Pink and red hearts......they are on display every where we go reminding us that "love is in the air". February, the month for flowers, cards and chocolate candy!! It is nice to have a day set aside to remind us to slow down and focus on the people we love but, shouldn't we be doing that every day? Life is short and our friends and family are very precious blessings. Let me say first of all, "I love you very much! You are truly God's gift to me and I thank Him always for each one of you. My life is so much richer because you have been a part of it. Happy Valentine's Day with all my love to all of you!"
While I was buying my Valentine's Day cards last week, the Lord spoke this thought to me..."Share my love in simple acts of kindness". When I got home I began to think about those words and ways that I could do just that! "Simple acts of kindness" could be many things, some so simple we might not even think to do them, but something that could mean so much to the one on the receiving end. Immediately the Lord brought ideas to my mind. Simple acts of kindness, (done in secret), reap the greatest joy of all when we expect nothing in return. My list of ideas grows every day and I can hardly wait to answer His call!! Do you have simple acts of kindness that you might need to do as well? After all, love IS in the air!!
I love you guys,
Judy
Colossians 3:12 Be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and willing to wait for others.
P.S. Medical update: Thank you so much for your prayers. I am praising God for the good reports on my blood work last month. My next mammogram is scheduled for Feb. 23, and your continued prayers mean so much.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
LOOKING BACK---LOOKING AHEAD
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to posting on my blog. I am still trying to catch-up on the year that just ended and the new year that has just begun!!
As I look back on 2008, I have to say, "It has been an awesome journey". This Christmas season was especially wonderful for me. All of my children and grandchildren were home this year. There is nothing sweeter or more fulfilling to a mother's heart than to be able to look around the room and be reminded of just how special each individual person truly is. There are 15 of us now, each one unique and each one equally important in making us "Family". I will treasure every single second of our time together. (I would include some photos but I haven't learned how to do that yet...maybe that will be a resolution for the new year!!)
Speaking of resolutions, I looked back on some of the ones I made last year. Some of them I kept pretty well, others not so much. That won't stop me from trying again or striving for new ones in the year ahead. How about you, what would you like to accomplish in 2009? Whether we've been to the mountain top or through the valley in 2008, those things are behind us. To know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, we must run the race in front of us. I have been seeking God's direction and though I don't have all the answers yet, I know He will direct my path. He is leading me in several areas and projects for the days ahead and I will share more about that in a later blog. For now, I want to slow down enough that I might see through His eyes the things around me that are important to Him.
Staying well is another priority for me in 2009. God has brought me through so much the past two years and I praise Him for that. Most days I don't even think about cancer anymore unless I have to go in for a test or for a check up with the doctors. My next appointment is on Jan. 26th and I covet your prayers. When the results come in, I will let you know. Until then, I will press forward with confidence knowing that God is in control and simply enjoy 2009 and whatever it should bring. Happy New Year dear friends.
I love you guys,
Judy
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
**P.S. Have you ever had one of those moments that brought you an unexpected smile? I just love it when God reveals something special to me and today it was through, of all things, "AN APPLE".
It was mid-afternoon and I was ready for a little snack so I washed an apple and when I went to cut it in half I accidentally cut it from the side instead of my usual way from the stem at the top. When it fell open, right there "hidden" in the center of the apple was a perfect 5-pointed star!! My little mistake became a simple new pleasure that brought a smile to my face. I will never cut an apple any other way again. Just think, I have missed this amazing sight all of my life until today. Try it next time you cut into an apple and you will find that "hidden treasure" as well. I hope it brings a smile to your face too!!
As I look back on 2008, I have to say, "It has been an awesome journey". This Christmas season was especially wonderful for me. All of my children and grandchildren were home this year. There is nothing sweeter or more fulfilling to a mother's heart than to be able to look around the room and be reminded of just how special each individual person truly is. There are 15 of us now, each one unique and each one equally important in making us "Family". I will treasure every single second of our time together. (I would include some photos but I haven't learned how to do that yet...maybe that will be a resolution for the new year!!)
Speaking of resolutions, I looked back on some of the ones I made last year. Some of them I kept pretty well, others not so much. That won't stop me from trying again or striving for new ones in the year ahead. How about you, what would you like to accomplish in 2009? Whether we've been to the mountain top or through the valley in 2008, those things are behind us. To know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, we must run the race in front of us. I have been seeking God's direction and though I don't have all the answers yet, I know He will direct my path. He is leading me in several areas and projects for the days ahead and I will share more about that in a later blog. For now, I want to slow down enough that I might see through His eyes the things around me that are important to Him.
Staying well is another priority for me in 2009. God has brought me through so much the past two years and I praise Him for that. Most days I don't even think about cancer anymore unless I have to go in for a test or for a check up with the doctors. My next appointment is on Jan. 26th and I covet your prayers. When the results come in, I will let you know. Until then, I will press forward with confidence knowing that God is in control and simply enjoy 2009 and whatever it should bring. Happy New Year dear friends.
I love you guys,
Judy
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
**P.S. Have you ever had one of those moments that brought you an unexpected smile? I just love it when God reveals something special to me and today it was through, of all things, "AN APPLE".
It was mid-afternoon and I was ready for a little snack so I washed an apple and when I went to cut it in half I accidentally cut it from the side instead of my usual way from the stem at the top. When it fell open, right there "hidden" in the center of the apple was a perfect 5-pointed star!! My little mistake became a simple new pleasure that brought a smile to my face. I will never cut an apple any other way again. Just think, I have missed this amazing sight all of my life until today. Try it next time you cut into an apple and you will find that "hidden treasure" as well. I hope it brings a smile to your face too!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
An EXTRA-Ordinary Night
Merry Christmas Everyone,
I hope you all have a wonderful day surrounded by those you love as you celebrate this special time together. Before we begin to tackle all those gifts under the tree I wanted to share this message with you that I found (and copied) from my devotional book this morning. It was just too good to keep to myself. Imagine this as we slept last night! Hope it will be a blessing to you as well.
An EXTRA-Ordinary Night:
An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.
But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz.
The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an angel.
THE NIGHT WAS ORDINARY NO MORE!!!
(Luke 2:11)-Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord.
Christmas blessings and love,
Judy
I hope you all have a wonderful day surrounded by those you love as you celebrate this special time together. Before we begin to tackle all those gifts under the tree I wanted to share this message with you that I found (and copied) from my devotional book this morning. It was just too good to keep to myself. Imagine this as we slept last night! Hope it will be a blessing to you as well.
An EXTRA-Ordinary Night:
An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.
But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz.
The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an angel.
THE NIGHT WAS ORDINARY NO MORE!!!
(Luke 2:11)-Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord.
Christmas blessings and love,
Judy
Thursday, December 11, 2008
THREE PERFECT GIFTS
Everywhere I go these days there seems to be a feeling of "busy-ness" in the air. It's that time of year again when we run around trying to get everything ready for the upcoming holiday season. But, are we so burdened down trying to make Christmas so special, that we fail to see these "3 perfect gifts" that we already have?
The Gift of God's Son:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son"........He left Heaven to be this gift to us, the very reason we celebrate the Christmas season! Don't be burdened down with so many things to do. Slow down and raise your eyes and welcome HIM into your celebration, into your home and into your heart. He truly is the "most precious gift" we will ever receive!
The Gift of God's Grace:
Grace, the love and favor that God shows toward us. We don't do anything to deserve this grace but God gives it to us anyway. What if God's only gift to you this year was his grace to save you. Would you take it freely? Would you be content? From heaven's perspective; "grace is enough". His love and favor should make us content no matter the circumstances. Thank you God for your gift of grace---it is sufficient for our every need!
The Gift of His Promise:
"I will never leave you---I will come again". Not only was He born a baby so that we might know Him, He gave his live so that we might live with him! From the beginning of time this was God's plan and His promise for our lives. He is coming again and we will reign with him forever. Thank you for that promise. Because He lives we CAN face tomorrow.
So, which gift is more important.....The Gift of His Birth?
The Gift of His Grace?
The Gift of His Promise?
They are ALL essential, all of these are the evidence of Our Father's Love. So, this year, take all of these three gifts and hold them dear. They are greater than any gift you will find under your tree. Merry Christmas dear friends!
Always close in thought and prayer.
I love you guys,
Judy
His Birth: Luke 7-14-She brought forth her first born-son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger......
His Grace: 2Corinthians 12:9-My race is sufficient for thee.
His Promise: John 14:3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
The Gift of God's Son:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son"........He left Heaven to be this gift to us, the very reason we celebrate the Christmas season! Don't be burdened down with so many things to do. Slow down and raise your eyes and welcome HIM into your celebration, into your home and into your heart. He truly is the "most precious gift" we will ever receive!
The Gift of God's Grace:
Grace, the love and favor that God shows toward us. We don't do anything to deserve this grace but God gives it to us anyway. What if God's only gift to you this year was his grace to save you. Would you take it freely? Would you be content? From heaven's perspective; "grace is enough". His love and favor should make us content no matter the circumstances. Thank you God for your gift of grace---it is sufficient for our every need!
The Gift of His Promise:
"I will never leave you---I will come again". Not only was He born a baby so that we might know Him, He gave his live so that we might live with him! From the beginning of time this was God's plan and His promise for our lives. He is coming again and we will reign with him forever. Thank you for that promise. Because He lives we CAN face tomorrow.
So, which gift is more important.....The Gift of His Birth?
The Gift of His Grace?
The Gift of His Promise?
They are ALL essential, all of these are the evidence of Our Father's Love. So, this year, take all of these three gifts and hold them dear. They are greater than any gift you will find under your tree. Merry Christmas dear friends!
Always close in thought and prayer.
I love you guys,
Judy
His Birth: Luke 7-14-She brought forth her first born-son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger......
His Grace: 2Corinthians 12:9-My race is sufficient for thee.
His Promise: John 14:3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
NOTEWORTHY NOVEMBER
Ah.....November, the morning air so crisp and cool, the scent of logs burning in a fireplace somewhere near by, the colored leaves as they light up in the sunshine! Is not this a most wonderful month? Thank you, Lord, for the autumn season. No one could have planned it more beautifully than you.
November, the month we celebrated our freedom to vote. I am thankful for that privilege, aren't you? America has been blessed beyond measure. Thank you to our founders who acted on faith and drafted a Constitution based on biblical values that have formed this unique government of-by-and-for the people. Perhaps the candidates of our choice did not win this year. We still were able to celebrate "the freedom" to cast our vote! New leaders will come and go but, it is the Lord in whom we trust. Our money, when printed, states that fact. Look at a dollar bill and you will find these very words, "In God we trust". In January, 2009, our new president will be sworn into office and we, as Christians, must be even more committed in the days to come to give God, and our country, our very best. "May God continue to bless America"!
November, that is the month that I was born (62 years ago to be exact). My, how time passes so swiftly. It was on my 21st birthday that Marvin and I went to apply for our marriage license..."41 life-changing years ago"!! It has been a wonderful life and I cherish every precious moment. Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me.
And, last but not least, at the end of the month of November, we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. It is easy to give thanks when all is going well, when we anticipate a great family gathering, good food and fond memories. "Thanksgiving once a year-----that is easy. But, "thanks living" EVERY DAY, that's what it's all about! Happy November. May your blessings be many and your "thanks living" shine bright!
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
November, the month we celebrated our freedom to vote. I am thankful for that privilege, aren't you? America has been blessed beyond measure. Thank you to our founders who acted on faith and drafted a Constitution based on biblical values that have formed this unique government of-by-and-for the people. Perhaps the candidates of our choice did not win this year. We still were able to celebrate "the freedom" to cast our vote! New leaders will come and go but, it is the Lord in whom we trust. Our money, when printed, states that fact. Look at a dollar bill and you will find these very words, "In God we trust". In January, 2009, our new president will be sworn into office and we, as Christians, must be even more committed in the days to come to give God, and our country, our very best. "May God continue to bless America"!
November, that is the month that I was born (62 years ago to be exact). My, how time passes so swiftly. It was on my 21st birthday that Marvin and I went to apply for our marriage license..."41 life-changing years ago"!! It has been a wonderful life and I cherish every precious moment. Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me.
And, last but not least, at the end of the month of November, we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. It is easy to give thanks when all is going well, when we anticipate a great family gathering, good food and fond memories. "Thanksgiving once a year-----that is easy. But, "thanks living" EVERY DAY, that's what it's all about! Happy November. May your blessings be many and your "thanks living" shine bright!
I love you guys,
Judy
Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
Monday, October 27, 2008
AN ARMY MARCHING
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.
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.
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.
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