As I wrote yesterday's post about our HOPE in the midst of trial, I was reminded of a series of posts that I wrote two years ago in response to our journey through my husband's cancer diagnosis and treatments. I thought they seemed relevant and timely considering where we're at this week, so I thought I would share them with you once again.
Reflection on a Difficult Year
Reflections on a Difficult Year, Part 2 (focusing on the body of Christ and how it functions)
Reflection on a Difficult Year- Practically Serving Those in Need
Any of your own reflections to add on walking through your own particular difficult seasons of life?
We had a pretty rough summer this year, but made it through by the grace of God. There were times that I was so keenly aware of others' prayers, that it seemed I wouldn't have survived without them! God is good though.
Hi there I just wanted to say how pleased I am here to hear your hubby is out of hospital. When I heard he was ill my blood ran cold!
I've been reading your blog since October 2008 (I discovered it while glued to the sofa through my son's 40 minute breastfeeding sessions) and have followed your family's journey through this time. Keeper of the Home has offered so much invaluable support and advice to a first-time mother like myself...keep up the good work!
English Sarah
Stephanie, I can tell that you are "resting in HIm" right now. You are in my heart and prayers.
When I think back to my own diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, I remember dwelling on and trusting that God's will IS perfect and that if my living or dying brings ONE person to Him or closer to Him (my mother, my brother, a nurse, another patient, a person at the pharmacy where I picked up my anti-nausea meds, etc.), then hopefully my purpose on His earth was fulfilled. Everytime I worried about needing to be here for my 10 year old son, I tried to remember that God could take far better of him than I could and that maybe I needed to not be here so my son could take the paths that God has planned for him. Thankfully after four years, I'm still cancer free and am trying really hard not to get in God's way for His plans for my son.
I found that sometimes a word or phrase would really go deep into my heart, i.e., the hymn He Reigns has a verse that says something and then the words "victory over darkness." During my treatment, when we would sing that song, I would smile knowing that if I did die, I would be in heaven with my Heavenly Father.
Right now, our pastor is currently drumming into our heads the fact that everything happens to bring glory to God. I am currently "mentally preparing" to visit my oncologist and hear blood test results next week and this fact is forefront in my mind.
God's blessings to you and your family.
I have tears in my eyes, reading your other posts about your husbands cancer. You are a very couragous woman and you are right, God does carry us through and give us what we need at the exact time that we need it.
I will make sure that I add you to my prayers.
Continuing to pray for you all. :)
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Soup: Comfort Food =-.
I hope things are getting better, that you're getting some answers. We have been fortunate so far.
Meant to also say- I have been praying for you and your family and will continue to!
We've never been through sickness like you have, but have been through job difficulties and moving lots/living in difficult places where we feel a lot of isolation (spiritually and friend wise mainly)...those have been our trials and something we are going through still. I keep feeling God's faithfulness through this, even if it takes sitting down and repeating verses that I KNOW are true even when I don't feel them and cry through them.
Our family is praying for you guys.
Lord just touch this beautiful family today.
We have gone through trials of various types (financial, sickness, etc...) in our lives (married 18.5 years so far)...but GOD is Faithful and has ALWAYS proven Himself to be there in EVERY situation we have had to face. HE will NEVER leave or forsake His children! (Hebrews 13:5b) Continue to look to HIM day by day, moment by moment ~ His GRACE is sufficient. Psalm 46:1-3 is a beautiful passage to calm your heart. I will continue to pray for you.
Blessings,
Camille
.-= Camille´s last blog ..Refried Beans =-.
I am putting your husband and you on my prayer list..so I remember to pray for you both!
It amazes me that you blog and reflect your words and feelings so well...you are a testimony of {grace}~
sandy toe
.-= sandy toe´s last blog ..when it's gone... =-.
I haven't been following too long, so I didn't know about your husband's cancer. I felt every single thing you wrote, though, in the first post. My baby has a degenerative neuromuscular disorder that will someday take his life, and he is now ventilator dependent and wheelchair bound. I feel I have been going through all you wrote in the first post--especially that need to stay emotionally distant just to keep sane. I mean, I'm not distant from my son, just from my emotions aboutt the whole matter. Anyway.
What I am trying to say is that I really really appreciate you sharing this. Thank you so much.
God is always good. Right now, My husband is in the process of losing his job, and it's always good to know that God is there, holding your hand. God has met every need so far, and we are trusting him for the remainder of the way. I'll be praying for ya'll. Have been since yesterday.
.-= Becky C´s last blog ..I'm Thankful for.... =-.