Happy New Year!

Here we are again...January 1st.  

As I look back over the past year (2012), there have been so many blessings.  We welcomed a new granddaughter, Chloe Ann (we share the same middle name), on August 13th.  

Randy and I were able to take a trip back to where we honeymooned 33 years ago, even staying at the same resort.  

Bradley became engaged just 2 days ago.  I told his bride, Holly, that is so neat to say a specific prayer for your child, and then to see how God answers that prayer!  Needless to say, we are looking forward to a beautiful wedding in June! 

God continues to bless me with good health.  I am so amazed sometimes how good my Heavenly Father takes care of me.  And then I think why am I surprised?  Isn't that just like Him?  Of course it is!!

At the end of the year, it sure is nice to be invited to rest in Jesus. So before we begin a new year, let's pause and place our hopes, our future, our dreams, and especially our burdens down at his feet and let him give us rest.

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

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!

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!


 

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...

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!

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!