Breast Cancer-I never even considered writing about this until somebody
pointed out that, the more people that know, the more people that can be
praying for me. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I suspected as
much because of the lump. Still, actually hearing those words threw me for a
real loop. As long as I didn't know for sure I was able to maintain a
positive attitude. However, once I heard the final verdict, my first thought
was, "Haven't I suffered enough already?" Now I realize that was a
self-centered thought But I am a human and we all, or at least most, of us,
are naturally self-centered. At times, I start to think that it is not
fair but what always stops me is this. God sent His own Son to die on that
cross for us. How fair is that? How can I whine about my lot in life
compared to that?
So I am sharing what I am dealing with right now for several reasons. The
primary one is prayer. I need lots and lots of prayer. I always need plenty
of prayer. But, right now I need a bit extra, for both my physical and
emotional well-being.
I also need to share this for me. Now that I have had some time to process
the information, I know that I need to talk about the cancer and not keep it inside
and have a black cloud cloud hanging over my head all the time. At first, I
couldn't handle the "C" word. Cancer was something that happened to other
people and not to me. But I am now at that point that I can say, on my
speech board, those three words, "I have cancer" and not get too emotional.
Not too often, anyway.I I find it a kind of relief to talk about the
cancer, especially with ones who have had cancer themselves. It gives me some
idea of what to expect. Though it probably won't be exactly the same.
Another reason for sharing this is that you all will understand that, if
these blogs stop suddenly, it will be because I am undergoing cancer
treatments.
Finally, I am sharing this with you readers simply because writing it down helps me to sort out my own thoughts about this very unwanted situation. Hope you don't mind.
So, yes, I do have breast cancer but it is temporary. I know very well that God could extract the cancer without any kind of medical intervention. However, I also know that it would be presumption to assume that He is automatically going to do so. I figure the best thing for me to do is to go along with the doctors unless I hear otherwise, LOUD AND CLEAR, from God.
Right now, I seem to be in "on hold" mode. As far as I know, all the tests, scans, pokes and prods are over and I am waiting for some kind of treatment plan. I confess that I don't understand why God is allowing me to go through this, on top of everything else, but I do know this. God is as good a God now as He was before I had cancer and, somehow, it is all going to work out for the best. Both for me and for others.
Me
At the beloved/hated writing vessel
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Making the Most of Life
Making The Most Of Things-Last time, I mentioned some situations that I
can't change so I simply have to accept as they are what they are. But I
have also learned to to make the most of them. The operative word is learned
as it sure didn't happen overnight.
One main area that I would like to change but can't is in the area of my
physical health. Only God can and will change it in His time. In the
meantime, I have had to learn to make the most of being paralyzed and unable
to talk. One good thing that has come out of it is that I have had to learn
to depend on other people for all the things that I can't do on my own. And
that is just about everything. I have always been a pretty independent
person so one of the ways I am making the most of being paralyzed is by
accepting help from other people and not, or trying not, to feel like I am a
nuisance. I often think that life would be so much easier for me if I could
only speak like other people. However, it is what it is. I make the most of
not speaking by using the speech board or my computer. Aside from a few
friends who are able to use the speech board quickly, I use it mostly with
the nurses. It is especially valuable when I need something, though there
are also plenty times we use the speech board to have a conversation. I use
my computer for a lot of my communication. I use e-mail to communicate with
all sorts of people. At times, I get visitors who don't use the speech board
so I talk with them on my computer.
Time has always been an issue with me. There are a lot of hours in each day for
me to fill up. It is what it is so I try to make the best of it. I spend quite a
bit of time reading the Bible. Never a bad thing to do. Any kind of writing takes a long time so I pass many long hours writing these blogs, e-mails and an occasional letter. In Long-term Care , the primary way of passing time is by watching tv. I confess that I probably watch too much of it as well but I do limit myself to evenings and usually use discernment about what I watch. When I am in bed and can't use my computer, it is a bit harder to make the most of all my time. During the afternoons, while resting in bed, I listen to Christian music which helps to pass time for me as well as it keeps my focus on God. Even at night when I can't sleep, I can make the most of the time by praying, quoting scriptures to myself, etc. I don't always do it, though.
Lack of people to spend time with me can be frustrating. Still, I understand that people have to work and have other commitments so I make the most of it by enjoying visitors when they come but, when they don't keeping as busy as I can.
One of the things that I can't change is not being to do things that other people do. To make the most of it, I have learned to thoroughly enjoy the things that I can do. It may be be as simple as going for ice cream or going for a walk. No matter if what I can do seems pretty minor to other people, they are still pretty exciting to me.
So, even though there are some situations in my life right now I can only describe as "it is what it is", I have learned to make the most of these situations. A good part of the time, anyway. It would be a lie to say that I have it totally mastered.
can't change so I simply have to accept as they are what they are. But I
have also learned to to make the most of them. The operative word is learned
as it sure didn't happen overnight.
One main area that I would like to change but can't is in the area of my
physical health. Only God can and will change it in His time. In the
meantime, I have had to learn to make the most of being paralyzed and unable
to talk. One good thing that has come out of it is that I have had to learn
to depend on other people for all the things that I can't do on my own. And
that is just about everything. I have always been a pretty independent
person so one of the ways I am making the most of being paralyzed is by
accepting help from other people and not, or trying not, to feel like I am a
nuisance. I often think that life would be so much easier for me if I could
only speak like other people. However, it is what it is. I make the most of
not speaking by using the speech board or my computer. Aside from a few
friends who are able to use the speech board quickly, I use it mostly with
the nurses. It is especially valuable when I need something, though there
are also plenty times we use the speech board to have a conversation. I use
my computer for a lot of my communication. I use e-mail to communicate with
all sorts of people. At times, I get visitors who don't use the speech board
so I talk with them on my computer.
Time has always been an issue with me. There are a lot of hours in each day for
me to fill up. It is what it is so I try to make the best of it. I spend quite a
bit of time reading the Bible. Never a bad thing to do. Any kind of writing takes a long time so I pass many long hours writing these blogs, e-mails and an occasional letter. In Long-term Care , the primary way of passing time is by watching tv. I confess that I probably watch too much of it as well but I do limit myself to evenings and usually use discernment about what I watch. When I am in bed and can't use my computer, it is a bit harder to make the most of all my time. During the afternoons, while resting in bed, I listen to Christian music which helps to pass time for me as well as it keeps my focus on God. Even at night when I can't sleep, I can make the most of the time by praying, quoting scriptures to myself, etc. I don't always do it, though.
Lack of people to spend time with me can be frustrating. Still, I understand that people have to work and have other commitments so I make the most of it by enjoying visitors when they come but, when they don't keeping as busy as I can.
One of the things that I can't change is not being to do things that other people do. To make the most of it, I have learned to thoroughly enjoy the things that I can do. It may be be as simple as going for ice cream or going for a walk. No matter if what I can do seems pretty minor to other people, they are still pretty exciting to me.
So, even though there are some situations in my life right now I can only describe as "it is what it is", I have learned to make the most of these situations. A good part of the time, anyway. It would be a lie to say that I have it totally mastered.
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
It is what it is
It Is What It Is-Lately, this phrase has been coming to me quite frequently.
It is true that there are a lot of things in my life that I wish were
different but I also know that they are what they are and wishing for
different circumstances is totally futile. Instead, I have learned to accept
my situation and, with God's help, to carry as best I can.
The primary area that I have had to accept that "it is what it is" is in the
area of my physical health. No, I don't want to be completely paralyzed and
unable to talk. Who would? Having said that, though, "it is what it is". I
figure it is really up to me. I can feel sorry for myself, which I do plenty
of, or I can suck it up and do what I know I should be doing. Things like
reading the Bible, especially healing scriptures, praying, praising God,
going to church, etc. And then trust God for my healing in His way and time.
Recently, I have another "curve ball" thrown at me. I admit that one of my
first thoughts was, "Haven't I suffered enough already?" But I have since
collected myself, told myself that "it is what it is" and am preparing, or
trying to, to deal with it.
Another area that I feel like "it is what it is" is in relationships. With a
few exceptions, I don't have very good relationships with other people. I often use my communication difficulties as a reason for it . Anyway, "it is what it is". A few quality relationships are better a lot of superficial ones.
I lead a lonely life. Lonely as far as communication with other people is concerned. But I am never truly alone. God is always with me and I can communicate in my mind with Him anytime I want. I do love my alone times with God but, at times, it feels like a bit much. But, "it is what it is" and I am sure it is the way that God wants it right now.
One thing that I have always had a tough time dealing with is all the things other people are doing that I can't do. At times, I feel so left out of "life". At times like that, I have to remind myself that my turn is coming. Until then, though, I just have to accept that "it is what it is"
So, yes, I do have situations in my life that I have to accept as "it is what it is". For now. But I also know that, with God, any or all of these situations are subject to change at any time.
It is true that there are a lot of things in my life that I wish were
different but I also know that they are what they are and wishing for
different circumstances is totally futile. Instead, I have learned to accept
my situation and, with God's help, to carry as best I can.
The primary area that I have had to accept that "it is what it is" is in the
area of my physical health. No, I don't want to be completely paralyzed and
unable to talk. Who would? Having said that, though, "it is what it is". I
figure it is really up to me. I can feel sorry for myself, which I do plenty
of, or I can suck it up and do what I know I should be doing. Things like
reading the Bible, especially healing scriptures, praying, praising God,
going to church, etc. And then trust God for my healing in His way and time.
Recently, I have another "curve ball" thrown at me. I admit that one of my
first thoughts was, "Haven't I suffered enough already?" But I have since
collected myself, told myself that "it is what it is" and am preparing, or
trying to, to deal with it.
Another area that I feel like "it is what it is" is in relationships. With a
few exceptions, I don't have very good relationships with other people. I often use my communication difficulties as a reason for it . Anyway, "it is what it is". A few quality relationships are better a lot of superficial ones.
I lead a lonely life. Lonely as far as communication with other people is concerned. But I am never truly alone. God is always with me and I can communicate in my mind with Him anytime I want. I do love my alone times with God but, at times, it feels like a bit much. But, "it is what it is" and I am sure it is the way that God wants it right now.
One thing that I have always had a tough time dealing with is all the things other people are doing that I can't do. At times, I feel so left out of "life". At times like that, I have to remind myself that my turn is coming. Until then, though, I just have to accept that "it is what it is"
So, yes, I do have situations in my life that I have to accept as "it is what it is". For now. But I also know that, with God, any or all of these situations are subject to change at any time.
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Adversity or Opportunity
Adversity Or Opportunity-When I first became a born-again Christian, for the
first few weeks, I was in state of euphoria. Despite my cruddy
circumstances, life was wonderful. There really was a God and He was going
to heal me. I guess every new Christian is the same. We figure that nothing
will ever go wrong for us now that we Christians. But, eventually, the
euphoria wears off and adversity sets in. Some adversity, like mine, is
obvious but there are also kinds of adversity that are known only to the
individuals themselves. Whatever the case, all Christians are going to face
some sort of adversity. Which can also be an opportunity.
First of all, adversity is a perfect soil for faith to grow in. When
everything is going well, we don't need to use our faith as much as when
adversity hits. The more we use our faith, the stronger it gets. As much as
I have had to use my faith, I figure my faith must be pretty darn strong by
now!
Adversity provides us with an opportunity to depend on God. Let's be honest.
We all depend on ourselves to do things that we are capable of doing for
ourselves. Or should. But, when adversity comes and we are not able to
"fix"the problem on our own, and other people can't "fix" it either, then we
have no choice but to depend on God. Only, God knows what is in our hearts so
He knows if is genuine dependence on Him or mere lip service.
Adversity gives us an opportunity to develop certain Christian characteristics that we don't usually have to develop when things are all going the way we want them to be going. Everything is sailing along just fine when, out of the blue, some form of adversity hits. Whether it is physical, emotional, relationally, financially or whatever, it is in adversity that we are forced to develop traits such as patience, endurance and longsuffering. Qualities we all need if we are going to be like Jesus.
Adversity gives us an opportunity to please God. As Christians, one of things that we aim at is pleasing God. When we face adversity and can still maintain a godly character, I know that it pleases God. This is something that I haven't yet mastered. At least, not all of the time. Far from it. At times, mostly out of frustration, my behavior is anything BUT godly.
I think that adversity is a golden opportunity to show Jesus to the world. The fact is non-Christians watch Christians and, rightly or wrongly, expect us to be "better" than they are. They may not pay much attention to our church services and gatherings but they sure watch when adversity hits. Do we fall apart like they might or do we just go through it and maintain godly character? Times of adversity are also good times to tell people about Jesus. People are more likely to listen when they know you are facing adversity and still praising God.
Nobody likes adversity. I don't like adversity. But I have had enough of it in my life to understand that it is a necessary part of our lives if we are to become the people God wants us to become.
first few weeks, I was in state of euphoria. Despite my cruddy
circumstances, life was wonderful. There really was a God and He was going
to heal me. I guess every new Christian is the same. We figure that nothing
will ever go wrong for us now that we Christians. But, eventually, the
euphoria wears off and adversity sets in. Some adversity, like mine, is
obvious but there are also kinds of adversity that are known only to the
individuals themselves. Whatever the case, all Christians are going to face
some sort of adversity. Which can also be an opportunity.
First of all, adversity is a perfect soil for faith to grow in. When
everything is going well, we don't need to use our faith as much as when
adversity hits. The more we use our faith, the stronger it gets. As much as
I have had to use my faith, I figure my faith must be pretty darn strong by
now!
Adversity provides us with an opportunity to depend on God. Let's be honest.
We all depend on ourselves to do things that we are capable of doing for
ourselves. Or should. But, when adversity comes and we are not able to
"fix"the problem on our own, and other people can't "fix" it either, then we
have no choice but to depend on God. Only, God knows what is in our hearts so
He knows if is genuine dependence on Him or mere lip service.
Adversity gives us an opportunity to develop certain Christian characteristics that we don't usually have to develop when things are all going the way we want them to be going. Everything is sailing along just fine when, out of the blue, some form of adversity hits. Whether it is physical, emotional, relationally, financially or whatever, it is in adversity that we are forced to develop traits such as patience, endurance and longsuffering. Qualities we all need if we are going to be like Jesus.
Adversity gives us an opportunity to please God. As Christians, one of things that we aim at is pleasing God. When we face adversity and can still maintain a godly character, I know that it pleases God. This is something that I haven't yet mastered. At least, not all of the time. Far from it. At times, mostly out of frustration, my behavior is anything BUT godly.
I think that adversity is a golden opportunity to show Jesus to the world. The fact is non-Christians watch Christians and, rightly or wrongly, expect us to be "better" than they are. They may not pay much attention to our church services and gatherings but they sure watch when adversity hits. Do we fall apart like they might or do we just go through it and maintain godly character? Times of adversity are also good times to tell people about Jesus. People are more likely to listen when they know you are facing adversity and still praising God.
Nobody likes adversity. I don't like adversity. But I have had enough of it in my life to understand that it is a necessary part of our lives if we are to become the people God wants us to become.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)