October 16, 2016

"Choosing joy in your everyday life means more than just knowing the right things to think. The correct passages to quote. The theological doctrines of joy. 

Choosing joy is a radical decision to honor God by experiencing the depths of God's promises to us. It's desiring Him above all else, rejoicing in His character, and living joyfully, according to His Word.

Radical joy is sin-destroying, world-changing, wound-healing, other-centered, and mission-minded. Radical joy creates a God-glorifying life." - Angela Thomas

October 14, 2016

"One of the marks of spiritual maturity is the quiet confidence that God is in control... without the need to understand why He does what He does." Chuck Swindoll

September 24, 2016 - An Eye Update

When we follow Jesus... we begin to calm down. We become more peaceful because we let go of our pretensions to rule the universe. We leave what belongs to God in God’s hands. We also listen for his voice because we know that Jesus can help us navigate our present. Following him makes us peaceable and teachable, even in the most unpredictable and frightening of circumstances." - Ann Spangler

I had an appointment with the retina specialist yesterday to see what the problem is with my good eye. When I last saw him in January, that eye was exhibiting some symptoms but there wasn't anything to treat - he said either it would settle down or it would cause some trouble. Apparently it chose the trouble route. :)

I have choroidal neovascularization (CNV). There are different causes; mine is not due to macular degeneration but the treatment is the same - injections in my eye. I had the first one yesterday and will have another one next month. Injections in your eye are not for wimps. I have a whole new respect for my dad as well as for my friend, Brother Ken; they do this every month, in both eyes!

Before I went to the doctor on Wednesday, I just thought my bad eye was getting worse and I needed new glasses. To learn that the good eye has a pretty substantial problem, was sobering. To know that this is probably the best that my vision will be, was sobering. 

I had a little pity party for a few hours and now we move on. Because once again, God is here and He prepares us with what we need. A verse we need to hear. For me, a message on the radio reminding me that no one is better equipped to deal with adversity than a believer. 

I am SO thankful that God is walking with us each day and in every situation!! 

"God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

Dec. 14, 2015 - Joy to the World!

I learned yesterday that this is probably the last Christmas on earth for a friend of mine. Barring a miracle, she will not be here next year. 

I remember spending Christmas with my mom when she was terminal - when her cancer was treatable but not curable. 

Christmas looks different when it may be your last. Little details seem much less important. Spending time with those closest to you and truly ENJOYING traditions together - whatever those look like. There is nothing more important. 

The quality of our lives is actually better when we keep this perspective in mind. When we treasure this year, this day, this MOMENT - because we aren't promised another moment, another day, another Christmas. 

Tony and I are taking a different look at Christmas this year, compared to other years. We are investing more in memories than in things. We are spending time with friends and family, enjoying the moments, and not worrying so much about whether we have the perfect whatever... recipe, gift, etc. People won't remember what you gave them, what you cooked, what you wore, as much as they will remember the time they spent with you. 

The best gift we can give as we head into the next 10 days is the gift of ourselves, being present for each moment that God gives us! 

Joy to the World!!

Dec. 6, 2015 - Radical Joy

Last Sunday night, I came down with a HEADACHE (the kind where you are dizzy, nauseous and alternating burning up and freezing). It has been with me all week, with periodic breaks which have been wonderful!! 

The Christmas decorations we started to put up last weekend are only partially finished, because walking around seems to make me want to throw up. The house is a mess, and I need to go to the grocery store. smile emoticon

That is what is happening in the physical realm. Not so much fun! 

But Tony and I were talking today about how very blessed we are, in so many ways. There are so many tough issues that people are dealing with - and although we don't know why this new health stuff is going on right now, it is manageable. 

The conclusion? 

We will choose radical joy! I came across this today - I posted it 4 or 5 years ago, and God used these words to encourage me and to remind me how crucial it is to find the joy in each day!!

"Choosing joy in your everyday life means more than just knowing the right things to think. The correct passages to quote. The theological doctrines of joy.

Choosing joy is a radical decision to honor God by experiencing the depths of God's promises to us. It's desiring Him above all else, rejoicing in His character, and living joyfully, according to His Word.

Radical joy is sin-destroying, world-changing, wound-healing, other-centered, and mission-minded. Radical joy creates a God-glorifying life. This year, may we choose radical, sold-out joy. Come alive joy. Passionate joy. Change-me-competely kind of joy." - Angela Thomas 

Life can be frustrating. It's not always easy. But we can find it. We can dig deep and choose joy. Joy IS there to choose and to use as our spiritual weapon against whatever comes against us. No matter what we are dealing with, God is with us and He will NEVER leave us or forsake us! His plans are best!!

Good tidings of great joy to you!!

Nov. 26, 2015 - Looking Back

A year ago at Thanksgiving, I was recovering from major surgery and hoped that would be the end of my cancer story. It wasn't. I didn't know that this year would include chemo and eye surgeries and a bone scan - and I don't know what 2016 holds - but I am thankful for the faithfulness of God! The words of this article resonate with me - praying for all my friends and family who are struggling today!

"Through the hard times, the most profound lesson I’m learning involves redefining of my definition of Thanksgiving. I am challenged to be more than just “thankful”.

I am challenged to do something even more difficult—I’m challenged to trust.

I am proclaiming right now that in times of suffering, a heart of gratitude means more than just saying “thank you”—it means believing that God is who He says He is. Believing that He is good, that He is love, and that He is for me. Believing that He never changes, that He never fails, and that He is working all things for what is good.

Whatever it is you are struggling through right now, may this Thanksgiving be a reminder of God’s everlasting faithfulness for your life.

Whatever it is that is weighing on your heart and burdening your mind, be reminded that though you don’t understand the reason—there is a loving God that does, and He is walking by your side every step of the way. He will never leave you, and He never has." - Debra Fileta, Relevant Magazine

Nov. 23, 2015 - Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

I am pretty sure that there has never been a Thanksgiving in my life, where I have truly felt SO thankful for every blessing. Here is my (abbreviated) list! smile emoticon

1. The unconditional love of God - the peace, joy, comfort and hope that He offers

2. Tony - he is the perfect husband for me!

3. My girls and their husbands - Mindy and Kelli are two of my very best friends, and I am so thankful that God blessed them with Michael and John, who love them so much!

4. Clara, Tucker, Lincoln, Bonnie and Graham - Each of you are very special to us. You are so unique, and you give us a new perspective on life. To Graham - I didn’t understand why chemo came into my life at almost the same time you did - but God has used you to bring so much joy and healing to my heart and I am so glad that we’ve had this year to get to know each other!

5. Our extended family - thank you for your prayers and love for us this past year!

6. Our friends who are like family - you have encouraged and prayed for us, laughed and cried with us, kept us company when we weren’t much fun, brought us food, cards, gifts and flowers, came all the way from Alaska to visit (thank you, Kris!), let us stay at your beach house (thank you, Lori!), cleaned our house (thank you, Susan!), wrapped our Christmas gifts (thank you, Kelli Bergstrom!), and been God’s hand extended to us.

7. Patrick & Treasa - thank you for your friendship, support and love, and for walking with us through the most difficult seasons in our lives!

8. The Life Fellowship staff/family - I am so honored to serve with you, and cannot wait to see what God has planned for us in 2016!

9. The community of friends who I have met and/or become closer to because of our shared cancer experiences. You are some of the bravest people that I know, and I am praying for you.

10. Our Life Fellowship West family - both the team that went with us to West and the new friends that God has blessed us with. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been less than a year since Life Fellowship West opened! You have become such a big part of my heart in this short time, and I am so excited to see what God has ahead for West! 

11. An incredible medical team who has helped us through so much! And I’m especially thankful for my medical friends who have been able to give me the inside scoop / regular-word explanations for things when I haven’t been clear on things. 

12. Renewed health and energy. I missed you!! 

13. Hair.  smile emoticon

Happy Thanksgiving!