that you give to me. I know your help is far greater than anything I can perceive. Amen.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
We all have some problem or trial we are dealing with. The Lord told us we would have troubles in this life. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I began to see that even though I had this diagnosis, the Lord still LOVES me. HE didn't give me this disease, but He surely will see me through. And He promises that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I had to make a decision whether I would choose to trust Him with this or not. I decided that whatever He has in store for me has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. I also had (and still do) to choose to not become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to him for help. I realized through the love shown to us through others who came when they heard our news how much He truly loves me. I know I never fully understood that until all this happened. I can remember putting Chris Tomlin's song "How Can I Keep From Singing" on in the car while I was alone, tears running down my eyes, crying out to the Father as I felt His arms of love wrap around me. I felt abundantly blessed during that time and am still in awe at His goodness to me and my family through this journey. Take a minute to listen to "How Can I Keep From Singing?" by Chris Tomlin below.
Friday, October 30, 2009
This was written in honor of a cancer survivor who believes that despite his cancer, life is good. If you are a cancer survivor, you can truly relate to what it says.
Life is Good
How can you say that life is good when you have cancer? What’s good about it? You have a disease that threatens your life. You often have pain, discomfort. Your abilities and the control you have over your life keep shrinking, while your schedule of medical visits, tumor markers, and fears keep growing. Your future appears bleaker, your days shorter. There’s just a lot going wrong, it seems. It’s frankly, overwhelming. And a lot of people say some of the most insensitive, unhelpful, hurtful things. But you still say that life is good? How can that be? What is it that you see that still convinces you of life’s goodness, joy, wonder, beauty? You’ve been through the wringer. Your life has changed and it can never go back to what it once was. But that is your answer. It can’t go back and you don’t want it to. In spite of and because of your cancer it can’t go back. That’s your answer! You have learned in spite of your cancer that God is stronger than the cancer is, that you are stronger than the cancer too. You have learned because of your cancer that the fragility of life makes life that much more special, precious, worth living fully. You have learned to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, laugh more freely, risk more boldly. You have learned, it seems, to search more seriously for God’s face and in your search, you see God’s face in so many more places than you ever had before. You really do see life as good, because life is meant to be good and when you found that truth you decided to begin to live it, to be fully alive, to be free.
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Gingerich. All rights reserved.
Life is Good
How can you say that life is good when you have cancer? What’s good about it? You have a disease that threatens your life. You often have pain, discomfort. Your abilities and the control you have over your life keep shrinking, while your schedule of medical visits, tumor markers, and fears keep growing. Your future appears bleaker, your days shorter. There’s just a lot going wrong, it seems. It’s frankly, overwhelming. And a lot of people say some of the most insensitive, unhelpful, hurtful things. But you still say that life is good? How can that be? What is it that you see that still convinces you of life’s goodness, joy, wonder, beauty? You’ve been through the wringer. Your life has changed and it can never go back to what it once was. But that is your answer. It can’t go back and you don’t want it to. In spite of and because of your cancer it can’t go back. That’s your answer! You have learned in spite of your cancer that God is stronger than the cancer is, that you are stronger than the cancer too. You have learned because of your cancer that the fragility of life makes life that much more special, precious, worth living fully. You have learned to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, laugh more freely, risk more boldly. You have learned, it seems, to search more seriously for God’s face and in your search, you see God’s face in so many more places than you ever had before. You really do see life as good, because life is meant to be good and when you found that truth you decided to begin to live it, to be fully alive, to be free.
Copyright © 2009 by Michael Gingerich. All rights reserved.
Monday, October 26, 2009
"He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." Matthew 8:17b
I just have to share this devotion with you that I received today. Please take a few minutes to read this and really take in what it says. We serve a big God and whatever we are facing today, He already knows about it. He is not caught off guard. We must choose to release our cares and let Him carry our burdens. I know it's hard to release that control, but what better place to be, letting go and letting God take care of things. What a relief we find when we do that!
Here's the devotion: We are created in God’s image. God knows us intimately and perfectly. God wants us to find relief and release for our disease and pain. Because God understands us so fully, God is the one to whom we need to connect to know how we can best find help. God’s business is about offering us healing, hope and new life. God does not want us to suffer and neither does God want us to live in despair. We need to know and believe deeply within our souls that God’s purposes are only for our everyday and eternal best.
In love you have made me. In love you exist to save me from myself, from my fears and from my distress. I will live confidently today because of this deep love for me, dear God. Amen.
Living with hope,
Molly
Here's the devotion: We are created in God’s image. God knows us intimately and perfectly. God wants us to find relief and release for our disease and pain. Because God understands us so fully, God is the one to whom we need to connect to know how we can best find help. God’s business is about offering us healing, hope and new life. God does not want us to suffer and neither does God want us to live in despair. We need to know and believe deeply within our souls that God’s purposes are only for our everyday and eternal best.
In love you have made me. In love you exist to save me from myself, from my fears and from my distress. I will live confidently today because of this deep love for me, dear God. Amen.
Living with hope,
Molly
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A challenge to change your thinking about life
"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will exult in the God of my salvation." - Habakkuk 3:18
To place our deepest hope in the One who knows the depth of eternity is to set ourselves on the strongest foundation of all. God wants only the best for us to have life and to have it abundantly. God offers the abundance to us and invites us to delight in it. How will you delight in this day God has given to you? How will you accept the love that lifts you above the everyday turmoil of this world? How will you react to challenges in a more healthy way? How will you find sacred meaning in even the most routine of tasks? When we think purposefully about these things each day and strive to do them - we will be amazed at the peace we will begin to achieve.
Lord, help me to rethink the way I approach each day. Help me to look at challenges and frustrations in a more positive way. Help me to react to them in a manner that lifts me higher, not pulls me down. I look for your guidance to set me on this better way. Amen.
To place our deepest hope in the One who knows the depth of eternity is to set ourselves on the strongest foundation of all. God wants only the best for us to have life and to have it abundantly. God offers the abundance to us and invites us to delight in it. How will you delight in this day God has given to you? How will you accept the love that lifts you above the everyday turmoil of this world? How will you react to challenges in a more healthy way? How will you find sacred meaning in even the most routine of tasks? When we think purposefully about these things each day and strive to do them - we will be amazed at the peace we will begin to achieve.
Lord, help me to rethink the way I approach each day. Help me to look at challenges and frustrations in a more positive way. Help me to react to them in a manner that lifts me higher, not pulls me down. I look for your guidance to set me on this better way. Amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Share your blessings with others that they may be encouraged.
"No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. " - Matthew 5:15
It is essential that we share the blessings we have been given. It is in sharing that we receive far more than we give. In this dark and difficult world, it is far too easy to see only the disappointments and frustrations around us. But that only makes our vision darker and of course, that's exactly what the enemy wants us to focus on. When we allow the light that does pierce the darkness to shine from us and through us, we change not only our own outlook, but also begin to influence the understandings of those around us. There are untold blessings in our midst. Take a few minutes today to write down your blessings. There is always something we can be thankful for. Remember the things that the Lord has done in the past for you. Remember His faithfulness. We can illuminate them and allow them to illuminate us to see the greater hope that God provides.
Lord, you put a light within me which warms and helps me every day. Even when I travel through this valley of illness, I realize I can help to shine that light all around me. As you bless me, help me to be a blessing to others in return. Amen.
It is essential that we share the blessings we have been given. It is in sharing that we receive far more than we give. In this dark and difficult world, it is far too easy to see only the disappointments and frustrations around us. But that only makes our vision darker and of course, that's exactly what the enemy wants us to focus on. When we allow the light that does pierce the darkness to shine from us and through us, we change not only our own outlook, but also begin to influence the understandings of those around us. There are untold blessings in our midst. Take a few minutes today to write down your blessings. There is always something we can be thankful for. Remember the things that the Lord has done in the past for you. Remember His faithfulness. We can illuminate them and allow them to illuminate us to see the greater hope that God provides.
Lord, you put a light within me which warms and helps me every day. Even when I travel through this valley of illness, I realize I can help to shine that light all around me. As you bless me, help me to be a blessing to others in return. Amen.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
While waiting, sometimes I get impatient. How about you?
"It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." - Isaiah 25:9
Most of us are not good at waiting. In fact, we probably all struggle with being impatient. I know that just when I think I've conquered impatience, it will rear it's ugly head again. We set our own timetables and are disappointed when things don’t go just as we’d like. Often, many of us blame God when life doesn’t unfold as we want. But in doing so, we forget something so utterly important …our timetables are not God’s. Our life and times are in His hands. We forget it is God who knows best, who offers what we need when we need it and whose timetable is the perfect one for us. Even when we don’t always understand God’s mysterious ways, we can be reassured that they are the ways to seek and to find.
My impatience gets in the way of my best interests too many times, Lord. I know I need to actively wait on you, and when I do, my needs will be wonderfully met. Amen.
Blessings,
Molly
Most of us are not good at waiting. In fact, we probably all struggle with being impatient. I know that just when I think I've conquered impatience, it will rear it's ugly head again. We set our own timetables and are disappointed when things don’t go just as we’d like. Often, many of us blame God when life doesn’t unfold as we want. But in doing so, we forget something so utterly important …our timetables are not God’s. Our life and times are in His hands. We forget it is God who knows best, who offers what we need when we need it and whose timetable is the perfect one for us. Even when we don’t always understand God’s mysterious ways, we can be reassured that they are the ways to seek and to find.
My impatience gets in the way of my best interests too many times, Lord. I know I need to actively wait on you, and when I do, my needs will be wonderfully met. Amen.
Blessings,
Molly
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A site recommendation for those dealing with cancer
Early on when I was first diagnosed with cancer, a cancer survivor gave a friend of mine a book for me to read. It is written by Greg Anderson. It has truly been a blessing. It's called "Cancer: 50 Essential Things to Do". This man has been a 20+ years lung cancer survivor! He has an amazing testimony! Greg and his wife have created a website to offer encouragement to cancer patients. It's http://www.cancerrecovery.org/ . Please take a minute to peruse through this site, glean what you can from it, and be sure to get a copy of the book. It's well worth the money and time to read it. He really helps you gain perspective in dealing with cancer.
Blessings,
Molly
Blessings,
Molly
Thursday, October 1, 2009
An update and praise
From my heart -
God has been so amazingly good to us through this trial. I can't tell you how much we have all grown in our walk with him. Our faith is strengthened and we are so glad He held us up through all of this. I cannot recall anything in my life that has ever brought me to the bottom where I truly had to give up total control. THIS experience has been it for me. I'm hoping that through these updates you are encouraged to seek Him more. Don't wait until you have to have a "big one" happen before you give up and let Him be all He wants to be for all of us. A friend once said to me "I'd rather be prayed up and full of the Word before the storm, then to have the storm hit and be empty." This is so true!
The chest xray shows that everything is stable and this is what my doctor wants to see. He is so pleased with this news and how I am doing. He said I'm doing great and our prayers are being answered. I have to admit that when the report read "stable", I was a tad bit disappointed, just briefly though. It was because I was looking for some great adjectives like I got last time. I mean the words "significant improvement" like I read last time are pretty hard to beat. LOL! So, stable it is and what a wonderful, encouraging word that is. Praise be to God!!
I have to share with you what happened with my veins this afternoon. Nurses have trouble finding a good vein when they do my blood work, so I'm always asking for prayer whenever I have to have that done. My nurse, Judy, knows I have lots of folks praying when I come in for my calcium iv. She's a believer in prayer. Anyhow, I sat in the sun for about 10 minutes to soak in some vitamin d before I went inside the office. I went and sat down in my usual chair. She got her "stuff" together for my iv. I was talking to a friend I've made there so I'd get my mind off of what Judy was doing. Usually it takes her a few minutes, the vein might blow or she'll have to dig, but this time when I turned to look, THE NEEDLE WAS IN and I DID NOT FEEL it at all! It was a good vein, in fact today, she she said I had FOUR good veins she could've used in my hand. Folks, that just doesn't happen with me. So, the power of prayer and the warm sunshine is what she contributes to her easy job today. She said to thank you all for praying for my veins and for her too. :-)
I am thankful for each of you and for the prayers you pray for our family. God is answering them! I'm going to be okay and I am a survivor! God is good all the time!!
Living with hope,
Molly
God has been so amazingly good to us through this trial. I can't tell you how much we have all grown in our walk with him. Our faith is strengthened and we are so glad He held us up through all of this. I cannot recall anything in my life that has ever brought me to the bottom where I truly had to give up total control. THIS experience has been it for me. I'm hoping that through these updates you are encouraged to seek Him more. Don't wait until you have to have a "big one" happen before you give up and let Him be all He wants to be for all of us. A friend once said to me "I'd rather be prayed up and full of the Word before the storm, then to have the storm hit and be empty." This is so true!
The chest xray shows that everything is stable and this is what my doctor wants to see. He is so pleased with this news and how I am doing. He said I'm doing great and our prayers are being answered. I have to admit that when the report read "stable", I was a tad bit disappointed, just briefly though. It was because I was looking for some great adjectives like I got last time. I mean the words "significant improvement" like I read last time are pretty hard to beat. LOL! So, stable it is and what a wonderful, encouraging word that is. Praise be to God!!
I have to share with you what happened with my veins this afternoon. Nurses have trouble finding a good vein when they do my blood work, so I'm always asking for prayer whenever I have to have that done. My nurse, Judy, knows I have lots of folks praying when I come in for my calcium iv. She's a believer in prayer. Anyhow, I sat in the sun for about 10 minutes to soak in some vitamin d before I went inside the office. I went and sat down in my usual chair. She got her "stuff" together for my iv. I was talking to a friend I've made there so I'd get my mind off of what Judy was doing. Usually it takes her a few minutes, the vein might blow or she'll have to dig, but this time when I turned to look, THE NEEDLE WAS IN and I DID NOT FEEL it at all! It was a good vein, in fact today, she she said I had FOUR good veins she could've used in my hand. Folks, that just doesn't happen with me. So, the power of prayer and the warm sunshine is what she contributes to her easy job today. She said to thank you all for praying for my veins and for her too. :-)
I am thankful for each of you and for the prayers you pray for our family. God is answering them! I'm going to be okay and I am a survivor! God is good all the time!!
Living with hope,
Molly
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
"He made my feet like the feet of deer, and set me secure on the heights." - II Samuel 22:34
It is our faith that enables us to be lifted up to heights we never imagined we could reach. Our faith enables us to find strength we never knew we could have, answers we never thought we could find and joy we never could have expected to experience. Our faith in a good, loving, compassionate and eternal God, equips us to know eternal wonder and infinite peace. This faith is our bedrock and our hope. We must never give up on its power to transform us so that we may triumph over the disease in our midst.
My mind can scarcely comprehend, dear God, what you do for me to deliver me from the ravages of cancer and its effects. But I know you are working without fail to give me much more than I could ever do for myself alone. Amen.
It is our faith that enables us to be lifted up to heights we never imagined we could reach. Our faith enables us to find strength we never knew we could have, answers we never thought we could find and joy we never could have expected to experience. Our faith in a good, loving, compassionate and eternal God, equips us to know eternal wonder and infinite peace. This faith is our bedrock and our hope. We must never give up on its power to transform us so that we may triumph over the disease in our midst.
My mind can scarcely comprehend, dear God, what you do for me to deliver me from the ravages of cancer and its effects. But I know you are working without fail to give me much more than I could ever do for myself alone. Amen.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
An update and prayer requests
I just wanted to post an update on me. I know it's been a while since I have posted one so I apologize for this being so long. I continue to feel good, am able to do everything I was doing before all this happened, my energy level is certainly back to normal. I am so very thankful to feel this good. I feel like my normal self again! The Lord has truly been good to me/us during all of this. He has truly carried me/us through this trial.
There have been times in the past few weeks that I've struggled with a boat load of emotions, thoughts, depression, but I know that was the work of the enemy. I've been reading a book written by someone who has been healed of cancer and the scriptures she put in the book. That has given me great comfort during this time. This has been a tough battle, but the Lord has been faithful. He has given me the grace and strength to walk through this. I'm so thankful for the scriptures that have lifted my heart and are helping me fight the battle of the mind. I've never had to fight a battle of the mind as hard as this one. Whew! But I KNOW that the Lord wants us to be happy and healthy and by His stripes we are healed.
Now, for the prayer requests:
I go back this coming Wednesday, September 30 for another calcium iv. Please pray that the nurse will find a good vein for the iv. I'm also thinking that I will be having another chest xray done before I see the doctor on Wednesday. I would truly appreciate your prayers in the upcoming week as I take another step of faith and get the chest xray done. Remember back in June, the chest xray said "significant improvement"? We were on a "high" around here after hearing those words. I think I floated on those words until sometime in July, then the battle of the mind crept in. Well, now I find myself getting ready to walk through the doors to get the next chest xray done. Pray against anxiety and that we would have increased faith for the journey. Pray that the results on the chest xray are even better than last time.
I'll update after next week's appointment.
I'll close with these words someone sent me this summer. I get goose bumps when I read this. Read it slowly and really take it in.
Andrew Seu challenges me when she writes, "When I pray, am I open to the possibility that God will not answer "yes" or "no", but this instead, 'You have no idea what's going on behind the curtain of your sensate reality, so you best had make up your mind once and for all--I do love you. Will you trust Me?' "
"Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Thy works." ~Psalm 73:25-26, 28
Living with hope,
Molly
There have been times in the past few weeks that I've struggled with a boat load of emotions, thoughts, depression, but I know that was the work of the enemy. I've been reading a book written by someone who has been healed of cancer and the scriptures she put in the book. That has given me great comfort during this time. This has been a tough battle, but the Lord has been faithful. He has given me the grace and strength to walk through this. I'm so thankful for the scriptures that have lifted my heart and are helping me fight the battle of the mind. I've never had to fight a battle of the mind as hard as this one. Whew! But I KNOW that the Lord wants us to be happy and healthy and by His stripes we are healed.
Now, for the prayer requests:
I go back this coming Wednesday, September 30 for another calcium iv. Please pray that the nurse will find a good vein for the iv. I'm also thinking that I will be having another chest xray done before I see the doctor on Wednesday. I would truly appreciate your prayers in the upcoming week as I take another step of faith and get the chest xray done. Remember back in June, the chest xray said "significant improvement"? We were on a "high" around here after hearing those words. I think I floated on those words until sometime in July, then the battle of the mind crept in. Well, now I find myself getting ready to walk through the doors to get the next chest xray done. Pray against anxiety and that we would have increased faith for the journey. Pray that the results on the chest xray are even better than last time.
I'll update after next week's appointment.
I'll close with these words someone sent me this summer. I get goose bumps when I read this. Read it slowly and really take it in.
Andrew Seu challenges me when she writes, "When I pray, am I open to the possibility that God will not answer "yes" or "no", but this instead, 'You have no idea what's going on behind the curtain of your sensate reality, so you best had make up your mind once and for all--I do love you. Will you trust Me?' "
"Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Thy works." ~Psalm 73:25-26, 28
Living with hope,
Molly
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A devotion I received.....
"And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one." - Matthew 6:13
God does not give us this disease called cancer. God does not strike us with hardship or harm us through retribution. God seeks only to save us from destruction and deliver us from all that keeps us from living fully the life we were created to live. God simply wants us to know and experience the peace, hope, joy and love that God knows. When we place our trust in God and look to God in everything we do, we can begin to experience God’s ultimate will for us every day. In that we will be saved from evil and delivered from debilitating distress.
When I am in anguish and pain, I know I need to remember that you can deliver me from falling into despair. I know, too, that you can save me from my own destructive fears. O God, I need you today and I thank you for never leaving my side. Amen.
God does not give us this disease called cancer. God does not strike us with hardship or harm us through retribution. God seeks only to save us from destruction and deliver us from all that keeps us from living fully the life we were created to live. God simply wants us to know and experience the peace, hope, joy and love that God knows. When we place our trust in God and look to God in everything we do, we can begin to experience God’s ultimate will for us every day. In that we will be saved from evil and delivered from debilitating distress.
When I am in anguish and pain, I know I need to remember that you can deliver me from falling into despair. I know, too, that you can save me from my own destructive fears. O God, I need you today and I thank you for never leaving my side. Amen.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
"Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant." I Corinthians 13:4
One gift that cancer can give is the opportunity for us to reframe our attitudes and approaches to life. The realization that life on earth is finite and fragile can serve to propel us toward healthier ways of reacting and relating to the world around us. If we love the life we have been given and love the people who share life with us, we have the blessed prospect of living more humbly, less contentiously, more gratefully and less angrily. What a gift it is to live a life where peace prevails and grace abounds. Life is tremendously richer when we understand, appreciate and accept these gifts.
Dear God, sometimes it’s hard to realize that cancer can present any gifts. But the gift of reframing our lives is a blessed one. Help me to accept this gift. Help me to use this gift in life-renewing and life-affirming ways. Amen.
Dear God, sometimes it’s hard to realize that cancer can present any gifts. But the gift of reframing our lives is a blessed one. Help me to accept this gift. Help me to use this gift in life-renewing and life-affirming ways. Amen.
Monday, August 24, 2009
God is steadfast in our everchanging lives
"The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. " Isaiah 40:8
In this life everything changes. Our relationships evolve. Our circumstances alter. Our happiness ebbs and flows. But in this world of constant transformation, there are certainties that are never dependent on conditions, feelings or time. Those certainties are the promises of God, which remain steady, unwavering and true no matter what. God is always faithful. God is always loving. God is always concerned about us. God is always reaching to connect with us even when we are not able to reach back. God’s offer of help and hope is forever fixed on our well-being and on our healing from disease, despair and disappointment. That never changes.
O God, thank you for being so steadfast in a very uncertain world. I need your calm reassurance when everything around me seems overwhelming and unsettling. I am grateful you are here to see me through. Amen.
In this life everything changes. Our relationships evolve. Our circumstances alter. Our happiness ebbs and flows. But in this world of constant transformation, there are certainties that are never dependent on conditions, feelings or time. Those certainties are the promises of God, which remain steady, unwavering and true no matter what. God is always faithful. God is always loving. God is always concerned about us. God is always reaching to connect with us even when we are not able to reach back. God’s offer of help and hope is forever fixed on our well-being and on our healing from disease, despair and disappointment. That never changes.
O God, thank you for being so steadfast in a very uncertain world. I need your calm reassurance when everything around me seems overwhelming and unsettling. I am grateful you are here to see me through. Amen.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Abundantly blessed.....
During this walk, we have received some incredible blessings, which is why I named this blog "Abundant Blessings". We have watched the Lord open doors and guide our every step. He has truly been faithful! He cares about our every need.
We have seen Him move in the provision of my oncologist. We *thought* we should see a particular one, but found out she didn't take our insurance. So, after our trying to open doors that shouldn't be opened, he closed them and opened the door for the oncologist I see now. The minute I walked in the door of this doctor, I felt God's peace. The staff is so attentive, the doctor's wife works there with him and she puts fresh flowers in the office and waiting rooms for the patients, there are Bible verses in each room and angel figurines in each room, reminding us that God is very near during our time of need. My doctor takes time with his patients, answers our questions, calms our fears of the unknown, etc. This is such a blessing!
We have seen doctor bills "paid in full". We have had people send us cards in the mail, people have called and emailed, and people that we don't even know have sent us cards and food telling us they are praying. The hand of God has truly been extended to us through the body of Christ. My husband travels during the day and just about every day, someone asks him how I am doing or tells him that they are praying for our family. That is such a blessing!
I don't ever want to forget what the Lord has done for us through this trial. He truly deserves all the praise for his abundant blessings on our family!
May He be glorified in our lives! Our greatest desire is that people will hear what He has done and that it will bring them closer to Him. He is no respector of persons. If He can do it for us, He can surely do it for anyone.
God's blessings on your day!
Molly
***********************
"Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
We have seen Him move in the provision of my oncologist. We *thought* we should see a particular one, but found out she didn't take our insurance. So, after our trying to open doors that shouldn't be opened, he closed them and opened the door for the oncologist I see now. The minute I walked in the door of this doctor, I felt God's peace. The staff is so attentive, the doctor's wife works there with him and she puts fresh flowers in the office and waiting rooms for the patients, there are Bible verses in each room and angel figurines in each room, reminding us that God is very near during our time of need. My doctor takes time with his patients, answers our questions, calms our fears of the unknown, etc. This is such a blessing!
We have seen doctor bills "paid in full". We have had people send us cards in the mail, people have called and emailed, and people that we don't even know have sent us cards and food telling us they are praying. The hand of God has truly been extended to us through the body of Christ. My husband travels during the day and just about every day, someone asks him how I am doing or tells him that they are praying for our family. That is such a blessing!
I don't ever want to forget what the Lord has done for us through this trial. He truly deserves all the praise for his abundant blessings on our family!
May He be glorified in our lives! Our greatest desire is that people will hear what He has done and that it will bring them closer to Him. He is no respector of persons. If He can do it for us, He can surely do it for anyone.
God's blessings on your day!
Molly
***********************
"Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Monday, August 10, 2009
An Encouraging Devotion to Share
"And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted." Isaiah 12:4
Our attitude affects every aspect of our life. I know when I've been around negative people, I have to fight not letting them bring me down. The attitude we have about our life and what we're going through is sometimes a minute by minute choice. I must choose to not follow their path of negativeness. I must choose to shed that bad attitude and grab hold of a positive attitude so I can walk by faith. Walking by faith and being negative don't go hand in hand.
Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Appreciation. All are vital and necessary attitudes to possess on a constant basis. The more we recognize and affirm what God has done, is doing and assures us will be done, the more we face life and our personal challenges with grace, joy and peace. Make it a specific goal each day to know how God supports and upholds you. It will make a tremendous difference in the way you approach everyone and everything that comes your way.
Lord, with gratitude I look to you. With thanksgiving I come to you. With appreciation I place my trust in you, my Hope and my Salvation. Amen.
Our attitude affects every aspect of our life. I know when I've been around negative people, I have to fight not letting them bring me down. The attitude we have about our life and what we're going through is sometimes a minute by minute choice. I must choose to not follow their path of negativeness. I must choose to shed that bad attitude and grab hold of a positive attitude so I can walk by faith. Walking by faith and being negative don't go hand in hand.
Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Appreciation. All are vital and necessary attitudes to possess on a constant basis. The more we recognize and affirm what God has done, is doing and assures us will be done, the more we face life and our personal challenges with grace, joy and peace. Make it a specific goal each day to know how God supports and upholds you. It will make a tremendous difference in the way you approach everyone and everything that comes your way.
Lord, with gratitude I look to you. With thanksgiving I come to you. With appreciation I place my trust in you, my Hope and my Salvation. Amen.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Urgent prayer is needed for this little boy! Please pray for him.
Please pray for this little boy. He will be three years old in a few days and was diagnosed with with mitochondrial disease a while back. He is not doing well at all tonight. His family are homeschoolers in South Carolina. His parents have a business called Hearts and Hands - http://handsandhearts.com/ . I know his parents would be most grateful for you to share this prayer request with others. They have been on quite a journey these almost three years.
You can follow his story at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull
Blessings,
Molly
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Just sharing some honest thoughts with you......
I just got on to write a couple of posts about this week. I had scheduled the one below this one sometime last week and honestly, had forgotten all about it. Interestingly it posted on a day and week that I hit a brick wall with my own faith. It may appear to the outside world and those that know me in real life that I am handling this cancer well, and for the most part I am, but this week has really shaken me to the core. I just re-read that post and while all of the proper responses are so very true, I have to admit that I have failed this week.
This week I have been struggling. I'm scared, angry, sad, just can't even describe all that is going on inside. It feels like when we first found out about the cancer. I am trying to take captive the thoughts that are flooding my heart and mind. A friend reminded me that the battle is in my mind. I feel like I'm in a war to be honest. My mind is rushing with thoughts, not always good ones, my emotions are all over the place, and my heart is breaking with grief and sadness. I have to be strong and get over this hump. I don't want to waste what time I have here in this present state of being. Only God knows how long and I sure do hope that I will look back on this time several years down the road and thank God for what I've learned through this.
I went to the oncologist this week. He is encouraged with my progress and glad I am feeling good. He told me that unless God intervenes and brings complete healing, I need to prepare myself to stay on this medicine the rest of my life. I am thankful for the medicine I'm able to take everyday that will extend my life, but I sure don't want to take it the rest of my life. Of course, I will but I didn't want to hear those words. I am thankful I feel good and for the most part am able to function normally. I actually feel better this summer than I did last summer, which is amazing to me. The medicine does affect my digestive system and that is not always pleasant to deal with, but it could be so much worse. Don't get me wrong, I am truly thankful for the medicine, but when you hear these words, it shows you how dependent you are on medicine to keep you alive. I think the reality of this cancer has hit me in the face again.
So, if you think of me in the coming days, please pray for me as I walk this path. I'm asking the Lord to raise up intercessors, so if you think of me, that is because I just prayed and asked him to raise up intercessors. :-) Yesterday, an older lady friend was praying with me and while she was praying, a text came in at the same time, from a friend who was on a trip and just wanted me to know she was praying for me. God amazes me how He works! He truly cares about each and every detail of our lives. Now, if I can just believe it all the time. Pray for our faith to be increased.
May your day be blessed -
Molly
This week I have been struggling. I'm scared, angry, sad, just can't even describe all that is going on inside. It feels like when we first found out about the cancer. I am trying to take captive the thoughts that are flooding my heart and mind. A friend reminded me that the battle is in my mind. I feel like I'm in a war to be honest. My mind is rushing with thoughts, not always good ones, my emotions are all over the place, and my heart is breaking with grief and sadness. I have to be strong and get over this hump. I don't want to waste what time I have here in this present state of being. Only God knows how long and I sure do hope that I will look back on this time several years down the road and thank God for what I've learned through this.
I went to the oncologist this week. He is encouraged with my progress and glad I am feeling good. He told me that unless God intervenes and brings complete healing, I need to prepare myself to stay on this medicine the rest of my life. I am thankful for the medicine I'm able to take everyday that will extend my life, but I sure don't want to take it the rest of my life. Of course, I will but I didn't want to hear those words. I am thankful I feel good and for the most part am able to function normally. I actually feel better this summer than I did last summer, which is amazing to me. The medicine does affect my digestive system and that is not always pleasant to deal with, but it could be so much worse. Don't get me wrong, I am truly thankful for the medicine, but when you hear these words, it shows you how dependent you are on medicine to keep you alive. I think the reality of this cancer has hit me in the face again.
So, if you think of me in the coming days, please pray for me as I walk this path. I'm asking the Lord to raise up intercessors, so if you think of me, that is because I just prayed and asked him to raise up intercessors. :-) Yesterday, an older lady friend was praying with me and while she was praying, a text came in at the same time, from a friend who was on a trip and just wanted me to know she was praying for me. God amazes me how He works! He truly cares about each and every detail of our lives. Now, if I can just believe it all the time. Pray for our faith to be increased.
May your day be blessed -
Molly
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Preparing for the Storms of Life
We all have storms that we face or will face in life. I saw this recently and wanted to share it with you.
Preparing for the Storms of Life -
After a storm has hit …
1. Natural temptation: Give up and go back to old ways
John 21:3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Proper response: Remain faithful and wait for God’s deliverance
Ps 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Ps 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
2. Natural temptation: Escape or drown sorrows
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Isa 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Proper response: Remain faithful to duties, and burrow deep into God for security
Ps 62:1 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken … 5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
3. Natural temptation: Anxiety, fret, fear, and worry
2 Ki 6:14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Proper response: Trust God and enjoy the peace which passes understanding
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Natural temptation: Anger, resentment, and vengeance
Gen 34:1 Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her … 25 Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
Proper response: Give out the mercy the Lord has given you
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5. Natural temptation: Grumble against life or God
Num 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Job 10:1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. 3 Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?
Proper response: Accept the limited storm as from the Sovereign hand of the loving God
Job 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Also Phil 2:14-15)
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (Also Rom 8:28; Jam 1:2-4)
6. Natural temptation: Self-pity and self-exemption
Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.
Proper response: Repent of self-pity as a sin, and do what is right
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
7. Natural temptation: Self-reliance
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Proper response: Choose to look only to God
Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
8. Natural temptation: Consumed with guilt and shame
Mat 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Proper response: Remember the Truth – Jesus’ death covered all your sins
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God …
9. Natural temptation: Survive, endure
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey … 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
Proper response: Allow the trial to work godliness in you
1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Excerpted from a 2-part message entitled "Preparing for the Storms of Life" courtesy of http://www.familyministries.com/
Preparing for the Storms of Life -
After a storm has hit …
1. Natural temptation: Give up and go back to old ways
John 21:3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Proper response: Remain faithful and wait for God’s deliverance
Ps 37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Ps 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
2. Natural temptation: Escape or drown sorrows
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Isa 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Proper response: Remain faithful to duties, and burrow deep into God for security
Ps 62:1 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken … 5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
3. Natural temptation: Anxiety, fret, fear, and worry
2 Ki 6:14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Proper response: Trust God and enjoy the peace which passes understanding
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Natural temptation: Anger, resentment, and vengeance
Gen 34:1 Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her … 25 Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
Proper response: Give out the mercy the Lord has given you
Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5. Natural temptation: Grumble against life or God
Num 11:4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Job 10:1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. 3 Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?
Proper response: Accept the limited storm as from the Sovereign hand of the loving God
Job 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Also Phil 2:14-15)
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (Also Rom 8:28; Jam 1:2-4)
6. Natural temptation: Self-pity and self-exemption
Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.
Proper response: Repent of self-pity as a sin, and do what is right
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
7. Natural temptation: Self-reliance
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Proper response: Choose to look only to God
Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
8. Natural temptation: Consumed with guilt and shame
Mat 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Proper response: Remember the Truth – Jesus’ death covered all your sins
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God …
9. Natural temptation: Survive, endure
Mat 25:15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey … 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
Proper response: Allow the trial to work godliness in you
1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Excerpted from a 2-part message entitled "Preparing for the Storms of Life" courtesy of http://www.familyministries.com/
Praise You in the Storm
You can listen to this song "Praise You in the Storm" on my playlist at the bottom of the page. It is a beautiful song.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Prayer needed for a homeschooling mom of 10
Please pray for a homeschooling mom of ten who has been battling cancer for almost three years. She and her husband have adopted all but one of these children. A day of prayer and fasting is set for this Monday, July 27th if you'd like to participate. If you'd like to follow her story, she has a blog. It's www.faithfulpromises.com . You are welcome to share this prayer request.
Blessings,
Molly
Blessings,
Molly
Thursday, July 23, 2009
"Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:4
Throughout the scriptures we are reminded that God’s timing, understanding and will are not ours. That is, God has a way of acting in our lives and in this world that is far greater, supremely better and infinitely more perfect than anything we can imagine or design. It is when we connect with those ways God’s timing, God’s understanding and God’s will that we ultimately find the strength and ability we need to affectively face every challenge that comes before us.
Lord, I know my own limited attempts at overcoming my difficulties and rising above my weaknesses are never going to save me. But I also know that when I place my trust in your ways, I can find answers and help I never knew existed. Thank you for supporting me in my weakness, O God. Amen.
Throughout the scriptures we are reminded that God’s timing, understanding and will are not ours. That is, God has a way of acting in our lives and in this world that is far greater, supremely better and infinitely more perfect than anything we can imagine or design. It is when we connect with those ways God’s timing, God’s understanding and God’s will that we ultimately find the strength and ability we need to affectively face every challenge that comes before us.
Lord, I know my own limited attempts at overcoming my difficulties and rising above my weaknesses are never going to save me. But I also know that when I place my trust in your ways, I can find answers and help I never knew existed. Thank you for supporting me in my weakness, O God. Amen.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
"But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." -
2 Thessalonians 3:3
What is the evil in my life? Is it the disease I am told I have? Is it unresolved anger and guilt? Is it self-absorption? Is it addiction to any number of things? Is it self-righteousness and judgment? Is it fear and lack of courage? Is it a weak character and deficiency of courage? Is it absence of faith? All of us struggle in one way or another with evil. It’s part of our human condition. But we have been given access to the Divine condition so we may rise above our weakness and frailty. Today is the day to resolve to connect with our Heavenly Father so we may find relief from the evil within.
Lord, when I begin to look beyond myself and my troubles and turn to you, I find strength to rise above it all and experience new hope in you. Thank you for your unending gifts to help me. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
What is the evil in my life? Is it the disease I am told I have? Is it unresolved anger and guilt? Is it self-absorption? Is it addiction to any number of things? Is it self-righteousness and judgment? Is it fear and lack of courage? Is it a weak character and deficiency of courage? Is it absence of faith? All of us struggle in one way or another with evil. It’s part of our human condition. But we have been given access to the Divine condition so we may rise above our weakness and frailty. Today is the day to resolve to connect with our Heavenly Father so we may find relief from the evil within.
Lord, when I begin to look beyond myself and my troubles and turn to you, I find strength to rise above it all and experience new hope in you. Thank you for your unending gifts to help me. Amen.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Cancer - A Gift?
Early on after my cancer diagnosis, a friend came over to visit and pray for me. While we were talking, she mentioned that she thought my cancer diagnosis was a gift from the Lord. When she first said that I thought to myself, "A gift? I don't think so." But as time has gone on, I really have begun to see this as a gift. When you are diagnosed with cancer, you have to deal with your own mortality. Of course, we all know that life and death are two certain things that will happen to us, but hopefully, we dwell on life and not on the death part. I know for myself that before this, I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about death. Once I came to terms that ALL of us will die at some point and truly only God knows the number of our days, then I felt a release to truly LIVE each day, thankful for each day, enjoying each day. Cancer truly gives you a new perspective on life in so many ways. Things that were taken for granted, priorities that I thought were priorities are no longer on the list, time spent with family is so much more important, relationships are vital and not taken for granted. None of us knows how long we will be here on earth and once I grasped that, then I could move on and truly see the gift of cancer.
"You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known." Isaiah 48:6
While there are undeniably untold numbers of challenges that cancer can bring, many also point to its potential for blessings. I can see cancer as a gift because it can teach me to make new and better priorities. It can reveal new strengths within me. It can show me new and healthier ways of living. It can foster new depths in my relationships. It can provide me a new understanding of our spiritual natures and of God. It can create in me a new level of wellness we had never known before.
There are new things I am learning day by day, dear Lord. Help me to reflect on these new things and allow them to bring new meaning to my life. Amen.
May your day be blessed with spending time with loved ones and making wonderful memories!
In Him,
Molly
"You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known." Isaiah 48:6
While there are undeniably untold numbers of challenges that cancer can bring, many also point to its potential for blessings. I can see cancer as a gift because it can teach me to make new and better priorities. It can reveal new strengths within me. It can show me new and healthier ways of living. It can foster new depths in my relationships. It can provide me a new understanding of our spiritual natures and of God. It can create in me a new level of wellness we had never known before.
There are new things I am learning day by day, dear Lord. Help me to reflect on these new things and allow them to bring new meaning to my life. Amen.
May your day be blessed with spending time with loved ones and making wonderful memories!
In Him,
Molly
Saturday, July 4, 2009
An attitude of thanksgiving
"Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. " Isaiah 12:5
Our attitudes about life are so important in just dealing with everyday life and especially when you're fighting for your life. It is when we approach each day, each task, each person we encounter with an attitude of thanksgiving, then we begin to see more goodness around us. It is then when we allow more light to break through the darkness. It is then we begin to see hope rather than hopelessness. It is then we find answers where there were none before. It is a spirit of gratitude that must come first in our thoughts and hearts and minds. That spirit transforms our outlook and sets us on a path of positive action and results.
I praise you today, O God. I praise you for giving me this day to experience the joy of your creation and the wonder of your love and grace. Amen.
Our attitudes about life are so important in just dealing with everyday life and especially when you're fighting for your life. It is when we approach each day, each task, each person we encounter with an attitude of thanksgiving, then we begin to see more goodness around us. It is then when we allow more light to break through the darkness. It is then we begin to see hope rather than hopelessness. It is then we find answers where there were none before. It is a spirit of gratitude that must come first in our thoughts and hearts and minds. That spirit transforms our outlook and sets us on a path of positive action and results.
I praise you today, O God. I praise you for giving me this day to experience the joy of your creation and the wonder of your love and grace. Amen.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
An awesome praise report.....
Wanna hear some good news? We were informed that the radiation bill has been PAID IN FULL!!!!! This bill was definitely the largest bill we've received. Radiation is not cheap. This is an amazing answer to our prayers! The Lord has truly been so good to us! Thank you to each of you who have prayed about this with us.
I think this verse pretty much sums up what's gone on in our lives the past few months: "Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Living with hope,
Molly
I think this verse pretty much sums up what's gone on in our lives the past few months: "Now to him who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Living with hope,
Molly
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Peace is a Person
Someone shared this on our homeschool board recently. It is such a powerful message that I had to share it with you. I had never truly experienced this kind of peace until I was diagnosed with cancer back in January. I was walking with the Lord before all of this happened, but finding this kind of peace has truly been a gift. He had given me peace about situations before, but when this "storm" came into my life, the peace I've experienced has been a priceless gift. Sure, there have been days that I have had battles in my mind and spirit, but once I would get a new perspective by being encouraged by a friend, spending time worshipping Him or reading the Word, this peace would come back. My only regret is I wish I had learned this earlier on in my life, but I'm so thankful I have experienced it now. I pray this message blesses you as it did me.
Peace isn’t a place we live in.
PEACE is a person.
The house—and me—spins: laundry, school lessons, library books, basketball games, bills, phone calls, meals, dishes, women’s Bible Studies, diapers. Too often, I am dizzy: Anyone know how to get off? In the whirl of it all, I crave retreat, sanctuary, monastery.
On the milestone of my thirtieth birthday a few years ago, my sister-in-law presented me with a journal embossed with one simple word: PEACE. I cried. It was all I wanted. Just that one simple, frustratingly elusive word: PEACE. The homeschooling mother of (then) five young children, eight years of age and under, I was desperate, at a breaking point, for some place of serenity. I held the journal in my hands, lip trembling, tears streaming. PEACE. How could I find it? I had to find it.
I went for walks down through the woods, sat by the pond, journaled, prayed. Peace was short-lived, the angst tightening its relentless grip as I walked home: How could I fold art study into our school days? How could I make weekly, even monthly, date times with each of the children? How might I persuade the baby to sleep through the night so I could be a more attentive wife?
I went away to a cottage for a few days, read Gift from the Sea and soaked in the Psalms. Peace pooled around my toes, wetting me, quenching me…and then ebbed away again, lost at sea, as waves of worries flooded in: How could I balance my own creative, intellectual pursuits, my own spiritual growth, in the midst of the paramount endeavor of discipling these little people for the Lord’s glory?
I had thought somewhere quiet would ensure peace. It didn’t. I was still in my skin. Peace wasn’t a place I could find on a map, or even a place that I could create. Peace wasn’t a place to live in.
I came home to the noise, embraced the kids, and laughed loud and long. Peace wasn’t “out there.” He was here. Peace was a Person I could listen to.
No matter how boisterous and chaotic it gets in here, the Prince of Peace has moved in too, living here in the midst of this rambunctious, exuberant family.
In the rush and the roar of it all, I have to bend my ear to catch it:
“Listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to His faithful people” (Ps. 85:8).
He leans down low and if I choose to listen carefully, over the cry of the baby, the scream of the toddler, the stomp of the disgruntled student, and the beep of the stove timer, I hear His voice, low and soft: Peace… Peace…Peace.
I crawl out of bed, ready to get dressed and head out, not to some rustic respite in the mountains somewhere, but into the fray of family living. For “the Lord of Peace Himself gives [me] His peace at all times, and in every situation” (2 Thess. 3:16).
How to find Peace in the crush of motherhood? Peace may come fleetingly as a reviving, necessary place, but, like a fog burning off in the heat of the day, peace as a place will dissipate. For enduring Peace, look for a Person whispering the word softly to your anxious heart: Peace, peace, peace. Seek a Person, the very Lord of Peace, who is willing to give you his very own abiding, unwavering peace.
Places come and go; tokens and pictures tucked in scrapbooks. Tickets and reservations are expensive, the cost of coffee adds up.
This Person, though? He will never leave you nor forsake you, and is close as breath upon your cheek. Peace is a Person with whom we live, keep company with, commune with.
Hear Him now, above the din? Peace. Peace.
Lord, I find Peace, wherever, whatever, when I live in You. Please, Lord. Today, let Your peace fall softly, come what may.
Posted by Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
Peace isn’t a place we live in.
PEACE is a person.
The house—and me—spins: laundry, school lessons, library books, basketball games, bills, phone calls, meals, dishes, women’s Bible Studies, diapers. Too often, I am dizzy: Anyone know how to get off? In the whirl of it all, I crave retreat, sanctuary, monastery.
On the milestone of my thirtieth birthday a few years ago, my sister-in-law presented me with a journal embossed with one simple word: PEACE. I cried. It was all I wanted. Just that one simple, frustratingly elusive word: PEACE. The homeschooling mother of (then) five young children, eight years of age and under, I was desperate, at a breaking point, for some place of serenity. I held the journal in my hands, lip trembling, tears streaming. PEACE. How could I find it? I had to find it.
I went for walks down through the woods, sat by the pond, journaled, prayed. Peace was short-lived, the angst tightening its relentless grip as I walked home: How could I fold art study into our school days? How could I make weekly, even monthly, date times with each of the children? How might I persuade the baby to sleep through the night so I could be a more attentive wife?
I went away to a cottage for a few days, read Gift from the Sea and soaked in the Psalms. Peace pooled around my toes, wetting me, quenching me…and then ebbed away again, lost at sea, as waves of worries flooded in: How could I balance my own creative, intellectual pursuits, my own spiritual growth, in the midst of the paramount endeavor of discipling these little people for the Lord’s glory?
I had thought somewhere quiet would ensure peace. It didn’t. I was still in my skin. Peace wasn’t a place I could find on a map, or even a place that I could create. Peace wasn’t a place to live in.
I came home to the noise, embraced the kids, and laughed loud and long. Peace wasn’t “out there.” He was here. Peace was a Person I could listen to.
No matter how boisterous and chaotic it gets in here, the Prince of Peace has moved in too, living here in the midst of this rambunctious, exuberant family.
In the rush and the roar of it all, I have to bend my ear to catch it:
“Listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to His faithful people” (Ps. 85:8).
He leans down low and if I choose to listen carefully, over the cry of the baby, the scream of the toddler, the stomp of the disgruntled student, and the beep of the stove timer, I hear His voice, low and soft: Peace… Peace…Peace.
I crawl out of bed, ready to get dressed and head out, not to some rustic respite in the mountains somewhere, but into the fray of family living. For “the Lord of Peace Himself gives [me] His peace at all times, and in every situation” (2 Thess. 3:16).
How to find Peace in the crush of motherhood? Peace may come fleetingly as a reviving, necessary place, but, like a fog burning off in the heat of the day, peace as a place will dissipate. For enduring Peace, look for a Person whispering the word softly to your anxious heart: Peace, peace, peace. Seek a Person, the very Lord of Peace, who is willing to give you his very own abiding, unwavering peace.
Places come and go; tokens and pictures tucked in scrapbooks. Tickets and reservations are expensive, the cost of coffee adds up.
This Person, though? He will never leave you nor forsake you, and is close as breath upon your cheek. Peace is a Person with whom we live, keep company with, commune with.
Hear Him now, above the din? Peace. Peace.
Lord, I find Peace, wherever, whatever, when I live in You. Please, Lord. Today, let Your peace fall softly, come what may.
Posted by Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
Thursday, June 18, 2009
God didn't promise days without pain,
laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,
but he did promise strength for the day,
comfort for the tears and light for the
way. If God brings you to it, He will
bring you through it.
I put this saying on my outgoing emails setting about a year ago. I never knew how true it was until I was diagnosed with cancer this year. Take a minute to read through it and really hear what it is saying. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing love for each of us. Thank you that you care about each and every single detail in our lives and that nothing catches you off guard. A friend told me early on in this cancer journey that "there is no panic in heaven tonight". It's a quote from Corrie Ten Boom. I haven't forgotten it, trust me. Isn't it amazing that God knows every single detail about every one of US? Sometimes it's hard to wrap my mind around that.
May your day be blessed as you seek His face!
laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,
but he did promise strength for the day,
comfort for the tears and light for the
way. If God brings you to it, He will
bring you through it.
I put this saying on my outgoing emails setting about a year ago. I never knew how true it was until I was diagnosed with cancer this year. Take a minute to read through it and really hear what it is saying. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing love for each of us. Thank you that you care about each and every single detail in our lives and that nothing catches you off guard. A friend told me early on in this cancer journey that "there is no panic in heaven tonight". It's a quote from Corrie Ten Boom. I haven't forgotten it, trust me. Isn't it amazing that God knows every single detail about every one of US? Sometimes it's hard to wrap my mind around that.
May your day be blessed as you seek His face!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The race set before us....
"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us". Hebrews 12:1.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
We have a race to run with this battle against cancer. Everyday we have to make a decision. Are we going to run the race put before us or are we going to stop fighting? God has called us to persevere. He will give us the strength we need.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
We have a race to run with this battle against cancer. Everyday we have to make a decision. Are we going to run the race put before us or are we going to stop fighting? God has called us to persevere. He will give us the strength we need.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Let Your Mind Dwell On Things Above - Some random thoughts
As the scripture tells us, "let your mind dwell on things above"...where the heart of the Lord is. As we've walked through the past eleven months, we have certainly been learning about taking captive our thoughts. Some days we have had to really focus on what is true. We have learned that He is passionately seeking us in this situation. He is not caught off guard by all of this and he's not pacing the throne room of heaven. As Corrie Ten Boom said, "There is no panic in heaven tonight." He has us securely in His grasp of absolute perfect love. It's so hard when we can't understand what He's up to when trials come our way, but I can truly tell you that our hearts have been consumed with His peace that surpasses understanding. From the human viewpoint it seems ridiculous to talk about peace at a time like this, but from God's perspective...this is a curve in His sovereign plan for us. That is what makes our perspective totally different from the world's perspective. The lessons we have learned and will learn through all of this are worth it. We have a sure faith in a loving God and the world has nothing. Praise Jesus that He is going to walk every step of the way through this with us!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We're praising the Lord at our house!!
I had a chest xray done this morning. The radiologist report reads that there has been significant improvement in the right lung since the last xray was done!!! This is such good news to our ears! The oncologist was so encouraged and said, "THIS is fabulous news!" and gave me the thumbs up with a huge grin on his face. God has been so good to hear the prayers of His people! Needless to say, we are floating on a cloud right now.
I also had routine bloodwork done and all of that, but two things came back showing improvement, so that is a praise as well! The other two just need a little bit more work and they will be within the test limits. Both the oncologist and thyroid doctor were very pleased with what they have seen and said to keep doing what we're doing. I am also thankful that the nurse was able to find a good vein to do my calcium iv in this afternoon.
We are confident that He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete it. This journey has been an amazing one in so many ways. We can look back and see so many ways He has had His hand on the whole journey. He has been faithful and has never left us. When we felt like we were fighting the battle alone, we asked Him to raise up intercessors. Some of you have commented that "out of the blue" you would feel led to pray for us. We think those were the times we called on Him. Your prayers have held us up and we could not have gotten this far without them. We have truly learned that there is power in prayer. We are learning to trust the Father in a way we have never known.
I will praise You, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” Psalm 9:1
Living with Hope,
Molly
I also had routine bloodwork done and all of that, but two things came back showing improvement, so that is a praise as well! The other two just need a little bit more work and they will be within the test limits. Both the oncologist and thyroid doctor were very pleased with what they have seen and said to keep doing what we're doing. I am also thankful that the nurse was able to find a good vein to do my calcium iv in this afternoon.
We are confident that He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete it. This journey has been an amazing one in so many ways. We can look back and see so many ways He has had His hand on the whole journey. He has been faithful and has never left us. When we felt like we were fighting the battle alone, we asked Him to raise up intercessors. Some of you have commented that "out of the blue" you would feel led to pray for us. We think those were the times we called on Him. Your prayers have held us up and we could not have gotten this far without them. We have truly learned that there is power in prayer. We are learning to trust the Father in a way we have never known.
I will praise You, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” Psalm 9:1
Living with Hope,
Molly
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A devotion to share with you.....
I received this devotion in my email box the other day and wanted to share it with you. I hope it ministers to you as it did me.
"I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16
God is always in front of us to show us a new way when we do not know the way to go. God is always above us to pierce the darkness so that we may see what we need to see. God is always around us to help us walk with confidence when we find ourselves going in directions completely unknown and uncertain to us. God will always see us through whatever we encounter day by day. We have this everlasting and eternal assurance from ancient days to now.
Remind us that you do not forget us, O God. Remind us that you do not forget our fear and our pain. Remind us that you remember our needs and meet us where we are, to show us where we need to be. Amen.
"I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16
God is always in front of us to show us a new way when we do not know the way to go. God is always above us to pierce the darkness so that we may see what we need to see. God is always around us to help us walk with confidence when we find ourselves going in directions completely unknown and uncertain to us. God will always see us through whatever we encounter day by day. We have this everlasting and eternal assurance from ancient days to now.
Remind us that you do not forget us, O God. Remind us that you do not forget our fear and our pain. Remind us that you remember our needs and meet us where we are, to show us where we need to be. Amen.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I had to take a blogging break.
After I worked on this blog, I got busy with finishing up another year of homeschooling. I am still homeschooling two of our three children. I have a rising 7th grader and a rising 10th grader. My purpose in having this blog is to be able to share what the Lord has done in our lives through our cancer journey. He has been so faithful to our family! He deserves all the glory for what He has done since the end of January. I will post more about this amazing journey in the coming weeks. I pray that this will be a blessing to you as I share how abundantly blessed we are as we go through this journey.
"I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my strength? My strength cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
"I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my strength? My strength cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Friday, March 27, 2009
Whew, what an exciting week it has been!
Just wanted to update you on today's visit and the week's answers to prayer -
The doctor decided that we can use the medicine that we were hoping for! I will start it next week and go back on April 8 for a follow up. The drug is made for my situation and is not a chemo drug. It actually starves the blood supply to the cancer and shrinks it. We should know by April 8 if I'll have any side effects from the medicine, plus I'll get my monthly bone iv medicine then.
I'll go for a chest xray in four weeks after I've started the medicine. If it the cancer has shrunk, then we know it's going to work for me. If it hasn't, then I'll start chemo.
This week has been full of excitement as we got word that the Rx company approved the drug treatment. This drug is expensive, $4500 a month, and so people have to get approval from their ins. Rx company or use a drug payment program. We were doing the happy dance when we found out that we will have to pay $50 for a 90 day supply! Woo hoo!!! God has once again proven himself FAITHFUL in this journey!
Another praise is that I have slept two nights this week for 7.5 hours! This is huge as I've been sleeping only 4-5 since the summer. Yay!!
Some specific prayer requests: *Please continue to pray for us as we move forward. We have a race set before us that we need to run with perserverance. (Heb. 12:1) We often ask the Lord to raise up intercessors, when we are tired and weary. We can't do this alone!
*Pray that the drug has minimal side effects for me.
*Pray that the drug works so perhaps I don't have to do chemo.
*Pray that we will remember all that God has done for us.
*Pray that we will continue to have peace that this treatment plan will work.
*Pray that as I get off the steroid this week, that I will have no back pain or nerve pain. So far, so good for the pain. I have a lot of water retention, but I understand that is normal when coming off the steroid. It's suppose to fix itself after being off it in a week. I finish the tapering off on Wed. next week. Pray that it does, because it's uncomfortable. I feel like if somebody stuck me with a pin, I'd pop!
Our prayer is that we will be able to tell others our story, that they will be amazed at what the Lord has done and put their trust in Him. Pray for doors to be opened for us to share! My heart just keeps singing "How awesome is the Lord, our God!"
The doctor decided that we can use the medicine that we were hoping for! I will start it next week and go back on April 8 for a follow up. The drug is made for my situation and is not a chemo drug. It actually starves the blood supply to the cancer and shrinks it. We should know by April 8 if I'll have any side effects from the medicine, plus I'll get my monthly bone iv medicine then.
I'll go for a chest xray in four weeks after I've started the medicine. If it the cancer has shrunk, then we know it's going to work for me. If it hasn't, then I'll start chemo.
This week has been full of excitement as we got word that the Rx company approved the drug treatment. This drug is expensive, $4500 a month, and so people have to get approval from their ins. Rx company or use a drug payment program. We were doing the happy dance when we found out that we will have to pay $50 for a 90 day supply! Woo hoo!!! God has once again proven himself FAITHFUL in this journey!
Another praise is that I have slept two nights this week for 7.5 hours! This is huge as I've been sleeping only 4-5 since the summer. Yay!!
Some specific prayer requests: *Please continue to pray for us as we move forward. We have a race set before us that we need to run with perserverance. (Heb. 12:1) We often ask the Lord to raise up intercessors, when we are tired and weary. We can't do this alone!
*Pray that the drug has minimal side effects for me.
*Pray that the drug works so perhaps I don't have to do chemo.
*Pray that we will remember all that God has done for us.
*Pray that we will continue to have peace that this treatment plan will work.
*Pray that as I get off the steroid this week, that I will have no back pain or nerve pain. So far, so good for the pain. I have a lot of water retention, but I understand that is normal when coming off the steroid. It's suppose to fix itself after being off it in a week. I finish the tapering off on Wed. next week. Pray that it does, because it's uncomfortable. I feel like if somebody stuck me with a pin, I'd pop!
Our prayer is that we will be able to tell others our story, that they will be amazed at what the Lord has done and put their trust in Him. Pray for doors to be opened for us to share! My heart just keeps singing "How awesome is the Lord, our God!"
Saturday, March 14, 2009
My husband and I met with the oncologist yesterday. We are having trouble getting the pathology report that he really needs so we can know what kind of cells are making up the cancer. So, we spent some time discussing more medicine options, etc. IF I have the kind of pathology report that he suspects in my case due to the fact that I'm in my 40's, non smoker, kind of cancer it is, then there is a wonderful drug I can take by mouth each day and it has a great success rate. I've done research on it myself and read lots of reviews and seen lots of people have success with it. It disrupts the flow of blood to the cancer, so it will shrink the tumor. It works to get rid of the bad cells and allows the good cells to continue to build your immune system, so the tumor shrinks. We would watch it every four weeks with a chest xray and if it shrinks, we know it works for me. If not, then we would either continue using it and add in two chemo drugs, to get rid of it all.
So, we have some specific prayer requests with this update:
1) That we will get the pathology report in this week or by early next week (He works in Plymouth on Thursdays, so his office is open only four days, btw.)
2) That the pathology report is what he thinks it is, so we can use this medicine
3) That we can get the medicine cheaper through some pharmaceutical companies' drug program that works with his office or that our insurance company will be willing to pay for it at our tier level - either way, one of them would be cheaper as it's a very expensive drug
4) That I can start this drug next week. If I can't use this drug, then I have to get a port put in next week, hopefully then we'll start chemo as soon as the port is in. So, there's still some behind the scene work that needs to be accomplished before we start.
I mentioned in an earlier update that I was weaning off the bone steroid. Well, I almost made it through, but then I started having pain again, like before the radiation. I forgot that when they gave me the bone iv last week, that one of the side effects is bone pain, actually like growing pains in children. Well, that's a GOOD thing, that means the bone iv medicine is working. He had told me it would take about a week and today is a week. So, I'm now on 2 mg. of steroids and if I have pain, I'm to take 800 mg. of Motrin. So, that's a praise, the medicine is working and making my bones strong again! Yay! I'd like to get off the steroid altogether though, as that is what is affecting my sleep pattern. It has caused me to be almost hyper, even at 2 mg. It causes insomnia.
So, we have some specific prayer requests with this update:
1) That we will get the pathology report in this week or by early next week (He works in Plymouth on Thursdays, so his office is open only four days, btw.)
2) That the pathology report is what he thinks it is, so we can use this medicine
3) That we can get the medicine cheaper through some pharmaceutical companies' drug program that works with his office or that our insurance company will be willing to pay for it at our tier level - either way, one of them would be cheaper as it's a very expensive drug
4) That I can start this drug next week. If I can't use this drug, then I have to get a port put in next week, hopefully then we'll start chemo as soon as the port is in. So, there's still some behind the scene work that needs to be accomplished before we start.
I mentioned in an earlier update that I was weaning off the bone steroid. Well, I almost made it through, but then I started having pain again, like before the radiation. I forgot that when they gave me the bone iv last week, that one of the side effects is bone pain, actually like growing pains in children. Well, that's a GOOD thing, that means the bone iv medicine is working. He had told me it would take about a week and today is a week. So, I'm now on 2 mg. of steroids and if I have pain, I'm to take 800 mg. of Motrin. So, that's a praise, the medicine is working and making my bones strong again! Yay! I'd like to get off the steroid altogether though, as that is what is affecting my sleep pattern. It has caused me to be almost hyper, even at 2 mg. It causes insomnia.
Monday, March 9, 2009
I just wanted to update you on our visit to the oncologist today. We really like him a lot!! He was very optimistic, encouraging, and believes that God is the ultimate healer! He was encouraged that I feel good, am eating healthy foods, have energy, haven't been sick this winter, show no signs of bronchitis or pnuemonia, no coughing blood, have never smoked, have lost 20 lbs. (not due to the cancer, but due to thyroid/adrenal FINALLY working), etc. All of this is too my advantage. He told me to continue doing what I am doing. Another praise is that the cancer is contained to my lung and is not in any of my organs. My organs are all healthy and functioning properly. Praise!!! It did spread to my bones, but that is why we did the radiation, to stop the cancer from eating my bones in my lower back. The radiation must be working because I'm weaning off of the steroid right now and I'm not in pain. So, that's good news! There is a bone medicine I will take each month starting this week through iv that will strengthen my bones and keep the cancer out of the bones.
We're waiting to find out some lab information so we can make a decision about what chemo meds to use, how aggressive to approach it, etc. We'll meet with him next week to discuss this further and possibly start chemo the next week. So, if you'll be praying for wisdom in making these decisions, we'd appreciate it.
God has been so very good to us through this whole situation! We stand in awe at what He is doing in our lives and how this is touching other people's lives. Your prayers are holding us up and we can truly feel them. We are experiencing peace that passes all understanding like we've never experienced before. May each of you be blessed for your faithfulness to pray for our family!
Trusting in Him,
Molly
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We're waiting to find out some lab information so we can make a decision about what chemo meds to use, how aggressive to approach it, etc. We'll meet with him next week to discuss this further and possibly start chemo the next week. So, if you'll be praying for wisdom in making these decisions, we'd appreciate it.
God has been so very good to us through this whole situation! We stand in awe at what He is doing in our lives and how this is touching other people's lives. Your prayers are holding us up and we can truly feel them. We are experiencing peace that passes all understanding like we've never experienced before. May each of you be blessed for your faithfulness to pray for our family!
Trusting in Him,
Molly
__________________
Monday, March 2, 2009
I just wanted to update you all on things around here. I have THREE days of radiation left so I'll finish on Thursday! It's gone much better than I had heard it could. For that, I'm thankful. The doctor told me he likes to spread it out over a longer period of time, doing less radiation per day so it doesn't affect your body as much. I have had a few afternoons of fatigue, but I took advantage of it and took a nap. I have given myself permission to nap if need be and not fight it. :-) I noticed a little burned area this evening, but put some aloe vera on it and it calmed it down. So, overall, this part has not been bad. I appreciate your prayers concerning this step. The best part I've noticed is that I have less pain. I'm able to stretch the time period of taking the pain steroid, so hopefully I can get off that medicine soon. I won't have to see the radiation oncologist this week as he will be on vacation, but I'll see his co-worker. I've been enlightened as to how the cancer doctors in the world work and that has shed some new perspective for me.
I talked to my primary care doctor this afternoon about meeting the oncologist next week. We discussed the oncologist's personality, work ethics, etc. He speaks very highly of the oncologist. He said all his patients that have dealt with cancer are complimentary of him, the way he handles each situation, his expertise of over 24 years, he will get in there and fight the fight with you, explains everything well, and he is compassionate. We discussed how oncologist attitudes can be. He actually brought it up and he said we would not find Dr. Abdallah to be hard to work with or incompassionate. He is very concerned about his patients and develops a relationship with them. This gives me a lot of comfort as we narrow our decision of who we want own our team. So, I think since these two doctors have a good working relationship, this might be our answer.
Our family is truly grateful for all the prayers, love, and concern you have expressed during this time. We can truly feel you holding us up to the Father and his arms are wrapped around us. He has been so very kind to us. It's been an emotional couple of weeks, but for the most part, it's been a very growing experience and that is a good thing. God truly has us right where He wants us. He's writing HIStory through all of us and we're learning to trust Him more and more. We're also learning how much He truly loves each and every one of us.
Hug your family members tonight, tell them you LOVE them, and treasure each new day, every single minute
I talked to my primary care doctor this afternoon about meeting the oncologist next week. We discussed the oncologist's personality, work ethics, etc. He speaks very highly of the oncologist. He said all his patients that have dealt with cancer are complimentary of him, the way he handles each situation, his expertise of over 24 years, he will get in there and fight the fight with you, explains everything well, and he is compassionate. We discussed how oncologist attitudes can be. He actually brought it up and he said we would not find Dr. Abdallah to be hard to work with or incompassionate. He is very concerned about his patients and develops a relationship with them. This gives me a lot of comfort as we narrow our decision of who we want own our team. So, I think since these two doctors have a good working relationship, this might be our answer.
Our family is truly grateful for all the prayers, love, and concern you have expressed during this time. We can truly feel you holding us up to the Father and his arms are wrapped around us. He has been so very kind to us. It's been an emotional couple of weeks, but for the most part, it's been a very growing experience and that is a good thing. God truly has us right where He wants us. He's writing HIStory through all of us and we're learning to trust Him more and more. We're also learning how much He truly loves each and every one of us.
Hug your family members tonight, tell them you LOVE them, and treasure each new day, every single minute
Friday, February 20, 2009
Someone shared this with me after my diagnosis. I have carried it with me ever since, so I can read through it when I need some encouragement. Take a few minutes to ponder on what it really says. It's given me great peace as I've walked this journey.
"There is nothing--no circumstance, no trouble, no testing--that can ever touch me until, first of all it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret--for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is--That is the rest of victory! -Alan Redpath
"There is nothing--no circumstance, no trouble, no testing--that can ever touch me until, first of all it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret--for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is--That is the rest of victory! -Alan Redpath
Thursday, February 12, 2009
He is faithful and worthy to be praised!
God has proven himself faithful to us in the past few weeks of this journey. The Body of Christ has provided a freezer full of meals, sent emails, brought flowers to cheer us, sent cards, visited with us, prayed with us, sent gifts in the mail. There is not a day that somebody doesn't make contact with us. We are definitely overwhelmed by the love of Christ that is being shown to us through the Body of Christ. There are days when all I can do is cry. I've never cried such big tears and they just fall out of my eyes. I wipe them and more fall out. I've never felt such love before and it is overwhelming. We feel the peace that passes all understanding as we walk this path. My heart is so full of peace that some days I feel like it will bust. Our lives are in His his hands. His ways are not our ways. This is truly a walk of faith and trust. Learning to lean on Him in ways never known to us before. We know we are being lifted up to the Father because we have such peace. In the beginning, we asked for prayer that the Lord would increase our faith. He has been faithful!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The PET scan shows I have 4 cm size lung cancer. I've never smoked, but lived with two smoking parents. The cancer drained into my spine and began eating my bones. This has happened since October 19 until January 15. We can see the changes on the xrays. The previous two times I threw my back out in early summer, my spine was perfect and that was also in a location higher up in my mid back. So, the time I fell off the steps, the bones had weakened in my lower spine. As my primary care doctor said, "I believe God orchestrated that fall so that you could move on to the next doctor who could get you a diagnosis as to why you're still having nerve pain." It is truly amazing to look back and see how God has worked it all out. So, the recommedation is to begin radiation next Monday for fourteen days on my lower spine that is being eaten up by the cancer. They will also do a CT scan next week using a needle bioposy to get a piece of the lung cancer, so we'll know what kind we're dealing with. The doctor can figure out what chemotherapy he will use and that will start sometime in the next few weeks. We were surprised it was lung cancer since I've never smoked, but we are so grateful that it is small and caught early on.
We covet your prayers and are so thankful for the calls, emails, and prayers that you have lifted to the Father on our behalf in the past few weeks. The Body of Christ has truly surrounded us with His love and we are very grateful.
God has a plan for all of this and of course, I'd never have chosen this path, but we have full assurance that He knows what He is doing. Our lives are His completely and we will rest in His arms as He travels with us in this journey.
We covet your prayers and are so thankful for the calls, emails, and prayers that you have lifted to the Father on our behalf in the past few weeks. The Body of Christ has truly surrounded us with His love and we are very grateful.
God has a plan for all of this and of course, I'd never have chosen this path, but we have full assurance that He knows what He is doing. Our lives are His completely and we will rest in His arms as He travels with us in this journey.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
It's been a crazy day and I've been up since 3 AM, so I hope this makes sense. We didn't get the results we had expected on Monday at the orthopedist. Because they found four hot spots on the whole body scan, he is concerned that there is something eating up my bones. He says we have to rule out cancer somewhere in my body, so we'll go to the oncologist this Thursday at 2:20 and go from there. It was quite a shock to us. A friend of ours works at the ortho's office and he fitted me for a back brace, and prayed with us. The Lord reminded him of a testimony he had heard that really touched him. A woman gave her testimony and said when people would ask her what they could do for her, she responded, "pray for more faith" . She said that no matter what happens, she would need more faith. So that is our prayer request, pray for more faith. The ortho wanted me to go to my primary care physician this morning so he is in the loop of what is going on and to get a game plan.
My husband and I went to the primary care physician this morning and feel MUCH encouraged after talking to him. He said this situation does not always mean it's cancer. There are a number of things that can cause it (we didn't hear this yesterday). He said when doctors see this kind of report, they have to figure out what is causing the "hot spots" on the bone scan. They are required by the ins. company to hunt it down.
I also saw the chiropractor to get his viewpoint. He had reviewed my xrays from July and August. They were the same in the L5 area. He didn't do one in October when I fell because I could not even stand up straight when I came in. I got better, we didn't do another xray because I improved there wasn't any reason to. He has seen the MRI, CT scan, whole body scan results. He says there is a difference in what he saw in August xray and what he sees in the ortho's xray. There is definitely a compressed disc, which could've (probably) happened when I fell. He said when drs see "hot spots" they have to hunt for the cancer due to insurance reasons. It's just the process of what has to happen. So, that confirms what the primary care physician said this morning also.
We will go to see the oncologist on Thursday. Our primary care physician knows the oncologists there and that was a relief and answer to prayer.
We told the children this morning and they received it well. We told them that this is another opportunity to learn to trust Him more. Interestingly, they have been studying the book of James.
It's been a much better day and both of us are encouraged tonight about what we've found out today from the primary care physician and the chiropractor. I am not as bewildered by it all as I was last night. It was so hard to wrap our minds around the information we had rec'd. We both have peace tonight, praise God! We have seen the hand of God working today and yesterday. He is not caught off guard and he has our full attention! :-)
We appreciate any prayers at this time. Prayer for wisdom for the doctor and if there is something there that it would be found quickly.
Trusting in Him,
Molly
My husband and I went to the primary care physician this morning and feel MUCH encouraged after talking to him. He said this situation does not always mean it's cancer. There are a number of things that can cause it (we didn't hear this yesterday). He said when doctors see this kind of report, they have to figure out what is causing the "hot spots" on the bone scan. They are required by the ins. company to hunt it down.
I also saw the chiropractor to get his viewpoint. He had reviewed my xrays from July and August. They were the same in the L5 area. He didn't do one in October when I fell because I could not even stand up straight when I came in. I got better, we didn't do another xray because I improved there wasn't any reason to. He has seen the MRI, CT scan, whole body scan results. He says there is a difference in what he saw in August xray and what he sees in the ortho's xray. There is definitely a compressed disc, which could've (probably) happened when I fell. He said when drs see "hot spots" they have to hunt for the cancer due to insurance reasons. It's just the process of what has to happen. So, that confirms what the primary care physician said this morning also.
We will go to see the oncologist on Thursday. Our primary care physician knows the oncologists there and that was a relief and answer to prayer.
We told the children this morning and they received it well. We told them that this is another opportunity to learn to trust Him more. Interestingly, they have been studying the book of James.
It's been a much better day and both of us are encouraged tonight about what we've found out today from the primary care physician and the chiropractor. I am not as bewildered by it all as I was last night. It was so hard to wrap our minds around the information we had rec'd. We both have peace tonight, praise God! We have seen the hand of God working today and yesterday. He is not caught off guard and he has our full attention! :-)
We appreciate any prayers at this time. Prayer for wisdom for the doctor and if there is something there that it would be found quickly.
Trusting in Him,
Molly
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