Don't worry, Be happy...

In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy...

Most of us out there have heard this song. Oh how there is so much truth in these words. As simple as they sound, they are true. God was the original author of these words. In Phillipians 4: 6, He says, "Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."

We all know that as simple as that sounds, it doesn't always seem that easy. In fact, at times, it almost seems impossible! Paul's advice to us is to turn our worries into prayers. In essence, whenever you begin to worry, stop and pray to God and thank him for all that he has done for you.

I do have to mention, the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness often times is based on our circumstances. When things are going well, finances are in place, your health is good, and maybe you are even happy while enjoying an extravagant vacation. In contrast to happiness, is joy. Joy runs much deeper and stronger than the surface circumstances that we face on a daily basis. Joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our life--the assurance that He will be there no matter what! Happiness is based on our circumstances, Joy is our dependence upon Christ.

The other part of that verse says, "In every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double." This verse reminded me of the struggle Aaron and I have both thought about over the past few days. We have thought about whether or not we made the right decision about radiation. Which in turn has caused some doubt in our minds and seemingly made us worry more about whether or not it was the "right" decision. God's word says, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than the birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (Luke 12:24-26)"

As Aaron and I conversated last night, ultimately, we came into agreement that whatever decision we had made, God would honor it and protect me from anything that might harm me. We have to ultimately trust in God that the decisions we make, are what we have peace about and then give those decisions up to God. God will guard and protect you as they play out. For worrying does us no good and only doubles our trouble. We must not worry, but pray and ask God what we need and thank him for it.

Whether it is that you need peace about a decision you are making, are maybe it is that you are worried about your relationships, your job, your children and decisions they are making about their future, or even about your family's decision to turn their face away from God. God assures us that He will take care of it all. Make the decision to cast your cares upon Him today, so that you can walk in peace and joy in your life.

Over the past few days, God has impressed upon my heart to ask of you and those you know, who will truly stand in agreement with us in Christ against any negative side effects from radiation.

Pray specifically (if you can) at the time that I will receive my treatments. Thursday (April 28th) at 9 a.m. I will be receiving my first treatment. From there I will have to update you as to the next times that I will receive my treatments (as we want to change them to the late afternoon). Here are the specific possible early and late reactions (a.k.a. side effects) that could occur as a result of this procedure: Early Reactions: 1)Skin and scalp reaction with redness, irritation, scaling, blistering, ulceration change in color, thickening, hair loss 2)nausea, vomiting, headaches 3) fatigue, drowsiness 4) altered sense of taste or smell 5) Inflammation of ear canal, feeling of "stopped-up" ear, hearing loss, dizziness 6) depression of blood count leading to increased risk of infection and/or bleeding Late Reactions: 1)Permanent hair loss of variable degrees, altered re-growth texture, and color of hair 2) Persistent drowsiness 3) Brain damage causing a loss of some degree of thinking ability or memory, or personality changes 4) Scarring of Skin 5)Spinal cord or nerve damage causing loss of strength, feeling or coordination in ay part of the body 6) Damage to the eye or optic nerve causing loss of vision 7) Ear damage causing dryness of ear canal, fluid collection in middle ear, hearing loss 8) Possiblity of second cancers developing in the irradiated area.

I know that it is a "laundry list" of possible side effects; however, I know where two or more are gathered, Christ will hear our prayers. There is so much power in prayer and believers in agreement with one another. Please consider as often as possible to be praying. For I know that we serve a big God and Your prayers will make a difference! Please feel free to share with others this blog so that they too may pray.