I was sitting in Sunday morning adult bible class a couple weeks ago behind a new family that had recently started attending church with us. This new family has two very small children. Since it was class time, the children were in their own bible classes. As I sat behind this new mom and dad, I saw something that made me take notice. As we all sat in our pews, a distant cry was heard from behind us. Now, our congregation has been blessed with lots of new babies---(along with holy ground, I think we are built on fertile ground:).
My point is that with so many babies around, you would think it would be difficult to tell the cries apart. A cry is a cry ...right? Well, no, not at all. As I sat behind this new mom and dad--as soon as the first whimper of a cry was heard, this Dad looked at the mom raised his eyebrows and she gave a nod of agreement. The dad got up and returned with his young baby still sniffing from his latest cry. I smiled and found it fascinating that this dad and mom could discern their own baby's cry for them from among all the other cries that come from the nursery.
There is an amazing parallel there that we should not miss. Our heavenly Father hears when His children cry too. Among all the noise and chaos in the world, our cries for help come through to Him loud and clear. Recall Matthew 7:11---"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Whether it's cancer, loss of job, fear of the future or other worry, we have certainty that just as we hear and take care of our own children, when we cry out to our Father, we can be certain He hears us and will comfort and give us peace if we trust and believe in Him.
God Bless!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Give A Little---Get A Lot!
Based on a true story......Her husband walked out on her, leaving her a single mom with two boys, Ben (11) and Thomas (3). With no support from the dad, she struggles to pay the bills. That's just the beginning for this life weary mom. Thomas has been "acting out" in school and she's had to attend meetings with the pre school teachers. The temperatures outside at night have been in the teens and she has no heat in her home. With a myriad of her own illnesses to deal with, she often forgoes her needed medication to pay bills and provide for her two boys.
She feels like throwing in the towel, but she can't, she won't. Too much is on the line. She buys one present for each son every Christmas, but always sets aside a small amount for the boys to use to buy a present for someone else who is in need. She wonders if she's doing the right thing, if she's making a difference in these boy's lives. She explained to Ben that Christmas might be slim this year. Ben turns to her and with a bright smile and understanding eyes he says, " That's okay mom, Christmas is about the family and we'll be together and that's what matters." She smiles and turns her head to conceal the tears flowing down her cheeks. Thank you God, thank you for that...I needed that so badly she whispers in prayer as she dries her face and readies her smile.
We all have struggles. When our health fails, we turn inward and focus on ourselves too much. When we focus on helping others, we suddenly forget about ourselves. Look around this week and I guarantee there is someone that is struggling that you know. Call them, drop them a gift card in the mail, have a gift delivered to their house anonymously, take them to lunch, just do something. Be a servant and be a friend....it's amazing what you get when you give all you can!
She feels like throwing in the towel, but she can't, she won't. Too much is on the line. She buys one present for each son every Christmas, but always sets aside a small amount for the boys to use to buy a present for someone else who is in need. She wonders if she's doing the right thing, if she's making a difference in these boy's lives. She explained to Ben that Christmas might be slim this year. Ben turns to her and with a bright smile and understanding eyes he says, " That's okay mom, Christmas is about the family and we'll be together and that's what matters." She smiles and turns her head to conceal the tears flowing down her cheeks. Thank you God, thank you for that...I needed that so badly she whispers in prayer as she dries her face and readies her smile.
We all have struggles. When our health fails, we turn inward and focus on ourselves too much. When we focus on helping others, we suddenly forget about ourselves. Look around this week and I guarantee there is someone that is struggling that you know. Call them, drop them a gift card in the mail, have a gift delivered to their house anonymously, take them to lunch, just do something. Be a servant and be a friend....it's amazing what you get when you give all you can!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Might As Well Laugh As To Cry!!
The title to this entry is a line from a grandmother of one of my good friends who is going through a tough time in his life. He is facing a really tough situation, but whenever I see him, he is smiling and keeps a good attitude. I asked him how he does it and he cited his faith, friends, keeping busy, and this motto from his grandmother that sticks with him every day. We aren't promised things will be perfect in this world, but we can still have joy and our attitude makes all the difference in the world.
I'm reminded of Proverbs 23:7 where it says...."As he thinks in his heart, so is he." What we think affects our lives. You can change your life by changing the way you think. No matter how bad our situation is, we still have so many things to be thankful for and no doubt we know someone who has things much worse than we do.
If you are thinking about good things, then you can't think about bad things....your mind can only hold one thought at a time. It takes some training of the mind, but eventually it becomes easy and second nature. Pay attention to your thoughts the next time you are in a conversation. Are they negative or positive? Make a conscious effort to only say positive things. You will find that not only will you be happier, but you will notice others will seem happier around you and your effect on their lives can be greater. Remember no one likes to hang around a "Debbie Downer." For those of us who have or are enduring a cancer diagnosis, this is especially true. We MUST look for the nuggets of positivity and dwell on those thoughts.
So, around this hustle and bustle holiday time, make the effort to think and be positive. You'll be amazed at the results. Like a ship's rudder, attitude is a small thing that makes a huge difference!!!
I'm reminded of Proverbs 23:7 where it says...."As he thinks in his heart, so is he." What we think affects our lives. You can change your life by changing the way you think. No matter how bad our situation is, we still have so many things to be thankful for and no doubt we know someone who has things much worse than we do.
If you are thinking about good things, then you can't think about bad things....your mind can only hold one thought at a time. It takes some training of the mind, but eventually it becomes easy and second nature. Pay attention to your thoughts the next time you are in a conversation. Are they negative or positive? Make a conscious effort to only say positive things. You will find that not only will you be happier, but you will notice others will seem happier around you and your effect on their lives can be greater. Remember no one likes to hang around a "Debbie Downer." For those of us who have or are enduring a cancer diagnosis, this is especially true. We MUST look for the nuggets of positivity and dwell on those thoughts.
So, around this hustle and bustle holiday time, make the effort to think and be positive. You'll be amazed at the results. Like a ship's rudder, attitude is a small thing that makes a huge difference!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Lean On Me!
Our preacher told a story at our worship service on Sunday that was very inspiring. He had recently visited the Redwood Forest in California and witnessed the magnificent redwood trees. He told of how he'd never seen a tree that large. In the South, we treasure our precious oak trees, but they pale in comparison to these redwoods. We love our oaks because they seldom get taken down by one of the frequent southern thunderstorms due to their deep root systems. By contrast, our preacher learned that these colossal redwood trees in California have a shallow root system, yet they stand undisturbed for many years. That seems very contradictory to all that we've been taught about the strength of trees. However, the difference is that the shallow redwood roots intertwine and gain strength from their fellow redwood trees. It is as if the trees are holding hands to face the world. This strength has allowed them to persevere through many years.
I thought that was a great analogy to the importance of leaning on one another. Leaning on one another during cancer or any stressful time in life is paramount to coping and survival. It also reminded me of another great friend of mine whose cell phone plays the song "Lean On Me" when you call him. Everytime I hear that song, I say , "you know what, he means it too!" So, I encourage you all to be like the redwoods and be like the song and BE someone to LEAN ON!
Best Blessings to All,
Marty
I thought that was a great analogy to the importance of leaning on one another. Leaning on one another during cancer or any stressful time in life is paramount to coping and survival. It also reminded me of another great friend of mine whose cell phone plays the song "Lean On Me" when you call him. Everytime I hear that song, I say , "you know what, he means it too!" So, I encourage you all to be like the redwoods and be like the song and BE someone to LEAN ON!
Best Blessings to All,
Marty
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A Peanut Butter Sandwich I'll Never Forget
Recently, my 9 year old and I went to a water park for the day. Have to admit, although it was a scorching hot day, headed to a water park I had already visited countless times was not high on my list. However, I agreed to go thinking I would just "gut" through it. Boy, was I wrong. My little 9 year old said things that I will never forget. The first thing he said came after we had been in the park for a couple hours. We were waiting in a particularly long line, he looked up and asked me if I was having fun. I looked at his face and said ABSOLUTELY, and he just beamed. Knowing that he was concerned about what kind of day I was having was touching.
Then, being the frugal dad that I am, I had packed some peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. We had our hands stamped for re-entry, and headed to our vehicle to get the cooler of sandwiches and chips. As we sat down eating our peanut butter sandwiches, it was quiet when all of a sudden, he looked up at me and said, "Dad, I like having lunch with you." That small statement of his made this almost 40 dad full of pride. I thought... wow, how awesome is that. I will never forget that day and that great lunch I had with my son. A day I was dreading turned into one of the BEST DAYS I've ever had.
Then, being the frugal dad that I am, I had packed some peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. We had our hands stamped for re-entry, and headed to our vehicle to get the cooler of sandwiches and chips. As we sat down eating our peanut butter sandwiches, it was quiet when all of a sudden, he looked up at me and said, "Dad, I like having lunch with you." That small statement of his made this almost 40 dad full of pride. I thought... wow, how awesome is that. I will never forget that day and that great lunch I had with my son. A day I was dreading turned into one of the BEST DAYS I've ever had.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Beach Time Inspiration
There is nothing like being at the beach is there.... Hearing the waves lap at the sand, seeing the flat line on the horizon and feeling the warm breezes on your face. I know God is everywhere all the time, but at the beach, it just seems easier to sense his presence. I just finished a family vacation to the Florida panhandle...minus oil... and while going for a run, the thought occurred to me to begin doing more personal blogs. I try to live my life as a cancer survivor and celebrate each day. Celebrating each day is a concept that I encourage people to do that have recently been diagnosed. So, my thought is to use this blog to tell of ways myself and others are celebrating each day of life. We will still have the personal stories and positive articles, but the plan is to blog more often and share more information. Many of the stories I will share will be from my friends and fellow Christians, but all of the stories will, in one way or another, celebrate life! I hope these personal stories will inspire you to CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE EACH DAY. Life is a precious gift from GOD, we should celebrate each moment. If you enjoy the stories, please share the blog with your friends. Remember, you can always request prayer, or download the Christ Over Cancer book by clicking on the appropriate icon on the right.
God Bless!
Marty
God Bless!
Marty
Monday, July 12, 2010
My Family
Family
Sept 16, 1996 is the day I heard the words, “ you have cancer, multiple myeloma,” from Dr. Daugherty. At this time, I was taking my husband to the cancer clinic once a week for chemotherapy treatments. He had CLL and colon cancer. Eighteen years earlier, I had watched as my mother fought a battle with bone cancer. Her strong belief in God and her spiritual strength gave me the strength to accept what I have no control over, and to accept God’s plan for my life. Each day I live is a special gift from God and I hope I use it wisely and make everyday count. In 2004, I was diagnosed with another type of cancer, CLL. My faith in God has helped me to place the decision of my future in his hands. I have been blessed for 12 years and I hope to have many more. Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine.
During this period of time I have also had two sisters die with cancer. One had brain cancer and the other with a rare type of lymphoma. My youngest sister was an inspiration to all who knew her. At her worst times when she was weak and very sick, she made you feel good about yourself. She would take the church’s songbook to her chemo treatments and get all the patients to sing with her while they were taking their treatments. They all seemed to enjoy it. She was well loved and you could see her “goodness” shining through. My husband was also inspirational to me and I remember that during his illness, his favorite scriptures were Philippians’ 4:11-13 and he read them often.
As I sit here today, I am trying to learn to leave the past behind and be satisfied with today. I get up each day and thank God that He granted me another day. God said, “don’t worry about tomorrow, it will worry about itself” – Matthew 6:34. He supplies our needs, one day at a time.
My advice to someone that is newly diagnosed is to talk to your family, and be open and honest with them. I have a tendency to protect my girls by not telling them the facts about my illness. I think what they don’t know will keep them from worrying. But, I’m learning to laugh and cry with them because we need each other and it helps to have someone with whom we can share our hopes and fears.
Most of my family are members at Woodlawn Church of Christ. Knowing I have a christian family and church family is a blessing to me. Throughout my cancer challenges, I have the comfort of the words Christ left for us… “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” Hebrews 1:35. I hope these words will be of comfort for someone. Just put your prayers and faith in God. God bless you.
Sept 16, 1996 is the day I heard the words, “ you have cancer, multiple myeloma,” from Dr. Daugherty. At this time, I was taking my husband to the cancer clinic once a week for chemotherapy treatments. He had CLL and colon cancer. Eighteen years earlier, I had watched as my mother fought a battle with bone cancer. Her strong belief in God and her spiritual strength gave me the strength to accept what I have no control over, and to accept God’s plan for my life. Each day I live is a special gift from God and I hope I use it wisely and make everyday count. In 2004, I was diagnosed with another type of cancer, CLL. My faith in God has helped me to place the decision of my future in his hands. I have been blessed for 12 years and I hope to have many more. Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine.
During this period of time I have also had two sisters die with cancer. One had brain cancer and the other with a rare type of lymphoma. My youngest sister was an inspiration to all who knew her. At her worst times when she was weak and very sick, she made you feel good about yourself. She would take the church’s songbook to her chemo treatments and get all the patients to sing with her while they were taking their treatments. They all seemed to enjoy it. She was well loved and you could see her “goodness” shining through. My husband was also inspirational to me and I remember that during his illness, his favorite scriptures were Philippians’ 4:11-13 and he read them often.
As I sit here today, I am trying to learn to leave the past behind and be satisfied with today. I get up each day and thank God that He granted me another day. God said, “don’t worry about tomorrow, it will worry about itself” – Matthew 6:34. He supplies our needs, one day at a time.
My advice to someone that is newly diagnosed is to talk to your family, and be open and honest with them. I have a tendency to protect my girls by not telling them the facts about my illness. I think what they don’t know will keep them from worrying. But, I’m learning to laugh and cry with them because we need each other and it helps to have someone with whom we can share our hopes and fears.
Most of my family are members at Woodlawn Church of Christ. Knowing I have a christian family and church family is a blessing to me. Throughout my cancer challenges, I have the comfort of the words Christ left for us… “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” Hebrews 1:35. I hope these words will be of comfort for someone. Just put your prayers and faith in God. God bless you.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Breast Cancer Survivor Story
God Does Not Give You More Than You Can Handle
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2006. Before the diagnosis, I was already an insulin-dependent diabetic, so that was plenty to deal with in my mind. But, I guess God knew that with His help I could handle it and so I was not scared when the doctor told me that I had breast cancer.
My treatment for breast cancer consisted of one year of chemotherapy every two weeks in Birmingham and eight weeks of radiation in Decatur. Throughout my treatment, my focus was that God would not give a person more than they could handle. This proved to be so true and I learned that I was a lot stronger than I ever realized. Prayers from myself, my family and friends, plus wonderful church support were the things that took me through that treatment process and helped me to be strong in the face of what could have been a very scary time for me. One of my prayers was that I did not want to look like someone that was sick. I feel that in my heart, I did indeed look very healthy during my cancer battle, except having a bald head of course.
It seemed that good news and bad news was on the horizon for me after completing the year of treatment. I learned I was cancer free and three days later, my husband of five years told me that he did not love me and wanted a divorce. This was a devastating blow to me. But, God once again came to my rescue and helped me during this emotional disappointment. Friends and family reminded me that everything works out for the glory of God. If it means that I deal with hardships to bring one person to the Lord, then it is all worth it.
Good things did come out of my battle with cancer. My mother’s life changed. My mom lives a wonderful spiritual life now. I would say she had a lukewarm relationship with the Lord before, but now that has changed to a spirit filled life. That was a big positive that I saw from before and after my battle with cancer. We don’t realize what good will occur at the time of a cancer diagnosis, but there is always something good that comes out of it.
I have been cancer free now for two years and feel much stronger. I do have some leg pain, but that is helped with anti-inflammatory medicines. I do not think about the cancer and I enjoy each day that I have on this Earth. I think positive thoughts as life is too short to worry about the what if’s.
All of my friends have a Christ centered life and I surround myself with friends who love God. This helps me stay on the path towards heaven. My recommendation to others diagnosed with cancer is to pray and stay positive. Some days will not be easy, however, know that God is always with you 24/7. Remember there is someone who is worse off than you and be thankful for what you have. Never forget that God does not give you more than you can handle.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2006. Before the diagnosis, I was already an insulin-dependent diabetic, so that was plenty to deal with in my mind. But, I guess God knew that with His help I could handle it and so I was not scared when the doctor told me that I had breast cancer.
My treatment for breast cancer consisted of one year of chemotherapy every two weeks in Birmingham and eight weeks of radiation in Decatur. Throughout my treatment, my focus was that God would not give a person more than they could handle. This proved to be so true and I learned that I was a lot stronger than I ever realized. Prayers from myself, my family and friends, plus wonderful church support were the things that took me through that treatment process and helped me to be strong in the face of what could have been a very scary time for me. One of my prayers was that I did not want to look like someone that was sick. I feel that in my heart, I did indeed look very healthy during my cancer battle, except having a bald head of course.
It seemed that good news and bad news was on the horizon for me after completing the year of treatment. I learned I was cancer free and three days later, my husband of five years told me that he did not love me and wanted a divorce. This was a devastating blow to me. But, God once again came to my rescue and helped me during this emotional disappointment. Friends and family reminded me that everything works out for the glory of God. If it means that I deal with hardships to bring one person to the Lord, then it is all worth it.
Good things did come out of my battle with cancer. My mother’s life changed. My mom lives a wonderful spiritual life now. I would say she had a lukewarm relationship with the Lord before, but now that has changed to a spirit filled life. That was a big positive that I saw from before and after my battle with cancer. We don’t realize what good will occur at the time of a cancer diagnosis, but there is always something good that comes out of it.
I have been cancer free now for two years and feel much stronger. I do have some leg pain, but that is helped with anti-inflammatory medicines. I do not think about the cancer and I enjoy each day that I have on this Earth. I think positive thoughts as life is too short to worry about the what if’s.
All of my friends have a Christ centered life and I surround myself with friends who love God. This helps me stay on the path towards heaven. My recommendation to others diagnosed with cancer is to pray and stay positive. Some days will not be easy, however, know that God is always with you 24/7. Remember there is someone who is worse off than you and be thankful for what you have. Never forget that God does not give you more than you can handle.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2nd Annual Christ Over Cancer Day of Hope
May 23rd is the 2nd annual Christ Over Cancer Day of Hope. We will have survivors telling their personal stories of how God helped them deal with cancer. These stories are very encouraging and inspirational from someone who has "lived" it. We will also have uplifting acapella singing. This is not a program of sadness, but one to uplift. Please be a part. Starts @ 2pm on May 23rd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)