Surprise!

I just have to share this. I got quite a surprise this morning. I am the Destination ImagiNation coordinator for my school. Destination ImagiNation is a program in which student teams solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at local, state, and global tournaments. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the challenges. One of Monrovia's teams was in the state tournament Saturday. I wasn't feeling well so I didn't go. During our school's newscast this morning, my principal started making some announcements. One of them was to congratulate me on winning the Rachel Shankle award at the DI tournament on Saturday. It is an award given to an individual who perseveres through the year-long DI season while facing difficult obstacles. My jaw dropped. I was speechless. I had no idea I had even been nominated for it. I haven't been that surprised in a long time. I can't tell you how honored and humbled I feel. Thank you to whomever nominated me and to the judges who determined I should be the recipient. I'm sure that others have had to face difficult challenges as well. I'm still shocked and quite proud! I needed the reassurance. God is good!

Stresssssed

I just read a brief article about how stress can cause more health problems in breast cancer patients. Really? Who would've thought? I've been extremely stressed lately. It's a catch 22. Part of my stress is the fact that I know I shouldn't be stressed right now, but I have so much going on that I'm stressed about it, which makes me more stressed! LOL!! It's a vicious cycle! I also know that anyone who reads this knows about stress.

Please pray that I can always focus on our Savior who takes care of all of our needs. He loves me so much and doesn't want me to fret about stuff, but I'm just a puny little human being. I'm a doer and a problem-solver. I'm also a teacher and a leader. I enjoy doing and teaching and leading and want to do all of those things well. Unfortunately, I have this little problem that I've been dealing with for 20 months now that just keeps getting in the way. But that little problem is a fact of life for me. If I'm going to continue to live my life the way I want to and the way I feel God is leading me to, then I have to deal with that problem and go on from there. We all have our problems and our crosses to bear. Some are just bigger than others. You know, I really should feel quite honored and privileged that He would allow this to happen. I know He allows things to happen to us so we can bring glory to Him. Luke 12:48 states, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Well, I've been given quite a bit so a lot is expected of me. I just hope I can live up to His expectations.

Happy Easter to Me and to Everyone!

PRAISE GOD THROUGH WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!! I posted a portion of this on facebook yesterday, but if you didn't read it get ready for some great news! Not only did yesterday's CT scan verify that the results from the last one were actually showing infection (form sinus trouble I was having), but one of the cancer lesions had shrunk quite a bit and one was GONE!!! Happy Easter to me!!

This has been quite a journey. I get EXTREMELY tired of traveling to UAB every three weeks, but results like these make it worth it. At least I have the option of treatment! Without it, you wouldn't be reading this blog--there wouldn't be one to read. Yes, God has allowed cancer to be a major part of my life; but He also allowed it during a time in history when it can be treated. There is no cure yet and my life may be shortened, but I continue to be amazed at how He is allowing me to be used for Him during this time. Of course, if He chooses to allow me to live another 50 years, that will be fine with me. If not, I'll just transfer me address to Heaven and oh what a life that will be! As Paul said in Philippians 1:21-26,

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

That last verse may sound a little conceited on my part, but I know that God is allowing this journey of mine to be used for His glory. We endure trials in this life to not only strengthen our faith but to also help others in their journey. He tells us this in His word. What applied to Paul applies to us as well.

I could go on and on quoting verses. There are so many that are applicable to me today. I am rejoicing in this great news! What a mighty God we serve!

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers. Our God is a mighty God. He loves to hear from His people. Thank you for taking the time to approach His throne for me. The prayers of His saints are quite precious to Him.

Love to all!