Still on the way up...

So, hope you are all well.  I am continuing to improve, and yet not fast enough!  Still learning lessons in what 'slow down' truly means. Thought I was, but not enough to heal quickly from this hernia operation. Reconstruction is going well, and I continue to be so blessed by my docs, nurses, and everyone I come into contact with at Paoli. But, I am still resting a lot and glad for it. Okay, not ALWAYS easy to do, but I am still thankful for it.

I do find myself a bit more emotional now than I did in the middle of it all.  Chatting with my oncologist, she said that happens a lot...always a task before, the next treatment, the next test, the next appointment, the next side effect...plow through and battle this beast.  Not that there weren't emotional times before, but they were definitely different.  Now, truly sitting back with a "WOW, what a year!" feeling.  The Lord has been so faithful in so many things, one of them being my ability (His gift) to separate my situation from every scary story I hear about reccurence, or other major issues following treatment.  I do have some stuff that still needs resolution, but I am keeping that in perspective. 

Mostly, right now, I am truly humbled and blessed by so many that are showing me their servant hearts. Being a 'special events assistant' at church, I was heavily involved in planning our annual Fall Fest held today. Being in a situation (due to the hernia, not the breast cancer!) where I am not allowed to lift and really don't last very long yet, so many wonderful helping hands and servants made my job so much easier. What a blessing to sit back and just watch so many do the things that I usually end up doing! I usually have many helpers, but no need to sit by and watch. This year, I've had to ask for a lot of help - lifting cider jugs and coffee pots, unloading my car, getting supplies at Walmart and the church kitchen, wiping down tables, cooking hotdogs, heating and serving cider, running extention cords...believe me, I never did this all alone before, but certainly had a bigger hand in it! Such a gift! My daughter, Kristen, outdid herself - loading her car with so much from home, running to Walmart, helping with face painting for the kids...and bringing things home since I left early to get to my comfy chair at home.

How do you thank people for that?!  Just let them receive the gift of being the server.  Hugs, always!  And trust the Lord will restore me so I can serve in return!  In the meantime, listen to these words from "Jesus Calling"...

"Take time to be still in My Presence. The more hassled you feel, the more you need this sacred space of communion with Me. Breathe slowly and deeply. Relax in My holy Presence while MY FACE shines upon you. This is how you receive My Peae, which I always proffer to you. Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in anxious knots, ignoring My gift of Peace. I died a criminal's death to secure this blessing for you. Receive it gratefully; hide it in your heart. My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me. Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it. Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."

Numbers 6:23-26

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

 

the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

May you know that His face shines upon you this coming week. "When suffering strikes, remember (He) is sovereign and can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in His Name, offering it up to Him for His purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you coler to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust adn thankfulness." (Paraphrased from Jesus Calling)

"HOLY"   Lyrics by Matt Redman

What heart could hold the weight of your love
And know the heights of Your great worth?
What eyes could look on Your glorious face
Shining like the sun?

You are holy, holy, holy
God most high and God most worthy
You are holy, holy, holy
Jesus You are, Jesus You are

Your name alone has power to raise us
Your light will shine when all else fades
Our eyes will look on Your glorious face
Shining like the sun

Who is like You, God?

And You will come again in glory
To judge the living and the dead
Our eyes will look on Your glorious face
Shining like the sun

Andi