Sunday, April 24, 2011

The letter T!

T is for travel, tears and transformation!


Monday we travel back to South Dakota, back to reality, back to home…13 hours of car time, so unsure if I will be “on time” with my next a to z blog.

Today I shed a few tears. The first time was when we were on a hike and I lost my balance, slipped and fell. I was so frustrated. I continue to struggle with the stamina and when I fell in front of my family—my pride and confidence was shaken. Very thankful for the blessing of being alive to join them, but jeez…could I ever stay upright? I don’t think of cancer recurrence often, yet today…the thoughts were haunting me. I am not sure why?? The last set of tears was saying good bye to my daughter, son in law and grandson. I will not lie, it is hard on this mamma's heart having them live so far away.

Now, the “T” word that I think about so often: Transformation!

In Philippians 3: 21 Paul states “by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Three and a half years ago I was sitting in a church parking lot…crying….too scared to walk through the church doors. At that time I was a very broken vessel, with much hurt in my heart and very low self-esteem. I cried out to the Lord. He carried me. Through God and my new church family I experienced grace and love. The transformation—I am now writing about my life experiences on a blog, facilitating bible study groups, assisting with different ministry opportunities, participating in a breast cancer support group, attending a writer’s workshop in a few weeks, and so excited to share how Hope Lives Now!!

Q. How about you…can you share a transformation in your life?

Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.- Henry David Thoreau

11 comments:

Jennifer Shirk said...

Wow, I think it's fantastic how you're taking experiences and sharing them in order to help others.
Happy Easter!

Maryann said...

I believe God uses broken vessels and it sounds like he certainly is using you. I hate the weakness part myself (poor stamina etc) but it is my little reminder that I can do nothing on my own, must rely on him. Glad you had a nice Easter.
Blessings

Elayne said...

Love that Quote Kim. I am sure saying good-bye to your family was tough and maybe played a role in how you were feeling.
Glad you were able to hike and spend time with them over Easter!

Roxane B. Salonen said...

Kim, you are such a faithful reader. Some days I do wonder if I'm writing to the air, and then your lovely face shows up. You are such a joy!

And your fall...it seems so symbolic, Kim. But you must remember my post from the other day, about how when we are at our weakness, we are at our strongest. It's true. It's only when we are doing a face plant into the ground that we are truly face to face with the God who loves us most especially when we are not proud. Only in our diminished pride can our hearts make way for His love. So, instead of seeing it as a low point, see it as a new start. The only direction to go after a fall is up, sweet friend. :)

Roxane B. Salonen said...

"when we are at our weakest," that is. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Hugs! Stay strong. I hope you'll be back soon to that beautiful place visiting your lovely family.

Vicky said...

Hi Kim, I came over from Roxane's blog to read more of your journey. my own journey through breast cancer has just begun and its good to read the words of someone who has come through the other side. Blessings to you!

Bobby Blackwell said...

It inspires us to know that after the tears we can always expect transformation. I like how you present your entries through letters of the alphabet in series. It means something to me, it means that pain and healing takes a process.

Julie Gillies said...

Oh Kim,
I'm sorry you experienced the fall. I understand the physical limitations and hope God continues to strengthen you!

And oh, I hear you on the sadness at saying goodbye to family. Our son arrived home from the Middle East to his wife and 4 kids, and they all drove 14 hours down to Florida to be at our house over Easter weekend. It was SUCH a beautiful weekend. And though I tried to be brave, when they loaded up into the car the tears came, as they always do.

Stay strong, my friend. God is for you!

Nancy's Point said...

Kim, I understand your frustrations. I am trying to come to terms with my new physical limitations and I hate that! I am still in the process of transforming. This whole cancer experience has made me into someone else on many levels. I'm still trying to figure this "new person" out.

Marie said...

Even the word transformation sounds powerful and uplifting - especially when said aloud :-)