In These Uncertain Times

In December of 2013 my life changed.

I was diagnosed with stage 2 aggressive (grade 3) breast cancer.
Upon hearing the word "cancer" and then reading the word "carcinoma" on the sheet of paper they gave me afterward, my body went completely numb and my mind operated on a kind of auto-pilot until we got home.
The next thing were these two thoughts which seemed to play in a loop over and over beginning with both of us asking out loud:"Could this be actually happening?" followed by the realization: "This is actually really happening!"
That is when it feels as if the wind is knocked right out of your lungs!
For the first time in my life I was faced with the very real possibility that I might die.. At age 48 or sometime soon afterward..even though it was only a stage 2 diagnosis at that time.
Less than 4 years later I would be re-diagnosed only that time it was stage 4..no cure.

Let me start with where I was mentally at the time of that diagnosis...

Four months prior I was declared cancer free..and even the word "cured" was used..I had beat this deadly aggressive cancer!
Finally, I started to talk about plans for the future.. and for the first time in nearly four years I started to feel like I was truly living in the land of the living and not walking through the valley of the shadow of death! I could breathe..really breathe. So I went back to living without fear of dying again. I even started to worry more about stupid little things again, things like needing to de-clutter the house, and rearrange stuff to change my environment..I got into watching and reading fictional stories and getting caught up in drama that way. Despite the daily reminders of my battle such as the physical scars left from surgeries etc..I felt normal again.

When the second diagnosis came it was called "Metastatic Breast Cancer" caused by a genetic mutation and that was as serious as it could possibly get..prognosis was very dire now..Not years, but only months to live..Well, I was sucked down into a whirlwind of emotion and fear was the biggest specter in the darkness there.. The valley of shadows seemed ready to devour me at every moment..I could not talk to friends and family this time because unlike the first time, I could not give them hope that we will beat it..because there was no cure. Instead I wrote a letter to my best friend saying good-bye. I went through family photos and put some in order to give to my children and I gave all my valuable jewelry to my children and grandchildren.
 My faith was strong though..I was preparing to meet Jesus face to face very soon.
That was late in 2017..nearly three years now. I have survived past the time that is expected for MBC patients even without genetic mutation (which I miraculously have no mutation now)..and I am declared to have "No evidence of disease". But this time, I am not returning to a state of normalcy like before.
This time around I am working through each day learning to adapt to a new normal..My faith has become stronger because of this.
Life does go on at least for some of us..but I am clearly aware that there are many who have fallen from this disease since my diagnosis..Jeff and I have attended more than one funeral of friends just this past year alone..and there have been funerals we were unable to attend as well.
 I am writing this post today because our entire world has been thrown into this same whirlwind..I have been inside that thing more than once and I know how to navigate through it.
 This COVID-19 pandemic is a bigger bully than even cancer in my opinion..but like cancer it is not as powerful as our faith in God, nor is it more powerful than our ability to love and care for one another..to learn and appreciate what is most valuable in our short lives that we are given here upon this earth.
Many have gone to meet their Maker in just these last couple of months..and many more are headed there now as I write this.
The only way I was able to survive the darkness of that whirlwind, and walk through that valley of the shadow of death (I am still walking)..is to carry the lamp that I have been given. It is the Words of our Creator..it is fueled by my faith. I have to replace this fuel on a daily basis.

Here I will give you some fuel for your lamp today:

 Now that I have helped to equip you for this journey that we are all on today..let me give you just a small piece of advice here...Do not focus on the darkness and drop your lamp along the way..remember that you are NOT ALONE. Yes, you will stumble..maybe even fall down and scrape your knees..stay there a moment and ask God for help (AKA~ PRAY)..He will never run ahead of you forgetting you are following him..He is the GOOD SHEPHERD..and a good shepherd never takes his eyes off his sheep. But sometimes we are required to ask for what we need:

"In these uncertain times"..(This is what I keep hearing people saying)..Well, we as human beings have never had absolute certainty when it comes to what our future here on earth holds.
At a time such as this these words from an old country song are so very true and comforting to remember...

"I don’t know about tomorrow.I just live from day to day.
 I don’t borrow from its sunshine,For its skies may turn to gray.
 I don’t worry o’er the future, For I know what Jesus said.
 And today he walks beside me, For he knows what is ahead.
 Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand.
 But I know who holds tomorrow. 
And I know who holds my hand."

Written by: Ira F. Stanphill
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

~Blessings & Love~
and always remember...We are
~NEVER FORSAKEN~ 

Everyone Has A Story

Everyone has a story..

Hartwick Pines State Forest, Lisa Stager 2019

Whether you speak it out loud or write it down, it is your story.. it's the story of you.
Only I can tell my story and know that it is told correctly, because only I can hear the narrative playing out within my mind. while I watch the scenes unfold therein.

My story can become interwoven within the stories of others, told from their perspective..maybe they will use just one word..one name, for a name is all that may be needed.

Even Our LORD Himself is a story..The Word became flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made . . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

— John 1:1-3, 14

..and then He spoke and was spoken of and written down for us to know Him.

Creation was spoken into existence..while molded by His hand..it is commanded by his word into action continually.
Isaiah 48:13 

My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand forth together. 

We are made in the image of our Creator..

 …Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Genesis 1:26-27

He is Spirit and through His Word our own spirit came to life as we were spoken into existence while His hand wove our bodies within the womb. Our Creator is the true author of our stories..It is our job therefore to walk it out and talk it out..just like the sun and moon and all the elements of the universe obey Him, we too must obey according to His design for us, which is our purpose for being.

 For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.
(Psalm 139 14-16) 

Our own words are more powerful than our hands..with the ability to construct or destroy whole worlds of thought and emotion..we create things both tangible and intangible..We command our fingers and our eyes and whole body to perform and create almost anything we can imagine.

We build cities and relationships and the chapters continue to be written and spoken into existence.

In a world where everyone is trying to be heard, there are some who remain silent, who believe that their story is not important. Perhaps they have been told to be quiet, because someone did not want to hear their story..or maybe they are waiting for their story to become more interesting? What a shame to wait, for your story may never get told except maybe in one or two words written into the story of another.
If I were to define the sky with only one word and say "sky" then I have included in my story the sky..but without a description of that sky from someone standing underneath it during an early summer morning..or a pilot flying above it ..then I may not be doing it justice with my limited perspective as I sit here looking out the window of my cottage in the forest..for I can barely even see the sky above me. This is the same as someone else telling or writing your story..even if only a sentence is created..without a clear vision into the perspective that only you yourself possess.

If I were to give you one word of advice today..I would say either "Speak!" or "Write!" It is yours to tell..so tell it while you can..otherwise someone else may tell your story for you..but then it is no longer yours.

My story continues..

By: Lisa Stager
February 13, 2020

IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

 VIDEO:
The rise of Christian Persecution 2020

But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  (Matthew 10:16-20)

 Christians (You know, we Bible thumping, fundamentalists) are one of the most persecuted (attacked, arrested, tortured, and killed) group of people around the world. Our message of Christ's love (John 3:16) means that Jesus died for our sins so that we can stand before a holy God and be clean, not judged as we deserve. But the world loves darkness, and hates the light. (John 3:19) For in the light their sins are exposed..so the world tries to put out their light. Jesus is the Light (John 1:9)

But JESUS said:

This is My command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.…(John 15:18)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

AND WE WILL TOO.

~Blessings & Love~

and always remember, we are...

~NEVER FORSAKEN~ 

Praising And Giving Glory (Lessons Being Learned)

 Photo credit: Lisa Stager (Sunset over Bud lake 2010)




Imagine my surprise as I opened this blog and was reminded of the subject of my last post on here entitled: 'The Power Of Our Words'
 Why the surprise?
God has been speaking pretty clearly to me as of late. The subject seems to be mostly about talking, you know..using words.
Well, sometimes I use too many words, Ha Ha!

This past week has proven to be quite difficult for me as I have developed several canker sores inside my mouth. We don't really know what causes mouth sores, and according to my doctor it is not any of the medications that I'm on. She examined my mouth and did discover that I do have a B1 (complex) vitamin deficiency as is evidenced by cracks and sores at the corners of my mouth. She could not conclude that this was in any way related to the canker sores inside my mouth though.
So it has been very difficult to speak. I would rather remain silent than to suffer the consequences of trying to talk too much.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes however, I do forget this.

Again, I was reminded of Job in the Bible..and I could relate (to a point) because of my own health battles these last few years..God is not to blame for our suffering in this life, but there are good reasons that God might allow this suffering. I used to believe that we were never really meant to fully understand why this is. Now I believe that it is during these times of hardship that God speaks to us on a deeper level..IF we choose to listen to Him.

When you cannot speak without severe pain you are forced to choose carefully what you say..You are also forced to listen more.  This is hard to do for some of us.

Being more silent has also allowed me to think more, and suffering with more pain prompted me to ask the question "Why am I suffering so? What is God trying to teach me through this time?"

I am starting to feel a lot better today as I write this, but I do not want to forget what I am learning..I don't want this lesson to slip away as I become more comfortable and ease back into my old habit of talking too much and missing the point of carefully listening to what God and others are really saying to me..especially to what God is saying.

The words keep coming to the surface: 'GLORIFY' and 'PRAISE'. Specifically, the question: "What/whom do you glorify and what/whom do you praise?"
In thinking this over, I realize that we may think we have understanding of what these words mean..but..Do we really?

Lets start with the dictionary meanings of the word 'GLORIFY':

glorify

verb

glo·​ri·​fy | \ ˈglȯr-ə-ˌfī

\

glorified; glorifying

Definition of glorify

transitive verb

1a : to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration

b : to elevate to celestial glory

2 : to light up brilliantly Chandeliers glorified the entire room.

3a : to represent as glorious : extol a song glorifying romantic love

b : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition the new position is just a glorified version of the old stockroom job

4 : to give glory to (as in worship)

Okay, so here we see how we can glorify other things besides God. and I believe the point that was included here in 3b is worth taking a closer look at especially in relation to the next definition (4).

To do this I am going to reference This site which I highly recommend and trust.

Begin excerpt..

First, to glorify means to shine, to demonstrate and to manifest the divine. (Exodus 16:7; 24:16) In other words, glory represents the Lord’s presence. Throughout Biblical history, God manifested Himself in the Shekinah Glory and He was shown forth in the Pillar of cloud and fire that traveled with God’s people and that rested on Mt. Sinai. (Exodus 24:15-18)
That glory also filled the tabernacle in the wilderness. Listen to Exodus 40:34-35: “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” Often the Shekinah Glory would come at the hour of sacrifice. (See Leviticus 9:6, 23.)
Solomon’s temple was another anointed place where God’s glory permanently dwelt. (See 1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3) His glory could be seen emanating from the temple for miles around. Also, God’s glory could be seen through some of the Old Testament prophets’ visions (Ezekiel 1:28; Isaiah 40:4-5), through Stephen in the New Testament (Acts 7:55), and through storms and other displays of God’s character. (Psalms 19:1-6; 57:11; 96:3; Isaiah 2:10) And, God’s glory is something we will all see when Christ returns. (1 Peter 2:12)
The second aspect of the word glory means to reflect, to show forth, to demonstrate and to express the image of an object or person that it may be seen by all. It means to add something to someone’s character that it, in itself, does not have. In the New Testament doxazo can mean to signify, extol and ascribe honor to. (John 11:4; 12:16, 23; 13:31; Matthew 5:16; 9:8; 15:31; Romans 15:6, 9; Galatians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:16) It is most often used of an external manifestation. According to the Bible, to glorify God means to bring Christ’s innate glory or radiance to light, to manifest it or to reflect it. (John 17:1)
Glory, then, seems to be the vehicle that conveys and reveals the true presence of God. In Scripture, glory means possession of the character, beauty and majesty that belong to the Lord. It means an exact representation of His being. It means reflecting His presence, His essence, His Life and His Name. Thus, to glorify God is to manifest all that God is. It’s showing forth His Self and not our own. (John 14:13; 16:14) It’s His glory brought to light in us. (John 11:4; 17:1, 5)

  End excerpt

In light of these verses and with understanding to the biblical meaning of the word 'GLORIFY", I now ask you once again: What/Whom do you glorify?

Now, remember the definition (part 3b) at the beginning of this essay?

3a : to represent as glorious : extol ..

b : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition  ie: the new position is just a glorified version of the old stockroom job

This causes me to conclude that anyone or anything that we glorify other than God Himself is never worthy of such glory as our God!

Therefore, we show our love and respect for Him through our words, our actions, and our PRAISE.

So, what is the lesson I'm learning here through these last few days of suffering in silence?

I believe God wants me to stop glorifying people or things that are not worthy of my praise. This is something different from simply appreciating someone and giving them due credit for achievements or something they may have done to bless me or someone else..I am talking about the way we tend to give undo credit to, or give other people (or ourselves) too much importance..we worship them instead of worshiping the One who endowed them with whatever attributes they may possess. This also applies to objects in our lives..that can easily become idols to us. Again, I would like to remind you of this definition:

3a : to represent as glorious (I think this should say misrepresent) : extol ..

b : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition

Maybe if instead of glorifying and praising ourselves or another individual, we started to give credit to our Creator..it would redirect the focus onto God and off of whatever idols we may have set up in our hearts and minds..which are our internal altars.

 Thanks for reading this long post!

~Blessings & Love~

and remember, we are...

~NEVER FORSAKEN ~

 

The Power Of Our Words

*UPDATE*
The scan was clear!
Praise The Lord!


I had a PET scan yesterday. The results are expected in the next couple days or so. My last scan last November was clear (NED)..No Evidence of Disease. I would be lying if I said I was not stressed as I await the result from yesterday's scan. But, the Lord reminded me of something the day before the scan..That life and death are in the power of the tongue.:

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Proverbs 18:21

Then the Lord reminded me of the many times I have spoken death over my life in one way or another..even saying things like I wouldn't join with Jeff in making any future retirement plans for five years from now..writing things, doing or not doing some things because I may not be around to complete them..etc..

So I had to remember, realize, then repent!

I hadn't even taken the time to share all the blessings that God has given to us in the past year here on this blog.
Blessings that seem to say: Look, Daughter..I'm planning your future!

First of all, there was the blessing of our little Oliver who came to me almost out of nowhere one day..He just crawled up into my lap and settled right in as if he just knew that was where he belonged!
Little did we know that just eight months later, our precious dog, Buddy would die from liver disease. We both agreed that having little Ollie helped to ease the pain, and thanked God for sending him along. He really helps to keep me going on those days when I just don't feel so great too.

The next blessing(s) came unexpectedly as well..Not one, but TWO of our daughters are expecting their first child!!! One is due this month, and the other in late August. The stories of these two baby girls (Yep, more girls for our family) are both stories about God's perfect will and about miracles.

The enemy really tried to do a number on me however when I learned that I would be a Grandma again though..He whispered terrible things into my ear, and once again I found myself unable to envision a future getting to know these little girls.

This week we are planning a family get together, and of course, the septic drain field collapsed, and we are still awaiting scan results, so stress is rising along with the water in my yard as we await the contractor to come fix it! The tank is still intact, so the water is only from my washer (gray water)..so our plans are not thwarted as, I am sure, the enemy hoped would happen.
The only thing that will chase the fears away is FAITH. The only thing that will quiet the enemies voice, is the voice/Word of GOD!

I'm listening to this song:

And I am listening to the voice of my God and Savior..NOT the enemy!



For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11


~Blessings & Love~
and remember, we are...

~NEVER FORSAKEN~

P.S.
I am unable to post comments on anyone's blogs for some reason. I seem to recall this happening before, and I hope I can remember how to fix it. Until then, please know that I have been visiting your blogs whenever I see an update on my blogroll here. <3 b="">

Broken Hearted/ Not Just A Dog

 I must tell you that our sweet beloved boy,  Bud passed away two weeks ago (2/25/19) from liver failure. He had only turned nine this past November 29th. We were/are devastated. You see, this dog was to the both of us that one dog..the one you only get once in a lifetime..the one that will forever be a part of your very heart and soul. No matter how many dogs we have had and loved and lost throughout the years, none can ever be what Bud was to us. He was with me through so much..Always here when I needed someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or a pal to go exploring with. He stayed with me in my bedroom when I was too sick or too sad to go anywhere else..This was his favorite place in the world, and he died where he lived most of his life, where he chose to be most of the time..in our bed. It was his bed really. He only let me and Jeff use it. He slipped into a coma the last six hours..He seemed to be at peace, his last moment of awareness was when Jeff came home early to be with him. It was as if he waited to see his dad one last time. That was such a blessing for Jeff.

I cannot write more than this.

Thank you for reading.

~Blessings & Love~

Lisa

Cancer Update

Good News!

I had another clear scan on Monday!
There was a scar from the radiation on my right lung, but, according to the report..that is healing and getting smaller..
God is so good!

In The Potter's Hands

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

The Lord showed me something yesterday as I was talking with a friend.

He revealed to me how uncomfortable it can be when he decides to change us in order to be used according to his purposes..He showed me a picture (in my mind) of a pretty little teacup sitting upon a shelf, rarely used..too delicate to take down and handle every day and then need to be washed clean afterwards. Then he told me that I am that little teacup..or at least, I was.

 “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him . " Isaiah 43:7

He has been very busy with me, busy re-molding me into something different from what I used to be. Just like a little teacup which can only hold a very small amount of liquid, I was being filled as full as possible with the Holy Spirit and pouring out from the Word..but now the Lord has been changing me day by day, making me able to hold more of Him so that I can pour out more of his life-giving Word to more and more thirsty people.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42: 1-2

This transition in my walk with the Lord has come with a price..with much pain and more than a little bit of complaint and questioning of "Why, Lord? I was perfectly content with who I was, what you made me for..with being a wife and mom, a homemaker, a friend to the friends that I had at that time. Why can't I just stay as I am? "

Some things needed to be emptied out first.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

 And, just like Isaiah, we are called to be purged clean in order to be ready to serve God.

  “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord almighty.” The Bible continues to say in Isaiah 6 : 6,7 *Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”*

*(As the new testament church, we are made clean through the blood of Jesus)*

The Lord allowed some things to happen in my life, some things that literally broke me to pieces..because, you see, that is what must happen first before He makes the new mold.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Psalm 51:8

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. Psalm 51:16-17

 My health took a severe turn for the worst..I was forced to look death in the face and then make peace with the thought of dying.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 
Philippians 1:21

I lost some friends along that journey, but gained some new ones too.
 I suffered a lot, and realized my physical limits were harder to cope with than I ever imagined.
 I had to learn how to forgive..and forget too! I learned that this can only be done through giving grace the way The Lord gives more than we could ever deserve! By looking at myself realistically seeing the ugliest parts of my soul, and how only God can make me clean again! Then coming to the truth of who I am, who I think I am..certainly not someone who is better than anyone else, even those who have hurt me or let me down in this life!

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Certainly The Lord is not finished with me yet..I am still getting worked on..and, who knows what changes are being made. But I am learning to:

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Ok, so not every lesson is all about me, lol..Where are you in your walk with the Lord?

~Blessings & Love~
and remember, we are...
~NEVER FORSAKEN~

Praise Him!

My yard on a foggy morning

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty.   Psalm 104:1

During treatment for metastatic breast cancer, I learned to lean upon The LORD in such a way that I will never forget. I would recite four scriptures to get me through some of the toughest times. I called these scriptures my "trifecta plus one":

1. God inhabits the praises of His people.

“But thou art holy,  O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.”
 Psalm 22:3

 2. In His presence is fulness of joy.

 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  Psalm 16:11

 3. The joy of the LORD is my strength

.. "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our LORD. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

 4. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Phil. 4:13



~Blessings & Love~ 

and remember, we are...

~NEVER FORSAKEN~

Buddy Needs Your Prayers

Just a quick post as we are on our way to take our boy, Buddy to the vet in a few minutes.
He has stopped eating for several days now ( reduced eating for a few weeks)and his weight has dropped drastically!
Please say a little prayer for him..he will be nine years old in November, so he is still not very old.
That's all for now..I will come back with an update soon.
Thank you and God bless~Lisa~
*UPDATE*
There is a problem with his liver. It's too soon to know whether it is curable (can be reversed) or something more serious like cancer. More test will be done next week. He lost twenty pounds and is slightly anemic and has jaundice. He was given a shot of antibiotic, vitamins, and cortisone for his skin disorder which has also flared up (unrelated to his liver problem).
*UPDATE* 10/6..
It's only been two days and he is doing so much better already! He is eating and acting more like himself again! Praise the Lord..Our prayers continue..Thank you.

Singing

Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 1 Chronicles 16:33

                           

I Love You, Lord!

(Click on link to listen)

It'll open in a new window so you can continue reading while you listen to the song if you'd like.

A couple nights ago I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep..something that seems to be a challenge these days since chemo has somehow disrupted my melatonin production these last several months. 

(Despite trying pretty much everything I've ever heard to do)

Well, that night as I lay there praying, I started humming then softly singing this song..and yes, I slept very peacefully through the night afterwards!

 Now, let me ask you something..

Do you believe the words of God?

What if God tells you ...

[I AM]The Lord your God in your midst,

[ I AM] (the) mighty one who will save;

[I] will rejoice over you with gladness;

[I] will quiet you by [my] love;

[I] will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 *[emphasis, mine]*

How comforting to know that my Lord and King..the Creator of this Universe..sings over me! Well, I must say, this was the first time I had ever sang to Him before falling asleep at night, and I hope it blessed my Heavenly Father's heart.

I had another PET scan at the end of August and there is a spot on the upper right lung, but the doctors believe this is just scar tissue that was caused by the radiation..Otherwise it was still clear!

Going back to church has been wonderful! I've been staying busy with going to the women's Bible study once a week, and then  attending Sunday service also. 

I've been visiting friends and enjoying my dogs all summer.

Last week a bad wind storm and confirmed tornadoes caused a lot of damage in our area. Jeff took me for a drive yesterday to see some of the worst of it.. My jaw dropped!

I am trying to decide whether to fix my camera or maybe get a new iphone in order to take pictures again..I can't decide.

We had a lot of trees cut down in our front yard recently (before the storms)..so things look very different out there. We also built a new porch on the front but need to finish up planning what to do with the area where  a grouping of large maple trees which I had named 'The Four Brothers' used to be.

The Four Brothers

As a token to remember them, Jeff brought me the wedges one from each tree to keep. I will take a picture of what I did with them at another time to post.

But for now...

~Blessings & Love~

and remember, we are...

~Never Forsaken~