After about three and a half hours of patiently waiting for Dr. Yung, my neurooncologist my results ended (drum roll please)...being inconclusive. He stated that my brain was showing up as being swollen; however, he reported that after radiation treatment that was pretty typical. Dr. Yung stated he wants to do a follow-up MRI in 6 weeks to closely monitor everything, but he didn't seem too concerned about the situation.
Today was definitely one of those days to exercise what Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control."
I pray that you all have a wonderful evening. Thanks for your prayers. We love you!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Freedom
I often wondered what this truly meant. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines freedom as the quality or state of being free:the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; liberation of power from another. As a Christian I have slowly (and when I say slowly, I mean slowly, LOL) began to understand what true freedom in Christ means. I continue everyday to learn more and more about what this process looks like for me in my walk with my Father God. We as Christians are called to obey God's commandments.
Many people may think that keeping God's law and commandments are a way that God tries to restrict us on what we can and cannot do. The enemy has been the long time perpetrator of telling us this lie. Look at the story of Adam and Eve, God asked them not to eat of the tree in the center of the garden. The enemy (the serpent) tempted Eve by telling her, "“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5). Eve was then convinced. The fruit from the tree was very tempting and on top of that it would make her wise! Therefore, she ate it and gave some to Adam too. Their eyes were opened to a world of that they never knew existed. They sinned against God. Eve was convinced that God was too strict, stingy and selfish for not allowing her to know all that He knew. She focused on the things that she didn't seem to have, instead of all that God had already given her and Adam. God allows us to make our own choices and gives us the freedom to make the choices we want to make. Whatever choices we decide to make, we will reap the consequences of those choices.
God's promises in His word are true and as He has called us to follow and obey His commandments; when we do obey and give of our time to the Lord, I believe "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ” (Luke 6:38). This verse actually is talking about judging others and how when we demonstrate a forgiving spirit (as God does), treat others graciously and with compassion, God will bring these things back to us in full measure.
God allows us the freedom to choose Him or the ways of this world. When we choose Him, he so graciously blesses us in ways we can't even imagine. He doesn't ever keep the good things of life from us. He asks us to obey His commandments so that we can avoid the harmful and hurtful things this world has to offer.
Open your eyes today to the things the world has tried to lie to you about. Read God's word and stay in it. Therefore, you are able to distinguish truth from the lies of the enemy. Share with others today the truth that has been departed to you. Know that your Father God loves you very much and He wants all the good things in life for you.
P.S. Today we receive the results from my MRI. This will determine what are next steps will be in this part of our journey. Love you all, thank you for your prayers, love, and support.
Many people may think that keeping God's law and commandments are a way that God tries to restrict us on what we can and cannot do. The enemy has been the long time perpetrator of telling us this lie. Look at the story of Adam and Eve, God asked them not to eat of the tree in the center of the garden. The enemy (the serpent) tempted Eve by telling her, "“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5). Eve was then convinced. The fruit from the tree was very tempting and on top of that it would make her wise! Therefore, she ate it and gave some to Adam too. Their eyes were opened to a world of that they never knew existed. They sinned against God. Eve was convinced that God was too strict, stingy and selfish for not allowing her to know all that He knew. She focused on the things that she didn't seem to have, instead of all that God had already given her and Adam. God allows us to make our own choices and gives us the freedom to make the choices we want to make. Whatever choices we decide to make, we will reap the consequences of those choices.
God's promises in His word are true and as He has called us to follow and obey His commandments; when we do obey and give of our time to the Lord, I believe "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ” (Luke 6:38). This verse actually is talking about judging others and how when we demonstrate a forgiving spirit (as God does), treat others graciously and with compassion, God will bring these things back to us in full measure.
God allows us the freedom to choose Him or the ways of this world. When we choose Him, he so graciously blesses us in ways we can't even imagine. He doesn't ever keep the good things of life from us. He asks us to obey His commandments so that we can avoid the harmful and hurtful things this world has to offer.
Open your eyes today to the things the world has tried to lie to you about. Read God's word and stay in it. Therefore, you are able to distinguish truth from the lies of the enemy. Share with others today the truth that has been departed to you. Know that your Father God loves you very much and He wants all the good things in life for you.
P.S. Today we receive the results from my MRI. This will determine what are next steps will be in this part of our journey. Love you all, thank you for your prayers, love, and support.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Nourishment
You know that phrase, "You are what you eat." I am currently in a bible study reading a book called, "Girls Gone Wise, in a world gone wild" and it allowed me to reflect on the influences that are in my life. From media, books, television, and people. It allowed me to ponder what types of things do I want influencing my viewpoint and behaviors. What types of things do I want in my home and around Katherine? As Aaron always tells me, "Would you want Katie watching this or looking at this or being around this?," "Would you do or watch this if Jesus was with you?"
That might seem a bit extreme to some and we can rationalize some things by saying, "well there are some things that are only meant for adults." Which I wholeheartedly agree with (in some cases) and I know that we can't remove ourselves from the world and all that it exposes us to, but we can however be wise in our ways and as Paul tells us, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)"
I have learned over the past several months what we put into our minds determines the ways in which we behave. When we focus our time and energy into God's word, it nourishes our minds with Godly wisdom so that we may impart wisdom to others who need to hear God's word and need Godly counsel.
It truly excites me to read what God says to me, "My child, listen to what I say and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)" God is truly calling out to us to earnestly seek Him; for when we do, He will reveal to us what wisdom truly encompasses.
Using wisdom in everyday life, isn't always easy. Many may balk at you and think of you as a "prude" or as too much of a "holy roller;" when you turn yourself away from things that may be ungodly influences (even though they may not see them that way) or when you make a choice to go against the crowd. As I have been asked, keep track this next week of what influences you may have in your life (e.g. media, magazines, people, movies, etc) that take part in your everyday decisions. Ponder on how they influence your life, your children's lives, and the lives of those around you. Nourish yourself by staying in God's word; for when you need it, it will be there to help you make wise decisions.
That might seem a bit extreme to some and we can rationalize some things by saying, "well there are some things that are only meant for adults." Which I wholeheartedly agree with (in some cases) and I know that we can't remove ourselves from the world and all that it exposes us to, but we can however be wise in our ways and as Paul tells us, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)"
I have learned over the past several months what we put into our minds determines the ways in which we behave. When we focus our time and energy into God's word, it nourishes our minds with Godly wisdom so that we may impart wisdom to others who need to hear God's word and need Godly counsel.
It truly excites me to read what God says to me, "My child, listen to what I say and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)" God is truly calling out to us to earnestly seek Him; for when we do, He will reveal to us what wisdom truly encompasses.
Using wisdom in everyday life, isn't always easy. Many may balk at you and think of you as a "prude" or as too much of a "holy roller;" when you turn yourself away from things that may be ungodly influences (even though they may not see them that way) or when you make a choice to go against the crowd. As I have been asked, keep track this next week of what influences you may have in your life (e.g. media, magazines, people, movies, etc) that take part in your everyday decisions. Ponder on how they influence your life, your children's lives, and the lives of those around you. Nourish yourself by staying in God's word; for when you need it, it will be there to help you make wise decisions.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Pursuing Passion
The Lord has truly been speaking to me about surrounding myself with others who pursue my same passion. My passion lies in delighting the Lord by spending time in His word, walking in His steps, and ultimately pursuing Him and reflecting His image to others in this world.
The Lord has really began to me think about being conscientious of what I am a consumer of and what do I want Katherine to be consumed with. "Those that are consumed of you Lord" is the answer in my heart. The next question came, "Are you consuming and surrounding yourself with what you want Katherine to imitate?" Those questions have many angles and aspects of my life that I know I need to change, sharpen, and clean-up, if I want my daughter to be consumed with her creator the way He has envisioned me to lead her.
One first important way that came to my heart was for me to imitate the faith of others who are surrendered to God and seeking His will in their lives. Spend time with them and learn from them. Imitate Jesus' desire to please the Father. So that I can say with confidence, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
Encircle yourself with those who model to you what God says a true Christian should be. Pursue your Father God, get out of the ruts that you have been in, for He delights in You. You are His passion. He created you in His image. Start today (if you haven't already) to be a model and an example to those you surround yourself with and pray that God allows you to instill His values and examples in your children, your family, your friends, co-workers, and all others that touch your life.
The Lord has really began to me think about being conscientious of what I am a consumer of and what do I want Katherine to be consumed with. "Those that are consumed of you Lord" is the answer in my heart. The next question came, "Are you consuming and surrounding yourself with what you want Katherine to imitate?" Those questions have many angles and aspects of my life that I know I need to change, sharpen, and clean-up, if I want my daughter to be consumed with her creator the way He has envisioned me to lead her.
One first important way that came to my heart was for me to imitate the faith of others who are surrendered to God and seeking His will in their lives. Spend time with them and learn from them. Imitate Jesus' desire to please the Father. So that I can say with confidence, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
Encircle yourself with those who model to you what God says a true Christian should be. Pursue your Father God, get out of the ruts that you have been in, for He delights in You. You are His passion. He created you in His image. Start today (if you haven't already) to be a model and an example to those you surround yourself with and pray that God allows you to instill His values and examples in your children, your family, your friends, co-workers, and all others that touch your life.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Ringing Out
Aaaahhhhhh...I was so excited to be able to ring the beloved bell yesterday after my last treatment. Here are our momentos of that moment.
The plaque with the bell attached says just the perfect words:
Ringing Out
Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say
My treatments done
This course is run
And I am on my way!!!
Yes I am on my way..."It is Finished!" That is exactly what I said yesterday. Those were also Jesus' last infamous words in John 19:30. Not that I endured anything close to what he did, for he already paid the penalty for me with his death, but it felt awesome to be able to say that I had finished these treatments. You might be thinking "is that a sacrilege to compare yourself to Jesus?" Well in all honestly, the Lord knows my heart; it is pure and innocent of any wrong doing.
I have always said that the one person in the bible that I most wanted to be like was Job. At times, I might want to take those words back, but in the end...I always come back to Jobs words, "But as for me, I know that m Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. (Job 19:25). You see, Job confidently believed that in the end God would be on his side. I too believe that no matter what happens to me in this life, my Daddy will always be on my side, even though at moments it doesn't seem that way.
God wants you to know that He will always be on your side; despite the outward circumstances that seem to be present at the moment. Believe that your Daddy is mighty and strong; He has you in the palm of His hand. He loves and cares about you! Speak those words of affirmation to you and those that you come in contact with today. Those words might be just the life-giving words that someone may need to hear. I pray that you have a wonderful day; celebrate the life that God has given you!
The plaque with the bell attached says just the perfect words:
Ringing Out
Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say
My treatments done
This course is run
And I am on my way!!!
Yes I am on my way..."It is Finished!" That is exactly what I said yesterday. Those were also Jesus' last infamous words in John 19:30. Not that I endured anything close to what he did, for he already paid the penalty for me with his death, but it felt awesome to be able to say that I had finished these treatments. You might be thinking "is that a sacrilege to compare yourself to Jesus?" Well in all honestly, the Lord knows my heart; it is pure and innocent of any wrong doing.
I have always said that the one person in the bible that I most wanted to be like was Job. At times, I might want to take those words back, but in the end...I always come back to Jobs words, "But as for me, I know that m Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. (Job 19:25). You see, Job confidently believed that in the end God would be on his side. I too believe that no matter what happens to me in this life, my Daddy will always be on my side, even though at moments it doesn't seem that way.
God wants you to know that He will always be on your side; despite the outward circumstances that seem to be present at the moment. Believe that your Daddy is mighty and strong; He has you in the palm of His hand. He loves and cares about you! Speak those words of affirmation to you and those that you come in contact with today. Those words might be just the life-giving words that someone may need to hear. I pray that you have a wonderful day; celebrate the life that God has given you!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Answered Prayer.
Today I give thanks to you O Lord, with all my heart; I sing praises to you! I give thanks to you for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. (Psalm 138: 1-2)
God's promised to walk beside us through this difficult time in our lives. He has never once left our sides. He has been our rock throughout this journey and continues to be there for us. He has blessed us by providing friends that have stepped up to the plate to provide us with tangible blessings of help around the house, food on our table, rides to my appointments, and laughter, love, and support throughout my radiation.
He has answered all of our prayers. Not always necessarily in the ways we thought, but ultimately His love has endured forever and He has been faithful to us. He has worked out His plans for our lives and has brought us through to today.
This morning I get the privilege and honor of finishing up my last treatment. I am so excited!!! This morning symbolizes all of the great and wonderful ways that God has provided throughout the course of my treatment. He has guided us every step of the way and has given us strength throughout this journey.
Thank You Daddy for all the answered prayers. Know that any prayers that you have asked for, will come at the perfect time, for God works out everything for your good. I challenge you today to reach out to others that need your help; whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. That may be an answer to their prayers! Love you to you all! "See" you after treatment this morning at 8:30 a.m. Keep us in your prayers!!!
God's promised to walk beside us through this difficult time in our lives. He has never once left our sides. He has been our rock throughout this journey and continues to be there for us. He has blessed us by providing friends that have stepped up to the plate to provide us with tangible blessings of help around the house, food on our table, rides to my appointments, and laughter, love, and support throughout my radiation.
He has answered all of our prayers. Not always necessarily in the ways we thought, but ultimately His love has endured forever and He has been faithful to us. He has worked out His plans for our lives and has brought us through to today.
This morning I get the privilege and honor of finishing up my last treatment. I am so excited!!! This morning symbolizes all of the great and wonderful ways that God has provided throughout the course of my treatment. He has guided us every step of the way and has given us strength throughout this journey.
Thank You Daddy for all the answered prayers. Know that any prayers that you have asked for, will come at the perfect time, for God works out everything for your good. I challenge you today to reach out to others that need your help; whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. That may be an answer to their prayers! Love you to you all! "See" you after treatment this morning at 8:30 a.m. Keep us in your prayers!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Seeing the Light.
Today it has been heavy on my heart to speak to you about how important it is to to read God's word. For His word is what gives us the hope that we desperately long for; especially in situations that seem to to have no end.
At times it seems that day after day, we deal with the same difficult situation over and over. It seems like it has no end to it. It seems like a dark tunnel that has no light at the end. Express to the Lord how you feel about the situation you are in now and begin to find scripture that reflects what the Lord says about His promises to you.
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)." I truly love this verse, for it speaks volumes about what we cannot see with our own to eyes. It allows me to know that even though I may not be able to see what is coming, my Father in heaven assures me that if I believe God is who He says He is and believe in His promises then He will fulfill what He has promised.
Over the past several years, I have learned that it is truly important to know God's promises even though I don't always see them coming to pass at the moment that I would like for them to happen. I know that it can be difficult to continue to believe that you will see a light at the end of the dark tunnel you may be in, especially when you see those around you being blessed with those things that you long for. It is in those times, where I have had to cry out to God and say, "Why not me God, Why?"
Know that God hears our every cry, hear sees our every tear shed for the situation that we are going through, but know that He is a big God and He has a bigger plan for your life! There will be times where you may wonder when will I see the "light" that I so desperately long for.
King David was annointed King of Israel at a young age (believed to be between the ages of 12-16); however, he did not become King of Israel until the age of thirty. David faced many challenges and suffered much during his time awaiting to be king (his "light" at the end of the tunnel). Like David, we must wait on God to respond to our long awaited answers; no matter how challenging and arduous life can be know that God has a plan for all that you are going through. His promises are true and He is faithful to His word. Know the promises He has for you today.
Persevere. Learn and know God's promises to you so that you may encourage others with today with those promises He has given both you and them. For today is day 29 of my radiation vacation and I feel l I have seen God's promises come to pass during these past six weeks. For I declare that tomorrow will be the last of my radiation days!! I see the light!
At times it seems that day after day, we deal with the same difficult situation over and over. It seems like it has no end to it. It seems like a dark tunnel that has no light at the end. Express to the Lord how you feel about the situation you are in now and begin to find scripture that reflects what the Lord says about His promises to you.
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)." I truly love this verse, for it speaks volumes about what we cannot see with our own to eyes. It allows me to know that even though I may not be able to see what is coming, my Father in heaven assures me that if I believe God is who He says He is and believe in His promises then He will fulfill what He has promised.
Over the past several years, I have learned that it is truly important to know God's promises even though I don't always see them coming to pass at the moment that I would like for them to happen. I know that it can be difficult to continue to believe that you will see a light at the end of the dark tunnel you may be in, especially when you see those around you being blessed with those things that you long for. It is in those times, where I have had to cry out to God and say, "Why not me God, Why?"
Know that God hears our every cry, hear sees our every tear shed for the situation that we are going through, but know that He is a big God and He has a bigger plan for your life! There will be times where you may wonder when will I see the "light" that I so desperately long for.
King David was annointed King of Israel at a young age (believed to be between the ages of 12-16); however, he did not become King of Israel until the age of thirty. David faced many challenges and suffered much during his time awaiting to be king (his "light" at the end of the tunnel). Like David, we must wait on God to respond to our long awaited answers; no matter how challenging and arduous life can be know that God has a plan for all that you are going through. His promises are true and He is faithful to His word. Know the promises He has for you today.
Persevere. Learn and know God's promises to you so that you may encourage others with today with those promises He has given both you and them. For today is day 29 of my radiation vacation and I feel l I have seen God's promises come to pass during these past six weeks. For I declare that tomorrow will be the last of my radiation days!! I see the light!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Special Treasures
Joseph was one of Jacob's twelve sons, the favorite of all of them. Later, due to jealousy, his brothers sold him into slavery; after many years, he emerged as ruler of all of Egypt.
His brothers had a plan to get rid of him; however, God had other plans for Joseph. Definitely plans that no one could foresee. Plans that were far bigger and greater than he or his family could have ever imagined. After many years of trials and tribulations, the Lord positioned him to his high position in Egypt, so that he could eventually save the lives of many people [the Israelites] and prepared their nation to survive a famine. [See Joseph's story beginning in Genesis 37].
Seemingly, God has other plans for me, not that they seem to even compare with Joseph's; however, God apparently has more lives for me to touch in ways that I may not ever know here on earth, but yesterday we found out that I don't get to finish my radiation on Tuesday, but Thursday (June 9th). Like I have said many times over, our plans are not always God's plans; we must be willing to carry out his plans, even if it means personal sacrifices on our part.
God's plans are not dictated by others' actions; therefore, today allow God to dictate the plans He has for you. Listen to that still small whisper in your inner being, be open for the opportunities that God lies in front of you. Opportunities to to reach out to others in their time of need; whether that be just listening to someone, helping a neighbor, give encouraging words to a co-worker, even if your feel that they don't deserve it.
Be a light into someone else's world today. Be courageous and take a leap of faith [even if it means getting out of your comfort zone], tell someone of how God has worked in your life. You'll never know the special treasures you are planting into others' lives. God can truly use your actions and words to change the lives of many people [even nations] as like Joseph.
His brothers had a plan to get rid of him; however, God had other plans for Joseph. Definitely plans that no one could foresee. Plans that were far bigger and greater than he or his family could have ever imagined. After many years of trials and tribulations, the Lord positioned him to his high position in Egypt, so that he could eventually save the lives of many people [the Israelites] and prepared their nation to survive a famine. [See Joseph's story beginning in Genesis 37].
Seemingly, God has other plans for me, not that they seem to even compare with Joseph's; however, God apparently has more lives for me to touch in ways that I may not ever know here on earth, but yesterday we found out that I don't get to finish my radiation on Tuesday, but Thursday (June 9th). Like I have said many times over, our plans are not always God's plans; we must be willing to carry out his plans, even if it means personal sacrifices on our part.
God's plans are not dictated by others' actions; therefore, today allow God to dictate the plans He has for you. Listen to that still small whisper in your inner being, be open for the opportunities that God lies in front of you. Opportunities to to reach out to others in their time of need; whether that be just listening to someone, helping a neighbor, give encouraging words to a co-worker, even if your feel that they don't deserve it.
Be a light into someone else's world today. Be courageous and take a leap of faith [even if it means getting out of your comfort zone], tell someone of how God has worked in your life. You'll never know the special treasures you are planting into others' lives. God can truly use your actions and words to change the lives of many people [even nations] as like Joseph.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Love
In his book What's So Amazing About Grace? Philip Yancey tells the story of a prostitute who rented out her two year-old daughter for sex and used the money to support her drug habit. When asked if she had thought about going to church for help, a look of "pure, naive shock…crossed her face. ‘Church!' she cried. ‘Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling terrible about myself. They'd just make me feel worse.' "
Unfortunately, this woman's viewpoint speaks for many people's view of Christianity. I for one, haven't always expressed what Jesus would say true love is; in I Corinthians 13:4-7 He says, " Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." As Christians we are to express God's love to others; when we do, it gives us an opportunity to truly demonstrate the joy of love to others.
When we demonstrate Christ's love, we are able to win over others' hearts to Christ, as it shows others that we as Christians, can set aside our own "fleshly," natural inclinations of being selfish. It is then that others can be drawn to want to know "why is it that that person did this for me, especially when I didn't deserve it."
As the woman in Yancey's book felt the criticism of Christians, we can combat that viewpoint by demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit, love being one of them (Galatians 5:22-23). As I have journeyed through my "radiation vacation," God has shown me that the power of loving others' can not only truly benefit them, but me as well. For it displays God's holy spirit working in me and ultimately fulfilling his law.
I have enjoyed seeing others' smile, as I have complimented them or when I have smiled at them and they smile back at me. It let's me know that God's light and love shines through me to them. Including today, I have five days left of this "radiation vacation" and I intend to purposefully show my therapists, all that God has done for me through this journey.
Besides my "baldness" [see the exhibit picture on my May 23rd blog post] and some fatigue, with God's protection and grace, I have had no other side effects. I continue to persevere and can't wait until Tuesday. :)
Unfortunately, this woman's viewpoint speaks for many people's view of Christianity. I for one, haven't always expressed what Jesus would say true love is; in I Corinthians 13:4-7 He says, " Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." As Christians we are to express God's love to others; when we do, it gives us an opportunity to truly demonstrate the joy of love to others.
When we demonstrate Christ's love, we are able to win over others' hearts to Christ, as it shows others that we as Christians, can set aside our own "fleshly," natural inclinations of being selfish. It is then that others can be drawn to want to know "why is it that that person did this for me, especially when I didn't deserve it."
As the woman in Yancey's book felt the criticism of Christians, we can combat that viewpoint by demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit, love being one of them (Galatians 5:22-23). As I have journeyed through my "radiation vacation," God has shown me that the power of loving others' can not only truly benefit them, but me as well. For it displays God's holy spirit working in me and ultimately fulfilling his law.
I have enjoyed seeing others' smile, as I have complimented them or when I have smiled at them and they smile back at me. It let's me know that God's light and love shines through me to them. Including today, I have five days left of this "radiation vacation" and I intend to purposefully show my therapists, all that God has done for me through this journey.
Besides my "baldness" [see the exhibit picture on my May 23rd blog post] and some fatigue, with God's protection and grace, I have had no other side effects. I continue to persevere and can't wait until Tuesday. :)
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