One whole year, can you believe it? January 19, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of my journey with breast cancer. On that date last year I was being wheeled into the operating room to begin the new year---a year filled with lots of amazing memories. Someone asked me the other day if it seemed like a whole year had passed and my answer was, "yes". I've thought back on that year and on all the fears that we faced as I began that journey. Of the prayers that God answered for us, of the wonderful friends and family members who stood by us and prayed for us, of the compassionate doctors and nurses who cared for us and of the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit who walked with us in every situation. Right where we were, that is where you were and where God was as well!
As the date of my one year anniversary approached, I started thinking of how I might give back to some of the people who had given so much to me. One group in particular who came to my mind were the ladies of my neighborhood who called themselves, "Team Ms. Judy". (Do you remember them? I wrote about them in my blog last Feb. 2007 and again in March) . Every time I went in for a chemo treatment, these ladies showed up at my door with a basket filled with items to help me through the chemo "aftermath". I called them my ARMY! I wanted so much to do something special for these ladies so, on January 19, 2008, I hosted a One Year Anniversary/Appreciation Luncheon and THEY were my guest of honor. What a sweet time we had together and how special it was for me to be able to give back to them just a little of the kindness they had shown to me. There just were not enough words to truly express how deep my gratitude was but, some how, I think they all knew. It was a fun way for us to celebrate-- not only where we had been-- but how FAR we had come together. It truly was a happy anniversary celebration.
And now, as my one year anniversary has ended and 2008 has just begun I wonder.....where will it take us? No one knows. Wherever it leads of one thing I am sure.....GOD WILL BE THERE! Thank you Lord for the journey you sent me on. For every tear, every fear, every pain and for every blessing. Through it all you have taught me SO MUCH! I know that no matter where I am in this life, you are there also. You go before me to lead the way, you walk beside me to give me strength, you carry me when I am too weak to walk alone, and you are there to celebrate with me when I hear the words "cancer free". Happy anniversary to me!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 13:6 "I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me".
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
MADE FOR HEAVEN
This was the title of my daily devotion this morning and how appropriate that is for this day. My dear friend, Sandra Byars entered Heaven's Gates last night after a long battle with breast cancer. She is finally at peace and at Home.
It's hard to imagine that just this time last year, she was sitting in the hospital waiting room with MY family while I underwent surgery, bringing comfort and encouragement to all of us. What an inspiration she has been to me over the years and I am glad that God gave me so many opportunities to tell her that!! I promised her that when she put down that breast cancer torch for the last time--I would be there to pick it up and carry it through someone else's journey. I only pray that I will do it in the same love and determination that she did. "Job well done my dear friend. " (I know there will be a jewel in her crown with MY name on it)!
What peace I feel for her today. I know that she is healed, cancer free at last and that she is happy. We are never really completely happy on this earth simply because we are not made for earth. Oh, we have wonderful moments together, precious memories to hold on to, and even days of gentle peace, but they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead! This is not "good-bye" to Sandra, it is only the chance to say-----"Until we meet again". God bless you dear friend, He has lead you Home!!
Praying for the Byars Family and all of you,
Judy
John 18:30 My kingdom does not belong to this world.
It's hard to imagine that just this time last year, she was sitting in the hospital waiting room with MY family while I underwent surgery, bringing comfort and encouragement to all of us. What an inspiration she has been to me over the years and I am glad that God gave me so many opportunities to tell her that!! I promised her that when she put down that breast cancer torch for the last time--I would be there to pick it up and carry it through someone else's journey. I only pray that I will do it in the same love and determination that she did. "Job well done my dear friend. " (I know there will be a jewel in her crown with MY name on it)!
What peace I feel for her today. I know that she is healed, cancer free at last and that she is happy. We are never really completely happy on this earth simply because we are not made for earth. Oh, we have wonderful moments together, precious memories to hold on to, and even days of gentle peace, but they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead! This is not "good-bye" to Sandra, it is only the chance to say-----"Until we meet again". God bless you dear friend, He has lead you Home!!
Praying for the Byars Family and all of you,
Judy
John 18:30 My kingdom does not belong to this world.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Greetings Everyone,
We have just celebrated the last day of 2007, another year that has come to an end. As I reflect on this past year I look back at my calendar and see many of the events of 2007. My journey began in January with lots of tests, doctor visits, surgeries, chemo treatments, news that some of my family would be moving to Minnesota, and an emergency hospital stay. But then--- there was Chad's baseball tournament, grand children's birthday parties, a trip with Marvin to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some quiet time together, the Mitchell Family Reunion in Quitman, Georgia, an end of the year cookout with Mark's third grade class, my last chemo treatment in July, a trip to Minnesota to see Lara, Britney and the grand children, a cancer-free (remission) report in July, Thanksgiving week with all of my family home together, a 40th wedding anniversary trip to Disney World, and a very, merry Christmas celebration. Oh, how MUCH I have to be thankful for!! Some of these events were mountain-top moments and some were spent down in the valley but ALL were spent holding onto my Savior's Hand. He has taught me so much this year. I have truly learned that no matter what comes into my life, He will give me the strength to live in and through all things. God is truly faithful!!!
Now, as I look to the New Year, I have no idea what lies ahead. I have those "plans and resolutions" as I am sure you all do as well. I hope to start writing in a Daily Journal (something I have never taken the time to do before), to lose a few unwanted pounds, to organize and clean all my closets and cupboards, to spend more time with family and friends, etc. etc. Only time will tell just how much of this I truly accomplish. But more importantly than any of these things, I want to be able to say, "Wherever God takes me in 2008, I will follow Him with a new desire to serve Him with my whole heart". It is time to thank Him for what is past and now begin to focus on His purpose for me today and in the year ahead. Let us all run the race that is before us -- for the "Ultimate Prize" at the end is worth the journey.
Come, join me on this "Journey"!
I love you all,
Judy
Philippians 3:14-I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
P.S. Please continue to pray for my dear friend, Sandra Byars. She is very sick. Also, please add another friend to your prayer list. Her name is Marie Lester. She is right where I was this time last year, facing breast cancer. Pray that God will use me to encourage her ,as so many of you have done for me. May God bless you beyond measure in 2008!
We have just celebrated the last day of 2007, another year that has come to an end. As I reflect on this past year I look back at my calendar and see many of the events of 2007. My journey began in January with lots of tests, doctor visits, surgeries, chemo treatments, news that some of my family would be moving to Minnesota, and an emergency hospital stay. But then--- there was Chad's baseball tournament, grand children's birthday parties, a trip with Marvin to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some quiet time together, the Mitchell Family Reunion in Quitman, Georgia, an end of the year cookout with Mark's third grade class, my last chemo treatment in July, a trip to Minnesota to see Lara, Britney and the grand children, a cancer-free (remission) report in July, Thanksgiving week with all of my family home together, a 40th wedding anniversary trip to Disney World, and a very, merry Christmas celebration. Oh, how MUCH I have to be thankful for!! Some of these events were mountain-top moments and some were spent down in the valley but ALL were spent holding onto my Savior's Hand. He has taught me so much this year. I have truly learned that no matter what comes into my life, He will give me the strength to live in and through all things. God is truly faithful!!!
Now, as I look to the New Year, I have no idea what lies ahead. I have those "plans and resolutions" as I am sure you all do as well. I hope to start writing in a Daily Journal (something I have never taken the time to do before), to lose a few unwanted pounds, to organize and clean all my closets and cupboards, to spend more time with family and friends, etc. etc. Only time will tell just how much of this I truly accomplish. But more importantly than any of these things, I want to be able to say, "Wherever God takes me in 2008, I will follow Him with a new desire to serve Him with my whole heart". It is time to thank Him for what is past and now begin to focus on His purpose for me today and in the year ahead. Let us all run the race that is before us -- for the "Ultimate Prize" at the end is worth the journey.
Come, join me on this "Journey"!
I love you all,
Judy
Philippians 3:14-I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
P.S. Please continue to pray for my dear friend, Sandra Byars. She is very sick. Also, please add another friend to your prayer list. Her name is Marie Lester. She is right where I was this time last year, facing breast cancer. Pray that God will use me to encourage her ,as so many of you have done for me. May God bless you beyond measure in 2008!
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