Tag: inspiration

Still Standing

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4, ESV

The storm wasn’t visible from shore, but it swirled over the ocean miles away. Growing bigger and stronger, threatening everything in its path as it edged closer. Steadily closer. Meteorologists watched it, looking for changing patterns and shifting winds. Predicting exactly when it would make landfall, and determining how strong it would be when it hit was impossible.

No one really knew for sure.

When it did hit, there would be no shelter strong enough, no preparation guaranteed to protect. Shutters installed, sand bags placed. Evacuation wasn’t an option. All that was left to do was to wait. Continue reading “Still Standing”

Living My Best Life

I learned long ago that I could smile through what life brings me, or there is no point in living.

I learned long ago that I have a choice. I didn’t choose cancer, but I got to choose how I reacted to it.

I learned long ago that I can live, or I can wait to die.

 

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 

Ecclesiastes 8:15

 

Every three months I have scans to check for cancer progression.

Every three months, I am reminded that I am a cancer patient.

Although I have tolerable, yet uncomfortable, side effects and I visit my oncologist every month; I lead a pretty normal life. I gave up my career, but I keep busy writing my blog and freelancing for local publications. I am so tired that I become one with my couch sometimes, but I manage to care for my home and family as best I can.

Continue reading “Living My Best Life”

Winter’s Work

Winter’s work is about what happens during the cold months before the rebirth that comes in Spring, and the work God is also doing inside of me.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be thy glory both now and forever! Amen. 

2 Peter 3:18

I love when spring shows up in the dead of winter. It was one of those 60 degree days in February.  My windows opened to usher in the fresh air, the smell of spring and the hint of new beginnings thick on the breeze. My soul needed this winter reprieve, and my heart was full of hope and possibilities.  I had a busy day; but just before dinner, I asked my daughter to join me for a walk. I couldn’t let that day go by without spending time outdoors.

Continue reading “Winter’s Work”

First and Third Wednesdays

I joined Bible study and worried I wouldn’t fit in. I was intimidated by all these women who had it all figured out. Then, through sharing, I learned that what they had was God’s peace. In time, with their help, I found that too.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

My pastor’s wife invited me to join the Wednesday evening Women’s Bible Study soon after I began attending my church. I was very busy at the time. I was a wife and mother, overwhelmed with running two child care centers and taking care of my family. I recently finished treatment for stage 2 breast cancer, and was putting my life back together after chemo, surgery, and radiation. My priorities changed with my diagnosis, and I worked to get my life in balance. I cleared my overbooked schedule, and tried to focus on what mattered. I was ashamed to say that at first, I hesitated about joining the group.

Continue reading “First and Third Wednesdays”

I Find Peace in the Open Spaces

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Psalm 29:11

 

The last day of 2018.  New Year’s Eve.

I put away the Christmas decorations yesterday. In the past, I was always sad when the trees were gone, the garland was removed from the staircase, and the Christmas decor was put back in boxes.

This year was different.

Continue reading “I Find Peace in the Open Spaces”

Unraveled…

I still had the rainbow patchwork blanket Mom crocheted me that covered my bed as a teenager, but my favorite blanket is a pink one Mom made when I had cancer the first time.  I took that blanket with me to every chemo treatment and wrapped myself in her love. Over the years, she crocheted blankets for my kids, family members, friends, and even strangers donating her creative gifts and her time for charitable organizations.  I was not sure what it was about those blankets, but they were ‘magical’.

Continue reading “Unraveled…”

This Little Light of Mine

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

(John 1:5)

We were away for the weekend, tagging along with my husband on a work trip to Ocean City, Maryland. Since it was mid-October, we didn’t expect a typical summer beach day; but we were pleasantly surprised with a glorious sunny day when we arrived. The sky was blue. The waves were mesmerizing. The beach was practically empty too. We sat on the beach, looked out at the waves, and took it all in.

Continue reading “This Little Light of Mine”