Thursday, March 22, 2012

COUNT IT ALL JOY....

Tomorrow is Friday and so another week has whipped by.  This particular one hasn't exactly been a fun one for me.  Tuesday I had a small what appears to be skin cancer removed from my chest to be biopsied.  Didn't hurt at all and had only two stitches.  I had gone to the doc for a stomach follow up and ended up on that as well.  I had a feeling it probably was so it wasn't really a shocker, but I guess I was still kind of surprised when he decided to do it on the spot.  Now if it DOES come back as a skin cancer I think I may have to have some more removed....sigh.  Not really looking forward to that.  I guess there is a SMALL chance it is just PRE-cancer, and then I will be all done.  But honestly, I have a feeling that chance is pretty remote.   And then, the very next day I had to go to the dentist (almost forgot all about that appointment, haha) and have both a cavity filled and a thorough cleaning done.  Seemed like a good idea at the time to get it all done at the same time, but TWO hours later when I was finally leaving and my whole mouth hurt pretty badly,  it wasn't seeming that brilliant anymore.  However, now that it is all done, today it is seeming brilliant again, lol.  Plus, no more cavities and that is always good news.  Today was Bible Study.  Loved every minute of that.  And tomorrow is the Upper GI.  I will be glad when that too is all over and I put this week behind me.

I have found that it is always easy if I try,  to fall into negative thinking and "poor me" feelings.  But of course in the long run what in the world does that accomplish?  Depression and bitterness and worry.  As we have gone through the book of James on Thursday mornings I have put MUCH more effort into considering life's trials and tribulations things that I can be thankful for.


James 1:1-2  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  

Now goodness knows it goes against our human natures to do such a thing, but honestly it benefits us in a number of ways when we do.  It certainly has proven true for me anyway.  The more I depend and trust in my God to get me through each day, the easier things always are, and the more I find myself trusting Him, and then resting in His peace.  And the more I rest in His peace, the happier I am.


Isa. 26:3  You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is set on You, because he trusts in You.

He can do His greatest work on those whose hearts are grateful, and trusting.

Just this week I read the blog of a friend of Melody's.  A young girl (Mel's age I think....she used to work with her at Christian school when Mel was in college) whose husband was diagnosed late last year with cancer of the spine.  She has two young babies (one of them just born shortly after Christmas I think it was) He has had the tumor removed but is not only receiving more treatments for cancer, he is having to regain MANY of his physical abilities as the removal of the tumor damaged his spinal column.  He is walking again with the use of a walker, but is weak and it is quite difficult.  The youngest baby has been quite difficult as she suffers from Acid Reflux, and the two year old has regressed and is waking up every night crying for seemingly no reason.  This poor gal has her YOUNG YOUNG hands soo full.  And yet, she is a strong Christian and is leaning on Him and her church to get her through.  The things she is learning through this experience are both inspirational and humbling.  I have no doubt the Lord has great things in mind for her as she obediently trusts in Him.  I am praying for them all everyday, as there is little more I can do.  This is one of those times I wish I could put more hands and feet to my praying, but I am convinced that prayer accomplishes more than we ever realize.  If any of you would like to join me in prayer for this young family, I am sure it would be much appreciated.  You can find her blog HERE.  I am sure she has little time for blogging, and is really just writing as a way of coping, but like I said, I find her inspiring, and my heart just breaks for her.

Just one more little thing I wanted to share.  I got a call today from my little Jeffie.  I haven't seen him in a few weeks, and I was thinking about that this afternoon, and wondered if I had time to stop by and see them all on my way home from Bible study.  I decided against it, as I really needed to get home and let Elvis out, plus I had a few bills to pay and just haven't seem to find the time for it this week.  Anyway, as I was sitting here working on my bills, my phone rang and I answered it expecting it to be my dil when I saw the number on the phone.  However, I heard this little voice (why do they always sound sooo young on the phone? haha) saying, "Grandma, is that you?  It's me, Jeffie.  I haven't seen you in sooo long.  Where have you been?"  We talked for about 15 minutes or so.  Just made my whole day.  : )  He has a birthday coming up soon, and I am thinking a WHOLE day with Grandma sounds pretty good.

SWEET JEFFIE


Hope you all have a wonderful week-end!






14 comments:

  1. All I can say is Wow, what a week. I guess I won't even complain about mine today. IT was nothing.
    I will be praying it isn't cancer.
    Oh, all those years in the sun are catching up aren't they?
    Well, I will be praying about your day tomorrow too.
    Hugs from me and prayers too.

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  2. Yikes...what a week Debbie. Praying that your don't have to have any more taken for that thing on your chest. Hope your GI goes well too. Jeffie is adorable!!! Hope next week is much better for you Debbie!!

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  3. I just discovered your lovely blog; I'm a new follower! Prayers for your continued health!
    Best,
    Anne

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  4. With the week you have had, I think the precious call from Jeffie was a direct call from God to your heart. He knows what sound Grandma's love to hear the most of all. I know that because I know the sound I love to hear, and it's "Hi, Mom."

    That happens to be a favorite passage of scripture for me. (Isaiah) I love the Hebrew: "He will keep in peace... peace..."

    I pray that over you as you wait for the biopsy results. I pray it over that sweet young Christian family.

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  5. What a week indeed! I am joining in on praying that the biopsy will come back with good news, dear one.

    It's amazing how time with the grands (even if on the phone) can lift our spirits ... there's nothing sweeter to a Grandma's heart, is there?

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  6. Wow! Debbie, it has been a WoW! week for you. Are you singing TGIF today. I will be praying about the biopsy , and hope all went well today with your tests.

    The book of James always sets me right back where i should be. One of my favorite books in the Bible. I often go back and re read it, goodness knows I need straightening out ever so often. ~smile~.
    I will put this young family on my prayer list, and visit her blog.

    Your sweet Jeffie is the best medicine for your ails this week, I love how much your dear grandchildren love and adore you. This tells me so much of who Debbie is! You are precious!.
    Enjoy your weekend.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  7. Hi Debbie
    Just found your blog not long ago and I love reading it.. I usually check daily for new posts.. You surely had some week but I understand. Both myself and my husband have health issue's and we have a housefull of dogs and some of them have some serious issue's as well.. Leaning on and depending on God is really all we have to do although, it's much easier said than done most days.

    The story about the young family is heart breaking.. They have so much to deal with but I have no doubt God is with them through it all.. Your grandson is adorable and doesn't it fee wonderful when they call you!.. I feel the same way about my niece and nephews even if they are in their 20's when they call me..

    Wishing you a wonderful peace filled weekend :)
    Robyn

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  8. Hi! Debbie, WoW~ you have had a week~ praise god mine has slowed a little! since going back to work, I'm having to do some adjusting!! but I do pray that all is going to be well, and that you can get back to enjoying the simple pleasures!:) but I think you do that so well! Take care and I will add this family to my prayer list. Sweet Blessings for a Glorious Week!

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  9. First of all, Jeffie has the sweetest face and smile. And yes, you must spend a whole day with this precious child Deb.

    So sorry about the physical issues you are facing. It is not fun. But then we see how much many are facing and count ourselves fortunate. But God is with us in the midst of it all and He will provide His strength.

    Have a wonderful week and love on those grandchildren.

    blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  10. Debbie, thanks for sharing..you are in my prayers, also thanks for allowing God to rebuke me through your loving words...I went on that "self-pity" train this weekend and refused to get off!

    Thanks for reminding me of the truth.

    Blessings on your healing...what a precious phone call from your grandson and yes, prayers for the young woman and her journey,I truly can't imagine

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  11. Hi, don't you just love it when the grands can call us on the phone! Our little Miss S calls us almost every morning-so fun.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  12. that little jeffie is a heart breaker! what a
    sweet way to take your mind off of the
    doctor's appt. and dental appt.

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  13. Your phone call with your grandson is so sweet! Reminds me of when my kids would call my dad to speak with him when they were little. I will pray for this young family! How sad! Hope your GI study went well! Been thinking of you! Enjoy your day!

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  14. God has you in his careful care. Rest next to his loving heart this night, and keep me posted on all your health issues. FYI, I hate going to the dentist. HATE it.

    peace~elaine

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!