Good morning family and friends. Today is December 12, 2014. “Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher The holiday season is upon us – I hope you are all faring well during the hustle and bustle of this delightful time of year. I am not hustling quite like I used to – but I am just so thankful to be here to hustle at all – even if it is at a snail’s pace. I have been having my ups and downs during my continuing battle with cancer. There have been many times that I have not been able to take chemotherapy due to low platelets or low white cell counts, and that has been somewhat disappointing. I also have had a third pain block procedure performed on my back area due to the fact that each procedure has either failed or positive results have been short lived. At the present, I’m waiting to see if this third procedure proves to be successful – I have to wait a little longer to see the results. I am praying that it does so that I can get off of pain medications that leave me lethargic. Fatigue is still an issue that I am dealing with as well, hence I have not been journaling much at all – just too tired. However, just know that I am doing as best as can be expected, and that I’m still keeping up with all of your wonderful lives through the connection of Facebook. I am so enjoying all of the pictures of beautifully decorated Christmas trees and mantels, pranking elves on a shelf, kids on Santa’s lap, and delicious-looking homemade Christmas delights. Oh the joys of the season! Yesterday I had a first-time experience that tugged at my heart – I was visited by a priest in my home. Recently, I joined St. John the Evangelist Church in St. John, and have loved every minute of it. The congregation is like one big happy family, so I wasn’t too surprised when the church office called to “check in” on me – they know that I am battling cancer. Father Maletta asked if he could come and visit me with one of his deacons, and I happily accepted his offer. What a wonderful visit he had! Not only did we talk about the workings of God, but he gave me the Anointing of the Sick as well as communion. He made it clear that I am part of the church’s family and that if I ever needed anything to just please call. The presence of a priest in your home is quite surreal just on its own, but the warmth he shared was so comforting. I truly felt a sense of peace as we shared our moments together. The experience was everything that I thought it would be – and more – especially when we went on to chat about books and high school (we are the same age) and other memories of by-gone years. After his visit, I chuckled to myself when thinking, “Gee, he’s just an ordinary guy” – as if a priest should be anything else! I thank God for my priestly visit, even though being anointed for terminal illness is not the way I would have picked to meet him in person.. Thirteen more days till Christmas everyone. Remember the reason for the season – Jesus Christ our Lord. Smell the roses – or the poinsettias – or whatever you prefer... for they bloom for you! Love to all. EXCERPT from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young: “December 12: I am taking care of you. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me and are called according to My design and purpose. Because the world is in an abnormal, fallen condition, people tend to think that chance governs the universe. Events may seem to occur randomly, with little or no meaning. People who view the world this way have overlooked one basic fact: the limitations of human understanding. What you know of the world you inhibit is only the tip of the iceberg. Submerged beneath the surface of the visible world are mysteries too vast for you to comprehend. If you could only see how close I am to you and how constantly I work on your behalf, you would never again doubt that I am wonderfully caring for you. This is why you must live by faith, not by sight, trusting in My mysterious, majestic Presence.”
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:07:04 +0000