Thanks for being such encouraging friends. I didn't realize that my prior post was quite so raw. After I posted, the outpouring of support sort of woke me up. Many of you reminded me that when in the boat with Jesus, not much is required of me except simple faith. I am still resting, but believing a gentle breeze has filled my sails and I am making progress again. I needed to be reminded that Jesus is the source of my strength and that He will propel me to the other side as He sees best. More lessons in faith and trust. I am so blessed!
I return in the morning for round #8 of chemo. My doctor says that I do not have to receive any more of the "blood of Jesus" and because of this, this round should be easier. I pray it is so.
I am scheduled for a lumpectomy of December 3rd. If all goes as anticipated, I will only be in the hospital for a few hours, returning home on the same day. In addition, the doctor is telling me that the recovery will be quick and easy. Again - I pray it is so.
More chemo will follow surgery. I don't know what strengths or for how long, just that we will continue for a season. Radiation also to follow.
My doctor is both agressive and conservative. I've moved from battling active tumors to a treatment plan that is focused on preventing recurrence. I sense in the spirit that we are closing doors - one by one - eliminating the potential back doors that cancer so loves to navigate. It totally reminds me of how the enemy works. If he can't get his way in a particular place - he loves to slip around to the back and try another entry point. I am glad that my doctor knows what he is doing in the natural and glad that I can see the spiritual parallel. It gives me strength to cooperate and believe for total restoration.
Today, I was blessed to share the vision of Pink Impact 2010 with about 60 volunteer leaders. I am always amazed by the power of sharing the why behind the what. Today we talked about the reason we do what we do, (including the "foo foo" decor that our men's ministry loves to tease us about) is to prepare an environment for the Holy Spirit to come and be with us. All of our work and planning and effort would be fruitless, without His presence. We are going for deep transformation in ourselves and in the women who attend. We could plan a whole conference and it be really pretty or cool or a good experience, but simply return us to the same place the next day. Praying that all we do is Spirit led and uniquely opens each woman's heart to receive an authenic, personal, life changing encounter with God. What an amazing honor it is to co-labor with the many to position the one for grace! Blessed - blessed - blessed!
Here's a passage that has been blessing me. Psalm 139: 1-6 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Thank you Jesus for your continual awareness of our circumstance and great need for you, that you thoroughly know us and have great compassion for your children. Thank you that you have hemmed us in - going both before and behind us! You are a great God and a source of continual comfort and joy! We take refuge in your love. Bless my friends who have so faithfully blessed me. Pour out mercy in great measure on their needs and be to them all that you have promised. Amen.
