Is God’s Will​ What Is Best For Me?

“Seriously God, we just rescheduled our lives the last 3 years do to cancer throughout our family from Brain Cancer, NOn-Hodgkins lymphoma to 2 members who fought breast cancer. Now COVID-19 and all life turned upside down is what was going through my head. Tuesday night was a fight for me. I found out that for my boys to go to a youth camp in TX meant we would have to cancel our vacation plans to Montana with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law on Daniel’s side as the Christian youth camp we were sending our boys to in TX required anyone going to youth camp could not have traveled out of state for 14 days prior to camp on June 19th. I was not happy at all with this instruction. BUT, after getting off the phone with my brother, I turned to the wall in our bedroom and said aloud, “God, if this is Your Will and what You want for our boys and family, I trust You. I leave all in Your hands and want You to lead us to the right decision for what You have for us this summer.” I turned around and went to call Daniel to discuss. He was not answering his phone due to being in a meeting, I was getting frustrated and wanted to get this situation under control. FULLY aware I DON’T have any control in this world and NEVER Will. Have you EVER felt this way before? Knowing full well what I had just prayed and that I, myself had no control over this situation, my husband finally called and we discussed. He talked with the kids, I grew more ancy, He called back with a final decision which is not what I wanted but was reminded that I had given all to God and said I would trust Him. We would not go to MT and Ben alongside me and our other kids would leave for TX on June 3rd so the boys could go to youth camp with their Uncle Trey, my brother, my sister’s boys who are the same age and some of their best friends, my brothers 4 kids, who they do not get to see very often but love dearly and I get to see my family. No wrong could be found, just me wanting things done as I had planned earlier in the year. This is not the first time our plans have been interrupted nor will it be the last. So, why do I fight and throw a temper tantrum? Because of the illusion of control. While here on earth, I think I can make things happen how I want them to totally forget or maybe choosing to try to forget that God is in control of all things. Romans 11:36 explains this clearly “For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory.” King David sings out in Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my unformed body; ALL the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”  I have been given this life on earth to live for His glory and His plans as we are told by Paul in Ephesians 2:10 “ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” So, how am I supposed to live this way?

1. SEEK HIS WILL and SUBMIT Yours: we are given a prayer in Matthew 6: 9-12 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may YOUR name be kept holy. 10 May YOUR Kingdom come soon. May YOUR WILL be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need,[a] 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. May we understand and trust God to provide each day what we need, not always what we want and trust His hand in the provisions He provides no matter how it looks. I am fully aware this is easier said than done. But, in God’s power it is doable. Let’s do this together. Stay the course because by God’s strength we will endure. Lift your eyes up to God our Father. Hebrews 12:1b-2 “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^[a] Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

2. TRUST He has good for you, not to harm you. God told Jeremiah after Moses died and Joshua was leading the Israelites into the Promise Land these words: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Please understand, this does not mean it will be easy but it gives us hope that God wants to prosper us in His way for eternity, not about gaining materialism, trips, status, but as I shared earlier from Romans 11:36, ALL IS for HIS glory, not mine. Another verse instructs us how to trust:

Psalm 3:5-6 which was the one I leaned on during my Brain Cancer Journey: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to Him, and He WILL make your paths straight.” Again, God never says easy but He will direct us and He has never let me down. It may not go as I would like, but He has never steered me wrong. So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, please keep your eyes focused on Him and not your circumstances for we have no control and NEVER will but HE DOES. He has good for us so keep the faith and keep enduring each day for one day we will stand before Him and I want to hear WELL DONE. Let’s link arms and finish strong pointing one another to Christ during this journey here on earth.

Father God, I pray for each person reading this testimony of Your faithfulness and my lacking, You remain faithful even when we don’t. You love us regardless of our doubts, fears, failures, and won’t let go. May Your presence flood anyone reading this today that they will be renewed with strength on wings like eagles so they can soar above their circumstances instead of crawling below them in fear or doubt. Remind them of Your NEVERENDING love, peace, and a life they could never imagine that You have laid out for them. Be our strength, peace, and may how we live to be an encouragement, light in this world that others will see You in and through us and draw men towards You. May Your Will be done on earth and may we humbly bow before You trusting Your hand. Thank you for your patience, love, kindness, and goodness all the days of our lives Lord. We love You, Your children.

Update on health and prayer requests

Overall things have been going very well and this past year has been good. I started working as a SPED aid at our school, in our community. The daily work from 7:30-3:30 does take a toll on the brain by the end of the day. Ever since my brain surgery in 2017 naps are gone. So, I look forward to 9:30 every night when I can lay my head down and sleep. Most nights are 5-6 hours but occasionally I wake up after 4.5 hours and can’t go back to sleep. Fortunately, our school is only a 4 day school week and Fridays I get to sleep in which is great if there is a softball tournament, the next day, with our girls requiring a 5:00 am wake up to drive an hour to be at warm-up before games. Depending on how I am doing I may sleep in and go to later games and hang out with our boys as they allow depending on what they are up to or try to talk them into going with me (Seldom works).

As of my last MRI in December, all looks good and my neurologist, Dr. Torzala, has scheduled another for the end of April with a May meeting. Still believing all is good but curious to see if anything has changed because work does make me use my brain to put sentences together, think faster as well as make decisions more than I would if I was just at home. Now, working has shown me that my immune system is not as strong as I thought it was post-treatment in 2018.

In December I came down with a case of laryngitis and then this past week I ended up with Strep and maxed at 100.5 temps. I cannot remember the last time my temperature went over 98 and thankful for the limited times as this was more painful than I remember. Today is March 7 and has felt more me with no throat hurting but anytime a yawn wants to happen it feels like my throat is going to rip apart.  These, of course, are not as bad as those with the flu or other illnesses, but it’s good to be aware that this body is still healing and hoping by the end of this first year to have a stronger immune system in place. Please keep praying for the requests below:

1.  Please pray for my body to continue to grow stronger physically as well as my immune system and that God will protect my health through the end of the school year.  I can’t take pictures at school so I posted our latest family, from December,  pic at the beginning of this post. Also, Daniel and I will be going to NYC in April for our 20th anniversary. Asking for major protection as we travel, yes, we have masks from when I was going through radiation and Chemo for the plane. We will also be taking Thieves oil hand sanitizer from my amazing sister. Prayer will be a major weapon so join us in prayer, please. We know God is in control and has us both in His Mighty hands. Thank you.
2. Larry Papizan – many of you prayed for Mr. Larry as there was a moment in December we did not know how much longer he was going to make it. I was heartbroken thinking I would not ever see him again. Larry decided to try the immunotherapy and he began to gain weight, strengthen and his family got together and his son rented an RV as he could not fly, drove him out here and called to see if we could spend some time together. Please know that these were one of the first families outside of my immediate that were spiritual parents to me. Thank You, LORD, for these amazing people who love You first and blessed me and my family’s lives for so many years. Now, with email, texting, and facetime we still are able to reconnect and communicate. I will say, God Knew Mr. Larry, Mrs. Faith and I were hoping to see each other again. In February, they made it out here for dinner and conversation, What a sweet birthday gift from God, I believe. Please continue to pray for strength, all cancer goes away and he is fully healed. We are praising God for the immunotherapy that has worked as he has gained weight, stepped back into some things but most of all he is a walking testimony of God’s love, mercy, and miraculous work. Love to your whole family Larry and Faith, Stephen, Rebecca, and Cheree
3. Faith Cowherd –   she is fighting sarcoma cancer and we are praising God that this past week was able to go home after being away for 8 long weeks having proton radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy. Please continue to lift up her and her family. You can read more about their journey through Facebook; It is a general account and anyone can access the page. Please search for “Fight For Faith” and see how you can pray for this family.

No doubt so many more need our prayers so keep lifting up all battling the coronavirus, flu, all sorts of cancers, loss, physical pains, and any other struggles satan sends to this world to distract us from Jesus. Don’t give up the fight but keep running toward Jesus and remember it is not over here on earth, more is to come for eternity!

“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses”  1 Timothy 6:12

Father, It is with confidence and continued faith I lay these before you and ask you to heal their bodies, comfort them and their families on the hard days and remind them to rejoice every day for You have them and love them dearly. We still have so much more that is greater to come. Help us not slip but to hold firmly to Your promises and Truths. Continue to remind us to pray for one another and lift each other up in love, encouragement before Your Mighty Throne. You are the healer and we praise You for You ARE GOOD ALWAYS! I also want to praise You for Paul Jenkins’s healing, my continued ability to live each day, work, encourage, and minister as God leads. May each one reading this update be encouraged to continue in their walk of faith and keep fighting each day to grow closer to You regardless of the noise, busy schedules, heartaches and struggles surrounding them. May they be challenged to pray each day for one another and that Your Great Name WILL be known amongst this ever-changing world. Thank You for hearing our prayers and loving us more each day. We love You, Your children.

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you, may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24-26

 

 

 

The Mind Battle

THE MIND BATTLE

Have you ever felt that your mind was under attack with the “What If’s” and “Why’s” that seem to take our eyes God being in control?

I spent a week (Aug 23-Sept 1) with a team from OK and our church in AZ, along with a friend from FL, helping build a church in Teresina, Brazil. What a blessed time. Last year, 2018, I was taking my final round of chemo and could not go. Apparently, I had told my husband I felt led to go back in December and he purchased tickets but I did not remember the conversation. I was a little anxious going as it was a very busy short summer. I started a new job 3 weeks before going. SO, it was a little overwhelming making sure my work was going well, packing, my parents coming in town to watch our kids, needing a schedule of all that was going on with kids for my parents and arranging communication between church, school pick-ups, softball and anything else they might need while we were away. Leaving for the trip, I was already rushed feeling, a little anxious, not normally a road I go down, but aware I was not spiritually prepared as in past years.

We got to Teresina and I was hoping to work with a friend, serving with the children’s ministry, and I did a couple of days. I also spent time with my husband, very needed for me, while we worked on the building.  In the past, I sat in the evangelism room most days and seldom hung out at the worksite. This time, I was able to be wherever and with whomever. Really did not have a specific role. On one end that is very odd, but in hindsight, I am starting to believe God had other plans for me.  Throughout the week, I dealt with pride, frustration, disappointment, and feeling like a failure. I was asked by one of the translators, Lo, who always helped Daniel and me in the past if I was going to do a woman’s night again?. To which I quickly responded “NO”. I was not feeling confident or ready as I have been struggling with speaking, to anyone these days, much less in front of people. I have been down on myself and my abilities to speak post brain surgery. I threw her question down quickly. During the week, as I watched one of our ladies minister with passion, joy and a very sensitive spirit. I felt myself get jealous, continually thinking, that used to be me.

On Friday night, we had the new building service with a packed house as Ray Strauss spoke. During this time, I went to a lady from Ray’s group and began to just weep as I needed to talk and she was very open and willing. In the next 30 minutes to an hour, she called me out as God led her and I received it openly. She shared how she heard me say “I  want “a lot and encouraged me to turn that into “God Wants instead”. She continued on as I began to share my struggles and she gently grabbed my hands and said: “Mindy, God loves you!” The tears began to flow. I knew this but for some reason, I needed to actually hear it said. Sharon prayed for me and we went back for the end of the service.

What I have learned from my week in Brazil is that my mind was in a battle and I had been listening to the enemy. I desired to give up because things were not going the way I wanted them to go and in the way I wanted them to happen. By chance have you found yourself fighting God, comparing yourself to others, wishing you were different? Reality is that these are all self-focused questions. I have known that pride is a huge battle for me and maybe that was why God had me go on this trip. It was not until 4:15pm on September 2, that it all came together with tears flowing down my face. I was listening to Laura Story’s song Blessings and decided to look up the album,  a song titled “Grace” caught me and I felt led to listen. After getting off the phone with mom, I watched the video with the lyrics so the words could sink into my mind. I will post it now and if you have time please listen. This was exactly what was going on inside of me.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BVxAYGt2kc

Below I am going to list what God showed me and what scripture says.

1. I struggled with confidence; I keep looking back to how God had made me passionate, confident in the calling on my life before cancer. The problem was I kept looking, and living in the past of who I was before the brain tumor and thinking it was all over now and God had passed the confidence and passion on to others.
   1. PRIDE: has a way of knocking us down and taking our eyes off of God. If you notice, Pride has “I’ right in the middle. I lived this out as

“I want to do this my way, God.” Basically, I am in control attitude.

“I made this happen God.” Here, I am telling God I am putting myself in His place. The above song posted writes the lyrics this way: “I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.” Reality is, none of the things I have done are in my strength or ability but from God above and His plans. Oh, how easy it is to be swayed by the devil that we are in control and can make things happen. 1 Timothy 4 warns us against falling into deceptive spirits and teachings. How we need to be reminded of who God is and all He has done in our lives. It is too easy to think we are high and mighty; taking God’s glory instead of giving Him the glory. Even walking through cancer, I had moments where I believed I would think it was my positive thinking or strength and that holds no truth. God graciously would remind me it was not of me that I was healed, but of Him alone and solely for His glory.

Many times, since my brain surgery,  I would tell my husband, “They are so much better at that than me and maybe God is done with me.” to which a pity party ensued and I was miserable. My husband never fell for it and would immediately pray for me and no doubt is getting tired of this “woe is me” attitude. Yet, he patiently attends to me, encourages me along with challenging me to keep chasing God.

1. 1. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3
2. I struggled with jealousy, I kept looking at my friend and saying, “I used to be that way” and jealousy would creep up on me like a snake and cause me to not rejoice in how God was using her, but instead beat myself up, which again causes the focus to be on me instead of God.
   1. JEALOUSY: takes all the joy away from us and again eyes are off God and on self. Notice the word lousy is in jealousy. That is exactly how I had begun to feel and dragging others there if I am not careful. Thankful that God never leaves us there and as the song above asks, “How Many times will You pick me up?” I love it and am so very thankful He keeps picking me up, shaping me and loving me regardless of my pity parties, selfish decisions, and the many times I try to take control. He does not give up on me and has so much for me even though I will continually let Him down, He forgives and lifts me up.
      1. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs14:30how I wish I had read this over and over and applied to my life. I could have avoided this pain and cause for some not coming to know Christ.
3. Lastly, I struggled with SELFISHNESS: I turned to my husband one night on the bus and said, for probably the 100th time post brain cancer surgery, “I am done, I am giving up! This is too hard and basically, no one is coming to me, as if I was God. I had picked up a God complex and again, I was the miserable one, isolating myself from others instead of the other way around. This was the hardest part of the trip for me, realizing the UGLINESS living inside my heart. But if that was God’s reason for me going  then, it was worth it to see this now instead of more years of pain, and worse, possibly causing some not to follow Christ.
   1. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and EVERY evil thing.” James 3:16

Please understand, I share this with a very heavy heart as someone out there might be struggling with these same feelings and I want to encourage you to get battle-ready: How do you do that?

1.  ARMOR UP: Ephesians 6 is the best start
2.  PRAYER: “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when we do this, we keep our minds on God instead of our situations or circumstances we will be covered by His peace and hand of comfort.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY: Surround yourself with godly friends to hold you up in prayer and in your daily walk. I have friends along with my husband who always holds me accountable to what I say. They also check in on me now more than ever knowing my struggles. They also see God in me and what He can do so they hold me up in prayer with this understanding, instead of my “woe is me” view and it does help me to change my point of view.

During the week in Brazil, one of the missionaries, Rodrigo, stopped me and told me he saw my old smile back. Honestly, I laughed and did not believe him,  but he said it again, and I knew it was from God. My outside had that smile but my inside was shoving it down and trying to deny it coming out. Thank you, Rodrigo, for being persistent and not letting me walk away from this conversation. God used you, friend, and I will not forget! Much love and gratefulness!!!

Maybe you can relate to some of these issues, I pray God will use this honesty to challenge you to seek Him and be in His word. Honesty can be good if used to bring people to Christ but often times it is used to uplift one’s self or to clear one’s conscience, I have been guilty of this before. So, please chase after God and seek Him out. Here is a promise from Jeremiah 29. The Israelites continued to choose what they wanted before God’s desires for them and yet He still encouraged, warned and gave them chance after chance. This is for us too. Jeremiah leaves us with a word from God to encourage us to seek His desires first; though God does not like it, He does not give up on us and will always forgive us and give us a chance to change our ways. May this be a huge encouragement for you in your struggle, whatever it may be, that God is not done with you yet. He has so much more for you if you will let Him show you your faults, let Him clean you out, forgive you, raise you up and mold you into the amazing person He still wants to be your God and use you that other’s might come to know Him. Come along with me and let’s commit to doing this together today. Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I KNOW the PLANS that I have FOR YOU,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare (Good) and not for calamity (harm) to GIVE YOU a FUTURE and a HOPE. 12‘Then you WILL call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I WILL (promise) listen to you. 13‘You WILL seek Me and find Me WHEN you search for Me with ALL your heart.”  We are in such GREAT hands friends!!!!

Father, I pray for whoever might be reading this tonight or in the morning. I ask that Your Spirit will fall all over them in love and peace. May they no longer beat themselves up for not attaining to perfection, recognizing that is impossible, but instead turn to You and live in Your unending sufficient grace and help me to do so as well. Thank You for loving Your children who mess up time and time again. Thank You for forgiving us and giving us many chances to shine bright for You. We love you, Father, amen.  May

24″The Lord bless you and keep you;
25  the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26  the Lord lift uphis countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Have a wonderful weekend and keep looking up to God, He is waiting and ready to meet you where you are right now.

18 Month MRI Update & Prayer Requests

Last Thursday I went for an MRI for my 18-month followup. I went in January for an MRI and it was still the same with the scans still having some inflammation around the surgery resection location. The photo below shows the previous scans with the white inflammation.

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Going into the MRI last week, I had anxiety for the first time as I had many headaches this past few months between MRI’s and doctors visits. I wasn’t fearful of the outcome as I really do feel like the cancer is totally gone and have a feeling of great peace. I really can’t explain the anxiety that crept over me driving alone to the new MRI location. Maybe it was a new place farther away to have a higher degree scan for more clarity. It was not because I was alone as I usually go to MRI appts by myself. Maybe it was the little girl screaming as they took her grandpa back and grandma would not suffice. All I remember is a feeling of fear trying to creep into my mind and heart. I immediately got my phone and messaged some people to please start praying, knowing this was not of God whatsoever. I know satan likes to attack at night when I am tired and it’s dark. He also likes to attack when I am alone and more vulnerable. Fortunately, I did not leave the house that morning without having some time with God and suited up with Ephesians 6: God’s full suit of armor.  Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, Shod my feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace. My mother gave this to me many years ago and I love seeing her stand so confidently, as all Christians should, knowing that God will never leave them nor forsake them but stand alongside us, walking through each battle or per scripture: Exodus 14:14 ““The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” He was talking to the Israelites here but it stands for us today, many generations later, that He still fights for us every minute of the day and He is our peace IF we trust in Him.

By the time I was taken back for the MRI I was much calmer, which was good because the nurse could not get the contrast needle in my arm the first two tries. I now have bruised arms and look like someone beat me. I was told it should be gone in a couple of weeks. Just another fun part to the story added. That did not make me nervous either and assumed once I was in the MRI, the nurse would do the contrast easily and it worked; third times a charm. It took around 45 minutes for all the scans and then I was gone. They handed me the disc and home I went. Now for the results.

RESULTS OF MRI:

After last Thursday and not having anyone with me, I mentioned to the texting group I was in that my husband signed up to help at VBS if needed and it just so happened he was and it was at the exact time of my neuro-oncology followup appt. My mother, who was one of the ladies in the texting group was not happy of me going by myself so another friend offered to go and my mother responded with a quick  ” I will answer for Mindy, YES!” and so Erin and I were able to work out together, she went with me and met Dr. P and Charlotte, his NP, who I so love as she is a strong Christian who I can talk with and share with a mutual understanding of who God. No conversation throws her but she just gently listens, responds, and encourages with grace and understanding.  So, covered in peace, joy and having a great day it just got better as Dr. P popped in to say goodbye but was so happy with my scans and you could feel the joy in telling me they looked wonderful and these were the best he’s seen in last 2 years. All the inflammation was gone and said you have many years ahead. Go enjoy your family trip and your life ahead. He sounded very confident that the treatment did its job. I walked out of there very excited and encouraged, almost somewhat giddy while Erin and I’s stomachs were growling and ready for sushi. We headed out for a great meal and God talk. What a great day and then I received some more amazing news: I have been asking you to please pray for Mr. Larry Papizan and his wife Faith as they battle his cancer and received this update later this afternoon and for all of you who have been praying, THANK YOU

Here is my result from today:

Prayer Requests and updates:

1. Larry Papizan. PRAISE & Cont’d prayers requested: 

This is GREAT NEWS! Thank you for your prayers!!! Please continue to pray for him during the last 7 treatments as they are hard on his body. Pray for strength, endurance, peace, and comfort for him and his wife as she walks through this with him. Please pray for the overflowing presence of the Lord in their home, where he gets the infusions and for all doctors and nurses to see God’s hand in all of this. Pray for their 3 children and all their grandchildren as well. May they see God’s hand and His testimony be shared throughout their community and city in Mississippi.

2. Please continue to pray for Olivia Streckfuss as she is home but this week during VBS has had some hard moments as she wants to run and play but it becomes very painful if anyone bumps her leg or it moves wrong. Please pray for strength to be regained in her leg so it does not get weaker. Please pray for endurance, patience, and comfort for her family as they walk this journey with her. May they be covered in God’s wisdom for all circumstances, surgeries, doctor appointments and travel in months or years to come. Please continue to pray for miraculous healing of this disease as doctors are still learning about what all it can do and how to treat it effectively.

3. Julie Keim – a dear friend who has a brain tumor that is inoperable and causes extreme headaches. Pray for it to shrink away as she has no insurance right now and can’t follow up with MRI’s. I am also praying for it to just go away totally. Pray for strength, endurance, comfort as well for this affects eyesight, ears, jaw and more. Lift Julie, Jonas, their whole family up please for total healing.

4. Shannon Lude: Shannon is on hospice and living with a home that takes care of those who really have no understanding of what is going on around them. Please pray for Shannon as she is away from her family. Pray for comfort, peace and rest. May God’s peace be all over her right now.

Thank you all for your prayers for people you do not even know. Thank you for loving Jesus and willing to link arms with people to lift them up before God with cries of healing, mercy, grace, love, strength, hope, and endurance. Blessings and may God make His face to shine upon you all today.

Life’s Connections Part 2

Picking up where I left off with Craig’s story from  Life’s Connections Part 1 per this week, I did not see Craig again until Friday, May 17th. I was working out with a friend and he comes walking up to us both with a big smile and says “I don’t know if you were praying but if so thank you! My test came back negative and nothing is wrong with me.” I replied and shared I had been praying along with some others I had told that day about his tests.  Introduced him to my friend and she and I smiled and talked about God’s goodness for a few minutes before finishing our workout. This is why we connect in life and link arms with one another whether good news or not-so-good news. The joy on his face and honestly, just the thank you for praying for me as he looked like he was walking on a cloud was so worth taking the time to listen, encourage and pray for him daily.

Now, how are you going to go out and connect with lives today? How are you preparing your heart, mind, and body to be in tune with God’s calling today to act on His behalf by being His hands and feet?

Please keep praying for Craig as the doctors want to run some more tests on his stomach just to make sure. He did not seem as nervous sharing this information but I told him we’d be praying. Many more still need prayer and I ask you to also lift up so many other people still please. I am including pictures as this might help as you pray and lift them up in prayer. I always love seeing who I am lifting up in prayer. 

1. Julie Keim: I have not mentioned her in a while and want to bring her back on the current list as she has no insurance so is not able to get the MRI’s she needs to see how her brain tumor is doing. My prayer is that it continues to shrink totally away and God alone can do this Himself. Please keep she and her husband Jonas in your prayers as this has been a long road. Yet, they still go on mission trips, serve in our church, run a business together which includes helping others at minimal cost or not cost as service God calls them too. She has 2 of her kids still at home 14 & 17 than she has 2 in college and a third who just returned from service that come and go from the house weekly. Pray for wisdom, strength, energy and comfort due to headaches she has often.
2. Shannon Lude –     as she is on hospice and not sure how many days/weeks they have given her, she will be at peace and for her kids as they are so far away. They come and go as they can but Indiana is a costly flight away with all those medical bills.
3. Larry Papizan:     fighting cancer that is treatable but not curable. Please pray for peace as he finished treatment #5 and has #6 to go. He is hanging in there but still asking for prayers of God’s will to be done, strength, comfort for he and his family. Pray for his wife Faith as this is hard for her to watch and walk through. Pray for Jesus to hold her firm and His presence to comfort her heart and be her strength as she takes care of her husband as needed. Also for their 3 children and grandchildren.
4. Paul Jenkins: this man is one of our churches door greeters and always has the biggest smile, usually boots, when not 80+ degrees outside, bulletins to hand and welcome anyone into the church. He always has compliments galore flowing out of his gentle heart and mouth. he was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this week and we are asking for miraculous healing and he told me Sunday he just wants God to use his life as a testimony for God’s glory. Please lift up his wife Linda as well and that God’s massive hand of comfort will be all over her as she walks this road alongside her husband. I was blessed to do precepts with Linda and she was one of the ladies who made my prayer quilt worn in radiation for 6 weeks. Amazing, godly woman and man!
5. Olivia Streckfuss:     Please keep praying for Olivia as the surgery was successful and here is Rebecca’s most recent update from Wednesday morning: Bit of a rough morning with complications with her iv line and some other pains but she did great with her PT assessment and was discharged. She is now happy & resting and looking forward to get back to AZ with her dad & sisters. We are very thankful for the wonderful nurses at Lennox Hill Hospital and the great doctors and staff at the AVM center. Yeah, she is coming home!!! Praise the Lord for HE IS GOOD!

Please join me in linking arms in prayer with all of these people in my life. I am not sure who is in your life going through tough times, but I ask you to write out your own list to link arms with each day. Maybe write a card, bring flowers, stop by for a hug, share a funny story. run an errand, cook a meal. Create your own email list and pray together linking arms in your church or community. I do believe that satan is trying to destroy Christians faith right now through disease and sickness. If he can get our eyes off God into doubt, fear and on our own circumstances then he will drag us into a pit he will use to make us miserable christians instead of keep people away from God because why would people want to follow God when we are walking around moping, angry? We are still to find joy in God not our circumstance regardless of the outcome. I am fully understanding that is easier some days than others but want to challenge you to still lift your head very high to Jesus Christ, cry out in praise and thank Him for what He has done in your life or even someone you know. Praise Him now for loving you and dying for you. He so loves you friend. Blessings and may God make His face to shine upon you today and fill you with His neverending peace, love and joy.

 

Life’s Connections Part 1

On May 16th, I was watching a movie about a girl who started her own local web show (design, marketing) just to see how to connect a product with people. I began to feel envious of how she could just make connections and make things happen. I began to remember so many ideas that have raced across my mind but never followed through with as I lacked confidence in writing the story, meeting someone or just starting something new for fear of failing. , I began to think about when this blog started and my whole passion was connecting women to each other so they could talk, become more confident and walk life together whether good days or bad. I have been praying for a while now and asking God why am I still here after the brain tumor? There is a reason, and knowing this blog site http://www.armslinkingarms.wordpress.com along with the FB page Arms linking Arms were started. The reason they were started was because I felt led to hopefully, one day, help connect people and their stories so that we might encourage one another to keep our heads lifted high through the hard days of life.

From Thursday, May 8, through Wednesday, May 15, I subbed for classes at our Elementary/Middle School and was not able to go to the gym. My usual routine, when not subbing, is to drop my eldest son and a friend at their high school in town, go to the gym by 8:00 am and run errands, then home. About 3 weeks ago, the stretch area in the gym filled up with people and it was hard to find a place to put a mat. Another gentleman and I were laughing as we were trying not to hit anyone with our mats and yet find a place to stretch. Since then, he has waved to me whenever we end up in the stretching area at the same time. I was gone the last 5 days and on May 16th I did not see him in the corner but heard a voice asking, “where have you been? I was wondering where the woman who is here at the same time as I went?” We have never spoken as I am very careful at the gym and stick to talking with women as a false perception or wrong intention could be perceived from anyone watching. Just trying to be wise as this is an agreement between my husband and me. This morning was different though; he came over and introduced himself. After asking where I had been, I shared how I sub to bring in some extra money and he proceeded to introduce himself, putting out a hand he said, “My name is Craig and I just moved from California after retiring.” I shared my name and he continued on about how he wished more people said hi to one another as he nodded and said hi to some others he has come to know. I felt led to do ask how he was doing. He shared with me that he finally found a doctor and that the doctor wanted some routine blood work performed. The doctor noticed something wrong with his white blood cell count. He shared that on Friday, May 17th, he will have his bone marrow tested and I could see the worry in his eyes. I shared my story with him about my brain tumor and God’s goodness to me. He smiled and we talked about prayer and I asked if he wouldn’t mind keeping me posted on the results to which he smiled and agreed. In hindsight, I wish I had offered to pray for him right then as he retrieved his mat and headed out. These are important moments of encouragement and connection as we walk in God’s light for the world to see and hopefully turn to Him. Not sure I will see him tomorrow but will make sure the next time to say a prayer. Craig wanted a connection as he is in a new place, entering the unknown and maybe this one conversation will be a light in his week of questions.

Back to the arms linking arms blog intention. My passion was to use this to connect people, pray for/with people, encourage people to reach out and help one another. If we link arms (whether young, old, weak or strong) we are much stronger than just standing holding hands. Our wrists become limp, sweaty hands can slip apart but if we link arms at the elbows when one falls, those on each side can support and help carry some of the burdens for the one who falls (whether from sickness, loss, temptation or hardship of some kind). I look at the picture above and see even through weathered years these chains linked together are holding strong regardless of the rust. I had so many people link arms with me during my life and now I will get to share more of those with you as God has given this site more purpose and in hopes maybe inspire you to share your story with another in hopes that this will continue from one person to the next and keep going. Let’s create a chain, in God’s name and begin linking with one another and carrying God’s encouraging message to this world each day. Please join me in linking arms with Craig and praying for him.

Father God, You know Craig and You alone already know what is going on inside of his body. I ask that You be with him now and reveal Your Mighty presence of peace and Comfort to him. I do not know if he has a relationship with You. Let him know You are near and he can talk with You. Be with him tomorrow and comfort him during the bone marrow test. I ask Lord if he does not have a relationship with You that You will open that door for a conversation to arise in hopes that he will find You. Be with all involved in this test. Bring clarity if something is off but I am going to ask for a clear test and more. So, whatever Your will, may it be done that You will receive ALL the praises in this mans life. Thank You, Lord for listening to this prayer and answering it in Your will and way. Thank you for the connection and may You be honored through all life’s connections and give Your children sensitivity to Your Holy Spirit when these doors and opportunities are opened that we will make Your name known.

Hebrews 10:24; “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”

Motivating one another to focus on God instead of the negative circumstance. Even if Craig is not a believer, I can still motivate him to think on Christ and cry out to him in his time of need, no matter what it may be.

Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

This is referencing believer’s but we can still encourage nonbeliever’s not to listen to Satan’s deceitful lies about how they are not worth anything, alone, as we know the scriptures tell us God is for us and not against us. We know He will NEVER leave us or forget us! 1 Chronicles 28:20- And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

I get excited about this verse because it means as long as I am here on earth, God will not forget me or leave me (even though at times I might forget this truth) but will sustain and help me in the service and callings He called me to do each day. I will one day be brought home to Him and then the work in and through me will be done but till then my hope is knowing the above verse is a promise to me from my heavenly Father, Creator and Lord!

Go and link arms with others around you and ask God to give you an awareness of who He wants you to connect with in life. Blessings and may His face shine upon you!

I will be posting part 2 tomorrow as I did see Craig the following week. Stay tuned to read about his results and response.

Prayer Request Updates

I get people checking in every once in a while asking how I am doing and so to let you know, I am doing very well. I recently spent 5 days subbing for 28 second graders and was not sure I was going to make it through, but God provided strength and endurance as 28 kids are very active, busy and all talking together very loud. I learned about myself that I now have sensory overload issues when kids are tapping you while you are trying to talk is now not something I do very well. Again, we all survived and they are all still alive and thriving as they finish school in 3 days. I also learned from our amazing first grade teacher, Julia Cantwell that it is ok to ask for help. I wanted to see if I could handle it but I needed much help to reign in the noise. The kids knew this too. They are way too smart. Over all it was fun and I am thankful for the opportunity and ability to still be up in front of these kids. I say all this as I introduce the prayer requests because I am a miracle and the fact that I can do all this shows God still has more for me each day.

Many of you remember me asking you to pray for Shannon Lude, who was the first brain tumor survivor I met in the ER and helped me get through so much. Today, we were messaging as she has been back in Phoenix due to more tumors. I did not realize the severity until I went to see her. I reached out to see how she was doing along with her mom. She replied back how she has only seen the dr. once since being back and had an appt scheduled at 10:00 this morning. I asked if she needed a ride and she said yes. It would be 37 minutes to get to where she is and so I told her I would come to get her now to which she replied my ex and kids are coming now to take me on a walk. Confusion popped in and I tried to confirm if I left at a certain time I could be there by 9:25 and make it to her appt to which she said yes but I am on the other line telling them I need a ride. I had no way of calling and so I went ahead and showed up at 9:25 and a man answered the door and shared with me her family took her to Payson for the day. I was really confused and he went on to explain that she has been diagnosed terminal due to too many tumors in her brain. Shannon is a GBM patient and its not the best diagnosis as they usually give you 12-18 months. she has had that and more as she already had one surgery before we met. She has survived a little over 2 years. My heart is hurting for her kids right now as Fred informed me she is living at the house and hospice comes to take care of all her needs but she does not have dr appts or even goes out. With this news my heart broke because the reality is, I am moving on and ahead, now, mine is an astrocytoma and not as deadly, still scary, just not as bad. I don’t understand why God allows people to struggle. What I do know is that if I lean on Him and trust in His word, He brings me peace, hope, and joy regardless of the road ahead. I do not know how long Shannon has but I am asking all who are lifting her up to pray for quality of life these last months with her kids and create memories for them. Pray for her 3 kids, who are all in their 20’s as they have to let go of their mom. I can not imagine going through this. I know Shannon has a relationship with God and praying her kids have one with Him too.

Next, I am asking you to continue praying for Olivia Streckfuss. This is from Rebecca, her mother: “Olivia is about to continue her series of procedures. She is next scheduled for May 28th. Olivia and I will be flying out this Sunday and returning on friday, May 31st. Specific prayer: wisdom for her doctors and procedure to be successful, for Olivia’s health to be good from now until the recovery process is done, more mobility for her leg/knee, no painful blood clots, comfortable travel especially on her return flight, also for Joe and other girls while we are away. For Gods provision and favor with her condition and medical bills. And though there is no cure, that doctors can get her to a point of comfort and mobility, where her leg can grow normally, and growth of VM to stop. We are still praying for a miracle for complete healing but if it’s not his will, that he would grow Olivia and each one of us inwardly and closer to him. We are very grateful for all God has provided so far especially his peace/comfort. you can keep up with this family and Olivia’s updates at https://whiteflagwaving.wordpress.com/2019/05/10/no-bell-to-ring-yet-well-sing/?fbclid=IwAR3357K_AKALFHNjwNBuXyfW6om4laBl0HSHfhqI077SxUDK1c5IJt4GYgg

Lastly, I am requesting continued prayer for Larry Papizan and his family. These are some of my families dear friends from New Orleans and people we spent many hours hanging out together. Original message pre treatment: He does have a Stage 4 Gastric Adenoma that is poorly differentiated, meaning it is very aggressive & fast spreading. There are many nodes, 3 microscopic spots in the liver, small spot on the left collar bone & spot in the sacrum. In addition, there is a large Clear Cell carcinoma in the Right kidney. It too is aggressive and if it spreads, it would go to the lungs or bones. We are all so stunned! The only complaint was some occ stomach pain after eating. All blood work was perfectly normal & he was still running 4-5 miles daily. They don’t want to remove the kidney because they are planning on blasting him with 4 strong chemos & need the kidneys to filter those from his system.
Thankfully Stephen & Cherie (2 of their 3 children) know his Oncologist well as they were in Med school together. One of them or both has gone to every appt over the past 3 1/2 weeks. Thankfully, Larry is in good physical shape.
As you pray for Larry’s physical needs, please pray that I, Faith, (who is his wife) might maintain a calm spirit as we deal with all of this.
Our prayer is that in all things, God will be glorified.  Larry has completed 4 treatments so far and here is his current update: He had a rough past week. Diarrhea was much less but he was so very weak…just wiped out. the fluid drips help. Had he not been better today, I was going to request more but he finally is better today. They have changed his schedule for the next treatment to May 29….so he’ll have a longer break. The PET scan is still scheduled for 6/6. We’ll be anxious to see how much difference the chemo has made. Then I think the next treatment is 6/12. Don’t know what plans are at that point. Thankfully he was strong when this treatment process started.

Lastly, I have an MRI on May 29th and follow up with Dr on June 6th. Will post an update upon receiving scans. She has requested a 3T scan, for more clarity. Please continue to pray for a calm heart and mind as Satan tries to make me anxious due to having many headaches this past month. We have had lots of windy weather, pollen. I just hold on to Psalm 16:8 -10″I keep my eyes always on the LORD. WITH HIM at my right hand, I WILL NOT be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also WILL rest secure, BECAUSE you WILL NOT ABANDON me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” God is good and HIS WILL will be done no matter what and I praise Him for His goodness to me as He is my Sustainer, Comforter, Healer, and Hope each day. I pray each of you has this confidence and if not, may you reach out to me or someone close who can share God’s message of love, hope, peace, and grace with you.

Father, we lift up each of these requests and ask Your continued hand upon each one who is sick as well as their families who are walking the unkown with them. Fill them with Your presence of peace, joy, and hope. May Your will be done and through this, Your Name becomes known by so many more. Anyone who has read this and does not know You, may you unveil their eyes and draw them to You that they will come to know You as their Lord and Savior. We thank you for hearing our prayers and praise You for being in control of all things and never abandoning any of us on these tough journeys. Bless these families with Your grace, mercy, and comfort each day. Be with all the doctors/nurses and caregivers as they assist and help. Be their hands, eyes and encouraging words while they do their best to help them during treatments, rest and with any necessary assistance. Be with the families as they receive unexpected news or good news. Whatever comes, please hold them firmly as not to be shaken. give safety in travels and comfort away from home. Protect them all, in Your Name, Jesus, AMEN.

Blessings to you all and may God make His face to shine upon you all! Mindy Scott