My Grandmother's parents immigrated to the United States from Macedonia many years ago. Macedonia is just north of Greece.
To celebrate our family and its heritage, my Grandma's sisters and sisters-in-law organize an annual Greek reunion in August. Along with the typical American fare, we always have a variety of Greek food. Baklava and quiche are at the top of the list. This year, I tried everything and was pleasantly surprised. Though the piece of quiche with the quarter baked in alluded me, I found the food delicious.
As we ate, fellowshipped, and played a little Funny Money (an auction of items from our homes that we bid on with our $250 fake bills), I was reminded that family is important. Our heritage is important. Where we come from is important.
We may not have had the option to choose our family, where we were born, our parents or how many siblings we have or didn't have or still have. But they have been given to us for a reason, and some for only a season. To be loved and to be loved by.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Pray about the big stuff. And in the end....love. Love. Forgive. And love some more. And then forgive again.......
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But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters) loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers (and sisters), stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Summer Fun
What an incredibly busy summer it has been at our home!!!
We're certainly making up for our very uneventful summer from last year.......when I was in radiation treatment. That was when sunlight was my nemeses. My arch enemy. My plague. I remember watching the boys swim at my sister's pool while I sat on the deck, wearing my long sleeve sun blocking shirt, holding my umbrella while sitting under the larger deck umbrella. It was good to see the boys enjoying themselves, but I couldn't stand the heat for too long. Most of my days were spent sitting on my shady front porch.
This summer we've had tennis lessons, swimming lessons, VBS, soccer camp, basketball camp, church camp, a couple of camping trips, and plenty of chaos. I'm actually looking forward to the start of school when we have a more structured schedule in place. Of course, if anyone knows me well enough, they know that schedules at my house are not built on solid rock. Though they do give me a good reference point and help me set goals, I'm not bound by them. That can be good.......and that can be bad!
I just want to give God the glory for giving us this summer of fun and for giving me the strength and energy to keep up with my boys. He is good. He is faithful.
We're certainly making up for our very uneventful summer from last year.......when I was in radiation treatment. That was when sunlight was my nemeses. My arch enemy. My plague. I remember watching the boys swim at my sister's pool while I sat on the deck, wearing my long sleeve sun blocking shirt, holding my umbrella while sitting under the larger deck umbrella. It was good to see the boys enjoying themselves, but I couldn't stand the heat for too long. Most of my days were spent sitting on my shady front porch.
This summer we've had tennis lessons, swimming lessons, VBS, soccer camp, basketball camp, church camp, a couple of camping trips, and plenty of chaos. I'm actually looking forward to the start of school when we have a more structured schedule in place. Of course, if anyone knows me well enough, they know that schedules at my house are not built on solid rock. Though they do give me a good reference point and help me set goals, I'm not bound by them. That can be good.......and that can be bad!
I just want to give God the glory for giving us this summer of fun and for giving me the strength and energy to keep up with my boys. He is good. He is faithful.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Is It?
Tonight, as we were drying off and getting ready to leave the community pool, my seven year old asked me a very good question.
"Mommy, is it okay for mommies to wear things that only cover up their private parts? You know, just a little bit of a swimsuit so that all of their bellies are showing and all of this stuff [as he shyly guestures to the upper to mid chest area) is showing."
Innocent eyes, wide open, asking me about modesty without even knowing it. It was apparent that he was uncomfortable with whatever 'little' it was that he had just seen.
How does a mommy respond?
Is it okay? Is it?
"Mommy, is it okay for mommies to wear things that only cover up their private parts? You know, just a little bit of a swimsuit so that all of their bellies are showing and all of this stuff [as he shyly guestures to the upper to mid chest area) is showing."
Innocent eyes, wide open, asking me about modesty without even knowing it. It was apparent that he was uncomfortable with whatever 'little' it was that he had just seen.
How does a mommy respond?
Is it okay? Is it?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tapioca Pudding
Recently, a hail storm blew over our neck of the woods and left quite an 'impression' on Sean's Buick. So Sean investigated the cost to fix those dents. Calls to our insurance agent, estimates on the work, etc. and so on. Personally, I'm not in any big hurry to fix those dents. Though we have good insurance, there's still a big chunk to pay for the deductible. Sean agreed.....for now.
Then it hit me! Why should we spend all that money fixing dents in a car that works fine, when we could spend that money flattening out the dents on my frame. During my cancer treatment, I spent little time on my body. Now, I see a bunch of dents and bulges that were not there before. There are some that can only be fixed with the touch of a surgeon's hand; but there is certainly something I could do to fix my flabby arms and dent-filled legs!
A couple of friends reminded me of a place nearby that allows summer memberships. It provides 'babysitting' while mom works out, and indoor/outdoor swimming for the family, plus many more opportunities. I might just have to look into it. The cost is about the same as the deductible on our car insurance.
Forget the Buick. It runs fine. You can't even see the dents unless you're really looking for them. My frame is more important! It is time. Time to flatten my tummy, tone up my arms, and pound out those dents in my tapioca-pudding legs!
********
Ahhhhh.....pudding! That was one of the words in the fourth group (of the cognitive study)!!
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Then it hit me! Why should we spend all that money fixing dents in a car that works fine, when we could spend that money flattening out the dents on my frame. During my cancer treatment, I spent little time on my body. Now, I see a bunch of dents and bulges that were not there before. There are some that can only be fixed with the touch of a surgeon's hand; but there is certainly something I could do to fix my flabby arms and dent-filled legs!
A couple of friends reminded me of a place nearby that allows summer memberships. It provides 'babysitting' while mom works out, and indoor/outdoor swimming for the family, plus many more opportunities. I might just have to look into it. The cost is about the same as the deductible on our car insurance.
Forget the Buick. It runs fine. You can't even see the dents unless you're really looking for them. My frame is more important! It is time. Time to flatten my tummy, tone up my arms, and pound out those dents in my tapioca-pudding legs!
********
Ahhhhh.....pudding! That was one of the words in the fourth group (of the cognitive study)!!
********
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Friday, June 12, 2009
Cognitive Effects Study
On Tuesday I finished up my third and final session for the research study entitled, "Cognitive Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment: A Brain Imaging Study."
In preparation for this post I re-read the Informed Consent Statement that I signed and found an error in the section, "Benefits of Taking Part in the Study." It read....There is no benefit to you from participating in this study. I beg to differ.
So far, I've already thought of several personal benefits in my experience:
In preparation for this post I re-read the Informed Consent Statement that I signed and found an error in the section, "Benefits of Taking Part in the Study." It read....There is no benefit to you from participating in this study. I beg to differ.
So far, I've already thought of several personal benefits in my experience:
- THREE days out of the house in the company of adults.
- Free lunch (if you spend less than 6 dollars).
- An uninterrupted 30 minute nap in the MRI tunnel while listening to music of MY OWN choosing (not that I don't like Adventures in Odyssey or K-Love or Kid's Bible songs).
- Yummy Blueberry Muffins and Apple Juice after the blood draw.
- $150 for each visit. As I left Tuesday morning, I said to Sean..."I'm headed out to do my job for today."
- A feeling of doing something good for others.
- Checking off my exercise for the day.....those tunnels that get you from point A to point B to point C and back go on and on and on and on....
- Getting paid to exercise my brain for the day. For someone like me who likes Sudoku or Ken-Ken or cryptograms, Tuesday's cognitive testing, though challenging, was extremely fun. Let's see if I can still remember those words.......envelope, stapler, glue....lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, celery.....racket, baseball....what was that fourth group????? Ugh???
- Did I mention the $150/visit?
Thanks to Dr. M and Dory (and I suppose Dr. S...though I never met him) for your diligence in your research. Hopefully doctors will better understand the effects of chemotherapy on the brain.
P.S. Dory....It was Mrs. Brown, with a soccer ball, on route 30.......but ONLY after the 9 came after the 1.....which WAS NOT on the list!
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I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 (Paul writing to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tickle Our Ears
What a beautiful, refreshing rainy day we've had! I love rainy days.
This afternoon, the boys put on their swim trunks and shirts and played in the steady, gentle rain. Most of their time was spent in the creek moving rocks and building dams for their captured crawdad and minnows.
It's a beautiful picture to me....not the crawdads and minnows :).....but watching the boys playing so contently in the rain. After awhile they were nearly oblivious to the presence of the very thing that drew them outside in the first place....except, of course, when an unexpected drop tickled their ears.
The Holy Spirit is like that. He draws us out into some kind of 'work' or 'play' or 'ministry' and provides a beautiful, refreshing, steady presence in our lives. But, then we can get so busy at 'it', that we forget about His presence after awhile.....until His still small voice tickles our ears.
Tickle our ears today, Holy Spirit. Open our eyes. Let your Presence rain down.
*******
"I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Joel 2:28,29 and Acts 2:17,18
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (Jesus speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper). John 15:13-15.
This afternoon, the boys put on their swim trunks and shirts and played in the steady, gentle rain. Most of their time was spent in the creek moving rocks and building dams for their captured crawdad and minnows.
It's a beautiful picture to me....not the crawdads and minnows :).....but watching the boys playing so contently in the rain. After awhile they were nearly oblivious to the presence of the very thing that drew them outside in the first place....except, of course, when an unexpected drop tickled their ears.
The Holy Spirit is like that. He draws us out into some kind of 'work' or 'play' or 'ministry' and provides a beautiful, refreshing, steady presence in our lives. But, then we can get so busy at 'it', that we forget about His presence after awhile.....until His still small voice tickles our ears.
Tickle our ears today, Holy Spirit. Open our eyes. Let your Presence rain down.
*******
"I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Joel 2:28,29 and Acts 2:17,18
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (Jesus speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper). John 15:13-15.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Forward Steps
In February, I mentioned that I'd turned a corner and was on my way to finding 'me' again. Unfortunately, the moment was temporary. Though there were glimpses here and there through March and April, it took until the end of May to really feel like I was moving forward again.
Thankfully, I found a new doctor who was not only willing to listen to my concerns with true empathy, but she was also willing to DO something about it. Instead of the rhetorical...'that's too bad'.....'hmm, this normally doesn't happen'..... and 'let's give it some more time'.....this new doctor took initiative and said....'LET'S DO SOMETHING.' Praise God for Dr. K. P.!!!!
I also have had a physical therapist who has been working with me since June. She's not only been an intricate part of my physical healing, but she's also been instrumental in my emotional healing. She's given a listening and empathetic ear and great advice during each of my hour long treatments. Praise God for Barbara!!!
Moving forward feels SOOO good. This summer, instead of looking at the finish line and feeling disappointed in the distance that remains, I will be grateful for each forward step that I can take.
******
"We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing, that He is preparing and fitting us for some extraordinary thing by and by but as we go on in grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute. If we have God's say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways." Taken from June 4 reading of My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.
Thankfully, I found a new doctor who was not only willing to listen to my concerns with true empathy, but she was also willing to DO something about it. Instead of the rhetorical...'that's too bad'.....'hmm, this normally doesn't happen'..... and 'let's give it some more time'.....this new doctor took initiative and said....'LET'S DO SOMETHING.' Praise God for Dr. K. P.!!!!
I also have had a physical therapist who has been working with me since June. She's not only been an intricate part of my physical healing, but she's also been instrumental in my emotional healing. She's given a listening and empathetic ear and great advice during each of my hour long treatments. Praise God for Barbara!!!
Moving forward feels SOOO good. This summer, instead of looking at the finish line and feeling disappointed in the distance that remains, I will be grateful for each forward step that I can take.
******
"We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing, that He is preparing and fitting us for some extraordinary thing by and by but as we go on in grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute. If we have God's say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways." Taken from June 4 reading of My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.
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