What Do You Say May?

What do you say, May? Here we are again–you, me, and 8 billion more. What will you offer? Peace over protest? Safety in the storm? Hope despite hazards? Relief from rage? Love as a universal language? Cures for cancer? Immunity from infections? Interruptions in ignorance? Harmony instead of hate? Compassion in place of cold-heartedness? Trust and tricky traps to stop trafficking? Collaboration instead of costly corruption? Good over evil?

What do you say, May? Do you know real peace? Do you have hope?

Are you worried about tomorrow?

As for me, I’ll keep pressing on. I’m tired, but joyful. I’m sore, but satisfied. My wardrobe might be a bit warm for Missouri weather, but I’ll put on my armor each day. My belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit,…and of course, my hiking boots of peace. My shield of faith might get heavy, but I refuse to put it down. What do you say May?

Happy May, dear friends. YOU ARE LOVED.โฃ๏ธ

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

“Always it’s spring and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves.”

E.E. Cummings

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

“When the sun is out, and the wind is still, youโ€™re one month on in the middle of May.”

Robert Frost

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Have faith๐Ÿ’š

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Memorial Day and More

Iโ€™ll never forget the sacrifices made~then and now. I have much to be thankful for today. Thank you to those who have served and are serving now. What a beautiful time to remember those that have gone before us. โค๏ธ ๐Ÿค ๐Ÿ’™

It was a month ago when I shared my latest post. I was healing from Covid and so thankful for everyoneโ€™s prayers and understanding. After one more successful school visit (I was on cloud 9!), I woke up in severe pain. Visiting hospitals is something I dread. But this day was different. I just knew I had to go.

After several days in the hospital and many tests, it was determined that I have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor/cancer. There was confusion as to what I really did have~pancreatic? Liver? The painkillers and the surreal moment made me feel I was outside of myself and observing a strange experience. Iโ€™ve had health challenges, but this was different. Thereโ€™s a mass on my pancreas, around 9 lesions on the liver, and it metastasized in two lymph nodes, a small place on my skull, thoracic spine, hip, and pelvis. Although the tumor is grade 1 (slow growth) the cancer is stage 4. Surgery is not an option at this time. I begin chemo pills this Friday. Iโ€™m believing theyโ€™ll shrink and side effects never form. I tried to write one day~the pain overtook my pen. Iโ€™ve felt every emotion I could possible feel.

My family and friends are my team. Iโ€™ve yet to be alone as they all wish to be with me through at least the first few days of chemo. Iโ€™m completely overwhelmed by the support. At times I just cry. My Dad has overcome so much and I want to be like him. To say I have no fear would be a complete lie. To say I trust God in every step is my absolute truth. I no longer blame every pain on my past injuries. I was becoming great at that. In my heart I knew something wasnโ€™t write. Friends, if you feel that please talk to your doctor or a supporter that could encourage you to seek truth. This has apparently been in me for quite a while. Iโ€™ve missed writing, reading, and โ€œseeingโ€ all of you. Since I began blogging this has been my longest break. It will take me a bit to learn my new โ€œnormalโ€. Iโ€™ll get there! My faith wonโ€™t be moved. I will fight. The most encouraging thing to me is this: as a follower of Christ I win no matter what. He has put the right people in place. Iโ€™m still reaching out to research hospitals and listening carefully. Iโ€™m encouraged itโ€™s treatable! Prayers for my body to accept the treatments (and thereโ€™s back up plans if this doesnโ€™t work). Iโ€™m used to being active, being outdoors, writing and reading~Iโ€™m ready to do it. I realize I must be patient.

To my family and friends-I love you dearly and words canโ€™t express my gratitude. Thank you Red Cross and the bases in Alaska and Washington (and Germany for my youngest sonโ€™s short stay) for allowing my sons and their families to be here for this time. One doctor told me I didnโ€™t have to live in pain anymore. I know that pain has drawn me closer to God. I also know the suffering here doesnโ€™t matter because glory is waiting. I love you all.

WP family~My responses and reading your blogs have been delayed. Thank you WP family for being you and giving support.

Have faith ๐Ÿ’›