One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan.

Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”

Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”

Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

“All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.  Job 1:6 - 12 NLT

This is a comforting passage, showing us how the Lord is in control and events/circumstances "go through His hands".  There is so much more in these verses but all I am referring to is how the negative isn't coming from the Lord...and He can and does set limits on what is happening in our lives.  Nothing can happen to us without Him saying, "yes".

For me, I must remember this when there are things, like cancer metastasizing, that come my way.  This move to San Jose is one of those events that went through His hands and got His approval.  The friends and family that this impacts also have this assurance.  For those of us who know and love God, can grab onto the promises that He is good, loving, and will be with each one of us on this new journey.  This is not just my journey or adventure, but all of ours.  Our lives touch each other.  I'm looking forward to seeing what the loving, almighty God has in store for me...and for you.

His Blessings

...and we know that God causes everything

to work together for the good of those who love God

and are called according to His purpose for them.

Romans 8:28  NLT

In three weeks I will be moving 1600 miles south.  The Lord is blessing me in so many ways because He promises to be with me through everything.  He has been with me while I have learned about cancer and treatments.  He has been with me during surgeries.  He has been with me when I have reacted to medications.  He has been with me when I was too fatigued to teach.  He has been with me in the hospital.  And, He will be with me during this move.  I don't know how I can get everything done. I don't know where my energy will be coming.  I don't know...but He does.

...when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

...endurance...let it grow...needing nothing...

If you need wisdom, ask...

God blesses those who patiently endure testing...they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him...

Whatever is good and perfect

comes down to us

from God our Father.

James 1:2 - 5, 12, 17  NLT

Some people might blame God but when we remember how much He loves us, we can trust what He is doing.  I have cancer and I have been asked to move 1600 miles out of my familiar, comfort zone.  What is He asking you to do?

Come and See

God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.

Come

and see

what the Lord has done...

Journaling has been a part of my life for decades.  That is one way that I process what is happening in my life.  It comes in handy for me when I need to review how faithful the Lord has been to me.  He has shown me His love in so many ways.  Even now, I can see that this next journey will be exciting.  It will definitely be a time of growth because of all that will be left behind - all the familiar.  But, I have learned that when there are major changes, the Lord is very present.  That always gives me hope to see what He will do. 

The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In HIS Hands

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,

and He turned to me and heard my cry.

HE lifted me...
HE set my feet on solid ground

and steadied me as I walked along.

HE has given me a new song to sing,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see what HE has done and be astounded.

They will put their trust in the Lord.

Yesterday, my wise brother and I were discussing my future health and its impact on their lives.  I was telling him that I feel guilty - bad - sad that if my health doesn't get any better, it will put a lot of pressure on them.  First Kevin reminded me (not his exact words as he can state things better than I can) that our loving God is in control of my health, my life, my situation, etc.  He's right there with me.  Then he told me something that was a new thought:  the Lord may take them - my brother and sister-in-law - on a new journey too.  Their journey is also in His hands.  Dah!!!  That gave me such peace.   

Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD...

My only hope is in Your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Psalm 40:1 - 4, 11  NLT

The Adventure Continues

What a winter! The last time I blogged I was waiting for results about my lung. Since then, I have had the upper lobe of my right lung removed as the kidney cancer had metastasized. Then it spread to my other lung so we tried medicine to stop its growth. I had a stroke-like reaction to the meds and was in the hospital for six days. Went home and returned to the hospital a few days later with bladder, kidney, and blood infection.

Everyone was concerned because I live alone. The decision was made for me to move to San Jose, CA with my brother and sister-in-law. It is close to good medical doctors and to the sun. lol

Life is full of changes and this is huge for me. While trying to help others accept the move, I am processing what this will feel like to me. Thankfully, the one certainty is that the Lord is with me and will continue to be with me every step of this leg of my journey. There is no map or visible plan as far as my health is concerned. The Bible must be my source and trust in the Lord must be my strength. So, onward I go to San Jose, CA in one month.

Another New Phase

Today I met with my oncologist to go over the results of a PET Scan and CT Scan. In a few days I will also have a MUGA Test which is to observe the heart. The two reports showed something on one of my lungs. It could be pneumonia or the kidney cancer has spread. Both are treatable because they were discovered early.

Last week one of the oncology nurses asked me what I felt I had learned this past year. We had been discussing spiritual growth. I told her that I wasn't sure...but a few days later it dawned on me that what has been a reoccurring theme has been to trust God because He has a plan. He has a plan for me. He has a plan for my life. He has a plan for those around me too. That is where my peace comes from...He loves me more than any person is capable of loving. He knows what is best. That is peace!

Plastic or Glass

It takes a friend or sister to see where the improvements are. When you live with cancer treatments daily, sometimes it is hard to see baby steps that have been made. I know that for me, radiation has been a lot easier than chemo. The side effects of radiation will go away about two weeks after treatment has ended. Chemo effects can take months or a year or can last forever. But when new side effects happen a person can forget that this is temporary and easier than other body changes.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine was telling me how great it was to see that I can use the heavier glasses when drinking. All winter and part of spring, I needed to use plastic glasses because of the neuropathy in my hands. I couldn't lift the heavier glasses so we switched to plastic glasses.

Another friend was thrilled when I was able to move the garbage can outside by myself. My son was impressed that I walked to the top of the hill in my complex. Another friend was excited to see that I could go and get the mail without loosing my balance. All of these seem silly, or like baby steps, but to me, when reminded, I'm moving toward self-sufficient living. Others, including my sister, have been excited to see that driving is now possible for me. Fantastic!!!

The questions I am pondering now are: how do these changes impact the way I live now? How do these little steps make me a better friend? How does seeing small improvements help me be a better teacher? What am I learning that will help my children with life lessons? How will the end of these side effects make me grow into a better sister or aunt? I believe that everything that happens to me goes through God's hands first and has a purpose. I might not have the answers to future wisdom that will come from my experiences but there is a reason for all of the baby steps.