He Answered

If you’re on Facebook or received my personal email message, you have read of my health update this past week. If not, word on the street is…my PET scan was clear!  The doctors have declared that the cancer is in remission. I am claiming God’s healing grace and offering Him my humble and thankful praise.

The next step is to continue appointments every two months with my ENT along with a six month check-up with the oncologist.

God is incredibly good—isn’t He?

On another note, I would appreciate your prayers for a dear friend of mine as she continues her journey in battling the ugly cancer beast. She is traveling to Kansas City this Monday to consult with doctors regarding a new cancer treatment program. Please join me in praying God’s sovereign hand in her situation as they meet with the specialists on Tuesday.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Thank you, praying friends.

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When I ended my chemotherapy and radiation treatments last November, I wondered, What’s next, God? Since then, with thanksgiving and awe of His grace toward me, I began to pray, “Lord, thank you for carrying me through the most difficult journey I have ever experienced. When I wanted to give up—in every instance, Your mercy was greater. Every single time. So God, I surrender. Whatever You want from me, I’ll do.”

Each time I prayed that prayer, I meant it. And you know what God did? He answered.

Several weeks ago, I was asked to pray about sharing a small portion of my testimony in church. I've mentioned in previous posts of how speaking in front of crowds was definitely out of my comfort zone. But as I remembered my prayer of submission, I realized, this was one of the What’s next, God? opportunities. So last Sunday, I did it—I shared. Even though speaking in front of a large crowd was a little daunting, I realized once again, this wasn’t about me. It was an opportunity to share about a relationship—a God relationship.

Oh my. God is teaching me so much during this crazy journey of mine. And for some reason, that only my heavenly Father knows, I’m still here. But one thing is for certain, through every trial and victory I continue to experience God more and more.

Because you see, it’s all about the relationship.

My Conversation With God

The following is a conversation I had with God this past weekend. At first, I hesitated sharing it publically because it was so personal to me. But I believe there is someone reading this right now that needs to know how important a trusting relationship with God is. When He speaks, we need to listen. And when He is silent, we only need to trust.

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I went to bed Friday night around 10:30 pm. My body was tired, but my mind wouldn’t allow sleep to come. As I lay in bed, I began to mentally converse with God.

You know, God, I enjoy so much of what You continually bless me with.

My two spunky grand-boys keep me smiling. I love watching them play, listening to their rough-house giggles as they wrestle with their Gpa, and mostly, hearing them say “I love you, Gma.”

My entire family is an incredible bundle of joy. We express love for each other easily and they bless my heart in each of their quirky ways.

And my church family surpasses all others, in my books, not to mention the wonderful friends You’ve placed in my life.

So, if You don’t mind, I’d like to be around to enjoy all of these blessings a while longer. I guess, what I’m saying is…I just want to live.

And God said, The world you live in is broken. Living here on earth will bring more heartache, pain and suffering.

I know. I said.

God continued, Life in heaven is an eternity full of joy…it is the definition of perfect.

Yes, I know. I replied.

And then there was silence.

I struggled to hear that still, gentle voice again while tossing and turning in bed, but the only sound breaking the silence was the soft snore of my husband beside me.

Several minutes passed in the quiet night.

And then I prayed, Father, even if the cancer returns, no matter what, I will always praise You.

Then sleep finally came…with peace. Yes, sweet peace.

Thank You, God

Medical update:

This week ushers in “the biggie”…aka the PET scan. After several months of successful healing from chemo and radiation treatments, the scheduled scan will determine if there is any cancer activity remaining in my body. So, my fellow warriors, I’d appreciate your prayers this Wednesday as I travel to Wichita for the 2–3 hour procedure. Results will be discussed during my follow-up appointment the week after. As always, I am amazed at God's hovering grace and peace…and of course the continued support from my wonderful prayer partners. Thank you, once again.

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As I sat in my living room typing this today, my eyes drifted over my laptop screen, gazing through the french doors into my backyard. I began to stare at our wooden deck where glistening ice had formed, along with a few spots of dusted snow that had clung to the ice, seemingly hiding from the swirly wind. The day proved bitterly cold.

But in that moment of gazing at the taunts of winter, I found myself thanking God.

Thank You, God, for the seasons You provide. Each transitions beautifully in Your perfect timing. As I tire of winter and wait anxiously for the budding of spring, Spring waits patiently for Your glorious entry command.

"He made the moon for the seasons; the sun knows the place of its setting." Psalm 104:19

Thank You, God, for the wind that blows. It reveals Your faithfulness to a sinner that is saved by grace and trusting in You alone—even when the journey ahead seems difficult.

"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock." Matthew 7:25

Thank You, God, for the covering swirls of soft, white snow. It is a beautiful reminder of Christ’s death on the cross and through a personal relationship with Him, my sins are covered, completely forgiven, and washed as white as snow.

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Now it's your turn.

Thank You, God,...