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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
REVIVAL
Last week our church had spring celebration services--"a Revival". Rev. Larry Winn, pastor of Hebron Baptist Church, was our speaker and we experienced four awesome nights of preaching and praise. I wish you could have been there too! I got my dictionary down this afternoon and looked up the word revival and this is what it said: "Revival- the act of bringing or coming back to life, health, or activity". That's what I've been experiencing lately; life after chemo, health after chemo, activity after chemo and a great "revival" in my soul. How precious is that?!!! It is comforting to know that God made me and knows everything about me. Nothing happens in my life that He doesn't allow and if He allows it, He will be with me every step of the way--in the good times and in the bad. Whenever I think about that I am "revived" and ready to face the day, what ever it may bring.
As I reported in my last blog, I had my third cancer marker test on May 7th and the results were good. Praise the Lord!! Dr. Hardcastle was a little bit concerned about a nagging cough that I have had for several months so he sent me to see a Pulmonary Specialist. They administered a breathing test which also checked out OK. Next week (May 15th) they have scheduled a chest x-ray and an upper GI test to see if that will give us any more answers. The doctor seems to think there may be a slight infection in my lungs caused by acid reflux or maybe a touch of asthma or allergies. I will just wait to see what develops and pray that God will reveal the answers for me. My three-month check up at the Oncologist is also that same day so it looks like another full day of tests and appointments for me. As always, I covet your prayers. I will post the results as soon as I can. Thank you.
I'm also excited to tell you that last week I got my first haircut in over a year!! There was finally enough hair on my head to get it trimmed and, even though it is pretty short, I'm getting ready to pack up my wig and put it into storage. Just in time for the HOT Atlanta summer. Yippee!!!!
Life is good. God is good. How could I ever complain? He has brought me safe thus far. He holds my hand and we walk the path of "Judy's Journey" together. With each new day I am so thankful. He "revives" me again. I love to share "His Love Story"! May YOUR heart be revived as you travel on "your journey" too.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalms 138:7-Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.
(A prayer of praise)
As I reported in my last blog, I had my third cancer marker test on May 7th and the results were good. Praise the Lord!! Dr. Hardcastle was a little bit concerned about a nagging cough that I have had for several months so he sent me to see a Pulmonary Specialist. They administered a breathing test which also checked out OK. Next week (May 15th) they have scheduled a chest x-ray and an upper GI test to see if that will give us any more answers. The doctor seems to think there may be a slight infection in my lungs caused by acid reflux or maybe a touch of asthma or allergies. I will just wait to see what develops and pray that God will reveal the answers for me. My three-month check up at the Oncologist is also that same day so it looks like another full day of tests and appointments for me. As always, I covet your prayers. I will post the results as soon as I can. Thank you.
I'm also excited to tell you that last week I got my first haircut in over a year!! There was finally enough hair on my head to get it trimmed and, even though it is pretty short, I'm getting ready to pack up my wig and put it into storage. Just in time for the HOT Atlanta summer. Yippee!!!!
Life is good. God is good. How could I ever complain? He has brought me safe thus far. He holds my hand and we walk the path of "Judy's Journey" together. With each new day I am so thankful. He "revives" me again. I love to share "His Love Story"! May YOUR heart be revived as you travel on "your journey" too.
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalms 138:7-Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.
(A prayer of praise)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Privilege of "GET TO"
Greetings Friends,
I read a book not long ago and the title of one of the chapters in the book was--"Got" to do or"Get" to do. Boy, did that make me stop and examine my attitude about the busy day ahead! I had to decide, would I have just another day filled with all the things I would "have" to do or would I look at the day and be filled with gratitude for all the things that I would "get" to do?
Today is April 15th, , tax deadline day. We "HAVE TO" file our taxes (and, yes, I think they are way too high and we need to make some changes) but, it also means that we have an income and we "GET TO" cash a paycheck. We "GET TO" pay our bills. We "GET TO" give to our church. And, we may even "GET TO" put a little bit into a savings plan and just maybe one day we will "GET TO" relax and enjoy being old enough to retire!!! There are always so many negative thoughts on tax day I thought I would share some of the brighter thoughts of the day!
If today you find yourself getting stressed, stop and change those "got to thoughts" into
"get to moments". Tax day is not fun so make a list of all the opportunities you are grateful for; you will be amazed at how many there will be and how much happier you are when you concentrate on the..... "GET TO's OF LIFE"!
Here are some of the things I "GET TO" do......what's on your list?
*I get to say a prayer because I have freedom to worship
*I get to read a book because I have my sight
*I get to send a card because someone needs encouragement
*I get to remember the things that bring me joy because I have a good mind
*I get to spend time with family and friends because they are God's blessing
*I get to share my thoughts because I have freedom of speech
*I get to give to others because God gives to me
I love you guys. Hope you have a "get to" day!
Judy
Verse: Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
P.S. AND, I "get to" go next Tuesday (4-22) for my next doctor's appointment and my cancer marker blood test. Please pray as I wait for the results to come back. I will post the results as soon as they come in. Thank you!! Your prayers mean so much.
I read a book not long ago and the title of one of the chapters in the book was--"Got" to do or"Get" to do. Boy, did that make me stop and examine my attitude about the busy day ahead! I had to decide, would I have just another day filled with all the things I would "have" to do or would I look at the day and be filled with gratitude for all the things that I would "get" to do?
Today is April 15th, , tax deadline day. We "HAVE TO" file our taxes (and, yes, I think they are way too high and we need to make some changes) but, it also means that we have an income and we "GET TO" cash a paycheck. We "GET TO" pay our bills. We "GET TO" give to our church. And, we may even "GET TO" put a little bit into a savings plan and just maybe one day we will "GET TO" relax and enjoy being old enough to retire!!! There are always so many negative thoughts on tax day I thought I would share some of the brighter thoughts of the day!
If today you find yourself getting stressed, stop and change those "got to thoughts" into
"get to moments". Tax day is not fun so make a list of all the opportunities you are grateful for; you will be amazed at how many there will be and how much happier you are when you concentrate on the..... "GET TO's OF LIFE"!
Here are some of the things I "GET TO" do......what's on your list?
*I get to say a prayer because I have freedom to worship
*I get to read a book because I have my sight
*I get to send a card because someone needs encouragement
*I get to remember the things that bring me joy because I have a good mind
*I get to spend time with family and friends because they are God's blessing
*I get to share my thoughts because I have freedom of speech
*I get to give to others because God gives to me
I love you guys. Hope you have a "get to" day!
Judy
Verse: Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
P.S. AND, I "get to" go next Tuesday (4-22) for my next doctor's appointment and my cancer marker blood test. Please pray as I wait for the results to come back. I will post the results as soon as they come in. Thank you!! Your prayers mean so much.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
SPRING FORWARD
Greetings,
Last Saturday night most of us got to "spring forward" one hour before we went to bed! Are you still trying to catch up and adjust to this change like I am? Where did that "spring" in my step go...I think I may have lost it for a little while during that one hour on my clock!
Every year at this time we are reminded that Spring is just around the corner for most of us. Spring, a time to think about our little gardens again. I'm looking forward to watching the flowers pop out of the ground, the trees to bud and turn those beautiful shades of pink and white, the birds to serenade me every morning and the sun to warm my face when I step outside, aren't you? How beautiful is the spring time.
Our lives are a bit like a flower garden as well. For the most part, our days are filled with good and beautiful things.....the sweetness of a child's face, the strong and protective arms of a husbands hug, the kindness of a special friend and the joy of knowing Christ. But, sometimes between the beautiful things in our garden of life come the dark weed patches.....money problems, sadness, lost jobs and diseases. Perhaps our good times would not mean nearly as much without the bad times as well. Don't be discouraged, there is always hope for our garden. We can't lose sight of the fact that we have One who works our gardens with us, right where we are. The very One who created it all!!
Beauty is God's handwriting, His handiwork. Don't lose your opportunity to see all that is beautiful in the "garden of life". Spring forward and thank God for every blessing. "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL". Happy Spring!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Ecclesiasties 3:11-He hath made everything beautiful in it's time.
Last Saturday night most of us got to "spring forward" one hour before we went to bed! Are you still trying to catch up and adjust to this change like I am? Where did that "spring" in my step go...I think I may have lost it for a little while during that one hour on my clock!
Every year at this time we are reminded that Spring is just around the corner for most of us. Spring, a time to think about our little gardens again. I'm looking forward to watching the flowers pop out of the ground, the trees to bud and turn those beautiful shades of pink and white, the birds to serenade me every morning and the sun to warm my face when I step outside, aren't you? How beautiful is the spring time.
Our lives are a bit like a flower garden as well. For the most part, our days are filled with good and beautiful things.....the sweetness of a child's face, the strong and protective arms of a husbands hug, the kindness of a special friend and the joy of knowing Christ. But, sometimes between the beautiful things in our garden of life come the dark weed patches.....money problems, sadness, lost jobs and diseases. Perhaps our good times would not mean nearly as much without the bad times as well. Don't be discouraged, there is always hope for our garden. We can't lose sight of the fact that we have One who works our gardens with us, right where we are. The very One who created it all!!
Beauty is God's handwriting, His handiwork. Don't lose your opportunity to see all that is beautiful in the "garden of life". Spring forward and thank God for every blessing. "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL". Happy Spring!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Ecclesiasties 3:11-He hath made everything beautiful in it's time.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
A VALENTINE NOTE (just a little late!)
"How do I love thee, let me count the ways".....
I think of that line and right away I know that it would be impossible to do. I love you more than words could say!! I wanted to write this blog to you on Valentine's Day to wish you a day of love and blessings but, alas, it is just a few days late. (At least you know that I was thinking of all of you. ) You are such a blessing to me.
Did you have a great Valentine's Day? On Wednesday night (13th) Marvin (my sweetheart) and I went to the Valentine's Day Dinner at our church. It was a very enjoyable evening--the food was delicious and the fellowship was sweet. For entertainment, they played The Newlywed Game with four couples in our church and our interim pastor and his wife were two of the contestants. You can only imagine how funny that was!!! Isn't it good to know that Christians DO LAUGH and have fun together.
I spent Valentine's Day at the hospital having another CT Scan of the mass on my thorax and then I had a three month follow-up visit at the Cancer Center. Someone said, "What a way to spend Valentine's Day, couldn't you go another day?" I quickly replied, "Last Valentine"s Day I was at the hospital having surgery to put in a port to BEGIN chemo treatments, so, THIS Valentine's Day hospital visit was a blessing!"
God brought me safely through another cancer checkup. I call each one of them "my milestones". The CT Scan showed the mass in the thorax is still there but it has not grown or changed. (Now I can go in every six months for the scan instead of every three months and that was good news.) All the blood work at the oncologist office looked good as well. My body is finally beginning to repair and restore. Valentine's Day was a time for me to thank God for continued healing, a time to renew my commitment to trust Him no matter what and a time to celebrate another answer to my prayers.
Happy Valentine's Day (late), May God's love sustain you. There is no way my little mind can fully comprehend the love of God but, that didn't keep Him from coming. He "came to the cross" and He comes to meet us wherever we are. How great is His love! I long to love Him more each day. Me, You, and God..."Valentine's Forever"!
I love you guys,
Judy
Ephesians 3:18 : May you comprehend the breath, and length and depth and height of God's love.
PS. Please pray with me for a Benefit Singing on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Bremen Georgia Sports Complex for dear friends of ours, Keith and Allison Wood. Keith has been very sick and this benefit will help them greatly.
(Additional info: Howard Yarbrough (678-925-0903)
I think of that line and right away I know that it would be impossible to do. I love you more than words could say!! I wanted to write this blog to you on Valentine's Day to wish you a day of love and blessings but, alas, it is just a few days late. (At least you know that I was thinking of all of you. ) You are such a blessing to me.
Did you have a great Valentine's Day? On Wednesday night (13th) Marvin (my sweetheart) and I went to the Valentine's Day Dinner at our church. It was a very enjoyable evening--the food was delicious and the fellowship was sweet. For entertainment, they played The Newlywed Game with four couples in our church and our interim pastor and his wife were two of the contestants. You can only imagine how funny that was!!! Isn't it good to know that Christians DO LAUGH and have fun together.
I spent Valentine's Day at the hospital having another CT Scan of the mass on my thorax and then I had a three month follow-up visit at the Cancer Center. Someone said, "What a way to spend Valentine's Day, couldn't you go another day?" I quickly replied, "Last Valentine"s Day I was at the hospital having surgery to put in a port to BEGIN chemo treatments, so, THIS Valentine's Day hospital visit was a blessing!"
God brought me safely through another cancer checkup. I call each one of them "my milestones". The CT Scan showed the mass in the thorax is still there but it has not grown or changed. (Now I can go in every six months for the scan instead of every three months and that was good news.) All the blood work at the oncologist office looked good as well. My body is finally beginning to repair and restore. Valentine's Day was a time for me to thank God for continued healing, a time to renew my commitment to trust Him no matter what and a time to celebrate another answer to my prayers.
Happy Valentine's Day (late), May God's love sustain you. There is no way my little mind can fully comprehend the love of God but, that didn't keep Him from coming. He "came to the cross" and He comes to meet us wherever we are. How great is His love! I long to love Him more each day. Me, You, and God..."Valentine's Forever"!
I love you guys,
Judy
Ephesians 3:18 : May you comprehend the breath, and length and depth and height of God's love.
PS. Please pray with me for a Benefit Singing on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Bremen Georgia Sports Complex for dear friends of ours, Keith and Allison Wood. Keith has been very sick and this benefit will help them greatly.
(Additional info: Howard Yarbrough (678-925-0903)
Friday, January 25, 2008
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
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".
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".
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.
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