The trees are slowly budding, the flowers slowly blooming, the songbirds are returning and the world is awakening. It is a time of renewal after a long period of darkness and cold. There are signs of new life all around us, lifting our spirits and reminding us that He fulfills His promises and renews the …
The Bald and the Beautiful
"...He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." Isaiah 61:3 It feels like the fiery assault of the past few months of the mourning and despair of chemotherapy have calmed down and what is left is a pile of ashes. And yet, in …
A Shelter in Place Plan:
“Shelter in place” This term has suddenly become a new reality and new normal for many of us. Granted we’ve all “sheltered in place” for a short time due to natural disaster, but the idea of sheltering in place for an unknown length of time because of disease seems to spark panic, fear, anxiety, and …
Sleepless to Strength
"When I awake, I am still with you..." Psalms 139:18b I don't know what it is about the night that brings me to such a vulnerable place. In the light of day my mind finds rest and peace but in the night watches, when sleep just won't come, I am at times overwhelmed with doubts, …
Good Friends, Good Medicine
"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul..." Psalms 27:9 God amazingly provided for our dear friends and coworkers of nearly 15 years, Francois and Nadia Hattingh, to come visit us. At any other time this visit would have been special but during this difficult time, their visit was extra special like good medicine, refreshing my soul! …
A Rest by Faith
Anyone who knows me would never use the word "rest" or "restful" to describe me. I tend to get names like "energizer bunny" and "go-getter". One of the most challenging aspects of this cancer journey for me has been resting. I have come to the conclusion that a walk by faith seems a lot easier …
These Are My People
To borrow a line from Johnny Cash, "these are my people", the ones who rally around me and are quick to lend a hand and support me in so many ways. I have never felt this as much as the past week when a literal team of ladies stepped up to help me when Phil …
Radiance in the Rain
Every now and again, in the middle of a rain shower, the sun breaks through. We call them “sun showers’ in English and among the Mwinika people they call them “Rain of the baboon” (I have no idea why!! :)) There’s nothing like it though, the sun hits the rain drops, refracting the light and …
Divine Detour
Even though I sit in a chair in a cancer center today receiving my 3rd of 6 chemotherapy treatments, instead of on a mat teaching God's Word to people I love, my heart is encouraged. God has us on a Divine Detour. One that we did not expect or even desire, but we continue to …
Hair today, Gone Tomorrow….What Cancer is Giving to Me
So much of what I read about cancer is centered around what it takes from you: your health, your hair, your skin, your energy, your social life, your mind. While all this is true, cancer does take a lot, but it also gives a lot. I read once before that all suffering is pain +plus+. …
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