December 12, 2012
Last chemo + seven days
There has to be something momentous about a day like this…where
everything aligns.
I’m not sure what that is as I’m finding recovery from this
chemo a little slower than the previous sessions …but I’m told that’s normal. There’s a
cumulative effect. I do, however, notice gains each day. That is what
encourages me. Remembering, the chemo is now behind me.
A few days ago, I tried to bake Snickerdoodles, my favorite Christmas cookie, resulting in tossing the cookies down the garbage disposal...chemo brain fatality. It took me a few minutes of self pity before I surrendered the fiasco to God who reminded me that it was okay to surrender the Christmas cooking to a loving spouse who was more than happy to be Chief The Halls this year.
What a wonderful surprise when I went to the mailbox. A dear friend had read my sad story and baked me a couple dozen Snickerdoodles. They are delicious. An amazing treat.
It's never been easy for me to be on the receiving end of favors. Too independent for my own good.
It occurred to me that maybe others enjoy being the givers once in awhile. I need to learn to be gracious receiver of blessings. Maybe they'll come a time, when I can return the favors. But I do God and those who love me dishonor if I gripe over what I cannot do. Instead I will thank the Lord for the abundance of love I have received from friends and family.
12-12-12
As I think on God’s messages to me this week, I realize how He has put all things in alignment.
Today, I received the promotional pics for my non-fiction book that will go live in a few days, I Prayed for Patience/God Gave Me Children.
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Through
vignettes, quotes, snippets and cartoons, I hope to not only give a little
parenting encouragement, but more so, show the reader how we are God’s children
… how that unique role should encourage us every day. I am more keenly aware of that truth as this day continues to unfold.
Here are a few of God’s messages to me this week.
EPHESIANS 2:10
For we are God’s
workmanship crated in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in
advance for us to do.”
Even though cancer has weakened me, impacted my mental state,
and slowed me down, God still has a plan for me to do good works. I can smile
at frenzied shoppers. Spread a compliment, and share other writers’ news on
their books. I pray that God will keep me in tune with what I am able to do
rather than what I cannot do.
2 Thesalonians 2:16
May our Lord Jesus Christ
himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal
encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every
good deed and word.
I am reminded that God never tires of sending us encouragement.
And finally
On the day when the number 12 is in alignment
Romans 12: 12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Cancer tried to beat me, it bent, but didn’t destroy. God has
promised renewed strength and vitality. So I will rest in His promises and take
each day as a gift. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
