Good Morning!
Yes, it’s been awhile since I’ve updated.
As many of you know, I do NOT like the word “busy.” It gets thrown around way to much these days. Therefore, I try to refrain from using it whenever possible. Instead, I choose to use the word FULFILLED. Yes, life has being very fulfilling lately. So many things going on these days…wonderful things!
That is not to say that “bumps” in the road don’t come along now and again. I had surgery last week (not to worry, all is well!!), so bumps still come up. However, God’s Holy Word tells us to EXPECT trials. He never promised us a perfect life, this side of Heaven. But He did promise to be with us through it all.
Last week Saturday I had the honor of speaking at our church’s women’s conference. What a wonderful experience! It’s amazing how God can bring over 200 women together, unite them through His power and change lives! He never ceases to amaze me!
I spoke about how we can tap into HOPE…God’s hope, even in the midst of struggles. I admitted to the ladies that there was a time early in this “cancer journey” that I hated the word HOPE. To me, it conveyed a message of doubt, i.e., when someone would say to me, “I hope your test all turn out okay,” or “I hope you don’t get too sick from your chemo.” I was convinced that they really didn’t BELIEVE the tests would be okay or that I wouldn’t get too sick. If they BELIEVED it, they would have said, “Your tests are going to turn out okay and you are not going to get too sick from chemo.”
Not that long ago, in preparation for my KU workshop, I looked up synonyms for the word HOPE. The following words are what I found: ANTICIPATE, EXPECTATION, OPTIMISM, TRUST
Then I went to God’s Word and looked up the definition of HOPE. This is what was said: To desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment.
I began to see my own perception of the word HOPE was terribly flawed.
So, how do we grow our HOPE and FAITH in the midst of trials? Stay tuned! For now, ask yourself how much HOPE you have today. If you’re feeling low on HOPE, what can you do to change that? Pray in to the Spirit and see what He says...and check back soon for more thoughts.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
TGIT!!!
Hello to all!
Well, KU is not in the championship game, so here I am…writing my next entry. I was going to watch the game as long as it was “a game,” but with the lead NC has, I’m better off at the computer. Here’s to last year: ROCK CHALK! Lemony, lemony, lemony…woo! (That last part is something few will understand).
Well, a new week is upon us. Maybe it’s already been a week in which you’re ready to get through it quickly. You know, I used to be like that; always looking to Wednesday (Hump Day) and then Friday (TGIF!). I also used to say, “I can’t wait until ____.” That is, until Leukemia hit.
Before AML, my mom used to tell me, “Don’t wish your life away.” Mom was, and still is, right. We do too much of that. Looking to the next day off, the next vacation, the next whatever. Mom doesn’t have to say that to me anymore. I finally get the picture…but it took a life altering situation to make me see it.
What about TODAY? Even if it’s got some bumps along the way…it’s a day of life! Loren came up with a great acronym when I was very sick and in the hospital. I would long for home, to see family, and friends. He’d bring me back to the present with TGIT (Thank God It’s Today!) It really did help me get through tough days.
I’m probably getting a bit sappy, but that’s how it is. I don’t say, “I can’t wait,” anymore. Sure, it’s okay to be excited about something that’s coming up, but in reality we CAN wait. Waiting is good for us. It’s in the waiting that patience is tested and tried.
Joyce Meyer once said that patience is not her ability to wait; it is how she acts while she’s waiting. Ouch. I’ve fallen short many times; trying to keep a good attitude in the wait, but slipping up time and time again.
In our fast paced world nowadays, technology has given us “instant” everything. Waiting has become harder and harder to do. But it still is a fact life!
So, what can happen when we have to wait? We can get jealous of others who seem to have what we’re waiting for, have a pity party, or just plain give up. None of these are very good options.
God’s work in us is always multifaceted and can take time. To us, this can appear to be a complication. Rest assured; He’s got it all under control. Let God be God in your life, take a deep breath (really, take a deep breath right now), and join me in finding JOY in the wait. It won’t be easy, but I’ll bet if we all just give it a try…we can start a revolution!
Oh, and try this: Smile when you feel yourself getting impatient, for example, in a long checkout line. It’s hard to do, but NOT impossible! People may think you’re a little wacky, but you’ll feel better! :)
Well, KU is not in the championship game, so here I am…writing my next entry. I was going to watch the game as long as it was “a game,” but with the lead NC has, I’m better off at the computer. Here’s to last year: ROCK CHALK! Lemony, lemony, lemony…woo! (That last part is something few will understand).
Well, a new week is upon us. Maybe it’s already been a week in which you’re ready to get through it quickly. You know, I used to be like that; always looking to Wednesday (Hump Day) and then Friday (TGIF!). I also used to say, “I can’t wait until ____.” That is, until Leukemia hit.
Before AML, my mom used to tell me, “Don’t wish your life away.” Mom was, and still is, right. We do too much of that. Looking to the next day off, the next vacation, the next whatever. Mom doesn’t have to say that to me anymore. I finally get the picture…but it took a life altering situation to make me see it.
What about TODAY? Even if it’s got some bumps along the way…it’s a day of life! Loren came up with a great acronym when I was very sick and in the hospital. I would long for home, to see family, and friends. He’d bring me back to the present with TGIT (Thank God It’s Today!) It really did help me get through tough days.
I’m probably getting a bit sappy, but that’s how it is. I don’t say, “I can’t wait,” anymore. Sure, it’s okay to be excited about something that’s coming up, but in reality we CAN wait. Waiting is good for us. It’s in the waiting that patience is tested and tried.
Joyce Meyer once said that patience is not her ability to wait; it is how she acts while she’s waiting. Ouch. I’ve fallen short many times; trying to keep a good attitude in the wait, but slipping up time and time again.
In our fast paced world nowadays, technology has given us “instant” everything. Waiting has become harder and harder to do. But it still is a fact life!
So, what can happen when we have to wait? We can get jealous of others who seem to have what we’re waiting for, have a pity party, or just plain give up. None of these are very good options.
God’s work in us is always multifaceted and can take time. To us, this can appear to be a complication. Rest assured; He’s got it all under control. Let God be God in your life, take a deep breath (really, take a deep breath right now), and join me in finding JOY in the wait. It won’t be easy, but I’ll bet if we all just give it a try…we can start a revolution!
Oh, and try this: Smile when you feel yourself getting impatient, for example, in a long checkout line. It’s hard to do, but NOT impossible! People may think you’re a little wacky, but you’ll feel better! :)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wowzer!
Well, I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of God. Thanks for all of your prayers regarding my seminar last night, "Spirituality and Dealing With Cancer." We had 27 folks in attendance...some in the room with me, some by ITV and 11 by Elluminate. We're already planning a "Spirituality and Coping With Cancer Part II" for June or August. Amazing!
Of course, the enemy had to interfere and the computer that fed the Elluminate and my power point, when everything went dead with ten minutes left...just when I was getting into the meat and potatoes of the "solutions" part of the program. Those of you who know me well, know I hate to leave things incomplete. So, we'll just do another program this summer and take care of it. In the meantime, please forward this site, my email; soulart02@hotmail.com, to anyone you think could use some extra help getting through some rough times of life.
I want to speak about discernment today. We all are going about life so fast paced. I'm including myself in this, as well! Often times we don't like waiting on things. Everything is "instant" in our society. In the past almost three years I have HAD to learn to be more patient...wait...rest...and know that God was in control no matter what my head was telling me. We don't develop discernment over night, it happens little by little, as we "tune into" our spirit and THE SPIRIT.
I want to understand the MIND OF GOD! Don't you? The only way I know how to do that is by studying His Holy Word. It doesn't take a lot of time...just focus on one scripture...ONE scripture a week....and you will better understand the way God thinks and in turn...YOU will think differently, too. Do you want to SEE things from God's perspective? Then take five minutes to read His words. It will change your day, your month, your life.
I will tell you this: without the Word of God...I would be DEAD! That's a strong word, I know...but it's true. God's Word got me through some of the toughest days of my life. Days when I wanted to close my eyes and surrender to the pain. Loren knows this is true because he was the one I told that to..."I'm just going to close my eyes and go." Obviously, he didn't let me! Thank you, Honey! Hebrews 11:6 got me through some of the hardest days, "...without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God." Wow. That's a huge statement. If we don't have faith, God is NOT happy with us.
I had to remember these words with every part of my being. If I gave up....I was giving up on His words....and He wouldn't like that. So, I had to KEEP THE FAITH and keep pressing in and on. You see, this ONE scripture saved me from death many days and ONE scripture can get you through, too.
Open your bible!!!!! Find ONE scripture...and cling to it in this next week...Holy Week. Let God lead you to it...and then study it and meditate on it. It will become part of you forever.
Don't feed the fear...and keep moving forward! (Thank dear Orville...for that "forward" phrase...and for watching over us from heaven!)
Of course, the enemy had to interfere and the computer that fed the Elluminate and my power point, when everything went dead with ten minutes left...just when I was getting into the meat and potatoes of the "solutions" part of the program. Those of you who know me well, know I hate to leave things incomplete. So, we'll just do another program this summer and take care of it. In the meantime, please forward this site, my email; soulart02@hotmail.com, to anyone you think could use some extra help getting through some rough times of life.
I want to speak about discernment today. We all are going about life so fast paced. I'm including myself in this, as well! Often times we don't like waiting on things. Everything is "instant" in our society. In the past almost three years I have HAD to learn to be more patient...wait...rest...and know that God was in control no matter what my head was telling me. We don't develop discernment over night, it happens little by little, as we "tune into" our spirit and THE SPIRIT.
I want to understand the MIND OF GOD! Don't you? The only way I know how to do that is by studying His Holy Word. It doesn't take a lot of time...just focus on one scripture...ONE scripture a week....and you will better understand the way God thinks and in turn...YOU will think differently, too. Do you want to SEE things from God's perspective? Then take five minutes to read His words. It will change your day, your month, your life.
I will tell you this: without the Word of God...I would be DEAD! That's a strong word, I know...but it's true. God's Word got me through some of the toughest days of my life. Days when I wanted to close my eyes and surrender to the pain. Loren knows this is true because he was the one I told that to..."I'm just going to close my eyes and go." Obviously, he didn't let me! Thank you, Honey! Hebrews 11:6 got me through some of the hardest days, "...without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God." Wow. That's a huge statement. If we don't have faith, God is NOT happy with us.
I had to remember these words with every part of my being. If I gave up....I was giving up on His words....and He wouldn't like that. So, I had to KEEP THE FAITH and keep pressing in and on. You see, this ONE scripture saved me from death many days and ONE scripture can get you through, too.
Open your bible!!!!! Find ONE scripture...and cling to it in this next week...Holy Week. Let God lead you to it...and then study it and meditate on it. It will become part of you forever.
Don't feed the fear...and keep moving forward! (Thank dear Orville...for that "forward" phrase...and for watching over us from heaven!)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
No Fear Still Lives!
Wow, wow and more wow!
First of all, welcome to the sweet sixteen KU JAYHAWKS! Sorry, KSU fans. Who would have "thunk" it? The year following the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, we'd be this far again...with a NEW team! Wow!
More "wows" for the ways I continue to be amazed at how the enemy tries to "steal, kill and destroy," so many lives, hopes, dreams and plans. Why do I ever think he'll leave all of us alone? I'm not sure he will as long as we're living for God. We've pretty much made ourselves a target.
You know what I want? I want to just get better at recognizing his schemes and being quicker to knock them out as soon as I see arrows coming towards me. Remember...RECOGNIZING is the FIRST and HARDEST step!
SO, once we do that, then what?
As I said in my last post, worship, worship, worship. Worship wins the war! The one thing I believe gets the enemy running is raising your hands to God in worship, getting on your face before Him, singing His praises, even in the midst of a storm.
I recall one day on the BMT unit, just a few days after being admitted for my first round of chemotherapy. The doctors told me to exercise and to get on the treadmill to keep my lungs strong. So, Loren and I wheeled down to the exercise room, IV pole in tow, chemo running into my veins. Loren held the discman (no IPODs yet), I got on the treadmill, held on with one hand and raised my other arm to the heavens, eyes closed...focused on God.
You know how you sometimes get the feeling someone is watching you? Well, I got that feeling. I opened one eye, just a little, and saw a nurse staring at me from the nurses station window that connected with the exercise room. When she saw me looking, she quickly looked away. Not sure she had ever seen such a sight before.
What I did know was the enemy was seeing it, too. He didn't like it. He probably thought, why does she keep getting out of bed, must less get on that treadmill and praise God?!
Well, that is exactly what I encourage you to do in the midst of any storms that come your way. GET OUT OF BED! Keep moving forward, praise God, sing Amazing Grace, something. Just keep your "mind on things above and not on earthly things." Col. 3:2
Keep me in your prayers as I continue to prepare for the seminar I'm conducting Tuesday night for KU Med, "Spirituality and Dealing with Cancer." I'm quite excited to share some ideas and thoughts with those in the "helping" professions.
No Fear!
2 Tim 1:7
First of all, welcome to the sweet sixteen KU JAYHAWKS! Sorry, KSU fans. Who would have "thunk" it? The year following the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, we'd be this far again...with a NEW team! Wow!
More "wows" for the ways I continue to be amazed at how the enemy tries to "steal, kill and destroy," so many lives, hopes, dreams and plans. Why do I ever think he'll leave all of us alone? I'm not sure he will as long as we're living for God. We've pretty much made ourselves a target.
You know what I want? I want to just get better at recognizing his schemes and being quicker to knock them out as soon as I see arrows coming towards me. Remember...RECOGNIZING is the FIRST and HARDEST step!
SO, once we do that, then what?
As I said in my last post, worship, worship, worship. Worship wins the war! The one thing I believe gets the enemy running is raising your hands to God in worship, getting on your face before Him, singing His praises, even in the midst of a storm.
I recall one day on the BMT unit, just a few days after being admitted for my first round of chemotherapy. The doctors told me to exercise and to get on the treadmill to keep my lungs strong. So, Loren and I wheeled down to the exercise room, IV pole in tow, chemo running into my veins. Loren held the discman (no IPODs yet), I got on the treadmill, held on with one hand and raised my other arm to the heavens, eyes closed...focused on God.
You know how you sometimes get the feeling someone is watching you? Well, I got that feeling. I opened one eye, just a little, and saw a nurse staring at me from the nurses station window that connected with the exercise room. When she saw me looking, she quickly looked away. Not sure she had ever seen such a sight before.
What I did know was the enemy was seeing it, too. He didn't like it. He probably thought, why does she keep getting out of bed, must less get on that treadmill and praise God?!
Well, that is exactly what I encourage you to do in the midst of any storms that come your way. GET OUT OF BED! Keep moving forward, praise God, sing Amazing Grace, something. Just keep your "mind on things above and not on earthly things." Col. 3:2
Keep me in your prayers as I continue to prepare for the seminar I'm conducting Tuesday night for KU Med, "Spirituality and Dealing with Cancer." I'm quite excited to share some ideas and thoughts with those in the "helping" professions.
No Fear!
2 Tim 1:7
Sunday, March 1, 2009
My Bad, God Good!
Well, there are no excuses. I've been a bad girl. I'm SO sorry for not posting until now. I can admit that I've allowed the enemy to get in my way a few times, thinking to myself, My blog site isn't very "pretty" or "fancy" (Dana I still need your help!) and who will really care what I have to say anyway? It's time to say ENOUGH of that kind of thinking! Hogwash! Even if this site helps ONE person through a rough time in their life, it's worth it.
On that note, do you know had God sent His Son to die for ONE person, He still would have sent Him. True. Everyone, each one of us matters to God!
I've had few "challenges" the past few weeks. Nothing too big for God. Ultrasound this area, biopsy that lymph node (normal), run that Cat Scan to make sure everything is okay. I've been reminded BIG TIME at how much our faith matters. I've said it so many times, practice faith in the small things of life because when the big things come, they will be so much easier to handle.
So, what if you haven't quite gotten that part down? What if you didn't practice faith building like you should have and now life is throwing you a curve ball? All is not lost! There is always, always hope!
The Word says the enemy likes to "steal, kill and destroy." Some folks don't like to talk about the enemy, as if he doesn't exist. We know from God's word that he does exist. We also know he likes for us to think he's not around, waiting to devour us. Should we be afraid? Heck no!
The best way I know how to counter any attack (especially one of fear), is to praise God. That sends satan running faster than anything. Find a song that takes you to the throne of God immediately and play it over and over again.
There are countless occasions in which I used a song of praise to help me during a trying time. I'll share two:
1. Right before an upcoming surgery in Wichita, I had my discman (no Ipods then) running over and over again with a song titled, "Here With Me." The song spoke of feeling God's presence in the room, in that place with me. I was so into the music that I totally forgot I was in the pre-op room! I suddenly felt a tap on my leg and it was the anesthesiologist standing next to me, waiting to discuss what was going to happen in surgery.
2. As my new stem cells were coming into my body, and as I held the IV line in my hand, welcoming them to their new home (my body), the song "Abundantly" played in my hospital room. One nurse said, "I feel God's presence here." Yes, we all did!
KEEP PRAISING GOD! KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIM!
God is our hope. Hope is as essential to life as air and water. You need hope to cope and if you have God and Christ Jesus, YOU HAVE HOPE AND LIFE! Believe it and receive it!
I've had to remind myself of all of these things these last few weeks. None of us are perfect. We are all works in progress. As Joyce Meyer says, "I'm not where I wanna be, but thank God, I'm not where I used to be!"
Keep moving forward and keep believing!!
On that note, do you know had God sent His Son to die for ONE person, He still would have sent Him. True. Everyone, each one of us matters to God!
I've had few "challenges" the past few weeks. Nothing too big for God. Ultrasound this area, biopsy that lymph node (normal), run that Cat Scan to make sure everything is okay. I've been reminded BIG TIME at how much our faith matters. I've said it so many times, practice faith in the small things of life because when the big things come, they will be so much easier to handle.
So, what if you haven't quite gotten that part down? What if you didn't practice faith building like you should have and now life is throwing you a curve ball? All is not lost! There is always, always hope!
The Word says the enemy likes to "steal, kill and destroy." Some folks don't like to talk about the enemy, as if he doesn't exist. We know from God's word that he does exist. We also know he likes for us to think he's not around, waiting to devour us. Should we be afraid? Heck no!
The best way I know how to counter any attack (especially one of fear), is to praise God. That sends satan running faster than anything. Find a song that takes you to the throne of God immediately and play it over and over again.
There are countless occasions in which I used a song of praise to help me during a trying time. I'll share two:
1. Right before an upcoming surgery in Wichita, I had my discman (no Ipods then) running over and over again with a song titled, "Here With Me." The song spoke of feeling God's presence in the room, in that place with me. I was so into the music that I totally forgot I was in the pre-op room! I suddenly felt a tap on my leg and it was the anesthesiologist standing next to me, waiting to discuss what was going to happen in surgery.
2. As my new stem cells were coming into my body, and as I held the IV line in my hand, welcoming them to their new home (my body), the song "Abundantly" played in my hospital room. One nurse said, "I feel God's presence here." Yes, we all did!
KEEP PRAISING GOD! KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIM!
God is our hope. Hope is as essential to life as air and water. You need hope to cope and if you have God and Christ Jesus, YOU HAVE HOPE AND LIFE! Believe it and receive it!
I've had to remind myself of all of these things these last few weeks. None of us are perfect. We are all works in progress. As Joyce Meyer says, "I'm not where I wanna be, but thank God, I'm not where I used to be!"
Keep moving forward and keep believing!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Today is a new day!
Hello everyone!
Okay, Dana...I'm game for you helping me understand "blogging." Obviously, I could use some help! I guess what really matters are the words posted and hopefully these words will encourage someone along the way.
I've been asked to speak in March for the KU Area Health Education Center on the topic, "Spirituality and Dealing with Cancer." I'll have two whole hours to myself. At first I thought, what in the world will I talk about for TWO hours?!" Then, this past week, God so put on my heart many things that need to be said, need to be shared. I'm hoping, because I've "experienced" cancer in my own life, I'll be able to help not only those facing cancer themselves, but also those who surround others through the process.
I guess a main thing to remember is you are MORE than our body! Don't ever forget that. I don't care if you are dealing with cancer, back pain, allergies, or any other physical aliment. YOU are more than the physical aspects you are facing. No matter what is going on physically, your SPIRIT is strong! Your SPIRIT will not fail you; unless you let it!
Don't blame yourself for what is going on physically in your body. Don't condemn yourself, saying to yourself, "Did I cause this? What did I do to deserve this?" The answer is: You didn't CAUSE this! You DON'T deserve it!
Instead, focus on what IS in your life. Some of those things may be the love of your family, the support of friends, each breath you are taking! This is a time when, although your body may be struggling, YOUR SOUL CAN GROW! Embrace it and begin anew each day!
I'm very excited to share more with you in the coming weeks. For now, get beyond blame and more toward balance. Balance your thoughts because your thoughts will affect how you feel. The mind is a powerful place. As Colossians 3:2 (my 2006 scripture) says, "Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things." Keep your mind and eyes on God and know He loves you!
Until later...
No Fear!!!
2 Tim 1:7
Okay, Dana...I'm game for you helping me understand "blogging." Obviously, I could use some help! I guess what really matters are the words posted and hopefully these words will encourage someone along the way.
I've been asked to speak in March for the KU Area Health Education Center on the topic, "Spirituality and Dealing with Cancer." I'll have two whole hours to myself. At first I thought, what in the world will I talk about for TWO hours?!" Then, this past week, God so put on my heart many things that need to be said, need to be shared. I'm hoping, because I've "experienced" cancer in my own life, I'll be able to help not only those facing cancer themselves, but also those who surround others through the process.
I guess a main thing to remember is you are MORE than our body! Don't ever forget that. I don't care if you are dealing with cancer, back pain, allergies, or any other physical aliment. YOU are more than the physical aspects you are facing. No matter what is going on physically, your SPIRIT is strong! Your SPIRIT will not fail you; unless you let it!
Don't blame yourself for what is going on physically in your body. Don't condemn yourself, saying to yourself, "Did I cause this? What did I do to deserve this?" The answer is: You didn't CAUSE this! You DON'T deserve it!
Instead, focus on what IS in your life. Some of those things may be the love of your family, the support of friends, each breath you are taking! This is a time when, although your body may be struggling, YOUR SOUL CAN GROW! Embrace it and begin anew each day!
I'm very excited to share more with you in the coming weeks. For now, get beyond blame and more toward balance. Balance your thoughts because your thoughts will affect how you feel. The mind is a powerful place. As Colossians 3:2 (my 2006 scripture) says, "Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things." Keep your mind and eyes on God and know He loves you!
Until later...
No Fear!!!
2 Tim 1:7
Friday, January 2, 2009
Life is Mine in 2009!
Well, here it is, my first blog EVER! Setting one of these up has been a goal of mine for some time. Be patient with me. I'll get better at it. I've had a Caring Bridge site for almost two years and it's time for that to end and a new chapter to begin. This site is a small piece of that new beginning.
It's my hope and prayer that those of you who visit here find some encouragement. Feel free to pass this along to others you know who are walking this difficult, but not impossible, journey. There IS hope!
The name of my blog was chosen with intent. Last summer my wonderful husband played the 3 Doors Down song, "It's not my time" for me. It's been my "fight" song ever since. Find YOUR fight song and listen to it when you're feeling in the dumps. Do whatever you need to do to keep the FIGHT in you!
The first purpose of this blog is to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer or some other life threatening illness. I've been there, done that, and I'm demanding that "life" will once again be MINE in this next year! If you feel the same way, stick around...we're going to do some butt kicking in this next year. Satan will learn to STAY away from us because we are STRONG and mighty and collectively, we can't be stopped!It's my hope and prayer that those of you who visit here find some encouragement. Feel free to pass this along to others you know who are walking this difficult, but not impossible, journey. There IS hope!
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