C'mon Ring Those Bells!

In a previous post I mentioned my recent medical journey. I haven been undergoing radiation on my leg for the last six weeks. In the lobby of the treatment facility where I go, there is a bell and a plaque with the following poem inscribed on it:

Survivor's Cheer
Ring this bell
Three times well,
Its toll to clearly say;
My treatment is done!
This course is run!
And I am on my way!

I had never seen anyone actually ring the bell and begun to wonder if anyone actually did. Then one day last week as I came in for my treatment, I heard the bell. I saw the joy and relief on the face of the lady who rung it. Her friends and family, along with the facility staff, were gathered around cheering her on. It was an amazing sight. The nurses later told me they've had people who were treated at other facilities ask to come ring the bell once they completed their treatments. (Of course they let them.)

Today I got to ring that bell. I completed my final radiation treatment. I didn't expect to feel so emotional, after all I have been doing this every day for the last six and a half weeks. I figured this would be just another day. But it wasn't. After ringing that bell, seeing my husband smiling from ear to ear, and hearing the staff cheer, I walked out the doors with a new outlook on life: I am now a survivor.

If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, I encourage you to find out if your treatment center does any type of celebration when your treatment is completed. If not, create your own. Invite family and friends to meet you there. Bring refreshments (I'm sure the staff would appreciate some, too!). Or simply arrange for a celebratory dinner afterward. You've earned it.

If you know someone undergoing treatment for cancer, buy him or her a bell. Attach a copy of the above poem. Offer to celebrate with them...and be prepared to clap, cheer, shout, whistle, and carry on for your loved one. You'll never know how loved it will make them feel.

Praying for Baby Zoe's recovery from surgery

I've been wanting to do an update on Zoe for awhile, but didn't have any recent photos/video to post. But finally, here it is...

Zoe and family are in Atlanta as he recovers from surgery yesterday to correct a non-threatening defect called hypospadias. I talked with my mom and dad this morning (they are also in Atlanta) and they said the surgery went very well. The released Zoe last night (didn't even keep him overnight) and he stayed with Jim & Carmen at the Ronald McDonald House. (Nanee & PaPa kept the other 2 kids at the hotel with them.) The surgeon will check Zoe in a few weeks and determine when and if a follow-up surgery will be needed.

You can see get more updates, see additional video of Zoe, and even hear him laughing at his web site.

Thank you for all your continued prayer for my sister and her family!

God, Our Protector

We've had an interesting start to 2009. Today the kiddos and I were involved in a car accident. We are all OK, but our minivan (and main mode of kiddo-transportation) is, for the moment, undrivable.

We are definitely counting our blessings tonight--we are not seriously injured and, by all accounts, our vehicle is fixable. The other vehicle hit the passenger side (the side Little Miss sits on); a few seconds earlier into the intersection would have resulted in a direct hit to her door. I won't allow myself to even think what that would have meant. I am simply so grateful for a God who watches over us.

For (God) will command his angels concerning you to guard you in
all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will
not strike your foot against a stone. -Psalm 91:11,12

I am simply grateful that He charges His angels with the task of protecting my little angels...especially when I cannot.

Hail to the Chief

(Two political posts in one week...don't get used to it!)

Anyone who knows me well--for that matter anyone who read yesterday's post--knows that I hold some fairly conservative and traditional views. While last night's election didn't turn out the way I had initially hoped for, there are so many things I am thankful for:

• I am thankful to live in a nation where we, the people, are allowed to have a voice in choosing our leadership.
• I am thankful that I am allowed to speak my mind to openly, and respectfully, disagree with political leaders and legislation.
• I am thankful that I was able to witness history in the making as the first African-American candidate was elected president.
• I am proud to be part of a country who has survived the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, and came through it all stronger....strong enough to elect an African-American president less than 150 years after ending the Civil War.
• I am thankful that I serve One who is in control of history andthe future--who "holds the heart of the [president] in his hand; He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases" (Proverbs 21:1).

The American people have spoken and elected Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America. He will be the leader of our nation. What does that mean for me as a conservative Christian?

It means that I will respect him. It means that I will show him honor. It means that I will pray for him and support him. Do I agree with everything he stands for? No. Will I like everything he does? Probably not. Will he bring good or harm to our country? Only time will tell. But none of that should be my concern.

My concern should be to live according to God's standard for my life, and according to Romans 13, God commands me to, "submit [myself] to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."

We may not agree politically, but president-elect Obama has been placed in this position by God Almighty. It is not my job to criticize or malign him (or his followers). It is my responsibility to "give everyone what [I] owe him...if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

As president of the United States, I owe him my respect and my honor.

You Won't Hear Much from Me about Politics...

However, since the future of our nation lies in the balance today, I figured it is appropriate to share some thoughts. First, let me say I'm not one to jump in to a political discussion or debate. I typically try to avoid them, and if for some reason I can't, I'm usually the first to grow tired of it and leave the conversation.

It's not that I don't think we should be informed or aware. I absolutely believe that as an American and a Christian, it's one's obligation to be informed of the issues and take action in an appropriate manner. But I also grow weary of all the campaign ads, political debate, and speculation and conjecture from the "talking heads." But in this election, both sides seem to agree on one thing--there is so much at stake.

As a Christian, I am saddened, and often annoyed, by the way some "believers" approach political issues and elections. I believe there is NEVER an excuse for a Christian to be defamatory or malicious toward another person, no matter what their beliefs. That's why I was so proud when two friends each posted thoughtful and well-spoken insights on today's campaign. Each demonstrated intelligent arguments presented in a respectful and, I believe, Christlike attitude. You can read them here and here. Thank you Vince and John Jay!

First let me say that I have great respect and admiration for both candidates. I commend Barack Obama for overcoming great obstacles in his life to make a greater life for himself and his family...to essentially realize the American dream. And no one can dispute John McCain's service to his country, both in the military and as a prisoner of war. If, for no other reason, he deserves our utmost appreciation and respect.

As for the VP candidates, my heart goes out to Joe Biden for the personal tragedy he endured early in his career. I cannot imagine losing a spouse, let alone a child at the same time. As for Sarah Palin, I think her record and her reputation speak for themselves. In my opinion she has been treated unfairly by the mainstream media who seem to have a double standard when it comes to liberal vs. conservative women in politics. But Sarah Palin has risen above it and handled it with grace and dignity.

No one should vote for a candidate because of sympathetic circumstances or a charismatic personality. It is every American's duty--and more so every Christian's duty--to vote on the issues. I believe life begins at conception and we should do everything in our power to protect the unborn. I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman, and I believe in the traditional family unit. I believe the role of a Supreme Court justice is to interpret the law and Constitution, not rewrite it. I believe our country was founded by great men who had great faith in a supreme and all-knowing God, and it would serve our country well to remember that.

Whatever your opinions are on economic, military, or other political issues, if you are a follower of Christ, your sole concern should be the issues of morality. Our pastor said it so eloquently last Sunday, "We should be concerned with economic and political issues, but as Christians, moral issues trump every other political issue" (my paraphrase).

If you remain undecided, I urge you to seriously consider the issues--particularly moral ones--and pray fervently for direction. Ask yourself, what's really at stake in this election? It's more than just economics and health care...it's the moral fiber of our nation. Then, go vote! It's Election Day...get out there and vote your conscience!

We Continue to Pray for Baby Zoe

Baby Zoe this morning

To follow Baby Zoe's story, visit the web site here.

Precious Life

Last night we got a call that my youngest sister had gone into labor at only 34 weeks. There was obvious worry and concern, coupled with much prayer for my sister and the baby. Because Sis and her family live in a small, rural town her doctor had to travel an hour to arrive at the hospital. When the doctor finally arrived, they decided to take deliver the baby via C-section.

The baby weighed 3 lb, 3 oz and had complications with many of his vital organs. He was on 100% oxygen and was rushed to another hospital with an excellent Neonatal ICU. Sis encouraged her Hubby to go with the baby while she stayed behind to recover from surgery. When Baby and Sis' Hubby arrived at the second hospital, the baby's heart, stomach, and lungs were all doing well. As of this morning, his oxygen support had been reduced to only 33% and his blood pressure was stable.

They have named the baby Zoe, which means "abundant life," and this precious, tiny one is fighting for his. Things have greatly improved since last night. My sister hopes to be released tomorrow to join her family with its newest addition. My parents are there now to offer their love and support. I hate that I live too far to just pick up and go at a moment's notice. But I offer my prayers and send my love across the miles.

We are all believing that Zoe will grow into a strong, vibrant young man. We serve an Amazing God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. I can't wait to see the story Zoe tells through his amazing life!

Welcome Little Zoe...hang in there, we're praying for you!

Forgiveness

I hate that after 30+ years in this thing we call the Christian walk, I still have to ask for it (forgiveness). But I'm so glad that once I do, it's available--from God, from my family, from my friends. Unfortunately, it's often those closest to me whom I ask it of most often. I guess that's how it is with us all. We show our true colors to those we really love. It's just that sometimes those colors aren't the prettiest in the box. Sometimes they're tainted with fatigue, attitudes, emotions, tempers, reactions...the list goes on.

The whole concept of God's forgiveness fascinates me. When you really stop to think about the fact that God chooses to completely erase our trangressions, it's overwhelming. To think that He can absolutely NOT remember my previous sins (for which I've asked forgiveness) is utterly amazing to me. I only wish I could do the same, because it seems that when I fall I'm reminded of all the times I've fallen before and will probably do so again. I'm reminded once again how truly mortal and imperfect I am. Then again, I guess that might be a blessing in disguise, for not only am I reminded of my failures, but I'm reminded of His grace...His truly amazing grace.

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed

our transgressions from us"

--Psalm 103:12

My Condolences to and Prayers for the Chapman Family

A few weeks ago, I posted the lyrics to my most recently favorite song, "One Hearbeat At A Time" by Steven Curtis Chapman. (Click here to see my original post.) I am a long-time fan of SCC and his music. So I was heartbroken to find out today that his youngest daughter was in a tragic and fatal accident. For the whole story, click here.

I cannot imagine the pain the Chapman family must be feeling. My heart aches for them. Please join me in praying that God will give them peace, strength, faith, and guidance at this difficult time.