2011 Word for the Year

Sometimes the words we read, leave the mind quickly...and other times the words follow us around, chasing us through out the day.  Recently, I have found myself being chased by words written by  two friends and fellow bloggers:  Play off the Page and Peace Garden Writer.  In their recent blog posts, they both offer the challenge of finding a word or phrase to represent the upcoming year.

So, I have been doing a lot of pondering and praying. 

Hmmmm, before I could look forward, I found myself remembering the past.  What word or words could I use to describe these past few years? Interestingly enough. the words that have come to my mind....start with R.  (so does my maiden name--Reisch.)

In 2009--Rest.  Traveling through cancer treatment, I quickly discovered that peace only comes when we rest in our Lord.  (I also had to take a rest from many obligations.)

In 2010--Recovery and Reality.   This past year most of my energy was spent recovering from surgeries and cancer treatment.  It was with this recovery phase, that my new reality became clear.  The reality that cancer treatment will always be part of our lives.  When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I thought I would go through treatment and than go back to normal.  Only to discover that there will never be a "normal" like the past.  It is exciting to learn that more and more research is being done with regards to survivorship and the challenges experienced post treatment. 

In 2011--Renewal and Refinement.  Webster defines Renewal as the process of restoring to freshness and vigor.  I am excited!  However, I will admit, I have been fighting the word refinement just a bit.  Refinement often accompanies pain, yet it is within the process of refinement that we strengthen our faith. 

How about you, do you have a word/words for 2011?

It's snowing...it's snowing....and it's snowing!

I love snow!  (I don't necessarily like the wind and cold--but I love the snow!)  For some reason when it snows, I want to get out and walk.  Have you ever heard of something so strange?  Strange or not, the snow is making it easier for me to make my walking goals!  Tonight when I was walking I kept thinking of a recent post by my friend Roxane at Peace Garden Mama on snow angels.  I, so wanted to lay down right where I was at and create an angel.  (To be honest, the only thing that stopped me was the fear that I wouldn't be able to get up with all my winter wear!)

At the beginning of this year, it was my goal to blog a few times a week.  My reality is that fatigue continues to be a daily challenge, thus I haven't had the energy for much more than work and family.  (and taking short walks in the snow--smile!)

Cancer interrupted my life, forcing me to let go of some dreams...but now I have new dreams!  If you have a few minutes, and haven't yet done so, please check out the beginning steps of a dream at Hope Lives Now!

God Never Lets Go

I thought I would share a song with you today that was a song of great encouragement to me through out my cancer journey.  As I listened to the lyrics again , I couldn't help but think what a great reminder for as we begin a new year.  God is faithful and He will always be with us, no matter what!

YOU NEVER LET GO by MATT REDMAN

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back

I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

If you have time, here is the youtube video

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! I hope today finds you excited and anticipating the surprise party God has for us this upcoming year!

I apologize for not posting for a few weeks…December is a tough month for me with many “cancer” memories.  Also, as the winter storm systems come through, my body aches like "chemo" days--I wonder how long this side effect lasts?  As my energy is slowing returning, the kids are adjusting to "mom's back,"  while my husband and I find ourselves learning new "marriage" dance steps.  (The challenge is making sure we both are learning the steps to the same dance.) As I continue on this road to healing and regaining my energy, I hope to be more consistent with blogging.

WARNING: If the mention of undergarments causes you discomfort, do NOT continue reading this blog post!

This past summer I received an incredible blessing and gift—to attend the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference. Unfortunately, with my recent health challenges and surgery recovery, I haven’t had the energy to write or share much about this life changing event. Hopefully as I regain my energy, I will be able to bless you by sharing some of the awesome experiences and teachings.

Renea Swope, speaker, author and co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries' international radio program, spoke at one of our sessions. In one of Renea’s messages she shared that in life we often find ourselves in one of three seasons:

A “no” season—where we are just sitting, learning, and waiting for the Lord—letting our roots grow deep.

A “slow” season—we are either gearing up or slowing down, again learning and waiting for the Lord—our stems are sprouting and buds are forming.

A “go” season—where we are actively living and sharing God through our respective ministries—God’s fruit being harvested.

A few weeks after I returned from She Speaks, I was having coffee with two very dear friends (who also are breast cancer survivors). We were discussing the cancer journey and its impact on our life. I was able to share with them Renea’s message. We all agreed that during active cancer treatment, a survivor feels like life is on “on hold” or in the “no” season. For months, you go through treatment: surgery(s), chemotherapy, radiation…fatigue, pain, nausea, and other side effects. Than one day…treatment is done. “Oh, good” we think,—we can go back to “normal,” only to find the “normal” we once knew will never be the same. So, we found ourselves asking….now what? Thus, we now are living in the “slow” season, wondering when it will be our “go” season. After, explaining the different seasons to my friends, I found myself saying to them “I hope you both are wearing sexy underwear because soon it will be our “go” season…and I have a feeling God will be opening doors so fast our pants may just fly off!”

Here's a pic of a Christmas gift I received from one of the friends mentioned in this story.




With this note attached: