Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Revelation of God's Love

I borrowed these words from a page on Facebook. They come from David Wilkerson.

The Bible is filled with the truth of God's love. But at times, I allow myself to wonder how the Lord could ever love me. It's not that I doubt His love, it's more a failure on my part to keep myself in the knowledge and assurance of His love for me.

Understanding the love of God is the secret to an overcoming life. Multitudes grow spiritually cold and lazy because they're ignorant of the Lord's love for them. They don't know that their greatest weapon against Satan's attacks is to be fully convinced of God's love for them.

How long has God loved you? He's loved you since He has existed, because God is love. It is His very nature. He loved you as a sinner. He loved you in the womb. He loved you before the world began. There was no beginning to His love for you, and there is no end to it.

I needed these words this week!

Friday, March 11, 2011

365 days...

Friday, March 12, 2010. I would have never guessed that one day could change a person’s life so much. I have learned more in one year’s time than probably all my years before then combined. Medical terms I would have never known are now a part of my every day vocabulary. Emotions have gone higher and lower than ever thought possible. Love, support and, prayers have been the greatest of my life.

Overall, the year has gone supernaturally well. Randy and I cannot believe how good I have felt most of these past 365 days. Fatigue comes and go, but I can count on one hand the days I did not feel very perky. God has answered so many prayers (big and small), I cannot list them all.

Most people would probably say how something like this would draw you closer to God. While that is very true, I could not imagine getting through one of these days, let alone 365, without Him.

This is not a journey I would have ever selected for myself. But “our” ways are not always “God’s" ways.

After my diagnosis, the kids (and Randy) gave me a care package with the following message:

Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope (Jeremiah 29:11)
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the spirit.

CANCER…..CANNOT!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Jamaica

Randy and I have returned from our all-inclusive "second" honeymoon from Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was my first trip outside the U.S. We stayed at the Grand Palladium Hotel and Resort (built on 2008). It was truly GRAND! The resort had 10 restaurants, not including snack bars here and there. There were several pools and beach areas adjacent to the Caribbean sea. I ate "jerk" chicken for the first time...yum yum. Temps were generally in the low 80's. We had rain one afternoon for a couple of hours. (Back home in time for the impending blizzard.) One day we took a 6-hour bus trip thru Lucea and Negril. I was overwhelmed by the poor living conditions Jamaicans call home. We truly are blessed! We ended the day at Rick's Cafe watching the sunset. I am grateful to have spent this time with my best friend/husband, Randy. He has been my rock these past 11 months. I am so glad for the memories we made together on this trip.



Friday, January 7, 2011

Welcome 2011...

I had my 9-month (routine) MRI on December 30th. Follow-up doctor's appointment was yesterday. Report was good, even indicating some improvement. PTL!!! Blood counts were also good. My blood pressure was high, uncharacteristic for me. We will monitor it over the next few days to see if it continues or was a fluke. For now, treatment will continue as is.

Great days ahead for 2011!!!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!

LIVING LIFE by Bonnie L. Mohr

Life is not a race ~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you," "I love you, and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more then pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself ~ plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ugly Sweater Family Photo

My family decided to draw names for Christmas. The mission was then to find the "ugliest" sweater you could find. The results are in:

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Blog

In lieu of a traditional family Christmas letter/picture in the mail, I decided to blog instead.

What a year 2010 has been! If someone had told me a year ago what this year would unfold in our lives, I doubt I would have believed them.

Here goes...

On February 11th, our granddaughter, Savannah Katherine Weaver, was born. She looks like her Mommy (definitely a Clark). Logan's physical traits are all Weaver features. I was able to be with Brooke and the kids for 10 days following Savannah's birth. What fun we had!

As most of you already know, March is when I received my diagnosis of cancer. Surgery and treatment soon followed. There have been two days in the last 9 months that I would consider myself sick. That, in itself, is amazing. I do have "tired" times, but there is an easy remedy for this. Treatment is progressing forward, and I am feeling really good. I have often referred to this time in my life as a journey. I purchased a journey plaque at Family Christian Store with the following Bible verse on it: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

On May 15th, Brooke and Brad participated in the 6th Annual Head for the Cure 5K. This run is to help raise awareness and research funding for ABTA (American Brain Tumor Association).

If you know me, you know I don't like surprise parties. I turned the BIG "50" on July 14th. My children and husband planned a party for me 4 days before the momentous occasion occurred. Did not see it coming.....they got me. Did I mention I don't like surprise parties? Randy also made arrangements for us to renew our wedding vows. It's interesting how those words took on a different meaning from when we spoke them 31 years ago. I really don't like surprise parties (have I mentioned that), but thanks Brooke, Brad, and Randy for giving me my special day.

Later in July, we took a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. We had a great week. The weather was picture perfect. Highlights from the week included watching the boys play in the ocean, Brad playing sand volleyball, shopping at the QVC Outlet store (LOL), poolside relaxation, some golfing (for the guys), Legends (entertainment show), etc. The best time, for me, was the night we took Logan miniature golfing for the first time. He was so excited and thoroughly enjoyed every moment...PRICELESS!!!

This summer, Brad was hired as the Business Teacher for Whitko Community Schools. He and Carter moved back to Fort Wayne over Labor Day weekend. He and Brooke live minutes from each other. Works out really well for Randy and I. :-) Brad is currently very busy with their wrestling season as one of the coaches.

In late September, Brooke and Brad ran in the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Brad finished with a time of 1:58:44. Brooke was on his heels with a finish time of 2:01:35. Whew!!!

Randy and I are anticipating a trip (somewhere warm) after the first of the year. No exactly sure where or when...TBD.

For now, we are looking forward to the Christmas holiday with family and friends. 2010 has been a year like no other in our lives. You all have been a BIG part of it. Your love, support, and prayers have been a lifeline for us. Thank you just isn't adequate in expressing our heartfelt gratitude.

We truly wish you and yours a "blessed" holiday season.

"CHRISTMAS"

"C" is for the Christ Child who was sleeping on the hay,

"H" is for the Heavenly Host who worshiped Him that day,

"R" is for the Radiance on Mary's holy face,

"I" is for the lowly Inn--a poor and humble place,

"S" is for the Star that shone to guide the shepherds there,

"T" is for the Travelers who brought Him treasures rare,

"M" is for the Manger where He laid His little head,

"A" is for the Angels who hovered 'round His bed,

"S" is for the Savior who brought peace and hope to earth on the wondrous night we celebrate--the night of Jesus' birth.