Do You Have Room In Your Heart For Him?

Hello, I want to take the time to thank all of you for your great comments and to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I haven’t written for a few days because, like many of you, I was extremely busy. How was your Christmas? I hope it was truly blessed. I had to work on Christmas and was a bit sad, but being in the healthcare industry, I had no choice. There is no place like home, especially for the holidays! I soon got over feeling sorry for myself when I realized that those people didn’t want to be there either. They wanted to be home with their families also. I would eventually go home when my shift ended but they couldn’t. I was moved to tears when I noticed how excited they were to see their family members coming in to visit them on Christmas Eve and bring a Poinsettia or a piece of their favorite cherry pie. Their faces just lit up. I decided then and there that if I could bring a smile to their face or say that special word of hope and encouragement, I would benefit from it as much as they would.

There are so many blessings that we can find about Christmas. We can be a blessing to others if we let God show us where we are needed. I was listening to the news a few days ago. They were telling about how many people were waiting in line to see the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. They said that everyone that came out after seeing it said they would never be the same again. Their life was changed after witnessing firsthand the place where Jesus was born.

I was reading the Christmas story in my bible in Luke. I was amazed by the awesome love of God. He came to earth in the form of a tiny baby. He was the king of Glory, but sent to earth as a humble child. Being the Son of God, he could have come as a Royal King with a majestic throne, but instead, he chose to come as a tiny baby to be born in a stable surrounded by animals, because there was no room for him in the inn. God could have arranged it all differently if he so desired, but I really believe God planned it this way to show us that he lowered himself down to our earthly level. He didn’t have to do it but he wanted lay down his life for you and I. That was God’s way of reaching the human race by becoming like one of us to show us his great love. His love can reach down from heaven to our human frailties across any barriers. There is no division between God and man because of his beloved Son, Jesus.

Sometimes, it’s hard to fathom and really grasp that someone could love you that much. If more people could really get that deep in their hearts, they would be so much better off. They are never alone even if it feels like it sometimes. To think that the Son of God was born in a manger surrounded by barn yard animals, just blows me away! They had no room for him in the very beginning. Wow! What a message! How humble could he be? I believe that God wanted us to know that the life he was called to live for you and I was never easy from the very start. He suffered the same day to day struggles much like you and I, with one of the biggest ones being rejection.

This was no ordinary baby, but everything about his birth was ordinary. His mother was just a young girl from an ordinary family, but she was handpicked by God as a virgin to give birth to a long awaited Messiah. Can’t you just picture it? On the night of Jesus’ birth, there were shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night when an Angel of the Lord appeared before them and the Glory of the Lord surrounded them. They had the same reaction that most of us would have. They were terrified! But, the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Can you see the Wise Men following that star to where the baby could be found? They were looking for a great King. That star led them on and on to the quiet peaceful place where Jesus lay on a bed of hay.

So today, as I reflect over the Christmas story, I must ask you a question. Do you have room for him in your life today? Will you let him in? He doesn’t ask for much. Will you let him pick up all the broken pieces and fit them back together again? He won’t judge you. He doesn’t care where you’ve been. All he asks is that you start afresh and give him a chance. Will you make room for Him today? Just like those shepherds, maybe you are afraid also. He would say to you in his gentlest voice, “Do Not Be Afraid. There Is News Of Great Joy Just For YOU!

No matter how chaotic my life gets, I can feel him ever so close. Like the Wise Men, I will follow that Star. I will follow the light of his life. I will let him lead me to that place he wants me to be in. As I commit my days to him, there is a heavenly peace that transcends over me. It is that same peace that came to earth on that holy night when God reached down and became man, and that tiny infant was every bit God!

Can you not fathom the depth of His love for you? He loves the ordinary, the unlikely person who thinks their life is all washed up. It’s never too late with him! Love came down that first Christmas and he will always be with you. God is all love. He is everything good! He gives us so many gifts and they are all free. He gives joy, hope, peace, strength and the greatest gift, LOVE!
O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Dont Let The Grinch Steal Your Christmas Joy!

Most of us are familiar with the long time Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I have watched it every year since being a child. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without watching it at least once. That mean old Grinch, (or should I say Grouch), didn’t like how happy the Whos in Whoville were. They were so busy getting ready for Christmas; They were decorating their houses and Christmas trees, wrapping presents and planning their Christmas feast; And the neat thing about it was, they weren’t grumbling and complaining like most of us do when we are all busy trying to get things done. They were all singing and happy and enjoying every minute of it. Who wouldn’t? They were having fun and anticipating opening all of those sparkly presents!

 

The Grinch was watching them and plotting how he could take away anything and everything from them. He didn’t like it that they were so happy. I think he might have felt left out, or maybe he was a little jealous! What do you think? So, you know that old saying, Misery Loves Company. He decided to wait until they were all fast asleep and sneak in and take all their loot. He didn’t leave even one shiny trinket or one gold whistle. He even had the audacity to take their Christmas trees. He couldn’t wait for them to all wake up and cry all day instead of sing. “That will teach them to put their trust in things. They won’t have anything left to be so happy about”, he thought to himself. He couldn’t wait to see their sad faces!

 

Christmas morning finally arrived. He was awakened by an unusual sound. It almost seemed happy and joyful. He woke up and looked down in Whoville and all the Whos were singing and holding hands and hugging and loving one another. “How could this be?” he thought. It was as if everything was still the same. They didn’t seem to notice there was nothing left to sing or be happy about. They were still happy EVEN WITHOUT PRESENTS! Their love and joy taught that old Grinch (Grouch) volumes that day. He soon realized that what they had no one could take away. It was in their hearts. Things couldn’t buy their happiness. He realized material possessions weren’t that important after all! It even caused him to join in with them. He wanted to have that happiness that no amount of money could buy. What’s even more amazing to me about this story is how the Whos welcomed the Grinch into their lives with open arms. They didn’t even notice the harm he had intended to bring to them. You see; The happiness they felt, could not be taken away!

 

How are your Christmas plans coming along? Have you been baking, decorating, shopping, and addressing your Christmas cards? Have you trimmed your tree? Did you put that star on the top?  In the midst of all that glitter and glamor how are you really holding up? Come on now. If you  won’t tell me, at least be honest with yourself. Are you really as happy as you appear to be? If you were to lose it all today, how would you feel? Is it only on the surface, or is it deep down inside where no one can steal it? In the midst of all the festivities, don’t lose sight of what’s truly important. You can’t put a price tag on peace, joy, love and faith. No one can take them away from you unless you let them!

 

Have you reason to feel lonely and depressed this Christmas season? Are you sick in your body? Are you lonely? Do you have to sit home alone night after night, wondering if anyone cares? Have you lost a loved one?; Maybe a parent, a spouse, or a child? Did your spouse walk out on you leaving you with the kids, the bills and a broken heart with shattered dreams? Have you been abused or neglected? Are you struggling to make ends meet in this bad economy? Are you working so hard there aren’t enough hours in a day?Have you lost your car or even your home?

 

There is someone who knows your deepest longings and your heart cry. His name is Jesus. He will abide with you until it doesn’t hurt anymore. He will never leave your side. In fact, he will still be there when it’s all over. He will rejoice with you. You will see just like the Whos in Whoville, even when it seems like all is lost, you can still lift your voice and sing with joy once again, knowing that better days are ahead for you. You can keep the peace and joy of this blessed holy season in your heart all year long!

 

2 Samuel 22:29

For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness.

 

I have a request this year. Leave your comments on any prayer requests you might have. I will pray for you.

Life’s Treasured Moments

We all have those magical moments in our lives, from time to time, that we want to treasure forever. One of those special times in my life was my oldest daughter, Sarah’s wedding. She was married in April of 2007. She was our first child to leave home, so it was quite an emotional experience. Anyone who has ever planned a wedding before knows exactly what I am talking about. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it because I was Mother of the Bride and I was enjoying every minute of it! Before I knew it the big day was upon us. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. All of the hard work and expense was worth it. All that mattered was that this was the most important day of my daughter’s life and I was so happy to be a part of it. As I entered the church, it was like a glimpse of heaven. The scent of spring flowers lingered everywhere. Tall candelabras with softly glowing candles graced the alter. The aisles were adorned with topiaries, and elegant bows draped the church pews as they gracefully flowed to the floor. There was a hush as the organ music started playing in the background. I took a deep breath, a final sigh of relief, and tears started streaming down my face. It seemed like only yesterday that I was the one walking down the aisle. Even though I was with her at her final gown fitting, there was something different about her today. She was glowing. As our eyes met, my heart met hers, and my tears of sadness turned to tears of joy. She was so happy and I was rejoicing with her. I started thinking about how my other children were growing up, as well. It wouldn’t be long before I would be attending their weddings. Just a short time ago I was rocking them all on my knee. Where had all the time gone? Life goes so fast!

In the midst of all that was going on with the wedding plans, I had a routine doctor checkup. He noticed a lump in my neck that he wanted me to have checked by a specialist. I thought it was silly. Not me! I’m too healthy and I feel too good”, I argued. I didn’t realize it then, but that was only the beginning of the long trial that I was about to face with a cancer diagnosis.

So today, I want to encourage you to enjoy each day. Treasure the celebrated times along with the daily routines of everyday life. Love and enjoy your family and friends and tell them all how much you love and appreciate them every day! Don’t take them for granted because they may not always be there! Most of all, tell God every day, how much you love and appreciate him for all of the blessings he showers you with every day!

Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Life Is An Incredible Journey!

Hello! Good Morning to all of you! I am sure that most of you are rushing about as you are working on Christmas plans. First of all, I would like to thank you for all of the nice comments. They mean so much to me. I am so happy to know this blog is a help to so many. It has been my constant prayer for a couple of years, now, to encourage others and to make a positive difference in as many lives that I could touch. If even one person benefits from it, it is all worthwhile.

Today I want to talk to you about my life before cancer. It’s cold outside so pour that cup of coffee and let’s chat for awhile. This blog is going to be about many different topics. I don’t want to limit it to only about being sick, because life is all about many varied things that can change from time to time. When you combine all the good with the difficult times, they can be bittersweet, but when enjoyed to the fullest, day by day, it is an incredible journey!

I am a very family oriented person. I love my family dearly. I have a husband, Mark, and three grown children, Sarah, Bethany, and Travis, and three adorable grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy! Mark and I have been married for 31 years now. How could that be?! I have a wonderful mom and brother also. My dad passed away several years ago with Lung Cancer. I was also very close to my grandparents. They were a very special part of my life when I was growing up. My most cherished memory of Grandma was her warm smile and that loving sparkle in her eyes. Hers was another precious life lost to cancer as she died of Melanoma, a form of skin cancer. As you can see, cancer has touched the life of my family more than once.

I enjoyed my childhood and teen years. We lived in a house in the country. I had great fun riding my pony. As I went into my teen years, I took baton and dancing lessons. I loved every minute of it. They were a major part of my life while I was growing up. I was picked as a semi-finalist in the Miss Teenage America Pageant when I was in high school.

As I got older and married, I really enjoyed the role of wife and mother. My kids and I were quite a group. You may have heard of the movie, Three Men and A Baby; Well, we were Three Kids and A Mom!
Grocery shopping with all three of them was quite a challenge. You know you are a mother when you are pushing a grocery cart the size of a minivan. I guess that’s a sure sign you have a lot of kids. I have always said I played the game of Life too much as a child because my car was always full of kids and that has never changed. Now, it’s my grandchildren that I am enjoying and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

This is my story before cancer and who I still am today. Life can be a frightening journey, even without cancer, when you go it all alone. I compare it to being blindfolded and sent on a long trip without a map or a destination. Sometimes when I stop for just a moment and listen to that still small voice, I hear Jesus say, ever so gently, “Just trust me. Put your hand in mine. I’ll show you great and mighty things You’re in for the time of your life!”

By now, you might be wondering what any of this has to do with cancer. I’m glad you asked. There are times my book and this blog may pull at your heartstrings. There will be times when you will laugh, and other times, you might cry, especially when you think of your own life and special memories. I believe there is healing in our laughter as well as our tears.

What memories do you recall? If you have good memories, that is wonderful. Hold onto them with all your heart, but don’t stop there. Keep on making new ones. If you have some bad ones, give them all to God. He can help erase them, while giving you the strength to get up another day and start afresh. In his time, he makes all things new.

As for me, there are never enough hours in a day. Life is a wonderful journey to celebrate, from every bird that sings in the morning to every sun that sets in the evening. I just love life!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord. thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore!

NEVER GIVE UP!

Just because you have been diagnosed with cancer, doesn’t mean that you should be labeled as a cancer patient. Who were you before your diagnosis? You are still that same person. You may have changed since your diagnosis because cancer does change all of us, and hopefully for the better! It’s who you are deep down inside that really counts.

Before my diagnosis, I was an ordinary person like everyone else. I had a job and a family. My husband and I were planning our daughter’s wedding, buying a car, and planning a vacation. I was in the prime of my life. I had no idea that I was even sick, not to mention, that I was now someone with cancer. I was busy and loving every minute of it!

Too often, when you hear that someone has cancer, it seems to define who they are and their destiny. We get so caught up in the disease that it’s easy to forget they are real people like everyone else. They still have the same hopes and dreams as they did before the initial diagnosis. And yes; They have dreams for their future.

We are all on this same journey called life. No one knows what may lie ahead for them from one day to the next. It’s easy to shrink back from being that person you have always been after the diagnosis. You may fear you will never feel good again, or that you might never get back to who you were before the diagnosis. That’s not true.
The best advice I can give anyone is to keep on going. Reach out for God’s hand and he will bring you safely through into the place he has for you. He will order your steps even when you’re unsure of that next step. Hold tightly to his hand, take a deep breath and learn to enjoy the ride.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or even if you are troubled in any way, don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t live out your life like you are in an empty shell with no feelings. You are still that same person you were before the trial you are going through, on the inside. Get your hope back. Let God breathe life back into your spirit.

PSALM 46: 1-2
God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas.

Do you need a hug today?

Let’s face it. There are just some days that don’t go the way that we would like them to. Those are the days that I would like to omit from my calendar and pretend they never happened. On those occasions, I’ve often thought how nice it would be to have the option of disappearing from the human race and life’s daily struggles, even for a day. It would be so much easier to regain my strength and find a new perspective on life. Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way. We have to trudge on through…..whether we feel like it or not. I had a day like that this past week. There was no direct reason. I think it was a combination of too many things I had to do in a short amount of time, on top of several days straight, of nothing but rain! That particular morning, in my prayer time, I was especially specific with my request before the Lord. I said, “Lord, I really need you to make yourself known to me today, because I am especially tired. I’m a little under the weather today, Lord. Could you send someone along today to encourage me? Lord, today, I need a hug.” I walked into work that day, and the first person I met said, “Brenda, give me a hug. I’ve been reading your book. It has helped me so much. It is great!” I was in amazement at how quickly God answered that simple prayer. Those few words encouraged me so much and made my day. As I started my work that day, I had renewed strength, and smiled to myself, afterwards, because I know that hug was directly from God. He is so much closer to our everyday struggles than we sometimes realize. It just reaffirms my faith and belief, that THROUGH THE TEARS AND THROUGH THE RAIN, God is waiting with open arms to give us the biggest hug of all!

Colossians 1:11
That you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of his glory, every kind of endurance and patience with joy.