Crochet Love. Pain and Meds. Proverb of the Day 16:33. Happy Song.

Crochet Love. 

https://thegreendragonfly.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/crochet-and-fabric-quilt/#comment-13548

Almost a year ago, Janette from The Green Dragonfly posted this beautiful fabric/crocheted blanket that her mother-in-law made.  Honestly, "beautiful" doesn't do this gorgeous blanket/afghan justice!  So, here is more eye candy that you may enjoy!  Here's one from Lori Holt at Bee in My Bonnet! 

http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2012/08/fusion-blanket-crochet-along.html

 Here's another one from Heidi at Sewing Daisies!  

http://sewingdaisies.com.au/2011/03/kaffe-fusion-completed/

These ladies are so talented!  I'm definitely inspired! 

Pain and Meds
Today was tough - pain.....but I think I'm realizing that I cannot skip not one dose - not one - of meds.  I think if I remember to take them, I'll have more good days.  I think.
For pain, I'm taking Gabapentin (for fibromyalgia), Vitamin B Complex (recommended by my oncologist) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (recommended by a fellow cancer survivor).  
This website has some great ideas to help us remember to take our meds.  For now, I'll add an alarm to my Smart Phone.  

http://www.mymeds.co.nz/mymeds/looking-for-ways-to-remember-and-organise-your-medicine/dont-forget/

Proverb of the Day 16:33


Again, I prayed and was actively looking for a verse that had never caught my attention.  Boy, this one sure stood out to me!
Observation:
According to Elliot's Commentary, basically we should realize that it's God who provides for us, not coincedence or chance.  Therefore this verse should be an encouragement to us.  
Matthew Henry's Commentary states that we are blessed to "give ourselves" to the will of God, for He knows what's best for us.  
I would like to see the Amplified version of this verse:

So, the way I understand it, there are no coincidences, God determines our fate, our lives....everything....right?

Application:
So, let's look at this.  And if our LORD is in charge, we should rejoice and trust in all circumstances......even in the face of cancer. Ouch...Yup...even in the face of cancer, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation treatment, neuropathy, pain, fatigue, painful memories - in all circumstances.....

Eeesh....this is hard.  I have tears in my throat as I write this.....but it does make sense....

https://benziher.wordpress.com/tag/my-strength/

This is precisely how I got through, how I continue to live victoriously in spite of all the aforementioned circumstances.....my faith leads me to joy of the LORD which leads me to strength.....

Prayer
LORD, God, my Abba Father, thank you...thank you...thank you....
Let me recall this lesson:  nothing is coincidence, You are my Providence....
Breast cancer made me 
stronger, wiser, more humble.

Breast cancer brought so much more unity in my family!

Breast cancer introduced many wonderful people in my life.

Breast cancer has indeed been a blessing.
Thank you.

On the same note, however:

http://quotesgram.com/cancer-motivational-quotes/

Happy Song
During Praise and Worship I used to to sing along with songs along this theme with all my heart....
Now I sing along with the same heart, but now I have more clarity about the cost.  

I'm His work of art - scars and all - and - thank God, I'm still praising Him.

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Day 15:23. Happy Song.

Proverb of the Day 15:23

Observation:

I agree with Matthew Henry’s Commentary, it is awesome when we know we have given an apt – suitable or proper – answer.  Not only does the speaker find joy in helping their friend, but, indeed, a timely word is good – to me – is a blessing. 

Application:

Today I asked God to show me a verse that I have read often and overlooked, hence today’s Proverb.  And look how true verse 23 is!  

Confession time: 

I’m not one for chit chat, small talk, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah! I tend to put my foot in my mouth during small talk!   

I prefer to get to the meat of a person – of a friend: 

“Hello!  How are you?  Now, how are you really?  I care and want to know!  The cell phone is off.  I’m listening to you.”  Or even just giving them a hug – a really one.  Then asking if they would like to get together – and actually setting a date.  

http://17gon.blogspot.com/2015/10/tell-me-how-you-really-feel-23.html
http://iheartintelligence.com/

It’s during these times that God seems to work through me – to help me really listen, read body language and tenderly ask questions. Or sometimes to just listen, no judgement, no questions, just compassionately listening. 

Listening is becoming a lost art.

Compassionate listening is also an apt reply. 

Hmmmmm.

http://www.compassionatelistening.org/

But, on the other side of the coin what would I have done without my friends listening to me this past year.  I have definitely been on the receiving end of an apt reply and a timely word! 

Prayer: 

LORD, thank you for this hidden jewel in Your Word!  Thank you for my all my loved ones’ listening, crying and comforting me as we all fought breast cancer!  You are amazing, LORD! 

Please help me to be the one who gives and apt reply and a timely word……and help me to reach out to others that I may receive their apt reply and timely words as well.  It’s so much easier to give than to receive….I know I need to work on reaching out and receiving…..

You’re so good, LORD!

Happy Song

Proverb of the Day 14:15. Finished WIP! Happy Song.

Proverb of the Day 14:15

Observation:  I need to think about what I am hearing, reading and even seeing.  Because I want to be a prudent person, I need to, as my Pastor said, “…push the pause button before proceeding.” 

Application:

Have you ever heard or read something that you knew was wrong, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it?  That happened to me the other day as I was researching a Scripture.  I read the whole article, to include a link the author recommended.  I agreed with part of the article, but, the main gist of it…..well, not so much….but I just couldn’t put my finger on my issue….

I sent a link of it to my “spiritual mom” and asked her opinion.  Thank God for our spiritual mothers – the women who nourish and water the seeds of our faith!  

She was able to verbalize and clarify my thoughts – it was strange how she cleared the muddy waters in my mind.  That my dear friends was God!

Prayer:

LORD, help me to be more prudent!  Thank you for my spiritual mom.  Help me to gain prudence (wisdom) by prayerfully digging deeper in to Your Word, into the commentaries and then bouncing ideas off my dear mom.  Thank you for today’s learning!  Help me to remember it!

Finished WIP
I finished my table topper!  I used "Recess", a Schnibbles by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.  and I learned a tough lesson in setting triangles and reading directions!  Oh, you don't see the settting triangles?  It's because I so messed  up, that I just cut off those pesky little guys (as suggested by my daughter)!  Not to worry, I plan to make another one!  I love how cheerful it came out.....time for matching coasters?  

I just had to leave my Mia's dog toys in the picture!  

Happy Song

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Month May 2016. Isaiah 43:2. Happy Song.

Proverb for the Month - May 2016

https://nimfa1219.wordpress.com/tag/proverbs-162/

I love this image……This person seems deep in thought in a beautiful location.  I’m also learning to walk with God, press the pause button, and seek out my motives for my actions.  Of course, I err!  But, as I begin to develop this practice of prayerfully seeking out my heart and motives, I become more loving, more gentle, more Christ like. 

Isaiah 43:2

My love with the ocean started in Okinawa, Japan.  It was there, via a wise friend’s comments, that I saw God’s power in the ocean.  Certainly, I had always seen His majesty as I gazed at the ocean, but power?  Not so much.

She was going through medical testing that required cyclical visits to the hospital in the same day.  On her “off time”, we would go to the beach.  I asked her how she could be so peaceful.  She responded (paraphrased), “You see how the ocean waves come only so far?  If God can hold these powerful waves back from overcoming us, He can certainly handle this situation.” 

Yes indeed.

Reminds me of this beloved verse: 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/isaiah-43/

This means me. 

This means you.

Yes, my dear friend, you. 

He loves you.

https://awakenedbride.wordpress.com/2011/07/

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Happy Song

Six Months Out.Proverb of the Day 7:9. Cancer, Get Cancer and Die! Happy Song.

Six Months Out

Ok, so I just got home from Part 1 of my bone scan – you know – the scan that looks for cancer of the bones. 

Part 1 is an injection with mild radioactive materials that allow the bones to be seen on a scan.  Part 2 is the scan taken exactly three hours later. 

We are performing this test to try and figure out the reasons for the continuing foot pain.

Is it chemotherapy related neuropathy?

Is it that the chemotherapy aggravated the fibromyalgia?

My oncologist has decided on several courses of action because his clinical exam does not indicate the first option:  chemotherapy related neuropathy.

1.         A B12 blood test

2.        A thyroid blood test

3.        A bone scan

4.        A nerve conduction study

These tests on top of the

5.        DX mammogram

I didn’t realize how nervous I was about the bone scan until I was on my way to the appointment for the injection.  Eeeesh.  There’s any number of dear friends who would have gone with me, but I thought it was no big deal.  Ha!

But God is faithful, even in our (my) silliness.  I plugged in my faithful Praise list and played this song:

I love this part of the song:

You brought me this far
So why would I question You now
You have provided
So why would I start to doubt
I’ve never been stranded, abandoned
Or left here to fight alone
So I’m giving You control

Even in my roughest most painful times, God was there right with me.  You know how I know?  I asked him where He was and He showed me.

He was there

fighting for me.

You know how I know?

I’m literally alive.

I’m here.

At this point, I’m working out the why’s of past pains,

But I’m here

To work them out

With Him.

I’m here.

So,

If peace is a river let it sweep over me
If I’m under fire I know it’s refining me
When I hear You calling out I follow now
Wherever the road may go
I know You’re leading me home

-          Lift My Life Up by Unspoken

I’m being refined right now and He’s leading me home.  Therefore, I can sincerely sing the chorus with my entire heart – even if it’s through my tears:

I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord,†I leave it in Your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up
Have Your way in me
Have Your way in me

·       Lift My Life Up by Unspoken

Update:  unofficial word is that my bones are cancer free! Dance of joy, people!!

Proverb of the Day 7:9

Night times seems to make everything disquieting.

Fevers seem to go up at night.

Suspenseful movies.

A noise in the back room of the house.

Worries.

Sin.

Here’s verse 9 in context:

We believe darkness covers sin.

That’s when temptation and the enemy rear their ugly heads. 

But it’s also a great opportunity for prayer and when our victory through our LORD Jesus Christ can be the greatest!  As we fervently pray for ourselves and our loved ones, His Spirit will move in ways unimagined by our finite minds!

I heard this story during a Sunday sermon many years ago.

A young lady dressed to go dancing.  She didn’t realize the club she was going to was extremely disreputable. 

That same night a Grandmother is suddenly compelled to pray for her granddaughter.  She prays throughout the night without ceasing.  She prays the blood of Jesus over her beloved grandchild. 

The young lady is in line to pay her cover charge.  Suddenly the bouncers start screaming, “Get her out of here!  She’s covered in blood!  Get her out of here!”

Yup, she was covered in blood – Jesus’ precious blood saved her – thanks to a Grandmother’s tender spirit obeying the call of God to pray – at night.

http://blog2collectionsanfavs.tumblr.com/post/51573497919/hookandlinen-via-facebook-county-cajun-magic

Cancer, Get Cancer and Die!

I found out a person I worked with has leukemia.  It’s really bothering me.  I’m not part of his inner circle at all.  I was once a colleague and even then for just a brief time. 

But I will write him and say that

he’s being prayed for,

I would like to send him a note once in awhile,

And give him support group information.

Hopefully, he allows me to send an occasional short note.

I keep reminding myself it’s all about him now, not me.  But, I also know I would feel better if I could do something.

My heart breaks for him.  He’s so young and talented in his field.

I will end with this image I came across some time ago.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469922542345428005/

Ok, so I saw this image and just had to post it….it has nothing to do with anything.  It’s just funny.

http://www.nexthaha.com/

Happy Song

Dear Friend, 
This is my truth.