When I showed up at work this week with a thermal coffee cup with a pink ribbon on it, I was asked in a joking but serious manner, “How much stuff do you have with the pink ribbon on it?!?!”
A lot of stuff that I’ve accumulated over the past 14 years, most of which has been given to me as gifts, I’ve earned as prizes for fund raising, received for speaking and some I felt like buying for myself. It started to sound humerous when i began to list some of the things I have with the pink ribbon on them. I pretended like I was bragging as it began to sound silly all the things I had with this breast cancer symbol on them. My co-worker joked, “You are so “lucky”, I wish I could be just like you!”
Sometimes the humour must be found when dealing with such a serious and difficult situation. I found the lighter-side just then listing all the things I have with a pink ribbon on them.
Everyone of them a reminder of all that I’ve been through and all I’ve overcome.
Socks, shorts, many T-shirts, long sleeved shirts, vests, pull-over, baseball hat, toque, winter scarf, bandanna, dress scarf, pashmina, temporary tattoos, buttons, pins, bracelets, necklaces, watches, earrings, backpack, laptop bag, over the shoulder back, umbrellas, shoes, blankets, ipod, teddy bears, frig-magnets, car-magnet, key chain, bra top, water bottle, photo album, picture frame, art work, photos,coins, candle holders... the list goes on.
Life goes on...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Please pray for this amazing young woman and her young family.
The following Tribute was written for my friend, Rachel (Sawer) Barkey. If you know her I'm sure your heart has been broken by her sad news. If you don't know her, please read what I've written and say a prayer or more for her and her family. She's been married for almost 11 years to her wonderful husband Neil, and they have two children Quinn who is 6 and Kate who is 5.
I wish all of lifes blessings be squeezed into their remaining time, however long God has planned. I pray that I'll send her flowers for her 38th birthday as well.
I wish all of lifes blessings be squeezed into their remaining time, however long God has planned. I pray that I'll send her flowers for her 38th birthday as well.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
"Celebrating You!"
A “toast” to a Dear Friend.
My world was rocked this week, in a hard and cruel direction, when I received word that a life long, dear friend had received a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer returning. The vengeful disease has spread to her liver and bones; she was initially treated aggressively four and half years ago.
I write this “toast” to her today, on this her 37th birthday. I want to give tribute to her on this day for the life that she lives so well. Every step of the way she keeps her eye on the prize that God has set before her and takes each day in stride. I have seen this for almost 30 years, from that fist day I saw her confidently enter our Sunday school room, at Sardis Community Church . We were 8 years old and could have passed as sisters; for which we were often mistaken as through the years ( a mistake I found so flattering time and time again) She greeted me that first day with a beaming, welcoming smile and I knew that instant, my life would be richer if I could call her my friend.
I was in awe of her every Sunday as she recited her memory verses perfectly and knew the answer to every question; I wanted to be just like her. I was so excited when I was invited for that first visit to her home. Her family had fairly recently returned from the Mission field in Africa , and were house-sitting until they were settled. I was fascinated by this little girl who looked so much like me; our birthdays were even only three weeks apart, in yet our lives had been so different. We’d lived on separate continents and grown-up in different worlds until then. I remember thinking that we were so similar in yet so uniquely different.
Her father was a Doctor, a missionary doctor, and my Daddy’s were hippies. Her name was biblical and mine was of the “air”. My brothers and I got names representing the “earth” (Forrest), “water” (D.E.W. “Daniel”) and “air” (Feather), I was a “good” flower child and she was a good MK. I remember she’d often nudge me out for top prize in Sunday school class memory verse competition and usually win the bible trivia games. She set the bar high, rose to the occasion and challenged the rest of us, including me to work harder and always do our best. It was healthy competition and though she usually came in first; even as little girls she was the first one to give a word of encouragement and praise for our efforts. I remember once trying out for a solo in children’s choir, she got the one I wanted and she did it so well, it made me sing my heart out when it was my turn. She could sing, act, do gymnastics, play sports and get straight A’s in school, all the while being a friend to everyone, lighting up the room where ever she went and drawing everyone close to her.
She is a natural born leader and friend. She is so attractive to everyone, I don’t think there was a single boy in our youth group that didn’t have a crush on her at one time or another! Her beauty always shone inside and out and was never missed.
When I was 9 years old I was baptized. She let me borrow her Dad on this special day and after I shared my testimony he prayed the prayer of dedication for me. By this time visiting her home was a regular activity for me and I enjoyed many of them as well as many special occasions and birthdays.
As a young teen,13, I considered going to MEI just so I could spend more time with her. I decided in the end to attend Sardis which was obviously where God intended for me to go.
We stayed close over the years of high school through youth group, Sunday school, church activities, family camp and church dramas. When I’d see her play basket ball in high school, I was glad I never had to play against her! She dominated the game, played hard, and showed the rest of us how to be the best team player, the MVP and be devoted to her personal best. She exemplified dedication, discipline and focus; while being full of school spirit, appreciation for her opponents and love for the game. When I saw her play I was sure proud to call her my friend, even if it meant getting a sweaty hug! After high school we didn’t see as much of each other, but when we did it was always like no time had passed and we’d pick up where we’d left off.
By God’s wonderfully guided hand she moved across the hall from me in my apartment, in 1994-95. During which time we were 23 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. She rallied around me as any loving caring friend would, and it was so great to have someone who’d known me most of my life live so close by during such a difficult time in my life. We attended a retreat together at Camp Malibu, up the BC Coast at Jervis inlet, where we connected again and shared talks on a deeply spiritual and emotional level. These talks set a foundation of incredible personal growth, maturity and development in me. She encouraged me in ways only she could have and she gave me compliments that have always stuck by me and meant so much to me all these year’s because they came from her. She told me that weekend that I had amazing eyes, ever since then I’ve really loved my eyes. She helped me to see things in a way I’d never seen them before. Her heart felt honesty and openness moved me, changed me and inspired me. From that point on in my life my heart changed and I became much more open, honest and real person, because of the wonderful example she’d been to me.
That summer I met a guy, who I thought rather cute, but once I introduced him to her, it was over for me. But that was okay, he was a very lucky guy. Later that summer in Ontario I met her husband to be, that she didn’t even know yet; I was impressed. (She went to the same high school as my husband, what a small world!) In 1998 we ended up in premarital counseling together at Northview church in Abbotsford. We ended up getting married a few weeks apart and we’d “complained” to each other a year and a half or so before, in the foyer of our childhood church, that we were still single. God knew He had the right men in mind for us!
In late June of 2004 she called me to let me know she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was shocked and saddened; as this was something I’d been through and would have never wished for anyone, especially for someone I’d loved and cared for. I was happy that she felt she could call me and reach out to me in her time of need but saddened by the circumstances. I only hoped and prayed the best for her always. My heart ached as she shared her painful journey through her cancer treatment. I always appreciated her calls, notes, cards and emails. I was especially glad when her communications turned out well and she’d recovered from treatment and returned to “normal” living with her husband and two young children.
Little did we know that only a few years later I’d find myself in almost the same situation; two young children, a diagnosis of breast cancer and many months of cancer treatment and an uncertain future. She was one of the first people I called, and I believe my message said something like, “This is like a sick version of Tag, but I guess I’m it.” She called me back and we had many heart to heart talks over that year plus. She allowed me to discuss the tough questions with her, that I felt I couldn’t really discuss with any one else. She allowed me to cry when needed, she answered my questions openly and bluntly and enabled me to stumble upon many of my own answers. Her calm, familiar voice reassured me of God’s perfect plan for my life and of the childlike faith I needed to embrace once again. She was the friend I needed and always had in her. Today I thank her again for being there for me, and taking the time to revisit some of her painful thoughts and memories for me. She enriched my soul and gave me hope. She caused me to focus again on our Heavenly Father and to bask in His glory; to be grateful for the life He has given so freely to us and the promises that we can cling to in living this life and facing our death.
Even now as her reality is my greatest nightmare, she reminds me that He is faithful. That He knew us in our mother’s womb and has never forsaken us. That His will, will be done on earth and that He will take us to Heaven. She finds peace in knowing God has prepared a place for her that she will be sooner than we’d all like, but she knows she serves a God who is good...all the time.
At this time we plead with God to keep her here as long as possible. We pray comfort for her family and all those that love her. We pray especially for her husband, son and daughter who God has given to her as her family.
It is the longing of my heart that my life will continue to be touched, inspired, molded, challenged and changed by this amazing friend and woman of God. Thank-you my dear friend for a life lived so well, even in the face of your current reality. Thank-you for your courageous, beautiful, thoughtful, caring and giving spirit; thank-you for being my friend.
Things that I have learnt from this friend:
1. That Methuselah was the oldest living man, and mentioned in the Bible.
2. Where Botswana was, beside South Africa.
3. That bald is still beautiful.
4. That women are so much more than our breasts.
5. When you communicate with someone, look through their eyes to their soul.
6. Trust God in all things.
7. Always put your best foot forward.
8. Its okay to get a second and third opinion from a medical professional.
9. If you eat slowly, you won’t be as hungry in 20 minutes and you’ll eat less.
10. VW’s provide the “coolest” ride! Especially red bugs!
11. Realness is a gift you can offer others.
12. Perfection is not a gift, but something we can overcome.(None of us are perfect)
13. Sing your heart out.
14. Play hard! Work hard!
15. Love harder and forgive.
16. Great men will be eventually found; after some good men and some not so good men
17. That I have beautiful eyes.
18. That I’m never alone.
19. That friends can grow apart and still be close.
20. That dreams can come true even if you wake before they are over.
My world was rocked this week, in a hard and cruel direction, when I received word that a life long, dear friend had received a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer returning. The vengeful disease has spread to her liver and bones; she was initially treated aggressively four and half years ago.
I write this “toast” to her today, on this her 37th birthday. I want to give tribute to her on this day for the life that she lives so well. Every step of the way she keeps her eye on the prize that God has set before her and takes each day in stride. I have seen this for almost 30 years, from that fist day I saw her confidently enter our Sunday school room, at Sardis Community Church . We were 8 years old and could have passed as sisters; for which we were often mistaken as through the years ( a mistake I found so flattering time and time again) She greeted me that first day with a beaming, welcoming smile and I knew that instant, my life would be richer if I could call her my friend.
I was in awe of her every Sunday as she recited her memory verses perfectly and knew the answer to every question; I wanted to be just like her. I was so excited when I was invited for that first visit to her home. Her family had fairly recently returned from the Mission field in Africa , and were house-sitting until they were settled. I was fascinated by this little girl who looked so much like me; our birthdays were even only three weeks apart, in yet our lives had been so different. We’d lived on separate continents and grown-up in different worlds until then. I remember thinking that we were so similar in yet so uniquely different.
Her father was a Doctor, a missionary doctor, and my Daddy’s were hippies. Her name was biblical and mine was of the “air”. My brothers and I got names representing the “earth” (Forrest), “water” (D.E.W. “Daniel”) and “air” (Feather), I was a “good” flower child and she was a good MK. I remember she’d often nudge me out for top prize in Sunday school class memory verse competition and usually win the bible trivia games. She set the bar high, rose to the occasion and challenged the rest of us, including me to work harder and always do our best. It was healthy competition and though she usually came in first; even as little girls she was the first one to give a word of encouragement and praise for our efforts. I remember once trying out for a solo in children’s choir, she got the one I wanted and she did it so well, it made me sing my heart out when it was my turn. She could sing, act, do gymnastics, play sports and get straight A’s in school, all the while being a friend to everyone, lighting up the room where ever she went and drawing everyone close to her.
She is a natural born leader and friend. She is so attractive to everyone, I don’t think there was a single boy in our youth group that didn’t have a crush on her at one time or another! Her beauty always shone inside and out and was never missed.
When I was 9 years old I was baptized. She let me borrow her Dad on this special day and after I shared my testimony he prayed the prayer of dedication for me. By this time visiting her home was a regular activity for me and I enjoyed many of them as well as many special occasions and birthdays.
As a young teen,13, I considered going to MEI just so I could spend more time with her. I decided in the end to attend Sardis which was obviously where God intended for me to go.
We stayed close over the years of high school through youth group, Sunday school, church activities, family camp and church dramas. When I’d see her play basket ball in high school, I was glad I never had to play against her! She dominated the game, played hard, and showed the rest of us how to be the best team player, the MVP and be devoted to her personal best. She exemplified dedication, discipline and focus; while being full of school spirit, appreciation for her opponents and love for the game. When I saw her play I was sure proud to call her my friend, even if it meant getting a sweaty hug! After high school we didn’t see as much of each other, but when we did it was always like no time had passed and we’d pick up where we’d left off.
By God’s wonderfully guided hand she moved across the hall from me in my apartment, in 1994-95. During which time we were 23 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. She rallied around me as any loving caring friend would, and it was so great to have someone who’d known me most of my life live so close by during such a difficult time in my life. We attended a retreat together at Camp Malibu, up the BC Coast at Jervis inlet, where we connected again and shared talks on a deeply spiritual and emotional level. These talks set a foundation of incredible personal growth, maturity and development in me. She encouraged me in ways only she could have and she gave me compliments that have always stuck by me and meant so much to me all these year’s because they came from her. She told me that weekend that I had amazing eyes, ever since then I’ve really loved my eyes. She helped me to see things in a way I’d never seen them before. Her heart felt honesty and openness moved me, changed me and inspired me. From that point on in my life my heart changed and I became much more open, honest and real person, because of the wonderful example she’d been to me.
That summer I met a guy, who I thought rather cute, but once I introduced him to her, it was over for me. But that was okay, he was a very lucky guy. Later that summer in Ontario I met her husband to be, that she didn’t even know yet; I was impressed. (She went to the same high school as my husband, what a small world!) In 1998 we ended up in premarital counseling together at Northview church in Abbotsford. We ended up getting married a few weeks apart and we’d “complained” to each other a year and a half or so before, in the foyer of our childhood church, that we were still single. God knew He had the right men in mind for us!
In late June of 2004 she called me to let me know she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was shocked and saddened; as this was something I’d been through and would have never wished for anyone, especially for someone I’d loved and cared for. I was happy that she felt she could call me and reach out to me in her time of need but saddened by the circumstances. I only hoped and prayed the best for her always. My heart ached as she shared her painful journey through her cancer treatment. I always appreciated her calls, notes, cards and emails. I was especially glad when her communications turned out well and she’d recovered from treatment and returned to “normal” living with her husband and two young children.
Little did we know that only a few years later I’d find myself in almost the same situation; two young children, a diagnosis of breast cancer and many months of cancer treatment and an uncertain future. She was one of the first people I called, and I believe my message said something like, “This is like a sick version of Tag, but I guess I’m it.” She called me back and we had many heart to heart talks over that year plus. She allowed me to discuss the tough questions with her, that I felt I couldn’t really discuss with any one else. She allowed me to cry when needed, she answered my questions openly and bluntly and enabled me to stumble upon many of my own answers. Her calm, familiar voice reassured me of God’s perfect plan for my life and of the childlike faith I needed to embrace once again. She was the friend I needed and always had in her. Today I thank her again for being there for me, and taking the time to revisit some of her painful thoughts and memories for me. She enriched my soul and gave me hope. She caused me to focus again on our Heavenly Father and to bask in His glory; to be grateful for the life He has given so freely to us and the promises that we can cling to in living this life and facing our death.
Even now as her reality is my greatest nightmare, she reminds me that He is faithful. That He knew us in our mother’s womb and has never forsaken us. That His will, will be done on earth and that He will take us to Heaven. She finds peace in knowing God has prepared a place for her that she will be sooner than we’d all like, but she knows she serves a God who is good...all the time.
At this time we plead with God to keep her here as long as possible. We pray comfort for her family and all those that love her. We pray especially for her husband, son and daughter who God has given to her as her family.
It is the longing of my heart that my life will continue to be touched, inspired, molded, challenged and changed by this amazing friend and woman of God. Thank-you my dear friend for a life lived so well, even in the face of your current reality. Thank-you for your courageous, beautiful, thoughtful, caring and giving spirit; thank-you for being my friend.
Things that I have learnt from this friend:
1. That Methuselah was the oldest living man, and mentioned in the Bible.
2. Where Botswana was, beside South Africa.
3. That bald is still beautiful.
4. That women are so much more than our breasts.
5. When you communicate with someone, look through their eyes to their soul.
6. Trust God in all things.
7. Always put your best foot forward.
8. Its okay to get a second and third opinion from a medical professional.
9. If you eat slowly, you won’t be as hungry in 20 minutes and you’ll eat less.
10. VW’s provide the “coolest” ride! Especially red bugs!
11. Realness is a gift you can offer others.
12. Perfection is not a gift, but something we can overcome.(None of us are perfect)
13. Sing your heart out.
14. Play hard! Work hard!
15. Love harder and forgive.
16. Great men will be eventually found; after some good men and some not so good men
17. That I have beautiful eyes.
18. That I’m never alone.
19. That friends can grow apart and still be close.
20. That dreams can come true even if you wake before they are over.
Monday, January 19, 2009
It's that kind of a day.
I read in the newspaper today that this day is officially the most depressing day of the year; the third monday in January. For most it's the reality of the holidays being over, with the reality of the holiday bank statments and credit card bills arriving. This year especially many are feeling hard hit by the economic down turn and they themselves are feeling "turned-down" emotionally. Also in the North we feel heavy laden with the shorter hours of daylight, the drizzle (especially on the west coast of North America)being stuck in doors due to harsh weather conditions and jsu not getting enough sun which contains much needed vitamin D.
Like many others I'm affected by what is refered to as "seasonal affective disorder". I realized this many years ago when I'd started to feel symptoms of depression by the end of February every year and I seemed to come back to life by May when the warmth of the sun would shine upon me.
I've come up with strategies to fight the "winter-blahs" which work for me, this year having to pull out all the stops. Commonly recommended tips to surviving and perhaps thriving through the dreary west coast winter include:
1. Getting enough sun; when it's out, get out in it! For me this includes weekly or bi-weekly visits to Perfect Tan:)
2. Getting plenty of excercise; especially through the holidays when a few extra lbs can also get depressing.
3. Get out of the house and have a social life; even if going to work is a part os your interaction with people. (and if all the interaction you have with people is little people, you need to find some adults to hang with for a bit a few times a week!
4. Make time for hobbies and things you enjoy; and if you don't have any then discover some! This includes scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, travelling, photography, and crosswords for me:)
5. Fill your "dead" environment with some living stuff like plants, pets and flowers (as long as you are niot allergic!)
6. Through in some color! Wear something sassy and bring out some spring colors in your living space to add some srping to your step.
7. Simplify, simplify, Simplify!!! Get rid uf unwanted, unneeded stuff. Clear your mind, your space your schedule. Make time for you and take care of you while you care for others. Not simple but necessary.
8. A healthy Diet is always a good idea; Garbage in; Garbage out as they say. Healthy choices boost your energy levels and attitude.
9. Set healthy and obtainable goals. Have a plan and strategy and hopefully you can get back on track with all the New Year's resolutions you already blew!
10. Take a look around you at some people who seems to be "chipper" and "bubbly" and do what they do! Chances are they have something figured out:)
11. Find things to laugh about; even if it's not really all that funny!!
When i've done all of that and it's still a bummer minute to hour to day, then I take a visit to my therapist (who I see regularly; taking care of your mental adn emotional health all year round is a great idea!!) my GP, the tanning beds more than 2X a week and book a holiday.I did all of the above in the last few weeks and this is NOT the most depressing day of the year from me, probably because of it!!
I turned 37 just over two weeks ago and my dear husband treated me to a surprise trip to Las Vegas (there are super good deals right now, especially flying out of Bellingham) I got lots of sun, walked the strip many times over, saw many fun and enjoyable shows, was entertained, found some bargins, did things that made me happy, saw lots of bright flashing lights:) and connected with my friend Julie who lives there. All in all it was the perfect trip, with perfect timing and perfect weather! I came home feeling refreshed and rejuvinated! I am now a much happier Mommy, Wife and Feather! Yes, I feel very "spoiled" to get such a great get-away, but I believe we all deserve to get spoiled by doing something we love every once in awhile! Whether it's a long candle-lite bubble bath, dancing to your favorite tunes at a concert, getting cozy with the one you love, or just staying in bed doing absolutely nothing for awhile.
So if you are feeling blue perhaps you need to close your eyes and imagine something that makes you see life through "rose-colored" glasses for a bit. Give yourself a break; ease-up a bit on your own expectations of yourself. Allow your self some down-time,perhaps retire the "super-woman cape" for another day and lay low. Whatever it is that you need to do to feel good; as long as it's a healthy choice!!:)
Life is going to keep coming at you...it's not going to ease up. But you can ease up on yourself and change how you react to it. (this is a very valuble life lesson i'm trying hard to apply regularly and consistantly.) I've been learning that I can make time to stop and smell the roses and still get poked by those "bloody" thorns!
As I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine, that I believe I brought home from Las Vegas,I found out that a friend has been dianosed with a reoccurance of her breast cancer. This is devestating news for this young Mom and wife and my heart aches for her. This "bloody" cancer can really be depressing. It is my hope and prayer that through it all there can be laughter, joy and healing.
On this kind of a day, it has been...
Like many others I'm affected by what is refered to as "seasonal affective disorder". I realized this many years ago when I'd started to feel symptoms of depression by the end of February every year and I seemed to come back to life by May when the warmth of the sun would shine upon me.
I've come up with strategies to fight the "winter-blahs" which work for me, this year having to pull out all the stops. Commonly recommended tips to surviving and perhaps thriving through the dreary west coast winter include:
1. Getting enough sun; when it's out, get out in it! For me this includes weekly or bi-weekly visits to Perfect Tan:)
2. Getting plenty of excercise; especially through the holidays when a few extra lbs can also get depressing.
3. Get out of the house and have a social life; even if going to work is a part os your interaction with people. (and if all the interaction you have with people is little people, you need to find some adults to hang with for a bit a few times a week!
4. Make time for hobbies and things you enjoy; and if you don't have any then discover some! This includes scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, travelling, photography, and crosswords for me:)
5. Fill your "dead" environment with some living stuff like plants, pets and flowers (as long as you are niot allergic!)
6. Through in some color! Wear something sassy and bring out some spring colors in your living space to add some srping to your step.
7. Simplify, simplify, Simplify!!! Get rid uf unwanted, unneeded stuff. Clear your mind, your space your schedule. Make time for you and take care of you while you care for others. Not simple but necessary.
8. A healthy Diet is always a good idea; Garbage in; Garbage out as they say. Healthy choices boost your energy levels and attitude.
9. Set healthy and obtainable goals. Have a plan and strategy and hopefully you can get back on track with all the New Year's resolutions you already blew!
10. Take a look around you at some people who seems to be "chipper" and "bubbly" and do what they do! Chances are they have something figured out:)
11. Find things to laugh about; even if it's not really all that funny!!
When i've done all of that and it's still a bummer minute to hour to day, then I take a visit to my therapist (who I see regularly; taking care of your mental adn emotional health all year round is a great idea!!) my GP, the tanning beds more than 2X a week and book a holiday.I did all of the above in the last few weeks and this is NOT the most depressing day of the year from me, probably because of it!!
I turned 37 just over two weeks ago and my dear husband treated me to a surprise trip to Las Vegas (there are super good deals right now, especially flying out of Bellingham) I got lots of sun, walked the strip many times over, saw many fun and enjoyable shows, was entertained, found some bargins, did things that made me happy, saw lots of bright flashing lights:) and connected with my friend Julie who lives there. All in all it was the perfect trip, with perfect timing and perfect weather! I came home feeling refreshed and rejuvinated! I am now a much happier Mommy, Wife and Feather! Yes, I feel very "spoiled" to get such a great get-away, but I believe we all deserve to get spoiled by doing something we love every once in awhile! Whether it's a long candle-lite bubble bath, dancing to your favorite tunes at a concert, getting cozy with the one you love, or just staying in bed doing absolutely nothing for awhile.
So if you are feeling blue perhaps you need to close your eyes and imagine something that makes you see life through "rose-colored" glasses for a bit. Give yourself a break; ease-up a bit on your own expectations of yourself. Allow your self some down-time,perhaps retire the "super-woman cape" for another day and lay low. Whatever it is that you need to do to feel good; as long as it's a healthy choice!!:)
Life is going to keep coming at you...it's not going to ease up. But you can ease up on yourself and change how you react to it. (this is a very valuble life lesson i'm trying hard to apply regularly and consistantly.) I've been learning that I can make time to stop and smell the roses and still get poked by those "bloody" thorns!
As I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine, that I believe I brought home from Las Vegas,I found out that a friend has been dianosed with a reoccurance of her breast cancer. This is devestating news for this young Mom and wife and my heart aches for her. This "bloody" cancer can really be depressing. It is my hope and prayer that through it all there can be laughter, joy and healing.
On this kind of a day, it has been...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Stressed out and why?!!?
Here's thoughts of Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life):
The following speaks directly into my life and I'm sure it will for most of you as well.Creating margins in my life will be a part of my New Year's Resolutions.
"Overload comes when we have too much activity in our lives, too much change, too many choices, too much work, too much debt, too much media exposure.
We’re stressed by information overload; we’re stressed by accessibility overload – we’re connected all the time. Simply put, we’re stressed by the pace of life.
Is there a solution? Yes. The solution is to put some margin into your life. Margin is breathing room. It’s keeping a little reserve that you’re not using up. It’s not going from one meeting to the next to the next with no space in between.
Margin is the space betweenyour load and yourlimit. But most of us are far more overloaded than we can handle, and there is no margin for error in our lives.
Dr. Richard Swenson, MD says this: “The conditions of modern day living devour margin. If you’re homeless we direct you to a shelter. If you’re penniless we offer you food stamps. If you’re breathless we connect you to oxygen. But if you’re marginless we give you one more thing to do. Marginless is being 30 minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were 20 minutes late getting out of the hairdresser because you were 10 minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from a gas station and you forgot your purse. That’s marginless.
“Margin, on the other hand, is having breath at the top of the staircase, money at the end of the month, and sanity left over at the end of adolescence. Margin is grandma taking the baby for the afternoon. Margin is having a friend help carry the burden.
“Marginless is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it twice. Marginless is our culture. Margin is counter-culture, having some space in your life and schedule. Marginless is the disease of our decade and margin is the cure.”
God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer… You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all. Psalm 61:1, 3 (MSG)
The following speaks directly into my life and I'm sure it will for most of you as well.Creating margins in my life will be a part of my New Year's Resolutions.
"Overload comes when we have too much activity in our lives, too much change, too many choices, too much work, too much debt, too much media exposure.
We’re stressed by information overload; we’re stressed by accessibility overload – we’re connected all the time. Simply put, we’re stressed by the pace of life.
Is there a solution? Yes. The solution is to put some margin into your life. Margin is breathing room. It’s keeping a little reserve that you’re not using up. It’s not going from one meeting to the next to the next with no space in between.
Margin is the space betweenyour load and yourlimit. But most of us are far more overloaded than we can handle, and there is no margin for error in our lives.
Dr. Richard Swenson, MD says this: “The conditions of modern day living devour margin. If you’re homeless we direct you to a shelter. If you’re penniless we offer you food stamps. If you’re breathless we connect you to oxygen. But if you’re marginless we give you one more thing to do. Marginless is being 30 minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were 20 minutes late getting out of the hairdresser because you were 10 minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from a gas station and you forgot your purse. That’s marginless.
“Margin, on the other hand, is having breath at the top of the staircase, money at the end of the month, and sanity left over at the end of adolescence. Margin is grandma taking the baby for the afternoon. Margin is having a friend help carry the burden.
“Marginless is not having time to finish the book you’re reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it twice. Marginless is our culture. Margin is counter-culture, having some space in your life and schedule. Marginless is the disease of our decade and margin is the cure.”
God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer… You’ve always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all. Psalm 61:1, 3 (MSG)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Grieving the passing of Carin Warkentin-Murray
I was deeply saddened by the news of Carin's passing. She was a fellow cancer fighter,who I had the honour of meeting even before my first diagnosis, about 16 years ago. She lost her leg to cancer in her teens and graciously walked her way through her young life, inspiring those around her with her courage, beauty and lovely presence. We came in contact more consistantly after my more recent journey through cancer, as she too had been diagnosed with another form of cancer. She encouraged me as recently as a few weeks ago. I'm so gratful for all the blessings I received in knowing her. I'm gratful that her passing did not drag out long suffering for her, God knows she'd had more than her share.
Her passing has caused me to reflect deeply on the past year of my life, how closely I almost sucumbed to severe side effects of cancer treatment. Life and the human body are so fragile in yet so remarkable. A blood clot from Carin's lungs travelled to her heart and in an instant ended her time here. I now celebrate turning 37 tomorrow and reconginze that I haven't felt this good physically since my 20's; in yet my life hung in the balance on July 1st,only half a year ago.
I sit here writing and expressing myself at the computer, as my beautiful little girls play at my feet a new game their daddy got them for Christmas; this is the essence of life. Though living this life can be so difficult at times, I thank God that I'm here to continue living and experiencing all of life's lessons. Some lessons are easier than others, some I may fail but in the end I'm glad I learnt what life is really all about.
The living and the dying, I'm grateful to feel it all...feel it so deeply.
I was reminded today as I watched the movie, "Benjamin Button" an amazing movie, of a quote my Mom so carefully embroidered while experiencing a delicant pregnacy with my youngest brother Daniel. The letters she crafted spelt the words, "Life is fragile. Handle with Prayer."
This phrase will encompase my new year's resolutions, to handle all of life with prayer and to remember that all life is fragile.
Her passing has caused me to reflect deeply on the past year of my life, how closely I almost sucumbed to severe side effects of cancer treatment. Life and the human body are so fragile in yet so remarkable. A blood clot from Carin's lungs travelled to her heart and in an instant ended her time here. I now celebrate turning 37 tomorrow and reconginze that I haven't felt this good physically since my 20's; in yet my life hung in the balance on July 1st,only half a year ago.
I sit here writing and expressing myself at the computer, as my beautiful little girls play at my feet a new game their daddy got them for Christmas; this is the essence of life. Though living this life can be so difficult at times, I thank God that I'm here to continue living and experiencing all of life's lessons. Some lessons are easier than others, some I may fail but in the end I'm glad I learnt what life is really all about.
The living and the dying, I'm grateful to feel it all...feel it so deeply.
I was reminded today as I watched the movie, "Benjamin Button" an amazing movie, of a quote my Mom so carefully embroidered while experiencing a delicant pregnacy with my youngest brother Daniel. The letters she crafted spelt the words, "Life is fragile. Handle with Prayer."
This phrase will encompase my new year's resolutions, to handle all of life with prayer and to remember that all life is fragile.
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