HHMRH Top 10 Posts of 2020

This past year, I posted regularly on the Facebook page for He Holds My Right Hand Ministries. So, the following top 10 posts were the most viewed, liked, and commented-on posts of the year. 

I don't know yet what 2021 will look like as far as blogging and posting. This has been a strange year, to say the least, and I haven't taken much time yet to think or pray about what goals/projects to pursue. I'm sure God will guide me to what HE wants me to do. 

No matter what happens in 2021, I know for sure I want to trust in the Lord with all my heart, focus on His goodness, choose to seek His face always, and continue holding His hand. I encourage you to to the same. 

10th Place

Posted on August 18, 2020 - You may be having a hard time right now, but that doesn't mean God has forgotten you. If you belong to Him, you have been ENGRAVED on the palms of His hands. Not just one hand, but both of them. It is a permanent reminder that you are His, and He will forever be yours. So, He will continue to work on your behalf, behind the scenes, and in ways you may never fully understand. But, rest assured, He has not forgotten you.

9th Place

Posted on February 2, 2020

David took this photo while pastoring in Mendota, IL, in 2005

8th Place

Posted March 24, 2020 - While reading Isaiah 26:3-4 this morning, the idea of perfect peace jumped out at me. Perfect peace is a COMPLETE peace that comes only from staying focused on our Creator - the Everlasting Rock - and trusting in Him at all times. When we take our eyes off of Him, that's when anxiety begins to creep in.

Isaiah 26:3-4 - "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

7th Place

Posted on April 2, 2020 
Perspective...

6th Place

Posted on July 27, 2020 - In the middle of all the chaos, God IS STILL THERE. Trusting in Him can bring peace to your anxious thoughts.

5th Place

Posted on August 2, 2020 - God's Word tells us our days on Earth are numbered and things could change for us at any moment. Are you ready for it? We (David and Vicky) are "imploring you" today (pleading with you) to think about your relationship with God and what Salvation is truly about.

Many have been told to just believe in Jesus and that will get them to Heaven when they die, sort of like buying a ticket into Heaven. But, even Satan believes in Jesus. Will he be in Heaven?

TRUE SALVATION is not a ticket we purchase to get us into "the pearly gates" at the end of our lives. The real purpose of our salvation is to be RECONCILED TO GOD - to mend our relationship with Him that was broken by sin (read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Living in Heaven is a benefit of our mended relationship, but its not the main idea.

BASED ON GOD'S WORD, HERE IS HOW YOU CAN MEND YOUR RELATIONSHIP (BE RECONCILED) WITH GOD:
1. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).
2. Believe Jesus Christ is God's Son, and that HE is the Savior you need. (John 14:6)
3. Believe that Jesus' death on the cross, and only that, provided the way for your sins to be forgiven (John 3:16).
4. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, giving victory over sin and death (Romans 10:9).
5. Confess your sins to the Lord, and ask for forgiveness (John 1:9).
6. Place your faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

HERE'S A SAMPLE PRAYER YOU CAN PRAY (Please note: Praying this prayer, or any prayer, will not "do" anything for you. It is only your FAITH and TRUST that will mend your broken relationship with God. But, this prayer can be used to help you express that faith):

"Dear God, I know I am a sinner and am not worthy of your forgiveness; but I am sorry for the sins I have committed and I want to live a life that pleases you. I accept what Jesus did for me on the cross; and I believe that His sacrifice and resurrection has provided for the forgiveness I need for my sin. Please make things right between You and me, and be a part of my life starting now. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen."

It is our desire for YOU to be reconciled to God today. If you have questions about this, please ask. We would be happy to discuss it with you more.

4th Place

Posted on November 8, 2020 - A good reminder for all of us...

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

3rd Place

Posted on October 13, 2020

2nd Place

Posted on November 4, 2020

1st Place

Posted on September 29, 2020

Cancer Treatment Update: Lupron Injections

It has been over a year since I LAST GAVE AN UPDATE on my cancer journey, so I thought it was about time to give another one.

A few months after my most recent mastectomy (which was in January 2019), I started having some gynecologic issues and I was concerned about it being a new cancer. In May 2019, I ended up having a uterine biopsy that was, thankfully, benign. Several months later, the issues continued, so my doctor performed a D&C which also showed no problems. After further testing, it was finally determined my ovaries were still producing a small amount of hormonal activity.

That's when my Oncologist stepped in and decided I needed to be given Lupron injections along with the Arimidex/Anastrozole I was already taking. Without the shots, the Arimidex would not be effective, and the chance of my cancer returning would be much higher.

So, in March 2020, I was given my first Lupron shot. I've had 2 so far, and will continue getting them at least once per month until the doctor says I don't need them anymore. It might be a year or more, but won't be forever.

The side effects of this new med have not been bad. The joints in my knuckles are sore again (which is actually a good thing, because it shows the meds are working!), I have been more fatigued, have had an increased amount of hot flashes, and have also had some headaches. But, nothing has been unbearable, and I'm so thankful.

A lot has changed in this past year, both personally and within our world.
But one thing is sure - God doesn't change.
He is always good.
He is always there to give strength when needed.
What a blessing.

HHMRH Top 10 Posts of 2019

This year, I have combined blog posts from this main blog as well as the photos/posts on our Facebook ministry page HE HOLDS MY RIGHT HAND MINISTRIES.  So, out of all the posts for 2019, here are the top 10 . . .

#10 - December 4:  This young lady has got such a good heart with so much love to share. She is kind, loves animals, loves to draw and share her pictures with others, loves to give hugs, loves to help wherever she can, and she smiles when I tell her, "Thank you for being such a big helper." Most of all, she loves Jesus, and it definitely shows. She is precious, and I thank God for giving her to us as our daughter.

#9 - August 6:  Snapped this photo of my nephew while we were visiting family in Kentucky.

#8 - October 20:  David was the guest preacher this morning at Trimble Bible Church near Robinson, IL. He spoke about why God might say "No" to our prayers, and gave several suggestions on how we can respond when God does say "No." One response comes directly from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

#7 - November 18: Nine months ago, while I was helping my mom pack her things to move in with us, I lost a favorite necklace. It was given to me by my husband on my "golden" birthday - when I turned 24 on the 24th. I was sad when I lost it, of course, and prayed for it to be found. Well, today, 9 months later, my mom found the necklace in the top drawer of her dresser! I was certain it was lost forever, but today I was given a special blessing from God. So, I hope this encourages you, if you are waiting for an answer to a prayer (whatever it may be), don't lose heart. God does hear your prayers, but sometimes it takes awhile to see results.

#6 - December 1: There are many different ways to celebrate the birth of Christ, and using the Advent season is one way to help us do that. Our Pastor, Steve Willis, spoke about Advent at church this morning. He also wrote a blog post about it. Here is a quote from his blog: "Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is the time in our calendar when we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Christ. It is unclear when Advent was first developed, but it has been a part of church traditions for centuries. Of course, the biblical basis for the celebration centers on the many scriptures that foretell the coming of the Messiah. For followers of Christ, the Advent season is not only a time when we look back on what has taken place, but we look forward to the return of Christ we know will someday happen."

#5 - June 22: A sweet moment captured between brother and sister, when our son left to work at camp for the summer.

#4 - November 7:  This photo was taken 3 weeks ago today while I was sitting in a hospital waiting room. (David needed to have a prostate biopsy, and it was done in the Operating Room rather than a clinic, due to possible complications.) Today, we found out the results of the biopsy and are so thankful it is negative!! But, we hope this photo and verse will remind you today that our God is with you WHEREVER you go! Through the uncertain days, through times of waiting, through news that is good, and news that is hard, He is always faithful to help you through.

#3 - August 23:  Photo taken at the home of David's parents in Northern IL.

#2 - October 25:  God's promises are always reliable. Hold onto this as you persevere through trials of this world.  (Photo taken at a horse barn in Jasper County, IL.)

 #1 - January 20, 2019

BLOG POST:  Post-Surgery Gratitude 

As always, thank you for reading and/or following along. Remember to always count your blessings, and consider making it your goal to grow closer to the Lord in 2020.

HHMRH MINISTRIES is Sharing Encouragement on Facebook

Writing full blog posts hasn't been a huge priority for me lately, due to various reasons that I might share with you eventually. I'm not sure when I will come off of my blog-writing hiatus. However, I do still believe Christian encouragement is awesome and ESSENTIAL. So, that's why I have been posting encouraging thoughts regularly on our Facebook page:  HE HOLDS MY RIGHT HAND MINISTRIES. 

Instead of writing full blog posts, I have been adding new photos several times each week, attaching a Bible verse to them, and sometimes saying a few words about them. I have been enjoying this creative outlet, and it seems to be working out better for me at this time. I do hope to write some full blog posts again in the near future. But, until I do, feel free to head over to our Facebook page and follow along there. Just hit the LIKE button.

Most of the photos I take myself, but some have also come from online source, or from my brother, Daniel. He's a great photographer, by the way, and you can follow him at: SURE SHOTS 16.

Here is a sampling of some of the photos/verses I have posted recently.  You are welcome to share them freely for the purpose of encouraging others, but not for commercial use.

Photo taken of our kids, when JJ left for the Summer to work at Youth Haven Bible Camp.

Taken at the camp in Kentucky.

Near Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky

Taken in August at the home of David's parents in Northern, IL

Some of Mom Stankus's pretty flowers.

Photo taken by my brother, Daniel, at the camp in Kentucky.

Taken at a horse barn in Jasper County, IL

Taken a few miles down the road from us in rural Southeastern IL

HHMRH 10-Year Blogging Anniversary

Wow! Ten years of blogging here! Over these past 10 years, several topics have been covered on HE HOLDS MY RIGHT HAND; so, I decided to share two of the top posts for each topic. I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me by taking a look at the following links. As always, thanks for reading, and I would love to hear from you.

AUTISM

• Obtaining Legal Guardianship for our Adult Special Needs Child (2016)
• Photo of the Week #12:  A Kind Man at Church (2017)

CHILDREN & FAMILY

• Preparing a Child for an MRI (2013)
• Focusing on the Positive in Our Children (2012)
  

EL's HEALTH

• A Possible Tumor for EL (2013)
• EL's Seizures Keep Returning (2015)

GRIEF

• Photo of the Week #18:  See You Later, Dad (2017) 
• Good-bye, Dear Aggie Cat (2015) 

GUEST BLOGGERS

• REIN SCHMIDT:  Does God Really Love You? (2015)
• LINDSAY M:  Faith-Based Activities to Suggest to Your Babysitter this Summer (2015)

HAPPENINGS

• 40 Years and Counting (2009) - My very 1st blog post 
• 18 Birthdays for our Firstborn Child (2016) 

HOLIDAYS

• Giving Honor on Memorial Day (2016) 
• Before the Throne of God Above (2011)

HOUSE & HOME

• Our New Rock Garden (2014)
• Favorite Reasons to Drink Coffee (2015) 

HYMN STUDIES

• Be Thou My Vision (2014)
• Because He Lives (2014)

INSPIRING MUSIC

• Hide Thou Me (2010) 
• 20 Songs That Encourage Me (2013)

MINISTRIES

• The Testimony of Robert Rogers (2010)
• Ministry Focus:  Righteous Rides (2012)

MY CANCER JOURNEY

• My Cancer Journey Part 1:  Finding A Lump (2013)
• Post-Surgery Gratitude (2019)

MY MEMORIES

• Thanksgiving Through the Years (2017)
• What I Remember About Grandma (2013)

MY MISC. THOUGHTS

• Six Questions About Me (2013)
• When God Doesn't Run (2014)

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

• Photo #20:  25 Years As Husband and Wife (2017) 
• Photo #7:  A New Learning Experience for EL (2017)

POEMS

• People Out There (2016) 
• Encouragement Challenge #13:  Remain True (2015)

REVIEWS

• WEBSITE:  Christian Quotes Inspirational Website (2018) 
• BOOK:  Wow! The Good News in Four Words (2017)

TOURETTE SYNDROME

• Tourette Syndrome:  What it is and What it isn't (2015)

TRUST

• Cancer "Processing Mode" (2018) 
• Remember How God Has Helped You in the Past (2018)

VACATION

• A Not-So-Perfect Vacation (2014)
• Kentucky Down Under (2014)

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE

• Ideas to Encourage A Cancer Patient (2013)
• Send A "Care Package" (2012)

WORD OF THE WEEK

• PRAISE:  How to Praise the Lord at ALL Times (2016) 
• PROVIDE:  God Provides for the Needs of His Children (2016)

TOP POSTS of ALL BLOG POSTS

• Giving Honor On Memorial Day (2016)
• Ideas to Encourage A Cancer Patient (2013)  

TOP INDIVIDUAL PAGE

• Why the Right Hand? (2012)

Incredibly GRATEFUL for 50 Years on This Earth

I have friends who don't like the idea getting older, and dread the big milestone numbers like 40, 50, 60, and so on. They consider themselves as being "middle aged" or "over the hill" or "senior citizens," and it's all said with a negative tone. They don't like being reminded that their life didn't turn out the way they thought it would. They regret the things they did, or didn't do; and they feel sad. They are still looking for their "purpose."

The way I see it, life is a journey. It is full of good times and hard times . . . and its ALL good. Why? Because I truly believe God has each one of us here on this earth for a reason - and understanding that reason (or purpose) is not as complicated as you might think. The important thing is to accept how everything you experience in life - good or bad - can be used to help you learn, to grow, to encourage others, and (most importantly) to point others to Christ. Basically, the idea is glorifying God in everything you do. That is a purpose you can be proud of. 

I am incredibly grateful God has granted me 50 years on this earth. I am grateful I survived cancer (twice!), and I'm looking forward to the gift of more years, and of more service to Him.

Take a quick walk with me down memory lane as I share a few of my birthday photos from past years. . . .

Vicky - Age 1

Age 3

Age 9

Age 15

Age 22

Age 25

Age 30

Age 35

Age 40

Age 45

Age 50

Enjoy the life God has granted you. Quit worrying about all the things you did or didn't do, and concentrate on finding joy in the life you're living now. 

GRATEFUL for Minimal Side Effects from New Meds

About a month ago, I started taking Arimidex in its generic form. I was concerned about the side effects I might have, but I'm happy to report I am doing very well on it so far. I have had:

• some mild fatigue
• occasional difficulty sleeping through the nights
• mild joint pain, kind of like arthritis

Over all, the side effects have not been unbearable. It is definitely harder to open jars now, and my knees hurt when I'm bending down; but, over all, the side effects have not been unbearable, and I am giving thanks with a GRATEFUL heart. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for me.

NOTE:  The plaque above was given to me by my sister-in-law. At the time she bought it, she didn't realize how well it was going to coincide with my theme of GRATEFULNESS for this year, but God knew about it in advance. It is hanging on the wall in my kitchen to help remind me daily to give thanks and be GRATEFUL in all circumstances.