This is Todd ... so you just get the facts (no feelings allowed :-))
Christine went in for a two hour surgery this morning ... and came out after 3 hours and 15 minutes. The doctor had a great report. No scaring from her previous surgery, ovaries and liver looked great. He said it took longer because it was "putzie" work. He had to make three incisions and she had more bleeding then He would have liked.
Originally they thought she would be discharged on Thursday morning, but the doc is thinking he might hold her until Friday.
She is in pain as expected ... on morphine until they start weening her off this afternoon. At 1:00pm she was allowed ice chips and now has been promoted to water.
God is good - and her spirits are great. Thanks so much for your prayers. I imagine she will be able to write tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Good Report!
My blood draw and quarterly check up with Dr. Frick (my oncologist) was good! I am very thankful that the numbers look good and he is pleased with them! Praise God!
Side effects come and go - mostly just the numbness in my fingers and toes - but it is now mostly just finger tips and the toes - well - it fluctuates between being fine, raynauds flaring up, and being numb from the ball of my foot forward. My fine motor coordination is slowly gertting a little better. The doc says this will all improve with time....
I am so thankful to be at this point and feeling pretty good!
Yesterday, as I went for my pre-op testing, I learned that you have to be typed and cross-matched at the facility where your surgery is going to be. Didn't know that before.
Even if the computers talk, you have to go to the actual facility.
So when I was done with Dr. Frick, I drove across town with my medical port accessed to be drawn at the surgery center - only to discover that they didn't know how to get my info into the computer, linked to me and my surgery -- and the lab that I was to go to to get drawn, didn't have a nurse to work with my port, (blood drawers, or phlebotomists, are not allowed to cap a port as it involved a heparin push, which can only be done by a nurse) so I had to go to infusion to get that done!
It was quite an exercise in frustration, and self restraint :)
I was reminded of the verse that says "he who hold his tongue is wise" and "pleasant words are like honey."
All the tests were good though - they can operate! :)
Being in infusion (where chemo is given) reminded me again how blessed I had been going through chemo, that I didn't get sicker or weaker. You are awesome prayer warriors! It made such a difference!
Today I am thankful for
foggy rain, and a raincoat
Tues morning bible study
Chance being sassy - making me laugh
challenges that keep me humble and growing
fear that keeps me depending on God
His peace that is unexplainable - but is here.
Blessings to each of you -- and thanks for checking in!
Side effects come and go - mostly just the numbness in my fingers and toes - but it is now mostly just finger tips and the toes - well - it fluctuates between being fine, raynauds flaring up, and being numb from the ball of my foot forward. My fine motor coordination is slowly gertting a little better. The doc says this will all improve with time....
I am so thankful to be at this point and feeling pretty good!
Yesterday, as I went for my pre-op testing, I learned that you have to be typed and cross-matched at the facility where your surgery is going to be. Didn't know that before.
Even if the computers talk, you have to go to the actual facility.
So when I was done with Dr. Frick, I drove across town with my medical port accessed to be drawn at the surgery center - only to discover that they didn't know how to get my info into the computer, linked to me and my surgery -- and the lab that I was to go to to get drawn, didn't have a nurse to work with my port, (blood drawers, or phlebotomists, are not allowed to cap a port as it involved a heparin push, which can only be done by a nurse) so I had to go to infusion to get that done!
It was quite an exercise in frustration, and self restraint :)
I was reminded of the verse that says "he who hold his tongue is wise" and "pleasant words are like honey."
All the tests were good though - they can operate! :)
Being in infusion (where chemo is given) reminded me again how blessed I had been going through chemo, that I didn't get sicker or weaker. You are awesome prayer warriors! It made such a difference!
Today I am thankful for
foggy rain, and a raincoat
Tues morning bible study
Chance being sassy - making me laugh
challenges that keep me humble and growing
fear that keeps me depending on God
His peace that is unexplainable - but is here.
Blessings to each of you -- and thanks for checking in!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Parts
I have a confession --
Oct 31, I am having a laprascopic hysterectomy---totally unrelated to cancer--
just parts that have overstayed their welcome (as a friend phrased it)
By not putting it out on the blog, I could pretend that it wasn't going to happen.
The result is that some of you have heard about this via the grapevine instead of from me
- for which I apologize.
I just didn't want to talk about it - which was silly because it didn't work!
I was in denial and dreading it! Hope y'all understand --
It'll be a year ago - almost to the day- that I had colon surgery (Oct 27th)
Side effects are dwindling - though the numbness continues--coming and going. The raynauds is acting up very early this year which is unusual, and I attribute it to the damage from the chemo.
I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to this -- It is an exercise in mental discipline to keep focusing on God and on things to be thankful for.
I am deeply thankful that:
this is just a "parts" problem and not a cancer problem
it can be done laprascopically
I should be feeling better by Christmas
so many of you have asked how I am doing
we have such a rich history of God's provision--it gives strength and courage
Chance is still here
by comparison to other's problems, this is nothing
I got to enjoy so much despite the cancer
for the rich blessings of family and friends
God's gave us his word and promises
About 25 years ago, (I was a child bride) :) Todd wrote me a note to encourage me in my work -- I have kept it in my memory verse cards --
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might -- Eph 6:10
I also remember my grandparents wedding verse, 2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness
So while dread is the main feeling, along with overwhelmed by my to-do list, I am thankful to be this far and hopeful that there is an end in sight!
Please forgive me for not posting this sooner -- I should have --
If any of you have experience with this, I'd love feedback -- the Doc says I'll be laid up 4-6 weeks! Colon surgery was relatively easy- though that was due to all your prayers, I know!
Just cannot believe 4-6 weeks! thoughts???
Thank you for your continued prayers and support -- they mean so much and make such a difference! God's rich blessings to you -- may you see him at work every day!
Oct 31, I am having a laprascopic hysterectomy---totally unrelated to cancer--
just parts that have overstayed their welcome (as a friend phrased it)
By not putting it out on the blog, I could pretend that it wasn't going to happen.
The result is that some of you have heard about this via the grapevine instead of from me
- for which I apologize.
I just didn't want to talk about it - which was silly because it didn't work!
I was in denial and dreading it! Hope y'all understand --
It'll be a year ago - almost to the day- that I had colon surgery (Oct 27th)
Side effects are dwindling - though the numbness continues--coming and going. The raynauds is acting up very early this year which is unusual, and I attribute it to the damage from the chemo.
I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to this -- It is an exercise in mental discipline to keep focusing on God and on things to be thankful for.
I am deeply thankful that:
this is just a "parts" problem and not a cancer problem
it can be done laprascopically
I should be feeling better by Christmas
so many of you have asked how I am doing
we have such a rich history of God's provision--it gives strength and courage
Chance is still here
by comparison to other's problems, this is nothing
I got to enjoy so much despite the cancer
for the rich blessings of family and friends
God's gave us his word and promises
About 25 years ago, (I was a child bride) :) Todd wrote me a note to encourage me in my work -- I have kept it in my memory verse cards --
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might -- Eph 6:10
I also remember my grandparents wedding verse, 2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness
So while dread is the main feeling, along with overwhelmed by my to-do list, I am thankful to be this far and hopeful that there is an end in sight!
Please forgive me for not posting this sooner -- I should have --
If any of you have experience with this, I'd love feedback -- the Doc says I'll be laid up 4-6 weeks! Colon surgery was relatively easy- though that was due to all your prayers, I know!
Just cannot believe 4-6 weeks! thoughts???
Thank you for your continued prayers and support -- they mean so much and make such a difference! God's rich blessings to you -- may you see him at work every day!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Have you had your colonoscopy? 1 year ago....
A year ago today my life perspective changed-
I always said that God would sustain you through tough things. He had done that through a difficult 9 mos as my dad died. But I got a new opportunity to practice what I preached.
Could I give thanks in all circumstances?
Could I hang on to God when I was terrified - even if the answer was not good???
The colonoscopy left me too groggy to understand anything the doctor said, but Todd understood. He brought me home, tucked me in and went back to work, knowing that I had colon cancer. He had to lead a seminar that day...
Mid afternoon, he came home and woke me up, made a cup of coffee for me and we sat outside in the beautiful fall sunshine. I cannot imagine how hard it was to deliver that message....
When we began this adventure, I began blogging mostly as a communication tool, to let people know how we were doing and what was going on. Early on however, I began to share how I survive a storm like this and for me the only way is to hang on to God.
Ps 50:15 says, "call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me."
Time will tell whether I have been completely delivered, but I have been brought through this valley. There have been so very many times we have seen God's hand in all this that I cannot even begin to capture all of them - but I can point to a few very clear ones.
-Dad's house sold quickly, in a down economy
-My primary sent me to Dr. Carballo -- "the best"
-Doc C did not wait for pathology to confirm cancer, rather he saved us precious days cutting red tape and getting me in at the Vince Lombardi clinic in 5 days with all additional tests already run!
-The surgery date was originally at the end of Nov -- I pleaded with you to pray for this to be moved -- He heard you and it was moved up an entire month!
-When I went for the surgery for my medical port , it was delayed and panic set in--He sent me friends who texted me scripture and got me through the panic.
-God brought me through surgery smoothly, blowing our minds with the 600+ hits on my blog to check how I was. (this still makes me cry)
-He touched so many people's hearts to help and encourage us -
to send playlists - music - links to encourage us
to ease Todd's work load
to drive me to Bible Study
to bring us meals faithfully from November til March!
to clean house and do laundry
to check on me when Todd could not be here
to walk Chance when I couldn't
to walk with me so I got stronger
to send cards, e-mails, gifts and flowers
to pray for us - some who don't usually pray!
-He allowed me to encourage others
-He gave us gifts of time like
Christmas in Montana to celebrate Karl and Gretchen's engagement
Las Vegas with Todd for a conference
Time in Telluride to celebrate the end of chemo
Ten days in Montana with family to celebrate their wedding
-He gave me gifts of joy to brighten a long winter
Chance to keep me company, to wake me up, make me laugh
the birds activities
the change of seasons and each one's beauty
books to divert my mind
a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle under
-He strengthened me to endure each chemo
there is so much packed into that line - He strengthened me to endure each chemo!
-He protected me so that I could attend public things like bible study, church and several funerals, and fly without getting sick. I never even had a cold.....while on chemo....
(when chemo compromises your immune system, it is not uncommon to wind up in the hospital because your body cannot fight off an infection)
That had to be God!!!
- and this is just a FEW of the things that we saw as being from Him!
(If you remember others - let me know! Some things are a little fuzzy to remember!)
I am crying as I write all this....
Who would have thought that something as awfull as cancer could yield so much good?
Now we have another chapter in our lives proving how God has blessed us, even when it didn't seem possible!
Prayer does change things
and
God can use all things for good for those who love him
and
One can learn and grow in difficulty especially when you cling to God
We will honor God, thanking Him for his provision
and
We have been blessed by all of you through this trial--
Thank you for your prayers and thanks for checking in!
ps
Side effects are dwindling - I still have numbness, but it comes and goes (how weird is that?)
and my fine motor skills are lacking.
My strength is not great - need to work out but hate going to the gym...
still am tired and my hair is a little fuzzy still, but I am thrilled to be this far....
Thanks for praying me here!
I always said that God would sustain you through tough things. He had done that through a difficult 9 mos as my dad died. But I got a new opportunity to practice what I preached.
Could I give thanks in all circumstances?
Could I hang on to God when I was terrified - even if the answer was not good???
The colonoscopy left me too groggy to understand anything the doctor said, but Todd understood. He brought me home, tucked me in and went back to work, knowing that I had colon cancer. He had to lead a seminar that day...
Mid afternoon, he came home and woke me up, made a cup of coffee for me and we sat outside in the beautiful fall sunshine. I cannot imagine how hard it was to deliver that message....
When we began this adventure, I began blogging mostly as a communication tool, to let people know how we were doing and what was going on. Early on however, I began to share how I survive a storm like this and for me the only way is to hang on to God.
Ps 50:15 says, "call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me."
Time will tell whether I have been completely delivered, but I have been brought through this valley. There have been so very many times we have seen God's hand in all this that I cannot even begin to capture all of them - but I can point to a few very clear ones.
-Dad's house sold quickly, in a down economy
-My primary sent me to Dr. Carballo -- "the best"
-Doc C did not wait for pathology to confirm cancer, rather he saved us precious days cutting red tape and getting me in at the Vince Lombardi clinic in 5 days with all additional tests already run!
-The surgery date was originally at the end of Nov -- I pleaded with you to pray for this to be moved -- He heard you and it was moved up an entire month!
-When I went for the surgery for my medical port , it was delayed and panic set in--He sent me friends who texted me scripture and got me through the panic.
-God brought me through surgery smoothly, blowing our minds with the 600+ hits on my blog to check how I was. (this still makes me cry)
-He touched so many people's hearts to help and encourage us -
to send playlists - music - links to encourage us
to ease Todd's work load
to drive me to Bible Study
to bring us meals faithfully from November til March!
to clean house and do laundry
to check on me when Todd could not be here
to walk Chance when I couldn't
to walk with me so I got stronger
to send cards, e-mails, gifts and flowers
to pray for us - some who don't usually pray!
-He allowed me to encourage others
-He gave us gifts of time like
Christmas in Montana to celebrate Karl and Gretchen's engagement
Las Vegas with Todd for a conference
Time in Telluride to celebrate the end of chemo
Ten days in Montana with family to celebrate their wedding
-He gave me gifts of joy to brighten a long winter
Chance to keep me company, to wake me up, make me laugh
the birds activities
the change of seasons and each one's beauty
books to divert my mind
a warm fuzzy blanket to snuggle under
-He strengthened me to endure each chemo
there is so much packed into that line - He strengthened me to endure each chemo!
-He protected me so that I could attend public things like bible study, church and several funerals, and fly without getting sick. I never even had a cold.....while on chemo....
(when chemo compromises your immune system, it is not uncommon to wind up in the hospital because your body cannot fight off an infection)
That had to be God!!!
- and this is just a FEW of the things that we saw as being from Him!
(If you remember others - let me know! Some things are a little fuzzy to remember!)
I am crying as I write all this....
Who would have thought that something as awfull as cancer could yield so much good?
Now we have another chapter in our lives proving how God has blessed us, even when it didn't seem possible!
Prayer does change things
and
God can use all things for good for those who love him
and
One can learn and grow in difficulty especially when you cling to God
We will honor God, thanking Him for his provision
and
We have been blessed by all of you through this trial--
Thank you for your prayers and thanks for checking in!
ps
Side effects are dwindling - I still have numbness, but it comes and goes (how weird is that?)
and my fine motor skills are lacking.
My strength is not great - need to work out but hate going to the gym...
still am tired and my hair is a little fuzzy still, but I am thrilled to be this far....
Thanks for praying me here!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
It's been awhile...
I last posted at the end of June-sorry for the long time lapse. It has been busy!
Some side effects are continuing to hold on - numbness in fingers and toes - from the last knuckle to the tip on my fingers and from the ball of my foot to the end, so it is still the same. Sun sensitivity continues to be annoying - I bathe in sunscreen and still have dark skin discoloration!
Other stuff is tapering off - my hair is growing back - there are small flecks of grey in some of the strands, but it seems to be pretty much like it was!
My eyebrows are slowly coming back - very slowly....
The chemicals had shown up in my finger and toenails. It turned them cloudy, yellowish and thick. I only have a little bit of the discoloration left on my thumbnails - all the rest has been cut off :)
My energy has been really good - getting better! I'm able to do things without getting as tired as quickly, tho I do have times when it hits quickly with a headache.
I am so very thankful to see all these positive things happening!
We did not take the call to California. After much prayer and many conversations, it became clear we were to stay. One of the reasons I didn't write was that it was a very difficult time for me--just too much to share. I am very thankful to be staying close to family.....
Other happenings at the Moritzes -
my 3 mo bloodwork last week, including cancer and liver panels were very good
tumor markers dropped since the last blood work! :)
I got new contact lenses! (Your eyes change while on chemo)
Paul turned 22 and Karl turned 24
Karl was promoted to Manager at Red Robin so is full time now - praise God!
We rode 675 miles on a motorcycle in 4 days (yes I have a great chiropractor!)
We hosted a Mexican Fiesta with Dave and Angie Hensley
We spent ten wonderful days in Montana for Karl's wedding - After the wedding, we rented
a house up near Glacier with Todd's brother and family. Gretchen's family was in the
same neighborhood, so we got to connect with them as well. Karl and Gretchen spent a
day with us up there too, which was a special treat!
Fourth of July saw us off to North Carolina to see Todd's parents, who were unable to
attend the wedding. It was a very quick trip - but great to see them!
Todd was elected to be the President of our congregation. [Some men fish, others collect stamps or bowl -- Todd's hobby is church work :)]
And here we are - in the "pre-school" time of year.
Here's some of the things I have observed....
It is very easy to lose good habits and start bad ones.
Good habits which suffered and bad habits that appeared over the Summer:
Being thankful complaining, being critical, edgy and crabby
Devotion time
Eating and sleeping well Eating too much sugar/carbs
Exercising enough
Keeping a neat house chaos (can't have anyone over syndrome - from Flylady.net)
"Busyness" but not accomplishing things
God has a funny way of prodding you back to where you should be....
I had said I would lead Bible Study so we could continue to meet over the Summer. A friend lead it for the first half so I was "off the hook." Now however I am leading a study on Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll.
You cannot teach what you do not know!
It has kicked my butt to get me back to where I need to be!
So, in the spirit of regaining lost ground - I am very thankful for:
Summer - the green, the flowers and birds
being outside a lot
walking outside
friends - family and time to be together
fresh fruits and vegetables
Chance - and our great neighbors who take care of him when we are gone
Karl and Gretchen's marriage being grounded in God
Paul coming home in 15 days
getting stronger
our nephew's and niece
medicine
God opening his hand and blessing me with my heart's desire....(ps 145:16)
I hope this has been a good Summer for you so far and that you truly enjoy the last few weeks.
Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances - (1 Thess 5:16-18)
Not necessarily for all circumstances but in any situation, look for things to be thankful for.
It helps you to get through.
As always, thanks for checkin' in!
Some side effects are continuing to hold on - numbness in fingers and toes - from the last knuckle to the tip on my fingers and from the ball of my foot to the end, so it is still the same. Sun sensitivity continues to be annoying - I bathe in sunscreen and still have dark skin discoloration!
Other stuff is tapering off - my hair is growing back - there are small flecks of grey in some of the strands, but it seems to be pretty much like it was!
My eyebrows are slowly coming back - very slowly....
The chemicals had shown up in my finger and toenails. It turned them cloudy, yellowish and thick. I only have a little bit of the discoloration left on my thumbnails - all the rest has been cut off :)
My energy has been really good - getting better! I'm able to do things without getting as tired as quickly, tho I do have times when it hits quickly with a headache.
I am so very thankful to see all these positive things happening!
We did not take the call to California. After much prayer and many conversations, it became clear we were to stay. One of the reasons I didn't write was that it was a very difficult time for me--just too much to share. I am very thankful to be staying close to family.....
Other happenings at the Moritzes -
my 3 mo bloodwork last week, including cancer and liver panels were very good
tumor markers dropped since the last blood work! :)
I got new contact lenses! (Your eyes change while on chemo)
Paul turned 22 and Karl turned 24
Karl was promoted to Manager at Red Robin so is full time now - praise God!
We rode 675 miles on a motorcycle in 4 days (yes I have a great chiropractor!)
We hosted a Mexican Fiesta with Dave and Angie Hensley
We spent ten wonderful days in Montana for Karl's wedding - After the wedding, we rented
a house up near Glacier with Todd's brother and family. Gretchen's family was in the
same neighborhood, so we got to connect with them as well. Karl and Gretchen spent a
day with us up there too, which was a special treat!
Fourth of July saw us off to North Carolina to see Todd's parents, who were unable to
attend the wedding. It was a very quick trip - but great to see them!
Todd was elected to be the President of our congregation. [Some men fish, others collect stamps or bowl -- Todd's hobby is church work :)]
And here we are - in the "pre-school" time of year.
Here's some of the things I have observed....
It is very easy to lose good habits and start bad ones.
Good habits which suffered and bad habits that appeared over the Summer:
Being thankful complaining, being critical, edgy and crabby
Devotion time
Eating and sleeping well Eating too much sugar/carbs
Exercising enough
Keeping a neat house chaos (can't have anyone over syndrome - from Flylady.net)
"Busyness" but not accomplishing things
God has a funny way of prodding you back to where you should be....
I had said I would lead Bible Study so we could continue to meet over the Summer. A friend lead it for the first half so I was "off the hook." Now however I am leading a study on Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll.
You cannot teach what you do not know!
It has kicked my butt to get me back to where I need to be!
So, in the spirit of regaining lost ground - I am very thankful for:
Summer - the green, the flowers and birds
being outside a lot
walking outside
friends - family and time to be together
fresh fruits and vegetables
Chance - and our great neighbors who take care of him when we are gone
Karl and Gretchen's marriage being grounded in God
Paul coming home in 15 days
getting stronger
our nephew's and niece
medicine
God opening his hand and blessing me with my heart's desire....(ps 145:16)
I hope this has been a good Summer for you so far and that you truly enjoy the last few weeks.
Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances - (1 Thess 5:16-18)
Not necessarily for all circumstances but in any situation, look for things to be thankful for.
It helps you to get through.
As always, thanks for checkin' in!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Just what I needed
Side effects are the same - perhaps a little better, but it is hard to tell much difference
Yesterday, was kind of a long day between it being the anniversary of my dad's death, and this call. This was the devotion for June 27th. It was just what I needed. It carried me through the day - taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
"Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go."
I felt as though God were speaking to me personally--the rugged path-the uncertain future-- and the instruction to focus on Him! I love the "time as a protection - you couldn't bear to see all your life at once" - some days I can't bear to see a whole day at a time!!!
"Enjoy me moment by moment."
Enjoy -- When I was growing up, that was not a word that was stressed a lot. It evokes thoughts of resting, savoring, treasuring.....
Productivity, being ladylike (no chuckles here!) and doing your best (which means re-doing multiple times to get it right) -- that was stressed. We did enjoy Sunday afternoon "caffee" and good conversation - or sitting on the porch...but I wish that we had "enjoyed" each other's company more.
It makes me want to be very careful to not set people aside to get tasks done. Tasks are always there -- people are not. It is so important to enjoy them.
I digress --
Enjoy God -- I found myself "talking" to him a lot during the day--pleading for a friend's health --rejoicing over another friend's great test results -- laughing "with" Him about a bossy baby bird - or complaining "to Him about this call -- and He gently reminded me what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to consider another position in this economy. I found myself being more joyful throughout the day, because I was Enjoying God.
Speaking of enjoying --
in my discussions with Him, I felt that He was prodding me to give up something I enjoy as I go through this decision making process. We discussed chocolate and wine - and wine seemed to be the thing that He wanted me to give up enjoying for now--as though it might be a distraction during this time. So, I am giving up wine---go figure! That is like giving up coffee for some people! It is worth it to hear clearly from Him about this call!
Ecc 11:8a However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all.....
Praying that her devotion touched you and that you can Enjoy God every day!
Thanks for checking in!
ps - if you have any pearls of wisdom about this call, or life in CA vs life in the Midwest, please feel free to share them.....
Yesterday, was kind of a long day between it being the anniversary of my dad's death, and this call. This was the devotion for June 27th. It was just what I needed. It carried me through the day - taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
"Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go."
I felt as though God were speaking to me personally--the rugged path-the uncertain future-- and the instruction to focus on Him! I love the "time as a protection - you couldn't bear to see all your life at once" - some days I can't bear to see a whole day at a time!!!
"Enjoy me moment by moment."
Enjoy -- When I was growing up, that was not a word that was stressed a lot. It evokes thoughts of resting, savoring, treasuring.....
Productivity, being ladylike (no chuckles here!) and doing your best (which means re-doing multiple times to get it right) -- that was stressed. We did enjoy Sunday afternoon "caffee" and good conversation - or sitting on the porch...but I wish that we had "enjoyed" each other's company more.
It makes me want to be very careful to not set people aside to get tasks done. Tasks are always there -- people are not. It is so important to enjoy them.
I digress --
Enjoy God -- I found myself "talking" to him a lot during the day--pleading for a friend's health --rejoicing over another friend's great test results -- laughing "with" Him about a bossy baby bird - or complaining "to Him about this call -- and He gently reminded me what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to consider another position in this economy. I found myself being more joyful throughout the day, because I was Enjoying God.
Speaking of enjoying --
in my discussions with Him, I felt that He was prodding me to give up something I enjoy as I go through this decision making process. We discussed chocolate and wine - and wine seemed to be the thing that He wanted me to give up enjoying for now--as though it might be a distraction during this time. So, I am giving up wine---go figure! That is like giving up coffee for some people! It is worth it to hear clearly from Him about this call!
Ecc 11:8a However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all.....
Praying that her devotion touched you and that you can Enjoy God every day!
Thanks for checking in!
ps - if you have any pearls of wisdom about this call, or life in CA vs life in the Midwest, please feel free to share them.....
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Another fork in the road.....
Side effects are the same as they have been -I think they are very, very gradually getting better, but progress is slow.
"Normal" life was sounding too good to be true!
When everything is going along fine - you better hang on, cause you don't know what is coming around the corner!
(We are both healthy - not to worry!!!)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps - Prov 16:9
Todd has received a divine call from Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California to serve as their CEO. What that means is that we now have 2 calls - one to serve here in Milwaukee and one to go serve there. We have been very prayerful throughout this process, but now we can ask for your prayers.
But let me tell you the tale---
At the end of March, within ten days, 3 ministries contacted Todd about possibly joining their ministries. We thought that was really kind of bizarre. We were not looking for a change!! In fact, we love the schools and the people here --(Winter, not so much--but it wasn't that horrible!) :) When we moved here, many people welcomed us and made us feel a part of the community. The support that we received through my dad's illness and death was amazing. It paled in comparison though, to the outpouring of loving, prayerful aid you gave us through my cancer. I cannot think of all the cards, prayers, gifts, e-mails, calls, meals, visits and rides without becoming emotional. We have never experienced an outpouring like that......it was truly stunning. It never crossed our minds that we would be any place besides here.....
But 3 ministries in 10 days made us scratch our heads a bit.
If I share all the details you would be here for days! Suffice it to say, several things led us to explore these options. It rapidly became apparent that 2 of the 3 were not a good fit. The 3rd one was Orange Lutheran and we were led to allow Todd's name to be on the list (a long list - it was an international search!) We prayed that God would be very clear whether this was something He wanted us to be a part of, and if not to please close the door. We also questioned the sanity of the timing - and concluded, that if this was what He wanted, He would figure it all out and it would be clear.
The long list narrowed to 2 and here we are--
back to that prayerful reliance on God -- right where we are supposed to stay-but don't always --
trusting Him to make our path clear.
When we are praying, we are seeking God's will for our ministry.
We are asking where our talents will make the biggest impact for the kingdom and
we are also asking if a leadership change would be a blessing to the association here --
could someone else more effectively take the schools to the next level?
God answers us through the bible, prayer, circumstances and friends -- You!
We very much would appreciate your prayers and any insights you may have about His will for us. This process is very difficult and overwhelming.
Ps 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thank you so much for praying for us -- your prayers changed our world for the last 8 months --blessing us richly--and I firmly believe that your prayers will again make a difference for the kingdom!
Thanks for checkin' in! Blessings!
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