Wednesday, December 12, 2012

12/12/12

I could say I received an early Christmas present, but truth be known, it's really a blessing/gift from above. 

My last quarterly MRI was on Thursday (7th).  One of the things we were watching was an enhancement (which was inconclusive) from my MRI in September.  I am ecstatic to report that any enhancement is purely postoperative...PTL!

So today on 12/12/12, I celebrate 33 months!!!!!

Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Finished Well




I know on previous occasions I have mentioned the Senior Pastor, Stan Buck, at Logan and Savannah's preschool.  About 18 months ago, he learned of a brain tumor he had.  Often when I would read his blog, I felt like I was reading my own story.  I was thrilled to meet and talk with him last December at Logan's Christmas program.  A year ago, he was considered to be in remission, but his doctor often told him this was not a cancer he trusted.  Unfortunately, it came back in July with a vengeance.  He ultimately decided he hoped to be here to the end of the year for two imminent reasons:  their church's 25-year celebration, and the birth of their first grandchild.  The did move the church's celebration up three weeks, so he able to participate last Sunday.  His grandchild's delivery is scheduled for 12/12/12.  

This is what his wife blogged today on his behalf:


I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Stan’s battle with cancer ended around 5 am this morning. We are sad to lose him, but confident that he is with Jesus. The battle which he fought against brain cancer is now won as he experiences ultimate healing in the presence of God. His faithful dog Quincy stayed at his side until his last breath. We all grieve in the loss but rejoice in a life well lived.

Sometimes this journey, for me, (like today) slaps me in the face.  I still cling to the promise God gave me when all this began...Jeremiah 29:11 

Leaning on the everlasting arms of my Savior!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

TRUST HIM

Last night, our Cancer Support Group finished with the book, "When God and Cancer Meet" by Lynn Eib.  It was a phenominal study.  I wanted to share Lynn's words as she concluded the book.

She wrote the following poem on the fifth anniversay of her cancer surgery:  

When your world is crashing down around you, trust Him.
When what is unfolding doesn't make sense, trust Him.
When you see no light at the end of the tunnel, trust Him.
When your silent tears spill down, trust Him.
When your pain refuses to subside, trust Him.
When your heart screams, "Why?" trust Him.
When you have more questions than answers, trust Him.
When the devil tells you otherwise, trust Him.
When it's the last thing you feel like doing, trust Him.
When there's simply nothing else to do, trust Him.  

I think this is true for ALL aspects of our life...not just cancer.

Thanks, Lynn!


 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I know I've previously mentioned the Pastor at Logan's preschool before.  

My heart is full of sadness...my eyes are full of tears.  Stan's Glioblastoma has returned, and aggressively.  Just finished reading his blog.  While they will try some form of treatment, their goal is to try to keep him alive to the end of the year for the birth of his first grandchild. 

He finishes his blog by reminding us, "EACH DAY IS A GIFT"

Please join me in praying for the Buck family in the difficult days ahead...

Monday, July 16, 2012

I have a friend who just learned her cancer has returned.  On her blog, she shared a previous entry (August, 2011) from her journal.  I found the words amazing!

As Abraham took off for an unknown journey, I too have entered an unfamiliar path. Not a path I would have chosen and yet it’s where I find myself. The air is dry. The heat, stifling. The wind kicks up dust and blurs my vision. I lose my footing. My feet crack and bleed and I fall. Water, life, sustenance all seem a fading luxury. As the wind whips over my head, I struggle to get up–and fail. I try again–and fail. Then I feel a tug upon my hand. Strong, rough hands take hold of mine and pull me up. Capable hands. Hands that are wounded and scarred. Serving hands. When I stand, His hand continues to hold mine, guiding and comforting me. Nothing is said but the air has a promising hint of cool. My vision is cleared, if only for a little while. A pool of water, refreshing, sparkling water, is ahead. His hand squeezes mine and I know everything will be all right.  There will be more wind. More stifling heat and dust storms. But His hand holds me steady. Keeps me calm.  His hand . . . will never let me go.”

Thanks, Diann,  for encouraging "me/us."  I hope you find comfort in them once again.  Praying, girlfriend!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Prayer

Brooke gave me a devotional calendar for Mother's Day.  Here is what it says today:  

"Lord, there is no source of greater joy for me than worshiping You.  I come into Your presence with thanksgiving and bow before You this day.  I exalt Your name, for You are great and worthy to be praised."

This is the prayer of my heart!

 

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Save the Date

Tuesday, May 22nd, is Brain Tumor Awareness Day.  Will you wear "gray" in support of brain tumor awareness?  Thank you. 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

"Awe"

Definition of "awe" - an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like.

MRI report yesterday, and I quote: "no evidence of recurrent disease"

I AM IN "AWE" OF HIM!

Monday, March 12, 2012

730 days=104 weeks=24months=2 years (but who's counting)

One thing that came out of the book ("When God and Cancer Meet") we are using in our Support Group is how we don't easily forget the day our world turns upside down. For me/us, that day was March 12, 2010.

Recently as I was thinking about what I would write today, I had, at one point, thought what profound words could I share? Instead, I think I'll just keep it simple.

Since March 12th (2 years ago), I could go on and on about the endless ways God has carried me/us thru this journey thus far. At times, I am amazed at how He takes care of me/us in ways bigger than I/we could have ever imagined.

Thanks Randall, Brooke, and Bradley for your unwavering love and support (even on my difficult days). I am so blessed with an incredible family...

I still hold on to the promise God gave me when this journey started...Jeremiah 29:11

Friday, February 24, 2012

The Prayer

If you know anything about Randy and I, you know how important music is in our lives. I had a Facebook friend post a link today: Katharine McPhee (my all-time most favorite American Idol contestant) and Andrea Bocelli performing a duet of "The Prayer." It is stunning! (check it out on godvine.com)

Nonetheless, here are some of the lyrics of that song:

I pray you'll be our eyes
and watch us where we go
and help us to be wise
in times when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer.
When we lose our way
lead us to the place,
guide us with your grace,
to a place where we'll be safe.

I pray we find your light
and hold it in our hearts
when stars go out each night.
Let this be our prayer.
When shadows fill our day
lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace,
give us faith so we'll be safe.

This is my prayer TODAY and every day...