The Journey Begins!

A few a weeks ago, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.  After a thorough review of my clinical information, it was decided my treatment would include bilateral mastectomies, followed by a year of chemotherapy.  My mother fought this battle in her early thirties, and now it was my battle to fight.  While I don't believe there is ever a good time to deal with cancer, I do trust in God's perfect timing.  In this year's Community Bible Study class, we have been taking a journey through the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers.  We have seen how God displays His glory through His people.  As a matter of fact, the scriptures tell us we were created in the image of God to display His glory (Isaiah 43:7).  In the old testament scriptures God used things like a burning bush or a pillar of fire to reveal His glory.  In the new testament, God's glory was fully displayed in the life, death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.  But how does God reveal his glory today?  Through His children.  As a child of God, it should be the desire of our heart to let others see God through our actions, our words and our motives.  Even though I must fight cancer, I consider it an honor to glorify my good and gracious God in the process of the fight.  I had my double mastectomy on April 25th.  The surgery was successful and I am grateful for all the skilled and kind people God put in my path toward healing.  Despite the pain and drug induced confusion, it was still possible to glorify my God through the trial.   It is my prayer that we will all choose to showcase God's glory and His character in our own lives.  My fight,....His glory!

The Joy of New Life


Even though winter is now over, the landscape still appears brown and dead.  But, if you know where to look, you will see lovely little daffodils and crocuses in bloom and a few buds on the trees getting ready to explode into green.  I notice the birds’ songs appear more vocal as the air is warming and their busy activities give new life to the woods surrounding my home. 

I just love spring, because I like new life. I can’t help but open my eyes with a smile when a little sparrow friend sits outside my bed room window announcing a brand-new day. The smell of wet dirt just after a good rain breathes life back into my tired soul.  I am glad we celebrate Easter in the spring.  What is happening in creation here in the north east, reflects what happened during those days leading up to Easter Sunday.  Friday and Saturday were a winter of despair for the disciples.  What could be worse than the public execution of the One you had given your life to? The first Easter Sunday, and the resurrection of Christ however, offered a springtime of hope.  
In John 10:10, Jesus says he came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. This is possible because our God is a God of grace and his Spirit gives us true life. Because of His precious gift of salvation offered through His son Jesus we can make every day like spring and Easter! Let’s celebrate our salvation by praising God everyday with new songs that tell of His love and new life. Make it a priority to grow deeper with your Savior as you learn something new about Him every day!  Be an ambassador for Christ and share the good news daily with others! My prayer for you is that our Lord will grant you daily wisdom and strength so you may live each day in a way that would please and glorify Him. 
Even more than that, enjoy the life that Jesus brings with each new day that springs forth!