One Word for 2014

I recently came across a new idea about New Years resolutions that I wanted to share:

"Resolutions are rarely kept, and goals are easily forgotten; but, ONE WORD sticks!"

This quote came from the ONE WORD video (see below). Take a couple minutes to watch it. Then, you can also check out the ONE WORD website to learn more about this new idea. On the website, you can also get a FREE Action Plan that will give you guidance in discovering what YOUR word is for the new year. (There is a book available for purchase, but you don't need to buy the book in order to get the Action Plan.)

If I had done this last year, my one word would have been easy to decide:  PERSEVERANCE. This past year (2013) has probably been the most difficult year of my life. Not just because of my cancer (although that played a BIG part), but from various other reasons as well. Yet, I held the Lord's hand through it all and persevered under trial.

To find my word for 2014, I took a little time to reflect on the past year and then pray about what my word should be for this year. It finally came to me. My one word is PURPOSE.

There is a reason why I survived cancer; but, more than that, there is a purpose for my life here on earth. So, when I feel discouraged, or disappointed, or inadequate, or am simply trying to make a tough decision, I need to remember what my purpose is:

• My purpose is to love and support my husband (Genesis 2:18; Titus 2:3-5 See verses below)
• My purpose is to be a teacher and caretaker to my children (Deut. 6:7; Titus 2:3-5)
• My purpose is to serve the Lord diligently, and with gladness (Psalm 100:2)
• My purpose is to try my best to be an encouragement to others (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13) 
• My purpose is to glorify God in all I do (1 Cor. 10:31)

ONE WORD can create "clarity, power, passion and life-change." It can also takes the stress out of trying to live up to a New Year's resolution. Yes, goals are good, and should be considered. But, with just one word to remember, I can think about it through-out the year to help bring me back into focus when its needed.

Give it a try! And, if you decide to do it, I'd love to hear what YOUR one word is for the new year, too!

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Genesis 2:18 - Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Deuteronomy 6:7 - and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Psalm 100:2 - Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.

Titus 2:3-5 - Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

BOOK REVIEW: Knowing God By Name

GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD is a non-denominational ministry that uses women to encourage and equip other women in their spiritual journey.

Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland are the co-authors of a "girlfriends in God" devotional called KNOWING GOD BY NAME.

I thought this was a unique devotional that is a product of some good, Biblical research. The authors take 8 weeks to introduce us to 40 different names for God, and what they each mean.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• ELOHIM means "the Creator"
• EL ROI means "the God who sees"
• EL ELYON means "the most high God"

For 5 days of each of the eight weeks, there is a Scripture reference, a short devotional, and a prayer. Then, on day 6 of each week, there is a time for reflection and going deeper with God.

I haven't finished reading the entire book but, what I have read so far has been interesting and thought-provoking. I look forward to reading more.

To get a sneak peek, you can download Chapter 1 HERE. Check it out!

I received this book free of charge from BLOGGING FOR BOOKS for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

BOOK REVIEW: "Women Living Well" by Courtney Joseph

Courtney Joseph has a BLOG I have been following for maybe a year or more. She is a dedicated wife to her husband, and a mother of two children. I enjoy reading what she shares on her blog. So, I jumped at the chance to review her new book (which is the same title as her blog),  "Women Living Well." The book focuses on 4 areas that Christian women can find joy in - God, husband, children, and home.

The first part of the book - "Your Walk with the King"- has great examples and suggestions on how to improve your quiet times with the Lord, your prayer life, and your overall relationship with the One who loves you most. I especially liked her idea of using a "prayer walk" throughout my home to help me focus on what is most important. For example, when making the bed in the morning, whisper a prayer for my husband as I straighten his side. Then, do the same for the kids as I wipe crumbs off the table, and so on... The idea is to turn chores into short bursts of prayer for the ones we love.

Part 2 focuses on our marriages. The author uses Biblical references and personal experiences to share about what makes a marriage work. Then, she also explains how us women can easily think the "grass is greener" in another marriage. But, the truth is that ALL marriages have flaws, and ALL marriages take work! At the end of this section, Courtney includes a 2-week marriage challenge to follow if you choose to do so.

Part 3 is about parenting. It includes topics like the influence of a mother, the choices we make, anger management, and dealing with bad attitudes. This section made me realize I’m not alone in NOT being a perfect mother and in NOT having perfect kids. We ALL struggle with parenting, and that's a fact. But, isn't it great that we have someone who is perfect that we can turn to when we need wisdom and strength?! Thank you, Lord, for always being there to help us!

The last section is about homemaking. It has thoughts and ideas regarding schedules, routines, and most of all, PRIORITIES. This was a good reminder to me to keep working towards pleasing the Lord as I care for my family and home.

Ladies, if you are looking for inspiration, encouragement, and sincere suggestions for growing in your walk with the Lord and being the kind of wife and mother that is pleasing it God’s eyes, I recommend this book to you. I am glad I was given the chance to read it.

~~~

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Your Pain Is Not Meaningless

Many of you are struggling right now. Many are sick. Many are in pain (physically or emotionally). Many are under stress. Many are getting discouraged.

I am among you, my friends. I'm not going to complain to you about all of my struggles, mostly because its just a waste of my time. I have better things to do than wallow in misery, and bring you down with me. But, I'm not going to lie and say everything has been fine either, because it hasn't. Just know that it isn't one big thing that brought me to a place of mild depression, but rather several "smaller" things piled on top of each other. Regardless, my pain is real... and your pain is real... BUT, for those of us who are Believers in Jesus Christ, our pain is also not meaningless.

I recently came across this song by Shane & Shane that I want to share. It is a song about the pain and discouragement we feel when life is hard. We may feel as if its all meaningless. But, its not. There is a purpose for it. And even when we are hurting, we can still PRAISE the Lord through it all.

You will notice that halfway through the song is a short excerpt from one of John Piper's sermons. It is based on these verses: 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Please listen, and be encouraged...

THOUGH YOU SLAY ME

 

 

 

EL's 3rd MRI

Its been over a month since I LAST POSTED about EL and her enlarged pituitary gland. At that time, the doctors said they did not really know what was causing her pituitary to be enlarged, but suspected it to be a benign tumor of some sort.

On November 6, we took EL back to have another MRI to check for any new enlargement. Then, we saw the doctor. After looking over the pictures, and comparing them to the ones taken 3 months ago, the doctor said there is indeed a tumor, however, it has not grown and can be considered a non-active tumor. He is not concerned about it at this time and said she will not need to have another MRI until one year from now (unless, of course, she starts having symptoms). We are supposed to continue following up with her Endocrinologist and an Ophthalmologist, to keep watching and make sure it is not causing any problems. But, those visits will not be until about 6 months from now. So... we thank the Lord for the good report! And, we feel like we finally have some of this behind us now. This is such a huge sigh of relief! Especially since this last MRI was really difficult on EL, as well as on her daddy and me. Let me give you a little sample of how it went...

When EL came out of sedation, she was super irritated and grumpy. She immediately wanted to get up and go to the bathroom, but was still so groggy that she could barely sit up. We put her into a wheelchair to get her to the bathroom, and she grumbled about not being able to walk. The nurse and I ignored her complaints and got her situated in the bathroom. Then, she could not go, even though she had so adamantly said she needed to. So, we took her back to her room, where she promptly said she needed to go again. I asked her if she was sure, and according to her, she was. So, I took her back and we tried again. Still nothing. So, back to the room we went. She sat in the bed and grumbled, mumbled and cried. I held her and told her it was okay to cry, but she just got mad and said, "Its NOT okay!" but, then she cried some more. (sigh)

EL needed to drink something before we were allowed to leave, so the nurse brought some apple juice and an orange drink. She didn't want any. I told her she needed to drink one and gave her a choice. She chose the apple juice (because, according to her, she "hated" orange drink, which she really doesn't.). So, she drank the apple juice and shivered under the covers while watching cartoons(due to the anesthetic they used on her) . Shortly after finishing the apple juice, she said she wanted the orange juice also. She drank it, and didn't hate it after all. Then, she said she needed to go to the bathroom again. Okay, let's try again.... but she didn't want me in the room with her. I stepped out and this time it was a success! But, she continued her grumpy mood and made sure to let me and everyone else around her know that she "hated" it there and doesn't ever want to go back! "I know, Sweetie.... I know...." (and, by the way, she also let me know her name is NOT Sweetie!)

Her mood quickly changed when we arrived in the doctor's office and she saw a toy she remembered from the last time we were there. Oh, she loves this toy (because its a dog), and I'd like to try and find it for her somewhere, but can't seem to find it online. I don't even know the name of it. I know it is made by the Evenflo Company, and I think its some sort of travel toy, and it plays music when you push certain buttons. Here is a picture of it. If anyone knows where we can find one, please let us know.

Here is EL in a much happier mood, sitting in the doctor's office and drawing the toy...

Its hard to know what goes on in her mind sometimes. But, when we find something that makes her happy, that makes us happy too. We love our sweet girl, and we thank you for the prayers you've said on her behalf. God is good, as always.

4 Months Post Chemo - All is Well

Where are we now?

1.  Last month - I didn't post about this - but I went in for my yearly mammogram. It was my first one post diagnosis of breast cancer. Quite honestly, I was nervous about getting it done, but knew it was necessary. So, I went. A few days later, I received a pink slip in the mail. A beautiful, wonderful, pink slip with the words, "We are pleased to inform you that the results of your breast imaging procedure are normal." (BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!)

2.  Last week, I had another Doppler done to check the status of the small blood clot in my jugular vein. The technician said she still saw a small sliver, but it was not causing any problems with blood flow, and there were no new clots to be seen. (THANK YOU, LORD!)

3.  Today, I had a follow-up appointment with my Oncologist. All my bloodwork is within normal range... AND... he cleared me from taking Xarelto, the blood thinner I was taking in order to combat the blood clots. He said the sliver they are seeing looks like a shadow that is only there because there WAS a blood clot. It is not causing a blockage of any kind and is no longer of any major concern. (PRAISE GOD!)

Where do we go from here?

1.  I will continue to take Tamoxifen, the med that blocks estrogen. So far, it seems to be working well for me. I am having the expected hot flashes and other symptoms that confirm it is working. Unfortunately, one of the negative side effects is joint pain. It feels like arthritis, and is at its worst in the morning. But, after getting busy and moving around, the pain subsides. It is not bad enough for me to need any pain killers, so we will continue with the Tamoxifen. I much prefer a little joint pain over the alternative.

2.  We will keep an eye on my neck and arm for any new pain or swelling. If any occurs, I am to call my doctor's office ASAP, as this could be a sign of a clot forming again. Hopefully, that will not happen.

3.  If all goes as planned, I do not need to return for another check-up until 3 months from now. Thankfully, I'm no longer being seen on a weekly, or even a monthly, basis anymore.

All is well.

Breast Cancer Awareness - Guest Blogger Jen Vandermyde

Please don't think breast cancer won't happen to you just because you are young, or because you don't have a family history of it. I was 43 when I was diagnosed (which I consider to be fairly young), and I don't have any known history of it in my family. My grandmother had a lump removed when she was young, but we are not certain what the diagnosis was. So, when my lump was removed, it was tested for any possible genetic links (like the BRCA gene) and it turned up negative.

I have a friend, Jen, whose history is similar to mine, but she was even younger than me when she was diagnosed. She was 37.

And, MEN, you are not exempt from getting it either! It is more rare in men, but it does happen. Check out this article from The American Cancer Society:  WHAT IS BREAST CANCER IN MEN?

So, in light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share what my friend, Jen, posted recently on her blog TO SOAR ON EAGLE WINGS. I hope it encourages all who are reading this to keep a watchful eye on yourselves. Early detection is a key to survival.

Thanks for allowing me to share this, Jen...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s kind of hard to not know that with all the pink around isn’t it? And I’ll admit that I’m not a big one for huge advertising promotions. So often the original good cause gets lost in all the rush to brand every product to show that the companies care. I’m not even really a pink-loving girl. But I do feel strongly that young women – all women - should take this disease seriously. And because of that I thought I’d write a little bit about it this month.

I went to my ob/gyn yesterday to discuss my upcoming surgery. I’ll write more on that later when I have it all figured out. While I was there though, she told me that she uses my case with her young patients. She of course does not use my name, and I’m glad she tells other women what has happened to me. You see I didn’t fit into a high-risk category. I don’t have anyone in my family who has had breast cancer except for a great aunt and my cousin. It is true that my cousin was also young when she got breast cancer but both of us have had genetic testing and both of us do not carry the BRCA gene. That means that with today’s knowledge of breast cancer our cancers are not known to be caused by a faulty gene that we inherited. I think a lot of women think that the genetic factor is bigger than it is. I know I hid behind that fact. I thought that the young women that got cancer were mostly women that had huge family histories of the disease so they would know to be concerned. But that simply is not true.

I also used some of the research findings to justify why I didn’t need to worry about breast cancer. Research has shown that having your first baby before 30 and breastfeeding helps with your risk. I had both of those areas covered. According to studies I should have been in an average risk group for breast cancer. But I still got it. At the age of 37.

I’m not saying this to scare everyone. I do not believe that God wants us to live our lives in a state of constant fear that something bad might happen. He tells us to trust Him and not to worry. We know that if we are His children then nothing can happen to us that He does not allow. I fully believe all this is true.

No, the reason I tell you about my story is to remind you that even though what happened to me is rare it can happen –only 5-7 percent of women that get breast cancer are under the age of 40. I don’t want you to be fearful of it. But I do want you to be aware. I had had a baseline mammogram done at age 35. It did not show anything of concern. I also went yearly to my doctor. But I was not doing monthly self checks. And I wish that I had been. I am now for sure! I do not still beat myself up about it though. God in His wonderful mercy allowed me to find my cancer anyway. I found it while putting on my bra. 

I just want to encourage all of you women to make sure that you are taking care of yourself in this regard. Go get that first mammogram that you have been putting off. It won’t be your favorite part of the day, but it isn’t the end of the world either. Do those self checks. Make sure you are getting a yearly physical. Do your part and then trust God with the rest. Trust Him that He loves you more than anyone else does. Trust Him that He will help you through anything that might come your way!

Six Questions About Me

My blogging friend, Sylvia, tagged me in the "Six questions about me" blog game. Here are the 6 questions I chose to answer:

Is this how you imagined your life would be?
Yes and No. When I was young and single, I imagined I would be married someday and would have at least a couple of children to raise. I knew I wanted to be a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom, like my mother was. These things were fulfilled in my life. However, I did not imagine being a mother of a special needs child, or being a homeschool mom, or being diagnosed with cancer. These were "surprises" in my life that I didn't really expect. But, life is like that.

What’s your drink of choice when out with girlfriends?
When I get a chance to have a girls night out, I will choose something like a smoothie or vanilla flavored decaf coffee, or sometimes just water with lemon, depending on where we are going and what we are doing.

How did your blog come about?
I was looking for a way to help promote my self-published book "What is Communion?" Then, it just turned into a creative outlet for me, as well as a way to be an encouragement to others.

What hobbies do you have that you don’t mention on your blog?
Aside from writing, I collect pennies and State quarters. I also enjoy Genealogy research when I get the chance.

What do you love about yourself?
Positive thinking.

If money were no question, I’d purchase… 
A cruise vacation for our entire family - maybe something like a Disney cruise.

~~~

The rules of this game state that I must choose three bloggers to tag so they can also choose six questions to answer. I choose:

Carie @ Living, Loving, and Learning with the Lord
The "Queen" @ Queen of My Country Castle
Jen @ To Soar on Eagle Wings

If you choose to participate please pick six of the following questions to answer!
1. Is this how you imagined your life would be?
2. Name one good deed you did that went unseen.
3. What’s your drink of choice when out with girlfriends?
4. How did your blog come about?
5. Name something you’ve learned about yourself that has surprised you.
6. What hobbies do you have that you don’t mention on your blog?
7. What do you love about yourself?
8. If money were no question, I’d purchase…… 
9. What’s your biggest struggle in life?

BOOK REVIEW: Hopelifter by Kathe Wunnenberg

What is a "hope-lifter?" It is someone who spreads hope to those who are feeling hopeless. He/she "lifts up" the hurting person when they are down by providing love and support where needed.

How do we become hope-lifters? That's what the book HOPELIFTER, by Kathe Wunnenberg, is all about.

There are three main parts to this book: 
(1) Discovering Hope
(2) Embracing Hope
(3) Giving Hope

Then, the book also includes a discussion guide for group study, verses of hope to share with others, and helpful websites about hope/caring to look up.

I like part three the best, as it has 100 different personal stories from those who have "been there" - those with infertility, those who have lost loved ones, those who are sick, those who are caregivers, those who are single, those with marriage difficulties, those who are undergoing transitions of some sort. The list goes on...

In a world where there is so much discouragement and hope seems to be lost, we all need to be thinking of ways to strengthen and encourage each other. This book CAN inspire you in this area.

However, the book wasn't exactly what I was expecting. If you are looking for a book that gives specific ideas/examples of how to encourage others undergoing difficult situations, this book is probably not it. It seems to focus more on "stories" and on the author's personal experiences than it does on giving practical "how-to" advice. Still, not a bad book! It just wasn't what I was expecting.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Another Trip to St. Louis Brought Good News

Yesterday, we took another trip to St. Louis for EL. This time, we had a consultation with a Neuro-Oncologist. When I first heard that title, it scared me a bit, because I automatically think of an Oncologist as someone who treats cancer. However, when the nurse practitioner set up the appointment with us, she told us this type of doctor treats ALL kinds of lesions in the brain, whether they are cancerous or not. So, because of EL's enlarged pituitary gland, we were referred to him, and he will most likely be our main contact from here on out regarding any future treatments.

The doctor and his assistant shared with us that all of EL's blood work from two weeks ago came back good. So, praise the Lord for this great news!

They also showed us the pictures of the enlarged pituitary gland and said it is not acting like a fast-growing tumor. Again, that is great news!

We still do not know exactly what the lesion is. So, for now, we will just wait and watch.

In about a month, we will return for another MRI to check and see if there is any enlargement. The last one we had done was in August, so that will make them 3 months apart. Until then, we carry on as usual.

It was such a beautiful day so, after the appointment, we took a quick visit to the St. Louis Arch. The Visitor's Center was closed, but we enjoyed getting a close-up look at this "gateway to the West."