Prayer Request Please

If you know me personally, or have read my blog

for very long, you have heard me talk

about my dear friend Marci.

She's an amazing person who even

has her own store!

(which is closed at the present time)

If the Lord lays it on your heart, would you

pray for her?

She has an inoperable, aggressive brain

cancer. She opted for alternative treatment

and is currently undergoing treatment.

Here is a pic of us when we were together the last

time.

 I would covet your prayers for her, she

is in the fight of her life-for her life.

Thank you so much!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above

 all that we ask or think, according to the power 

that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church 

by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, 

world without end. Amen. 

 Ephesians 3:20, 21

A New Season

Spring is a new season...and it brings it's own

wonderfulness to our lives.

The flowers bloom, long dormant trees burst their buds,

the grass greens and grows, and the birds sing songs

of joy!

But this Spring has brought me a different kind

of season...

I just found out that my cancer has returned...

I am currently readying myself for treatments

that will begin next week...

I would appreciate your prayers on my behalf as

I step into this new path.

A Lot Can Happen In a Year...

On this day last year, I had the blood test that revealed that I was very, very sick.

It has been a challenging year, frought with physical illness, financial stress, emotional distress, and 

lots of adjustments.

(And did I mention surgery, CT scan, MRI, countless blood draws, iv's, bone marrow test, colonoscopies, endoscopy and too many dr appointments and specialists to count!?)

However, it has also been a learning time.

A time full of surrender, reflection, prayer, quiet time,

contemplation, and relinquishment.

I have seen that God can take something bad, and make something good out of it.

That our lives are full of His purpose, and plan.

That He doesn't have to explain everything to us--He doesn't need for us to

understand, nor does He need our permission.

He is GOD.

I learned how much I don't know.  That there is much for me to learn.

I have also learned that I am a much weaker  person than I thought I was--we all are.

And that I need God for every single thing--including my next breath.

I have also learned that each day of life is a gift.

This has been a struggle at times-as I often have "down days".

But it is still true!

Every minute needs to be enjoyed and savored.

I no longer take laughter, breezes, rain drops, the smell of cut grass, and

lots of other things for granted.

Am I better?

Well, physically I'm a lot better than I was...

And for that, I am thankful!

Spiritually, well,  I have a long way to go yet. :)

I don't know what the future holds,

but I do know Who holds my future.

Thank you Lord for another day!

Enjoy yours too :)

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

 Proverbs 27:1

Sometimes I Feel Like a Hamster!

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

My life has changed. Yep, everyone's does I know, but mine has changed pretty drastically since October of last year.

Prior to that I was a healthy energetic, go-getter!

The image above is one that has popped into my mind many times lately--I feel like I'm trying to do things

...yet getting nowhere fast. :)

But, at the same time, I know that God has allowed my current situation, and that He has a plan for it.

He has brought to my mind many scriptures to help me through this time of change.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
He reminds me to keep going, do the next thing, and don't worry about it.

Just keep pressing on.

Philippians 3:14

¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

He promises to give me the strength to do what He wants me to do.

Philippians 4:13

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

He is teaching me to rely on His strength, and not my own.

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Keeping my Focus

Those of you who know me, know that I have had some pretty big health challenges in the last few months.

In October 2011 I was diagnosed with lymphoma of the spleen, which I had removed in December.

Then, I was recently diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, and have had some pretty interesting digestive challenges...so, I started the Gaps Diet to try and heal my colon.

I have really had to struggle at times to keep my focus during some of these challenges...

It has certainly caused me to increase my prayer life

 (not only for my needs, but for the needs of many others who are struggling with issues too)

and, it has made me really grateful for the blessings I have as well.

My heart is full of compassion for dear friends who are struggling with health, finances,

wayward children, and aging parents.

But, my heart is also full of thanks!

Thankful to God for walking with me as I travel this new path. Thanks to Him for my family and friends who

have blessed me over and over during this time.

Yesterday I was working around my home, and my heart just sang because I am blessed

to have a home, and to serve my family.

I thank God for the days when I have the energy to do these things,

 and treasure the mundane things I used to take for granted!

What a privilege it has been to be a wife and a mother in this homey little nest of mine!

How I treasure my moments now, and savor each one.

We never know what a day will bring, and which one will be our last.

My children are young adults now, and the days that we spend together now are

so meaningful to me-because they are quickly coming to an end as these

"Arrows" will be making their own lives and homes someday in the not too distant future.

So, I am trying to keep my focus on what is important, and on my blessings!

May God bless our moments together--and yours too as you share them with your loved ones.

God setteth the solitary in families..Psalms 68:6a

Update

Hello Dear Ones,
I hope that you are all well and full of joy today!

I wanted to pop in with a quick update, and prayer request...
My recovery from the surgery has been amazing--God made our bodies w/the amazing ability to heal so well!  The only set-backs I suffered were not surgery related. I have had a lot of intestinal difficulties, and so now they are suspecting that I may have lymphoma in my colon.
I of course am praying against this, and ask you to join me in that!

My wonderful church family and other friends have been taking great care of us with meals! And I am blessed beyond words by the meals, cards, flowers, fruit, calls and prayers!
 My mother has been the very best of nurses--I am so thankful for her...and for my husband and children who have pitched in, waiting on me hand and foot!
I am walking daily again--although I can only go a partial distance, I have picked up my pace quite a bit over the last week! My mom, son, or husband accompany me when I go.

This Tues. I will go to the oncologist for the biopsy report, and Wed. to the surgeon to get the staples removed. (I will find out then when they can do the colonoscopy)...

I so much appreciate your prayers on my behalf, and hope you will continue to do so--we're not at the end of this thing yet!
Most gratefully yours,

Sharri