Greetings Friends,
There are many times in my life that I find myself so touched by the awesome goodness of God's blessings. This week has been one of those precious times for me as I have been blessed beyond measure once again. Thank you, precious Savior!
First of all, my colonoscopy test last Thursday went off with out a hitch. Shortly after arriving at the office I was wheeled into the test room and put to sleep for the procedure and did not remember another thing until I awoke to hear the wonderful news that "all was clear". (The doctor even said that I had the colon of a 20 year old!!!)
Another blessing I experienced this past week was a reunion-luncheon with some very special friends. Friends from a past church family (Shirley, Carolyn, Joyce, Linda, Mandy and Sheryl) whom I haven't seen in many years. We could have talked for days but the poor waiter needed to make some more money so we left promising each other to gather again next month. These women are such a blessing to me and I treasure not only our time together last weekend but their precious friendship and all the sweet memories that we share from our time together serving God at Maranatha Baptist Church. Thank you ladies for the blessing of your friendship.
Blessings and miracles---we are surrounded by so many aren't we? Miracles and blessings that are "new each day". The miracle of life, the miracle of the rising and setting sun, the blessing of His Word and the miracle of a God who created us and loves us with so great a love. We are truly blessed beyond measure! To God be the gory. It's all about Him!!
I hope you have a week full of blessings. I love you guys,
Judy
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Joyful Memory
Greetings friends,
Marvin and I arrived back in GA. on Monday night from our visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn, and Carter in their new home in Minnesota. (Well- the house isn't exactly new- it's 100 years old !) It was great to finally see their home and the town where they are living. Now I don't have to "imagine" what it's like, I know. We had such a wonderful four days together and the memories will bring great joy to my heart for a long time to come.
Ashlyn started school that week and I got to walk her to and from school every day. They live right across the street from her school--isn't that great!! The only bad thing about that was whenever I would walk by a window and see the school I had to fight the urge to just go over there and sit with her. I didn't want to give up a single second of our time together. She is such a sweetheart and I enjoy her so much.
Carter and I had great fun playing while sister was at school. It isn't very often that he gets the opportunity of my undivided attention and he and I soaked up our "fun time together". He loves tractors and farm equipment and has quite a collection of toy tractors now. The next trip I take to Minnesota I am sure that he will probably be working in his own little "garden/farm" out in the backyard. He just loves to play in that black dirt. I don't know how Lara keeps his clothes clean!!
Lara and Britney were great hosts. They drove us all around town showing us their little city from the huge cornfields with big steel power generating windmills, to the lake where they go most Sundays after church, to his uncle's farms. (One uncle has a hog farm with thousands of great big hogs--PHEW this city girl held her breath as often as I could, ha.ha.) We were invited to his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mell's house one night for dinner. The food was delicious -all home grown- and the fellowship was sweet. Britney's grandma and grandpa and two of his cousins and their families were there as well. It was wonderful seeing all of them again. After dinner they built a big campfire and we roasted marshmallows and talked for hours under the star filled sky. "Life in Minnesota"- much more relaxing I must say!!
Then, the dreaded morning came when we all had to say "Goodbye". It was hard!! We left Ashlyn at her classroom in tears and with Carter saying ,"No, Nana, I want you to spend the night". On the drive back to the airport I couldn't look at a tractor or a windmill or a cornfield without crying. I had started to miss all of them and I wasn't even out of the Adrian city limits yet!!!! Parting is always so hard but, thank goodness, those memories will stay close within our minds and in our hearts no matter how many miles there are between us. "I thank you Jesus for every precious second of our trip".
Now that we are back home, life as we know it resumes. Marvin is at work today and I am washing loads of dirty clothes! Tomorrow (9-13) I will go in for my colonoscopy test at 10:00; something I am not exactly looking forward to. How do you go from a great week with your daughter and her family TO THAT? Seriously, your prayers mean so much to me. I pray that everything will check out fine and no cancer will be found. I will let you know the results as soon as they are available. God has shown great grace and mercy to me during the last nine months since my first diagnosis and I am still taking my "path of life" trusting in His Love.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Marvin and I arrived back in GA. on Monday night from our visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn, and Carter in their new home in Minnesota. (Well- the house isn't exactly new- it's 100 years old !) It was great to finally see their home and the town where they are living. Now I don't have to "imagine" what it's like, I know. We had such a wonderful four days together and the memories will bring great joy to my heart for a long time to come.
Ashlyn started school that week and I got to walk her to and from school every day. They live right across the street from her school--isn't that great!! The only bad thing about that was whenever I would walk by a window and see the school I had to fight the urge to just go over there and sit with her. I didn't want to give up a single second of our time together. She is such a sweetheart and I enjoy her so much.
Carter and I had great fun playing while sister was at school. It isn't very often that he gets the opportunity of my undivided attention and he and I soaked up our "fun time together". He loves tractors and farm equipment and has quite a collection of toy tractors now. The next trip I take to Minnesota I am sure that he will probably be working in his own little "garden/farm" out in the backyard. He just loves to play in that black dirt. I don't know how Lara keeps his clothes clean!!
Lara and Britney were great hosts. They drove us all around town showing us their little city from the huge cornfields with big steel power generating windmills, to the lake where they go most Sundays after church, to his uncle's farms. (One uncle has a hog farm with thousands of great big hogs--PHEW this city girl held her breath as often as I could, ha.ha.) We were invited to his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mell's house one night for dinner. The food was delicious -all home grown- and the fellowship was sweet. Britney's grandma and grandpa and two of his cousins and their families were there as well. It was wonderful seeing all of them again. After dinner they built a big campfire and we roasted marshmallows and talked for hours under the star filled sky. "Life in Minnesota"- much more relaxing I must say!!
Then, the dreaded morning came when we all had to say "Goodbye". It was hard!! We left Ashlyn at her classroom in tears and with Carter saying ,"No, Nana, I want you to spend the night". On the drive back to the airport I couldn't look at a tractor or a windmill or a cornfield without crying. I had started to miss all of them and I wasn't even out of the Adrian city limits yet!!!! Parting is always so hard but, thank goodness, those memories will stay close within our minds and in our hearts no matter how many miles there are between us. "I thank you Jesus for every precious second of our trip".
Now that we are back home, life as we know it resumes. Marvin is at work today and I am washing loads of dirty clothes! Tomorrow (9-13) I will go in for my colonoscopy test at 10:00; something I am not exactly looking forward to. How do you go from a great week with your daughter and her family TO THAT? Seriously, your prayers mean so much to me. I pray that everything will check out fine and no cancer will be found. I will let you know the results as soon as they are available. God has shown great grace and mercy to me during the last nine months since my first diagnosis and I am still taking my "path of life" trusting in His Love.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Be Not Anxious
Hi dear friends,
I know that it has been a while since my last note. I have been "catching up" with old friends, visiting with my precious grandchildren every chance I get and even enjoying the fact that I can see eyebrows and eyelashes beginning to grow back in. Every day is a celebration!! I've also been busy keeping all those "necessary" doctor appointments and I thank God every day for the wonderful doctors he has blessed me with.
At my last office visit with my oncologist, the results were good in the news that my scans were clear but my blood test showed that my white blood counts and my platelets had fallen back into the low range again. My body is telling me that I've been "celebrating" a little too much and I realize now that I have to slow it down again. My body has a lot of recovering to do and I am ready to obey what the doctors and this old body have to say!
Every three months for the next two years I will have scans taken and blood work done. Our goal for now is to stay "cancer-free" for one full year and each year to follow for the next five years. Every year I can celebrate staying cancer-free adds up to a better chance for a full recovery. Five years seems such a long way off. Right now I just want to live to the fullest---one day at a time! My prayer is to live worthy of His goodness and mercy and to continue to praise him and give him the glory for each and every day. There is no need to "worry what tomorrow will bring", I'll just trust THE ONE who holds tomorrow!!
Marvin and I are so excited that we will be able to travel to Minnesota in September to visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn and Carter. Since I will still have my chemo port implant, I may set off the alarms when I pass through security checks at the airport. I'm just praying that I don't get pulled out for a BODY SEARCH. Now, that would be a story to write about in my next blog wouldn't it?!!
I will try to keep you updated when we return. I hope you all have a great week. I close my note with this thought: We need not be anxious for the things we may need. On Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us as you help me by your prayers....and, as we do the same for each one of you.
I love you guys,
Judy
Matthew 6:25-Therefore, I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food and the body than raiment? (Also 26-35)
PS Please continue to pray for Mark and Sandra Byars. The reports were not what we had hoped they would be. They are trying to decide the best course of treatments for her. (Sandra, be not anxious. I love you girl!)
I know that it has been a while since my last note. I have been "catching up" with old friends, visiting with my precious grandchildren every chance I get and even enjoying the fact that I can see eyebrows and eyelashes beginning to grow back in. Every day is a celebration!! I've also been busy keeping all those "necessary" doctor appointments and I thank God every day for the wonderful doctors he has blessed me with.
At my last office visit with my oncologist, the results were good in the news that my scans were clear but my blood test showed that my white blood counts and my platelets had fallen back into the low range again. My body is telling me that I've been "celebrating" a little too much and I realize now that I have to slow it down again. My body has a lot of recovering to do and I am ready to obey what the doctors and this old body have to say!
Every three months for the next two years I will have scans taken and blood work done. Our goal for now is to stay "cancer-free" for one full year and each year to follow for the next five years. Every year I can celebrate staying cancer-free adds up to a better chance for a full recovery. Five years seems such a long way off. Right now I just want to live to the fullest---one day at a time! My prayer is to live worthy of His goodness and mercy and to continue to praise him and give him the glory for each and every day. There is no need to "worry what tomorrow will bring", I'll just trust THE ONE who holds tomorrow!!
Marvin and I are so excited that we will be able to travel to Minnesota in September to visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn and Carter. Since I will still have my chemo port implant, I may set off the alarms when I pass through security checks at the airport. I'm just praying that I don't get pulled out for a BODY SEARCH. Now, that would be a story to write about in my next blog wouldn't it?!!
I will try to keep you updated when we return. I hope you all have a great week. I close my note with this thought: We need not be anxious for the things we may need. On Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us as you help me by your prayers....and, as we do the same for each one of you.
I love you guys,
Judy
Matthew 6:25-Therefore, I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food and the body than raiment? (Also 26-35)
PS Please continue to pray for Mark and Sandra Byars. The reports were not what we had hoped they would be. They are trying to decide the best course of treatments for her. (Sandra, be not anxious. I love you girl!)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
My Heart Leaps For Joy
Greetings friends,
Last night (Tuesday) I got the call from my doctor with the results of my CT and PET scans. What a joyful moment it was for me when I heard him say the scans were clear, NO CANCER in my body at this time. I can't even begin to describe how I felt at that moment. I was overjoyed, relieved, and so humbled all at the same time! I fell to my knees with a prayer of thanksgiving and the tears began to flow. God has been merciful to me and I pray that I will walk "worthy" in the days ahead and will always remember to "praise Him" for his wonderful grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love and support, it has been such a blessing to me. Knowing that you were there praying for me has given me such strength.
I still have the mass in my thorax and they still don't know what it is (only that it doesn't show as cancer). It hasn't shown any changes since they discovered it in January. The doctors think it is best just to leave it alone and watch it closely. They have scheduled another CT scan in three months to see how it looks; it could even be something I have had all my life. I will keep you updated as things progress.
But, as for now, I just want to rest in the knowledge that all seems well. I want to spend more time with my wonderful friends and family. I want to enjoy playing and visiting with my sweet grandchildren and not worry about getting sick. I want to get back in the kitchen at church again on Wednesday nights and help cook the Wednesday meals. And----most of all, I want to tell others what an awesome God we serve!!!
Thank you dear friends for walking this journey with me. Let us praise the Lord together!
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 28:6&7: Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him.
PS. Please help me pray for my friend Sandra Byars that she will hear good news next Monday, (Aug. 13th) when she goes in for a Cat Scan on her liver to see if her last surgery was successful. I pray that she also will hear "no cancer at this time"!!
Last night (Tuesday) I got the call from my doctor with the results of my CT and PET scans. What a joyful moment it was for me when I heard him say the scans were clear, NO CANCER in my body at this time. I can't even begin to describe how I felt at that moment. I was overjoyed, relieved, and so humbled all at the same time! I fell to my knees with a prayer of thanksgiving and the tears began to flow. God has been merciful to me and I pray that I will walk "worthy" in the days ahead and will always remember to "praise Him" for his wonderful grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love and support, it has been such a blessing to me. Knowing that you were there praying for me has given me such strength.
I still have the mass in my thorax and they still don't know what it is (only that it doesn't show as cancer). It hasn't shown any changes since they discovered it in January. The doctors think it is best just to leave it alone and watch it closely. They have scheduled another CT scan in three months to see how it looks; it could even be something I have had all my life. I will keep you updated as things progress.
But, as for now, I just want to rest in the knowledge that all seems well. I want to spend more time with my wonderful friends and family. I want to enjoy playing and visiting with my sweet grandchildren and not worry about getting sick. I want to get back in the kitchen at church again on Wednesday nights and help cook the Wednesday meals. And----most of all, I want to tell others what an awesome God we serve!!!
Thank you dear friends for walking this journey with me. Let us praise the Lord together!
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 28:6&7: Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him.
PS. Please help me pray for my friend Sandra Byars that she will hear good news next Monday, (Aug. 13th) when she goes in for a Cat Scan on her liver to see if her last surgery was successful. I pray that she also will hear "no cancer at this time"!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
HOLDING ON
That's just what I am doing these days following the chemo treatments, "holding on". There are two very important appointments coming up in the next few days and I would be very grateful if you would remember them in your prayers.
The first appointment is on Wednesday (Aug. 1). I will go to my OBGYN for a check up. I haven't been in five years and I know that was foolish, especially in light of what has taken place over the last seven months but I let "other things" get in the way of making the appointment until now. I am a little anxious about this visit and I have to keep my focus so that I don't run off and dwell on the "what ifs". Then, on August 6th, I go back in for my first CT/Pet scan since my surgery and final chemo treatment to see how things look at this point in my recovery.
I will write and let you know the outcome from both tests as soon as possible.
Till then I'll keep "holding on".... to the hope that the cancer has been controlled, "holding on"...to the hope of a cure and "holding on"...to the Father's Hand!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 41:13-For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: Joan Odom (niece of a dear friend) has found out that she has cancer all over her body. Last week they found 3 tumors on her brain. Doctors give her 6 months to live. Please pray for her and for her family in the days ahead. Thank you!
The first appointment is on Wednesday (Aug. 1). I will go to my OBGYN for a check up. I haven't been in five years and I know that was foolish, especially in light of what has taken place over the last seven months but I let "other things" get in the way of making the appointment until now. I am a little anxious about this visit and I have to keep my focus so that I don't run off and dwell on the "what ifs". Then, on August 6th, I go back in for my first CT/Pet scan since my surgery and final chemo treatment to see how things look at this point in my recovery.
I will write and let you know the outcome from both tests as soon as possible.
Till then I'll keep "holding on".... to the hope that the cancer has been controlled, "holding on"...to the hope of a cure and "holding on"...to the Father's Hand!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 41:13-For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: Joan Odom (niece of a dear friend) has found out that she has cancer all over her body. Last week they found 3 tumors on her brain. Doctors give her 6 months to live. Please pray for her and for her family in the days ahead. Thank you!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
I Am So Thankful!
I am so thankful for THIS DAY. No matter what it brings, God gave me today and He will be with me in it. Every day I feel stronger and that my healing is going well. It's great to "taste" food again, to have energy to play with my grandkids, to cook meals and to enjoy the day without sickness or fatigue and even to look in the mirror and see some "fuzzy little hairs on top of my head"!!
I am thankful for doctors and chemo and medications that, hopefully, have knocked cancer back so far that no traces will be detected on August 6th.
I am thankful for friends and family, time to sort and shift "priorities in life", time to appreciate each new day, time to see health as a gift and time to reach out to others in need.
I am thankful for time to turn my eyes away from self and lift them to God, the very one who created me and holds me in His hands. I will praise the Lord forever!!
I am thankful to each one of you for your love and faithfulness to me. Every day I still receive a card in the mail; someone God sent to give me words of comfort and encouragement. How will I ever be able to let you know how much you mean to me? Thank you for letting God use you to bless my life!
And.......I am thankful for each opportunity God gives ME to "pass it on to someone else"!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 40:31-Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
PS Sandra Byars surgery went well. The surgeon seems to think they were able to blast all the cancer cells. They will know more after the next CT scans. Mark and she are so thankful for your prayers and so am I.
I am thankful for doctors and chemo and medications that, hopefully, have knocked cancer back so far that no traces will be detected on August 6th.
I am thankful for friends and family, time to sort and shift "priorities in life", time to appreciate each new day, time to see health as a gift and time to reach out to others in need.
I am thankful for time to turn my eyes away from self and lift them to God, the very one who created me and holds me in His hands. I will praise the Lord forever!!
I am thankful to each one of you for your love and faithfulness to me. Every day I still receive a card in the mail; someone God sent to give me words of comfort and encouragement. How will I ever be able to let you know how much you mean to me? Thank you for letting God use you to bless my life!
And.......I am thankful for each opportunity God gives ME to "pass it on to someone else"!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 40:31-Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
PS Sandra Byars surgery went well. The surgeon seems to think they were able to blast all the cancer cells. They will know more after the next CT scans. Mark and she are so thankful for your prayers and so am I.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Test Results
Hi dear friends,
Just thought I would give you a little update on "happenings" this week. On Tuesday I went in for a sonogram and a mammogram on the right breast. The sonogram showed several areas of what is believed to be small cysts. Dr. Hardcastle seems to think that every thing is alright at this time. He said that when I go in on Aug. 6th for the Pet and Cat Scans they should show us a more detailed reading and we will have a better diagnosis at that time. If everything appears OK after the scans he wants me to repeat the mammogram again in four months just to watch everything very closely. Of course, I am a little concerned about this latest finding; my biggest fear is that the cysts will turn into cancers later on. However, I will wait for the results of the scans and try not to jump to any conclusions! For now I am rejoicing in the fact that my strength is returning and I am feeling better with each new day. As always, I ask that you will remember these things in your prayers. I know that the God who created me will care for me and I trust and rest in Him!
Have a great weekend. I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.
NOTE: Sandra Byars will have radiation treatment at Emory on Tues. July 17, to destroy the adrenal tumor on her liver. Please pray!
Keith Woods is improving daily. Praise the Lord!
Just thought I would give you a little update on "happenings" this week. On Tuesday I went in for a sonogram and a mammogram on the right breast. The sonogram showed several areas of what is believed to be small cysts. Dr. Hardcastle seems to think that every thing is alright at this time. He said that when I go in on Aug. 6th for the Pet and Cat Scans they should show us a more detailed reading and we will have a better diagnosis at that time. If everything appears OK after the scans he wants me to repeat the mammogram again in four months just to watch everything very closely. Of course, I am a little concerned about this latest finding; my biggest fear is that the cysts will turn into cancers later on. However, I will wait for the results of the scans and try not to jump to any conclusions! For now I am rejoicing in the fact that my strength is returning and I am feeling better with each new day. As always, I ask that you will remember these things in your prayers. I know that the God who created me will care for me and I trust and rest in Him!
Have a great weekend. I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.
NOTE: Sandra Byars will have radiation treatment at Emory on Tues. July 17, to destroy the adrenal tumor on her liver. Please pray!
Keith Woods is improving daily. Praise the Lord!
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