Preparation Mode

“May I love God, love people and serve others first.  May I press into Jesus and become more like Him.  May I recognize the amazing and magnificent in the everyday.”

~ Ashley Thorne

“Turn your worry into worship and watch God turn your battles into blessings.”

~ Christian Today

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

~ C. S. Lewis

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God continues to use His Word, His people, and things in everyday life to challenge, inspire, and motivate me to keep things in perspective.  These have been days of praying, preparation, waiting, and trusting.  Please know that your prayers, cards, notes, calls, words, sharing of scriptures, advice, and thoughtful gifts continue to be a huge source of encouragement and blessing to Larry and me.  Thank you for your willingness to share this journey with us.

On Monday, June 3, 2019, we are to arrive at the hospital at 6:30 a.m.  First on the agenda is to inject a dye that will travel to the lymph nodes.  Then I will have x-rays with surgery to follow at 10:00 a.m.  We are most grateful for your prayers.

Prayer Requests:

* To have a keen sense of God’s presence, provision, and pleasure

* Chances to be a blessing

* Opportunities to express gratitude

* For God to guide the surgeons/medical teams with wisdom, skill, alertness, and steady hands

* That my body will avoid infection

* Discernment to know when to ask for help and then graciousness to willingly accept it

* Toleration of pain

* Adapt to new sleeping position

* To have an uncomplaining spirit

* Patience in the process

* The surgery will bring about restored health with no more cancer

* Peace for Larry, our sons, family, and friends as they wait

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

So do not fear, for I am with you;

     do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

     I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

For I am the LORD our God

     who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

     I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

     for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

     great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I lift up my eyes to the mountains –

     where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

     the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10a

“And surely I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20b

A Plan, a Date, and Reminders

GOD

IS NOT

ASKING

YOU TO

FIGURE

IT OUT.

GOD IS

ASKING

YOU TO

TRUST

THAT HE

ALREADY

HAS.

~ TOBYMAC

Amazingly in two weeks time I have had 8 doctor consultations, blood drawn, X-rays, an EKG, mammograms, sonograms, an MRI, and we now have a plan.

The MRI on Monday confirmed that the tumor is 2.4 cm.  That finding changes the cancer diagnosis to a Stage 1B, since the tumor is greater than 2 cm.  Because the cancer is invasive, it has tentacles/feelers coming from the mass.  Due to these findings, consults with the medical team, and after much prayer, I have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction to follow over the following three months.

I have pre-op appointments this next week with the doctor and hospital.  Surgery has been scheduled for June 3.  As of now, plans are that I will be spending one night in the hospital.  Barring any surprises in the lymph nodes or skin, I may be exempt from radiation and/or chemotherapy!

“As we live lives of worship we are setting the pattern by which we will deal with the best news and the worst news of our lives.  So whatever else we do today, let us worship God who gives and takes away.  Let us bless his name.  Nothing in all creation can separate us or our loved ones from God’s love.” ~ Dr. Duane Brooks

Reminders:

* Two sets of ears are helpful in recalling important information.

* Because doctors and other medical staff have diligently studied, prepared, sacrificed free time and pleasures for a season, and established practices, surgery is an option to bring about renewed health.

* Be intentional on how to spend time and energy.

* May I be as willing to get rid of sin in life as I am to get rid of the cancer.

* I get to choose my attitude.

* Focus on ways God is moving, providing, and blessing.

* Look for ways to honor, serve, and be a blessing to others especially during these days.

* Have a grateful and appreciative spirit.

* Keep eyes on Jesus at all times.  

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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

     His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”
Philippians 2:14-15b

With a Little Help from Friends

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” ~ John Donne

Sharonda Wilson and her son, Stephan Wilson, were both scheduled to graduate universities on May 4, 2019, after completing their degree programs.  They encountered an obstacle since Sharonda was graduating from Ferris State University, with a bachelor’s of science in business administration, while Stephan was earning his degree of fine arts in Music Theater from Central Michigan University. 

Stephan happened to have a casual conversation with a friend the day before graduation that had an amazing outcome.  “I told a friend of mine that [my] mom was skipping her graduation to be with me, and she used her magic to help Dr. Davies orchestrate that moment.”  His friend works in the President’s Office and told President Davies about the situation.  With just a few hours until graduation ceremonies were to take place, Davies made a very important phone call and decisions were quickly put into action.

During the ceremony President Davies called Stephan and his mother forward and Stephan was handed an additional graduation cap for his mother.   After explaining the situation, Davies announced, “I made a call today when I found this out, to David Eisler, the president of Ferris State University, so please pay attention.”  Stephan put the graduation cap on his mother and the president continued, “By the virtue of the authority vested in me, by the state of Michigan and the board of trustees, I confer upon you, Sharonda Wilson, the bachelor’s degree that you have earned, with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto.” Dr. Davies then concluded, “Please move your tassel from your right to your left.”  The attendees cheered loudly for Sharonda and Stephan, who greatly appreciated the kind gestures of the day.

On May 5, 2019, Jessica Robertson, 30, of Pittsburgh and 37 year old Laura Mazur, of New Bremen, Ohio, participated in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.  It was the 6th marathon for Mazur and the first for Robertson.

Up until the 14th mile marker, the runners had never met.  Mazur had been lamenting the fact that she would probably be the last place runner in the race when the two realized they were running at the same pace.  The two ladies began to run the race together, encouraging each other along the way.  At the 25 mile section there was a large crowd cheering for the last two runners.  It’s what they needed to inspire them to complete the last 1.2 miles.  At mile 26, Mazur reached over and grabbed Robertson’s hand and said, “Let’s go!”  The ladies have been described as not the last two runners, but rather FINISHERS in the race!!

During these days, I, too am in need of help from new friends/doctors as well as long time family and friends.  God is using your prayers, thoughts, expertise, advice, words of encouragement, notes, hugs, and other kind gestures to bless me and lighten the load on this journey.  I, too, am a grateful recipient! 

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.

3 John 1:5

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Provisions and Truths

The day I was diagnosed with cancer, the Bible Gateway verse for the day was Romans 12:12. 

“Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.” 

These are three truths and challenges I want to take to heart, hold on to, and live out on this journey.

God continues to provide in amazing ways: 

* The soonest appointment for one doctor was May 28.  Thirty minutes later the receptionist called back with a May 7 date.

* Because of my main doctor’s integrity, influence, and reputation, a second doctor saw me on a day she usually treats cancer patients and does not see new patients.

* For our 7:15 appointment, the nurse had left her keys inside the office the day before and we were all locked out.  Because of that, Larry and I were able to visit and get to know a little about her before the doctor arrived with the keys.  Now she is more than just a name when we see her.

* At the conclusion of the consultation with the surgeon, she got on her knees, took Larry and me by the hand and prayed, humbling herself as God’s vessel to perform the surgery, quoting scripture promises, and asking God to heal me.  What an amazing time of worship, reassurance, and comfort for me.  There was, and still is, great peace that the right surgeon has been selected.

Things I know:

* I have stage 1A, Grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma cancer. 

* My type of breast cancer is treatable with surgery plus radiation, with a 95% success rate, if taken care of promptly.

* Unless there are surprises in the lymph nodes, I will be spared chemotherapy.

* Surgery will be required, but I have options.

* Doctors have said this will be a difficult and challenging year; recovery is possible.

* “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

* Amazingly, within two weeks, I will be able to meet with 6 doctors, have blood drawn, an MRI, EKG, and x-rays so surgery can be scheduled.

* It’s been beneficial to think about and do things for others rather than dwell on the “what if’s” of cancer.

* My choice of question: What now?

* “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

* God is using your prayers, words of encouragement, advice, notes and cards, and provisions for our family to lighten the load, bless, and encourage me.

* God has known me from the beginning.  None of this is taking Him by surprise. 

* “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

* And God has promised “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 131:5b