On Saturday morning Marvin and I left the house around 7:00 to meet up with my family, the captain of our team and all the other walkers for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk. It was a perfect day for a "walk in the park". As we arrived at Atlantic Station it was evident that there would be many more teams ready to join us that day. As I looked around I saw all ages of men, women and children (and even a few dogs) each wearing their special pink t-shirts.
Scott Slade, with W.S.B. TV and Radio, gave the opening remarks and announced for the walk to begin. As we entered the gates, my family and I were just about right in the middle of the pack of walkers. When we looked ahead all we could see were masses of people and when we looked behind there were that many more people there as well. It looked like a GIANT PINK ARMY marching together in the fight against breast cancer. What a joy it was for me to have a small part in this great day and to have my family and friends there to share in this special moment as well.
I heard a report on the radio today that there were over 12,000 walkers there on Saturday and together, one step at a time, we were able to raise over "One Million Dollars"!! It is my prayer that one day soon we will find a cure for breast cancer so that our daughters, our granddaughters, our friends and every lady that we love will no longer have to face this terrible disease. (As for the 38 ladies on my daily prayer list who are living with breast cancer right now we hold on to that hope as well).
Thank you all my dear friends who read this blog for your encouragement and for your prayers. To those who walked with us or made a donation, I am forever grateful. There are only a few short days left in this month so don't forget to "think pink" and have those yearly mammograms and check-ups now!
I love you guys,
Judy
Romans 12:5-We are many, but in Christ, we are all one body.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
IT'S OCTOBER---"THINK PINK"
Most of us look forward to this time of year when the temperature begins to drop and the leaves are changing into those beautiful vibrant colors of orange and yellow and red. I want you to focus for a few minutes on another October color....."Pink". October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a month set aside each year when we take the time to remind all the special ladies in our lives to do their monthly self-exams and to get their yearly mammograms. So, ladies, you have been reminded. Get out there and take action; early detection is the key!!
Since being diagnosed almost two years ago with breast cancer I have been contacted by over "36" people asking me to pray for them or a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer as well. (Sadly, four of those 36 have not survived). Cancer is not a death sentence, it is in some ways a reminder, however, that we ARE mortal. It reminds us that life is precious and we really must start living it. God gives us the gift of life to enjoy and savor. We have many opportunities to serve Him even in the mist of such an illness for we find God is right there as well. If we are His Child He will never leave us; He will see us through. God has given us His promise--"I am with you always, even to the end of the world".
So, what is cancer? It is a cell that "misfires" and reproduces a defect. It can happen in a 95 year old. It can happen in a teenager or in an infant. It can happen to YOU. Life is precious so please, take care of yourself. Watch your diet, try to exercise, have those yearly check ups and do whatever you can to help in the fight.
I am really excited this month to have been invited to participate in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk" on October 25th. The Georgia State Patrol post in Athens is sponsoring a team of walkers and I will be a part of their team along with my daughters Pam and Jill, Scott (Pam's husband), Robin and her daughter Autumn and, of course, Marvin who has taken every step with me on my journey. Please pray for us as we walk.
Two years ago I was fighting for my life and could barely walk up a flight of stairs without being exhausted. How blessed I am today to be able to take part in this event and to give back something to help in the fight. I cherish today and EVERY DAY that I am able to say--"I am a Survivor". Don't forget to "think pink" this month!
I love you guys,
Judy
I Thessalonians 2:12-That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and glory.
Since being diagnosed almost two years ago with breast cancer I have been contacted by over "36" people asking me to pray for them or a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer as well. (Sadly, four of those 36 have not survived). Cancer is not a death sentence, it is in some ways a reminder, however, that we ARE mortal. It reminds us that life is precious and we really must start living it. God gives us the gift of life to enjoy and savor. We have many opportunities to serve Him even in the mist of such an illness for we find God is right there as well. If we are His Child He will never leave us; He will see us through. God has given us His promise--"I am with you always, even to the end of the world".
So, what is cancer? It is a cell that "misfires" and reproduces a defect. It can happen in a 95 year old. It can happen in a teenager or in an infant. It can happen to YOU. Life is precious so please, take care of yourself. Watch your diet, try to exercise, have those yearly check ups and do whatever you can to help in the fight.
I am really excited this month to have been invited to participate in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk" on October 25th. The Georgia State Patrol post in Athens is sponsoring a team of walkers and I will be a part of their team along with my daughters Pam and Jill, Scott (Pam's husband), Robin and her daughter Autumn and, of course, Marvin who has taken every step with me on my journey. Please pray for us as we walk.
Two years ago I was fighting for my life and could barely walk up a flight of stairs without being exhausted. How blessed I am today to be able to take part in this event and to give back something to help in the fight. I cherish today and EVERY DAY that I am able to say--"I am a Survivor". Don't forget to "think pink" this month!
I love you guys,
Judy
I Thessalonians 2:12-That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and glory.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
REPORTING RESULTS/GOD STILL HEALS
Greetings friends,
Thank you for your phone calls, your emails, and your prayers these past few weeks while I waited for the results to come in on my latest tests. I am sorry that it has taken so long to report back to you. My doctor has been out of town and it was only this afternoon that I got a call from him with the results.
Once again, I am thanking and praising God for answered prayers! All the tests were negative for any new findings. The mass in my thorax (about 1" in diameter) is still there but it has not grown or changed since the last scan. They still don't know what it might be so, as my doctor put it to me, "We will just wait and watch you closely to make sure we stay on top of things". My next appointment with him is in November.
I had a friend ask me a few weeks ago-----"Do you believe that God can heal you?" My answer was, "Yes, I know that ONLY GOD can truly heal me. And, I also believe that whatever comes into my life has been directed by His Hand". I must trust God, not only that He does what is best but that He knows what is ahead and I will rest in Him.
So, am I healed from breast cancer? No one can tell me that, there is only One who knows the answer to that question. I do believe that I am cancer-free and in remission "at this time" and I give God all the glory and praise for that. God still loves me, His eternal perfect plans for me continue on schedule. God is at work in everything.
Do I trust Him? Do I believe He still heals? YOU BET I DO!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 53:5-With His stripes we are healed.
Thank you for your phone calls, your emails, and your prayers these past few weeks while I waited for the results to come in on my latest tests. I am sorry that it has taken so long to report back to you. My doctor has been out of town and it was only this afternoon that I got a call from him with the results.
Once again, I am thanking and praising God for answered prayers! All the tests were negative for any new findings. The mass in my thorax (about 1" in diameter) is still there but it has not grown or changed since the last scan. They still don't know what it might be so, as my doctor put it to me, "We will just wait and watch you closely to make sure we stay on top of things". My next appointment with him is in November.
I had a friend ask me a few weeks ago-----"Do you believe that God can heal you?" My answer was, "Yes, I know that ONLY GOD can truly heal me. And, I also believe that whatever comes into my life has been directed by His Hand". I must trust God, not only that He does what is best but that He knows what is ahead and I will rest in Him.
So, am I healed from breast cancer? No one can tell me that, there is only One who knows the answer to that question. I do believe that I am cancer-free and in remission "at this time" and I give God all the glory and praise for that. God still loves me, His eternal perfect plans for me continue on schedule. God is at work in everything.
Do I trust Him? Do I believe He still heals? YOU BET I DO!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Isaiah 53:5-With His stripes we are healed.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
EXERCISE
It's been quite a while since I have done very much physical exercising and now it is time to start! I looked up the word in the dictionary and here is what it said: "Exercise---active use of the BODY in order to make it stronger or healthier". Now, that sounds like a pretty good idea, don't you think?
Last year while I was undergoing chemo treatments I loaned my exercise bicycle to a sweet friend who was having a lot of knee problems. Her doctor thought if she could exercise that knee she might be able to avoid having surgery. Since I was feeling too weak and sick to use it, and was only hanging my clothes on the handles as I ironed----it was hers to borrow and use. I am happy to report, it did help and no surgery was required. In the meantime, she has purchased a "real bike" and she and her husband go bike riding together all the time. I'm so proud of her! The other day I called her to inform her of my plan to start an exercise routine and she brought my bicycle back to me. If I fail to ride it now, I will be so convicted!! She has promised to keep me accountable and I have promised to be faithful in riding. So, here goes...let's see how many miles I can travel.
Exercising the body will be good but I need to exercise my MIND as well. I've been told many times over the last year that after you undergo cancer treatments you sometimes suffer from what they call "chemo brain". (That's when you have trouble focusing for very long, you become tired easily and can't remember simple things). Ok, maybe I had some of that before chemo but, I did notice it was worse for a while. So, I try to exercise my mind by reading more, doing word search and crossword puzzle books and trying to memorize my Bible verse each morning. I've heard the saying "The mind is a terrible thing to waste. If you don't use it, you will lose it". Well, I don't want to lose it so, along with using the bicycle to exercise my body, I will be exercising my mind as well.
And last, but certainly not least, I must exercise my FAITH. I looked up that word too. The dictionary stated: "Faith---belief or trust that does not question or ask for proof". There are many things that come into our lives that without faith and trust we could not endure. I have never questioned God why he allowed breast cancer to come into my life; I simply trust that He will see me through. My faith has grown stronger as I've traveled on "this journey"; a journey that still includes many doctor visits and scheduled tests. Because of the spot on my lung and the mass in my thorax, I am tested every six months. Last week I had the cancer marker blood test and, praise the Lord, it checked out fine. For that I am so grateful. On August 11, I am scheduled for CT Scans of the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, plus a bone scan and a mammogram. I will be "exercising my faith" as I wait for the results to come in and, as always, I covet your prayers. (When I get the results back, I will post them for you). God is real, God is good and He will do what is right. My FAITH gives me assurance that He can heal and a hope that He will!
In the meantime....(BODY, MIND, & FAITH)...I'll be exercising; hope you will be too!
I love you guys,
Judy
Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Last year while I was undergoing chemo treatments I loaned my exercise bicycle to a sweet friend who was having a lot of knee problems. Her doctor thought if she could exercise that knee she might be able to avoid having surgery. Since I was feeling too weak and sick to use it, and was only hanging my clothes on the handles as I ironed----it was hers to borrow and use. I am happy to report, it did help and no surgery was required. In the meantime, she has purchased a "real bike" and she and her husband go bike riding together all the time. I'm so proud of her! The other day I called her to inform her of my plan to start an exercise routine and she brought my bicycle back to me. If I fail to ride it now, I will be so convicted!! She has promised to keep me accountable and I have promised to be faithful in riding. So, here goes...let's see how many miles I can travel.
Exercising the body will be good but I need to exercise my MIND as well. I've been told many times over the last year that after you undergo cancer treatments you sometimes suffer from what they call "chemo brain". (That's when you have trouble focusing for very long, you become tired easily and can't remember simple things). Ok, maybe I had some of that before chemo but, I did notice it was worse for a while. So, I try to exercise my mind by reading more, doing word search and crossword puzzle books and trying to memorize my Bible verse each morning. I've heard the saying "The mind is a terrible thing to waste. If you don't use it, you will lose it". Well, I don't want to lose it so, along with using the bicycle to exercise my body, I will be exercising my mind as well.
And last, but certainly not least, I must exercise my FAITH. I looked up that word too. The dictionary stated: "Faith---belief or trust that does not question or ask for proof". There are many things that come into our lives that without faith and trust we could not endure. I have never questioned God why he allowed breast cancer to come into my life; I simply trust that He will see me through. My faith has grown stronger as I've traveled on "this journey"; a journey that still includes many doctor visits and scheduled tests. Because of the spot on my lung and the mass in my thorax, I am tested every six months. Last week I had the cancer marker blood test and, praise the Lord, it checked out fine. For that I am so grateful. On August 11, I am scheduled for CT Scans of the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, plus a bone scan and a mammogram. I will be "exercising my faith" as I wait for the results to come in and, as always, I covet your prayers. (When I get the results back, I will post them for you). God is real, God is good and He will do what is right. My FAITH gives me assurance that He can heal and a hope that He will!
In the meantime....(BODY, MIND, & FAITH)...I'll be exercising; hope you will be too!
I love you guys,
Judy
Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
THANK YOU NOTES
The custom of writing thank you notes is slowly disappearing. Those of you who know me best know that it is still something that is important to me. I was thinking today--if I was writing a thank you note to God--what would it say? Even though there is never enough paper (or time) to thank Him for everything perhaps it would go something like this:
To My Precious Father,
How do I even begin to thank you for all the wonderful moments that you have brought into my life? First of all, I want to thank you for your Son, Jesus, who came knocking on my heart's door so many years ago. His "visit" changed my life forever and He's still here even today! He brought a great and powerful BOOK for me to read as well and every time I open it, I learn new and wonderful things. I love to read it every day; it is Your Love Story. And, speaking of love, there is none greater.....thank you for loving me!
Another thing I want to thank you for is the awesome privilege of prayer. You are always ready to hear from me and I find great comfort knowing I can bow my head at any time and You are there. Thank you for those who daily pray for me and thank you, Lord, for the opportunities you give to me to pray for others. There is such power in prayer when I pray in your will and there is such peace in knowing, that all power lies in you, The One who hears my prayers. Prayers are precious jewels. Thank you for hearing my prayers today.
And then, there are my daily blessings. Thank you for every one.....(my friends and family who mean so much, for health and home, for food and clothing and so many more things too numerous to even list). When I wake up every morning and when I lay my head to rest at night I am reminded just how very much I am truly blessed. I praise you for my blessings, and though I don't do anything to deserve them, they are your gifts to me.
Well, Lord, these are but a few of the endless reasons I needed to write this note to you today. I could go on and on but, somehow, I know you already understand how humbled and grateful my heart truly is. Perhaps I had to write this note for ME, more than to YOU, so that I would be reminded once again just how thankful I am to have you in my life. Your character is holy, Your grace is sufficient, Your strength is unending, and Your plan is perfect, and, as I am resting in Your power I close this note to you.......
With love,
"Your Child"
Hebrews 13:15 Let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise.
**What would your thank you note say?
To My Precious Father,
How do I even begin to thank you for all the wonderful moments that you have brought into my life? First of all, I want to thank you for your Son, Jesus, who came knocking on my heart's door so many years ago. His "visit" changed my life forever and He's still here even today! He brought a great and powerful BOOK for me to read as well and every time I open it, I learn new and wonderful things. I love to read it every day; it is Your Love Story. And, speaking of love, there is none greater.....thank you for loving me!
Another thing I want to thank you for is the awesome privilege of prayer. You are always ready to hear from me and I find great comfort knowing I can bow my head at any time and You are there. Thank you for those who daily pray for me and thank you, Lord, for the opportunities you give to me to pray for others. There is such power in prayer when I pray in your will and there is such peace in knowing, that all power lies in you, The One who hears my prayers. Prayers are precious jewels. Thank you for hearing my prayers today.
And then, there are my daily blessings. Thank you for every one.....(my friends and family who mean so much, for health and home, for food and clothing and so many more things too numerous to even list). When I wake up every morning and when I lay my head to rest at night I am reminded just how very much I am truly blessed. I praise you for my blessings, and though I don't do anything to deserve them, they are your gifts to me.
Well, Lord, these are but a few of the endless reasons I needed to write this note to you today. I could go on and on but, somehow, I know you already understand how humbled and grateful my heart truly is. Perhaps I had to write this note for ME, more than to YOU, so that I would be reminded once again just how thankful I am to have you in my life. Your character is holy, Your grace is sufficient, Your strength is unending, and Your plan is perfect, and, as I am resting in Your power I close this note to you.......
With love,
"Your Child"
Hebrews 13:15 Let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise.
**What would your thank you note say?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
LOOKING BACK
Hi Friends,
I was looking back on my calendar from last year, updating birthdays and such for this month, and was reminded that one year ago today (June 5th), I was at the Cancer Center receiving my last round of chemo treatments. I was amazed to realize that it had ALREADY been one whole year "free of chemo". Memories began to flood my mind; thoughts of nausea and fatigue, of the long drives to the treatment center, the shots that followed that were so hard, the low blood counts and all those many days I had to spend in isolation to keep from being exposed to illness.
Then, I thought of my sweet husband who went and stayed with me through the five hours of treatments every time I had to go, of the friends, neighbors, and family members who prayed for us and brought food and books and cards of encouragement, and of my children and grandchildren "who kept me going" when I didn't even want to get out of bed!! I thought of the other cancer patients just like me, the doctors and nurses who helped take care of me, and even those researchers whom I've never met but who are focused and dedicated to finding a cure. There are days that thoughts of chemo treatments haven't even entered my mind and then there are days, like today (June 5, 2008), when I am reminded and thoughts come flooding back.
Cancer will always be a part of my life now. Once it touches you, you are forever changed. I hope the "change" has made me a stronger person. Each day is a precious gift--"my "get to" day. So many things I "get to do" that in the past I would just have taken for granted.
My heart is filled to over-flowing as I reflect today on the blessings of life---"MY LIFE". The God who created me has never failed me. Today, June 5, 2008, I just want to praise Him. "Thank you, Lord, for one whole year "treatment free".
I love you guys,
Judy
Ephesians 5:20--Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was looking back on my calendar from last year, updating birthdays and such for this month, and was reminded that one year ago today (June 5th), I was at the Cancer Center receiving my last round of chemo treatments. I was amazed to realize that it had ALREADY been one whole year "free of chemo". Memories began to flood my mind; thoughts of nausea and fatigue, of the long drives to the treatment center, the shots that followed that were so hard, the low blood counts and all those many days I had to spend in isolation to keep from being exposed to illness.
Then, I thought of my sweet husband who went and stayed with me through the five hours of treatments every time I had to go, of the friends, neighbors, and family members who prayed for us and brought food and books and cards of encouragement, and of my children and grandchildren "who kept me going" when I didn't even want to get out of bed!! I thought of the other cancer patients just like me, the doctors and nurses who helped take care of me, and even those researchers whom I've never met but who are focused and dedicated to finding a cure. There are days that thoughts of chemo treatments haven't even entered my mind and then there are days, like today (June 5, 2008), when I am reminded and thoughts come flooding back.
Cancer will always be a part of my life now. Once it touches you, you are forever changed. I hope the "change" has made me a stronger person. Each day is a precious gift--"my "get to" day. So many things I "get to do" that in the past I would just have taken for granted.
My heart is filled to over-flowing as I reflect today on the blessings of life---"MY LIFE". The God who created me has never failed me. Today, June 5, 2008, I just want to praise Him. "Thank you, Lord, for one whole year "treatment free".
I love you guys,
Judy
Ephesians 5:20--Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, May 26, 2008
LIVING AND LEARNING
Greetings friends,
School is out for most students and summer vacation season is upon us. It was my pleasure a few weeks ago to join my son-in-law and his 4th grade class for their Annual End- of- the- Year Cookout. It has been my job for the last five years to be the "chief hot dog cooker". This year I grilled over 200 hot dogs!! What a joy it has been to watch his students and their families as they gather for this celebration. Every year he invites, not only that year's students but every class that he has taught in past years as well. Some of those students will be entering 10th grade next year but they still come back to see their favorite teacher and long time friends. I usually stand back and watch and listen and that is when I realize just how much "Mr. Landtroop" has helped teach and encourage these young lives. He is just that kind of teacher most parents hope their children will have in school. He has that perfect balance of discipline mixed with just enough love and compassion that the students need to be successful and grow. All of us can probably look back on our childhood and name one teacher who had that impact on us as well. (Mine was my seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Smith. "Thank you Mrs Smith for making a difference in my life"!!)
We may not always be aware of the influence we are having on other people either. We are all "teachers". Others are watching and learning from us by the way we live our lives. Opportunities come in all sizes and shapes. Part of life's great adventure is the growth process itself. We are always growing, teaching, and learning. What are we teaching, what are we learning, how are we growing?
Enjoy your summer vacation but remember: "Someone is still watching and learning". Your life is a book. Be that example. It is not our job to "change" the world, it's just our job to "teach" the world and GOD will do the rest!!!
Happy Summer!
I love you guys,
Judy
Galatians 6:6-Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teacheth in all good things.
PS. What I learned last week from all my tests:
"God is taking good care of me!!" All my test reports were good. I just have a slight problem with acid reflux and medications will take care of that. Praise the Lord and "Thank you" for your prayers as well.
School is out for most students and summer vacation season is upon us. It was my pleasure a few weeks ago to join my son-in-law and his 4th grade class for their Annual End- of- the- Year Cookout. It has been my job for the last five years to be the "chief hot dog cooker". This year I grilled over 200 hot dogs!! What a joy it has been to watch his students and their families as they gather for this celebration. Every year he invites, not only that year's students but every class that he has taught in past years as well. Some of those students will be entering 10th grade next year but they still come back to see their favorite teacher and long time friends. I usually stand back and watch and listen and that is when I realize just how much "Mr. Landtroop" has helped teach and encourage these young lives. He is just that kind of teacher most parents hope their children will have in school. He has that perfect balance of discipline mixed with just enough love and compassion that the students need to be successful and grow. All of us can probably look back on our childhood and name one teacher who had that impact on us as well. (Mine was my seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Smith. "Thank you Mrs Smith for making a difference in my life"!!)
We may not always be aware of the influence we are having on other people either. We are all "teachers". Others are watching and learning from us by the way we live our lives. Opportunities come in all sizes and shapes. Part of life's great adventure is the growth process itself. We are always growing, teaching, and learning. What are we teaching, what are we learning, how are we growing?
Enjoy your summer vacation but remember: "Someone is still watching and learning". Your life is a book. Be that example. It is not our job to "change" the world, it's just our job to "teach" the world and GOD will do the rest!!!
Happy Summer!
I love you guys,
Judy
Galatians 6:6-Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teacheth in all good things.
PS. What I learned last week from all my tests:
"God is taking good care of me!!" All my test reports were good. I just have a slight problem with acid reflux and medications will take care of that. Praise the Lord and "Thank you" for your prayers as well.
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