Merry Christmas--O Holy Night

Merry Christmas everyone! Christ was born to save us, praising God every day is a joy for this gift!

He is worthy of all praise!

Since my last post, I have had a rough week, starting with progessively worse pain, until I had to go to the ER for help. I was not sure what the problem was, but ended up finding out it is scar tissue "healing" around a nerve-possibly entrapping it and thereby causing pain. I was given 3 shots of Lidocaine and walah--no more pain. That is til I was home and realised the insane pain was masking other "normal" pain. I think there may be one more spot that could have used a shot, but it isn't nearly as bad. I have been blessed by husby and friends to be able to really rest and take it easier than I was--so I am feeling relatively no pain. God is so very good!

I wanted to share that with all the wonderful friends that have come to be with me; we have had amazing conversations. Some are healing for me, others healing for them-all encouraging, edifying, and oh so enlightening. My friends are real, and have seen me in my "realest" place. They are so loving, non-judging, and kind. I am a very blessed woman and thank the Lord so much for true sisters in the Him. In every facet of this "cancer" process He has surpassed my hopes of His care for me. It has challenged me to not put His love in a box of my making...His love is way beyond imaginable--just enjoy it!

I found myself singing an old praise song taken from this verse and just had to share His goodness...

Psalm 86:12-13
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

Thank you, whomever is reading-I hope you are edified and challenged to see yourself loved...

My soul glorifies the Lord!!

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49

I know this verse ultimately is Mary's Song and is speaking of her virgin pregnancy with Christ, but I have to just proclaim that this is also for us...in our day.

My soul is glorifying the Lord--today I received the wonderful news that I am cancer free. My heart rejoices in this news. I pray that as I have been walking through this battle, my words and actions have been encouraging, uplifting, glorifying to He who has done wonders in my life. I hope that others have been drawn closer to Him, have desired a relationship with Him, have witnessed the goodness and sovereign love for us that He has. I pray I have been a good witness, to anyone else that may be asked to walk through something like cancer. Knowing the Lord has many plans--I am looking forward to all He is going to work out in this.

Please be encouraged-God is for you, and if He is for you-who can be against you! In what may seem to be the worst times of your life-He has a plan, and it is for your good and His glory. You will be matured in Him-if you choose to let Him do so. You will grow closer to Him as you become weaker if you allow Him to be stronger. He longs for you dear one...let Him walk it out with you--you won't regret you dependence on Him!

Humility in a righteous soul

God has been working on my heart alot about humility.

All through this time with cancer, walking through the times of fear, feeling His peace that passes all understanding, knowing that friends are on their knees all over the world praying for me--I have been humbled.

There have been times during this season that the Father has asked me to let others minister to me...for some, this wouldn't be hard, for me--it is a difficult place. I love to do for others, it isn't as easy for me to be vulnerable and receive. The Lord has been ministering to my heart that to not allow others to bless me/us, is a place of pride in my heart. I was so saddened by the thought, that I just had to share--lest anyone else have the same attitude. He gives us giftings, abilities, and talents to share with others to be sure--but He also allows us to be in times when we need our brothers and sisters in the faith to minister to our needs-physical, emotional and spiritual.

I don't want to be prideful, I don't pursue it--but when I think less of myself than what He created; then I am being as prideful as if I was out touting all my wonderful attributes.

Instead I desire to walk out righteousness-the Lord wants us to know that we are righteous in Him. I am righteous in Him, as I understand I John 2:29 "If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him." I know I am born in Christ, so it isn't prideful to say I am righteous. So knowing that--Psalm 97:11 says, "Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." I have felt the Lord's joy even in these last weeks of waiting, it has been incredible how the Father has been faithful. People have commented on my countenance on many occasions. It isn't me, but He who is in me! Praise Him!

As He reminds me of the righteous state I am in, because I believe, I can relax and let people bless us, with their time, prayers, food, etc. I can enjoy and be a joy to those who love us. I don't need to feel self conscious that others are meeting my very personal needs as I recover--they are doing it out of love for me. I can know fully that Christ has placed such people into my life for such a time as this! I am so humbled, and so completely and thoroughly blessed by those He has placed in my life right now.

HEALTH UPDATE: I had surgery on November 4 they did a radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal. The Dr. said he saw nothing to indicate the cancer had spread beyond my uterus. The lab results would take 7-10 days to come back. I was in the hospital just overnight and came home on Saturday. It has been one week now and I have had good days and less than good days-I think mainly due to lack of sleep (can't get comfy). I am not in real pain, just uncomfortable. Tuesday the 15th I meet with the oncologist to see where we are at. I am believing for the best of reports and of course will share with you all my results as quickly as I am able.

I appreciate all who are reading this blog. Your comments bless me. I need to mention though, that if I don't know who you are (anonymous)-no matter how sweet your comment may be, I can't publish it. You may notice other anonymous comments, it is because I know who they are via other means. I am sorry if this may hurt your feelings in any way, it is not my desire to do so. I feel very personal about what is said on my blog, as I am sure anyone who has one does, and if I can not know whom you are then only I will be blessed by your sweetness. Thank you for your consideration in this.

A little treasure from the Lord.

Psalm 71:14-24 -
Hope for Deliverance

14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise You more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of Your righteousness,
of Your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts,
O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.
17 Since my youth, O God, You have taught me,
and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
Till I declare Your power to the next generation,
Your might to all who are to come.
19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
You who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like You?
20 Though You have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
You will restore my life again;
From the depths of the earth
You will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
22 I will praise You with the harp
for Your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to You with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—
I, whom You have redeemed.
24 My tongue will tell of Your righteous acts all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.

November 4th is surgery day...

I ask for your prayers, for myself and family-yes...but more prudently I really have been impressed by the Lord to ask for prayers for His purposes... What I am meaning by that is--there is a plan in all of this...it isn't just about me and the cancer.

I believe with my whole being that there is opportunity here for a profound move of God in the hospital where I will be. Would you join with me and pray for the surgeon, his staff, the anesthesiologist, nurses, cafeteria people, assistants, whomever may cart me from room to room, phlebotomists, etc... Please pray for wisdom as they work with me, but more importantly pray that as they work on/with me, they will feel and know the presence of God. I know the Lord is in me, and believe He will move through me to bless, love on, encourage everyone who comes within my reach. Pray that seeds will be planted, that we will see people saved, that folks will be astounded by God's peace. I have been praying that if I need to go through this, then let it be about something bigger, that God would be glorified through it all.

If you wouldn't mind leaving a comment to let me know you are praying that would be wonderful.

As a praise to the Lord, I would like to share with you all...Ever since the diagnosis and I asked that my friends would pray for me to have peace...wow has He ever come through! I meet people often who say they can see how at peace I am as I share with them what has been transpiring in our lives lately. It is all the Lord, seriously, all HIM! I have truly been living in the palm of His hand. I have moments-but I take those thoughts captive as He says I should, and then they are gone=Thank You LORD! You are worthy of all the glory!

Thank you so much friends for reading my lil blips...

Really fighting for my life

They are worth fighting for...I am worth fighting for...2 weeks ago I found out I am literally in a fight for my life...I have Endometrial cancer. 2 weeks ago, alot changed in my life...my perspective, my breathing, my focus--but not my Lord, he is never changing, ever constant.

I know He loves me, I KNOW he has a plan in this...a plan for my good and His glory. I know in his love there is no fear-his perfect love casts out all fear. I know the joy of the Lord is my strength...I will have joy within this season--not waiting til I am through it, but right here in it!

I will praise Him all of my days--yes even these! Am I concerned-yup, but not struck with terror, nope. Have I thought about dying, yup--but I am taking thoughts like that captive, because I know they are not godly, I know they will cause me to think things that are not true...God is faithful, every minute of everyday.

So, some facts---endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the uterus. Funny story: 6 years ago we moved to NY where I got to go to this amazing gynecologist. Because of a condition I have- she would regularly (every 6 months) give me a biopsy, it had become part of the "regular" routine. Over the last 2 years, due to mum's illness and passing, I hadn't gotten to my appointments--so when I went to see her in the beginning of August-the routine biopsy-I think may have saved my life. IF it had not been already in the routine--she wouldn't have done it, you see, the pap didn't show it, the in/out ultrasound didn't show it--ONLY the biopsy showed it! Right there, God is sooo faithful! 6 years ago, he set me up with my dr. I am a very blessed woman! It tells me so clearly that God has this all under control--He is aware of my difficulty, he is not leaving me! I know some may ask, why didn't he stop the cancer then? I don't know, what I do know is: He has a plan in this...for my good and His glory! He gives us opportunities to grow in Him, draw closer to Him and share His love with others--Praise God!

Is every minute of every day happy go lucky? Nope, but every minute of every day is an opportunity to choose to be...I hope more of my minutes I am choosing to be.

Other facts: Planning laproscopic surgery (radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal) hopefully by the end of October, 5-6 weeks of recovery is to be expected. If the cancer is contained completely within the uterus then I am home free--if it is outside whatsoever, then radiation and chemo may be necessary.

Well, guess that is it for now...sorry to lay this all on you. Don't be sad...I trust God knows what He is doing! I will ask though, please pray! Thank you!

Joining a friend in a battle for my life

A friend I have (Traci) http://scalingitback.blogspot.com/ that is getting healthy and has asked for others to join her in accountability and encouragement. I am joining her, and getting back on track with my physical well being. I am going to make reasonable but challenging goals for myself and I will revise them as I meet them to keep challenging myself. I will appreciate encouragement, but frankly don't do well with critics...unless you truly are loving me. Please join in if you would like--or just check in to see how we are doing. I will post probably only once a week, as you can see my past blogs--run infrequently.

My goals:
Short term:
Lose 10#
Drink 2 bottles of water a day, been drinking alot of coffee so adding this is necessary
Go to bed earlier and getting up earlier bed by 11, up by 8 (been going by 3 0r 4am up at 9-11am)
No caffeine after 4pm
Walk every day-no matter what
Start doing other exercising-weights, situps, etc (2 times a week)

Long term:
Summer goal lose 40#

Care Connection is coming together

Wow, what fun we are having! Three weeks ago, I began working in the office with husby...he is giddy (slightly weird ;-) ), and he keeps threatening to chase me around the desk--ha ha! We got to go to the Open Door Mission 2 weeks ago where we served homeless gentlemen. This week we had the honor of helping to make a meal at the Ronald McDonald house in Rochester.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, the Lord has seen fit to ask us to take on this amazing ministry. He is asking us to believe in him, rely on him, and use the gifts He has given us for His glory...won't you consider going out to share His love with others? Give a call or email if you would like to join in on one of the many opportunities to serve.

I think...

But I am not sure...

I want to do alot of great things but I don't know if I should...

Quilting Bible study...fun-just started but the project frankly is overwhelming me. Not sure I love the pattern--totally feel released to just do a tablerunner or square for this one.

Beth Moore Bible Study--again just started--overwhelmed at the thought of all the work, but in submission to the Lord I am doing it...He has already met me and showed me-He is in this for me, and directed my steps to this place...how I needed that!

I wanna teach this darling young lady I have become acquainted with, how to do needlework of different types. My heart says YES!

Civil War type mini quilt club--wanna, really wanna--released by sweet husby to do it---trying to not talk myself out of it. See, it is something for me, just me...I don't do "just me" well. I always have to be making something or doing something that has a reason to bless someone else... TRYIN' to not talk myself out of it...

Doing office work for a dear woman of God-whom I love very much...in my mind I condemn myself that I am not there more, my heart knows I am there when I can. The two really need to meet more often and make the joy come back.

Dear husby has a new position at church as the Care Connection Director as well as his Facilities Manager Position...it includes me. I am a feeling a bit like I am in over my head on this one. I know that I know, that I know, God said, "You are to do this, I will be your strength." Frankly, I feel tired just thinking about it. Again, it is the whole mind and heart needing to get on the same page. I know I will get there, He isn't finished with me yet...

So, I think all things are good, but not all are good for me...Lord keep directing and I will keep stepping!

Crazy how time flies when you are having fun!

Life has just been flying by like crazy. In list format this has been what I have been up to in the last few weeks.

Taking down Christmas decorations-3 full weekends after Christmas but only 4 weekends after I had put them up...

Two major doctor appointments...

Cafe ministry stuff...one dear team leaving, another new one joining--God is so faithful how he works everything out.

6 hour trip TO Nyack, NY to visit my bestie and her family...stayed for Wed night thru Fri afternoon

8 hour trip HOME from Nyack, NY--got lost coming home--OY is all I can say

Planned and prepared meals for Elim Fellowship's Youth Leader Summit--Pizza, and subs for 120 youth leaders and 1 catered meal for 16.

Quilt Bible Study

Trying to organize my crap room--err--studio...trying is the key word

Planning and working on two very special quilts for two very special friends.

My phone died so I had to reenter all the info===huge pain in the tushy

Watched many seasons of Law and Order SVU.

Now moved on to Bones season 3.

Had special time with Sen, then said bye as he headed back to school. Miss him soooo much!

Continuosly working through the loss of mum. Sometimes I am so at a loss of how I will get past her not being here. It is so weird how it hits me, and overwhelms me with sad feelings. I think I just keep wishing I had had more time with her. I know she knew I loved her deeply, just want to tell her again...

Baby shower for a friend, birthday party for another.

Spending time with a dear friend who is moving...coming to terms with her not being easily accessible to me...my heart is hurting with this one. BUT God is working on me to know He is here for me all the time and she is not moving too far away.

Reading Jennifer Chevearinni books...too many...really good, fun reads

Started a Beth Moore study on David today.

Shawn was given a new position at the church and last Friday the members were told. He is now the Care Connection director and I will be assisting him in the position. Care Connection is the outreach branch of EGC, whose purpose is to go out into the world to physically show God's love to the needy. It is an awesome responsibility, but is exactly where our hearts have been desiring to work for some time. It will be so exciting to see what God has planned for all of us as we move forward with this ministry. CC is such a great way to show love in real and meaningful ways.

Spending time with Shawn, he becomes dearer to me everyday. How God blesses me, teaches me and woos me-through this man--captures my heart.

That is mostly all--have to get up early tomorrow--helping a friend cater food for a conference this week. It will be a great time, busy but fun...see ya on the other side ;-)

To Know You - Casting Crowns

Paying it forward

I have been reading a blog recently called Laundry on the Line, http://laundryontheline.wordpress.com/ . She is doing a "pay it forward" so I have decided to participate. For the first 3 bloggie friends who make a comment on my post and decide to do it as well on theirs. I have wanted to do this for a while and so I am going to now!

How this works is: the first 3 people who comment on this post, that they want to participate AND blog on their blog that they are going to participate and give as well, those 3 people will be the happy (I hope) recipients of something handcrafted by me. It will be something quilted so please tell me what your fav color combo is and I will do my very best to make something special for you. I will be visiting your blogs to see how I can make something atuned to your liking.

So, let's start out our year with giving, may you be blessed with doing so!

Another project finished

So I finished T's spiderman quilt. The blocks have a center piece taken from a "fabric book" sold by JoAnns. It was the only spidey fabric we could find other than flannel. I have to laugh, because although we didn't find what I had in mind--God had a plan. Shawn found the panel and then the other 3 colors came together so easily. The dark color framing the panels is actually navy but looks black, I think it makes it perfectly look like a film strip. Pretty appropriate in my thinking. The center block has T's name embroidered by Joyce Blowers and then I zigzagged around the outside to mimic the other blocks.

T seemed to like it, but at 7 I understand that the erector set had more appeal. I hope he will see it someday as the labor of love that it was.

I spent the last 2 days also finishing the tablerunners I was doing in the bible study. They are completely finished-but no pics yet. Also, a friend and I had started on some door hangers for Christmas, and the season got away from us, I just finished these and honestly I think they will be table runners too. I will post them later when I get pics of those too.

A day that surpasses most days!!

Today is my dear son's birthday. It is hard to believe he is 22 years old. Not because he doesn't act it, but because it went soooo fast. He attends Roberts Wesleyan College and is in the music program as a guitar performance major. He has truly been gifted by the Lord. We are blessed to be called his parents.

Christmas doin's

Well the season has been busy for sure...baking cookies, making candy, sewing 2 quilts, 2 table runners, painting, and making ornaments. I hosted a table at a ladies Christmas luncheon, as well as sold some items at a vending table I set up there. We delivered cookies to friends, have gone to 2 Christmas parties (still have one tomorrow night). Shawn has been working hard getting the church prepared for the Christmas Eve Service. He even built a new fence for the live nativity, making it extra sturdy to keep the animals in.

Daddy came for 3 days last week to shop for my siblings and their older children. We had a lot of fun together. I just simply love that man, I am so glad he came. I got to cook some good food up for him--mum's chicken and dumplings, and my riggies. He enjoyed his time here, then headed home to busy times with my younger brother Kevin. They are shopping for the little children of the family. Totally up Kevin's alley, he loves to bless the little ones.

Sen is home for the winter break, and we could not be happier. It is a joy to have him around. It is a bit of a challenge too; keeping food in the house, remembering to go potty before he gets in for his shower, keeping laundry going, keeping food in the house... oh did I say that already? Well, it deserves said twice!

Shawn and I had a great time shopping today, thinking of our loved ones and what they might love to receive. We took a break from shopping at Starbuck's and had a early supper at Sinbad's on Park Avenue. Nothing like great mediterranean food to sustain you through a long day of shopping!

May you all find yourselves blessed with the presence of your very real Savior as we remember his birth this Christmas. I am so thankful that my father God, loves me so much, he would send his one and only son to come to earth to save us. He truly is the reason for the season.

Meeting needs-the true meaning of Christmas

Lindsey Pond is an amazing young woman from Texas whom I have gotten to know via her blog-- http://www.pleasantliving.org/

Two years ago I began a journey of getting to know a young woman who is so passionately in love with her Father God, one who is in a faith journey few have the courage to walk out.

Three short months after Lindsey married Brian, they discovered a lump in her breast. Since that time Lindsey has battled the enemy for her life while encouraging others through her blog.

In November 2010, the doctors found a brain tumor. Brian and Lindsey have since then sold their home, 2 cars, moved in with their brother and sister, and found a home for one of their dogs. All the while praising the Lord for His faithfulness!

Praying for them has been an honor, and I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to donate 20% of my sales and to make available a way for others to get involved. The Ponds have never asked for money, only prayer. I know our Father can meet all of their needs regardless of our help.

I want to help- will you join me in
giving to meet a real need in their life?

I will have items available to sell at the ladies luncheon at EGC on Saturday December 11. You can find pictures of most of what I have to sell in the previous post. 20% of cost of all items sold this weekend and until I send out the money to Lindsey, (hoping to send it early next week-but if I get more orders I will wait to be able to send her more.) Also, as long as they last I have a bundle of 6 prim tags to everyone who gives a donation to Brian and Lindsey.

I am believing we are meeting a real physical need for these dear hearts.
Please check out her blog, bless her with your prayers and meet a real need while shopping for Christmas or just giving to them.

Items I have for sale

Please reserve anything you see that you like, some items I only have one of.

Please read the above post as well, I am giving 20% of all sales to Lindsey Pond.

Apple pie filling $4.50

Mini Ornaments $1

Medium ornaments $2.50

Handpainted Snowman ornament $4.00



Birdhouse painting on Slate $18

Snowflakes are Angels Kisses $20

Count Your Blessings on Barn shingle $40

Double sided Primitive Christmas Hearts $25

Double Sided Primitive Seasonal Heart $25

Double Sided Primitive Seasonal Heart $25

(snowman on all, choice of spring)

A set of all three hearts (6 paintings) for $65

Simple Pleasures cupboard $125

10"X15"X33"

Date day

Can you tell what the theme was of our date day? It was a flat out wonderful day!

Sugar Mountain Bake Shoppe- all I can really say is amazing

they have many different filled and iced cupcakes

these are turtle and sinfully chocolate

Umm, 2nd hand store with scary clowns-bad picture

Parkleigh, wow-totally going back, too much to see but so

worth the time amazing chocolate samples and coffee

Great Bread company, got a good loaf of a fruit and nut whole grain

Way swank record company, highly intense incense though

We also went to Stever's chocolates, got Christmas ideas plus

lots of chocolate. Chocolate blackberries, pomegranates, espresso bark

dark chocolate covered sponge candy, and a wonderful mix of nuts etc.

I can't seem to get away from the toasted chicken gyro

beyond yummage!

Husby had a gyro-huge portions as you can see

Falafel appetizer with hot sauce and tahini sauce

Lunch at Sinbad's-yummy Lebanese food

Templar Gallery-gentleman had traveled all over-neat jewelry and art

Templar Gallery's Cafe yummy apple bavarian cake

Way wacked Comic and Game store-some great Christmas gift ideas

So-they are backward, but I am too tired to change it-Park Ave

Husby and I had a wonderful date day last week on his first official day off at his new job. We decided to go to Park Ave in Rochester, NY which we have been wanting to check out for quite some time. So here are some pictures to tell ya what we did. Hopefully I can get them on in the right order. ;0)

Coffee could be my downfall...

Okay I don't really mean that! That is just silly talk, coming from a place of lack of sleep from having 2 shots of espresso yesterday after 4pm. They didn't wear off until 4am this morning...oy! Husby didn't have time to make me espresso this morning, so I decided I had to overcome my fear of blowing up my kitchen and make it myself. I am no longer afraid, and it could be really bad for me. As if my coffee addiction wasn't bad enough...now I am adding 4 shots of espresso to my day. I got a tremendous amount of stuff done today though! Hee hee, so worth it I would say.

To update: Daddy is doing well, I talk with him everyday. He is pretty much in no pain anymore, and he isn't coughing too much either. He is back to driving, and has been making fairly regular trips to town. Today he met with the physical therapist who will see him 3 times a week for the next 30 weeks. I think he is really looking forward to going, and the regularity will be a good thing for him. He sounds a bit lonely, of which I feel horribly for. I know at this time I can't do anything about that, but I still hurt for him.

I have been trying to organize the house a bit. I feel like "stuff" has taken over and I really hate that. I packed away the summer clothes, and some of the peices of the clothes I brought home of mum's. I am not in that size yet, so they will stay packed til I am, hopefully it won't be too long. Husby and I consolidated some boxes in Sen's room to make his closet more useful. I think it looks much better and there is still space as we start to move things around a bit more.

My fabric stash is all washed and ironed, I even dared to let husby be in the room while I organized it...I say that in lieu of the fact that up til now, I don't think he paid much attention to how much fabric I had. He was laughing as I was so excited to put it all together. I put it in the clear plastic drawers according to color, so maybe it will be even easier to find what I want to use. As soon as I got that done...I decided I am going to paint for a while--fickle, that is me--can't stay with one creative thing for a long time ever. I am working on some snowmen right now.

I am looking for some quilting classes in the area. Saturdays are going to be hard for me to sit here at home alone. Husby has a wonderful new job, but has to work on Saturdays, so I need to find me sumptin' to do with my morning...Still looking...