A Memory...Diagnosis

This month marks the time...two years ago, I was diagnosed with invasive Breast cancer.

At the time, I had no idea what I was going to face in this dreadful disease that afflicts so many.

INVASIVE...not a good word to hear in Cancer.

BREAST CANCER...runs in my family.

My husband and I patiently sat in the waiting room to hear further information on what my treatments would entail.

SURGERY....what kind? Consultation with surgeon to follow.

OPTIONS..thankful we have them. DECISIONS....what is best for...ME?

SUNDAY PREACHING....Three Reasons We Suffer.

1. Your own transgressions
2. Your adversary to "TEST" your FAITH.
3. Bring GLORY to GOD by showing HIS strength, power and grace..in YOU!

A look at the sufferings of Paul the Apostle.

I remember the sufferings of Missionary Hudson Taylor.

When a new born Christian...I asked my husband ...WHY??

I could not then....THEN. Comprehend the reasons, the suffering and pain the heartache..the toil.

Til...my own turn came.

Not with Breast Cancer. But a son born with Downs Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. He would not live long. Nine Months after birth...he died.

The precious "lost" soul of a nurse was saved.

I'm thankful my memory...is that of GOD's GRACE at such a time.

WHY??? GOD's Divine purposes.

My FAITH was indeed tested. The adversary worked hard as well..sifting as wheat.

God's Glory? You ask?

AT SUCH A TIME???

YES...my FAITH strengthened with comfort, hope and courage. My FAITH revealed even to myself that it was REAL and full of power, even yet unbeknownst to me. It was working in me.

Again it would work in me...through my Breast Cancer Journey.

FAITH...would I trust GOD again...with my life...with my future...with HIS purpose?

A friend wrote me a song...PEACE AT SUCH A TIME.

Yes, again it came. It was there in full assurance. COURAGE to believe and endure.

Surgery would remove a tumor...no mastectomy.

I chose to read Psalm 55: 18, 22 before bed the night before surgery.

The surgery showed invasive...

January 20th pathology report... not in my lymph nodes.

January 21st...my 55th Birthday

January 25th surgeon appointment(the day my son died years earlier)

NOTE** #5 is GRACE
20 = 5 x 4 25 = 5x5 55 = 5 x 10

I'm thankful my MEMORY is that of God's Grace shown to me at such a time.

A Diagnosis that now is a memory for me. A memory of HIS GRACE.

Through one trial and test of faith...death came.

Through another...life was spared.

GOD's work and will performs HIS good purpose. Romans 8:28

We must believe it and trust HIM...

He will give you GRACE in time of need.

He will give you STRENGTH, COURAGE and HOPE.

Have no Fear. Jesus in near.

LIFE...will you fear and not let GOD show you HIS care...HIS work and HIS promises???

This life is a testing ground...of how you will live it. How you will affect others. And...what will you do with Jesus?

Hymn What Will You Do With Jesus?
Albert B. Simpson 1843-1919

Jesus, I give thee my heart to-day!
Jesus I'll follow Thee all the way.
Gladly obeying Thee! "will you say,
This will I do with Jesus!

What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you can not be;
Some day your heart will be asking, "What will He do with me?"

Take the LORD JESUS a your Saviour today..not at this "season" but for all eternity!!!

I pray this post is an encouragement to believe and trust and REJOICE.

Memories can be full of GRACE.

HOPE

Things I've learned about CANCER continued...

There is much to learn about CANCER...

A VITAL subject..that I took for granted before my own diagnosis.

#1 RESEARCH and LEARN THE TERMS regarding CANCER...BREAST CANCER especially for us women.

I remember when my mother had Breast Cancer...DCIS. I read up on it...thought about it..but then let the information leave my memory banks!

Upon my diagnosis for IDC...RESEARCH was necessary. I didn't know anything about IDC. The more I learned, the better understanding I had of not only what was going on with my body..but the outcome as well.

As mentioned in an earlier post...My Breast Cancer surgeon gave me a wonderful book on CANCER that was a valuable tool for me. It gave me confidence as I listened to her talk to me about my Breast Cancer. The TERMS she used...I understood. The PROCEDURES understood...helping with decisions I had to make regarding my care.

You can also visit RELIABLE sources...the Mayo Clinic... Breast Cancer.org...
Make sure you read good reliable information. There is a ton of information out there...be careful what you read. Some of the "forums" with people talking about their conditions are deceiving. Remember...some people are just basic "complainers"... and they most likely...do not have the same doctor as you.

Read about the BRAVE and the COURAGEOUS..it will help you a thousand times more!!

#2 LISTEN to YOUR DOCTOR.
People want to help with lots of advice...but YOUR CANCER is PERSONAL.
I have learned how very individualized Cancer is for each person...and of course it would be...as we all have different inherited genes etc.

#3 Cancer is NO RESPECT OF PERSON.

Young and old alike get Cancer..and young and old alike..SURVIVE!

#4 It's either there or it is not.
You cannot THINK you are getting Cancer. When diagnosed..it is there.
EARLY DETECTION is a must however, to keep it from GETTING worse...by having your YEARLY MAMMOGRAM. They are accurate..mine was found by digital mammography.

#5 Don't PANIC
Research for Cancer is amazing..and continues day after day. There is always NEW trials and medicines bringing about a CURE! The medical facilities available and the doctors are a TEAM waiting to help you.

#6 SUPPORT those you know who have Cancer.
Be there for them...it makes a world of difference. The encouraging words and hugs give COURAGE. Though I have my Faith in the LORD...and understanding of his ways in my life...THE SUPPORT that was given me...did help me through each day.

TO THOSE...THANK YOU!!!...and may I be there for you in your time of need!!

#7 Cancer brings COMPASSION.
People who might not have otherwise thought to reach out...DO!
Strangers care about people with CANCER.

#8 WEAR your BREAST CANCER PIN!!!
Show the world who you are! Let them know you are battling a disease with COURAGE and let them get in the fight too..PRAYING...HELPING...DONATING.

As a SURVIVOR...I wear my pin to show that I am just that...A SURVIVOR!!!

In one reading I found..it saddened me that the Author used terms such as Betrayal...hopeless...Helpless...

NO!!! None of these words should be in your Cancer vocabulary!!

Because THERE IS HOPE..HELP and no you are not betrayed!!!

Don't forget...it all began in the Garden of Eden with sin.

Are you SAVED? maybe GOD is trying to get your attention! YOU NEED HIM!

Are you letting GOD USE YOUR LIFE...for HIS GLORY! He always has a purpose!

God manifest HIS GRACE...HIS MERCIES..and HIS PROVIDENCE in the lives of Believers.

Let HIS WILL be done and...as my dear friend Kelly Anne's song on her blog says..

"I BELIEVE TO SEE....THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD!!"

Look for HIS GOODNESS...and see the TESTIMONY of HIS GRACES..even in CANCER.

I thank the LORD for all he has allowed to come into my life...for by these HE has shown himself STRONG for me...HIS PEACE and ASSURANCE TRUE. HIS WORD my every HOPE and HELP in time of need.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9

I pray this has been hearty council in helping you..my friends.
HOPE

Things I've learned about CANCER!

PEOPLE CARE!!

The lovely Quilt Block in the photo reminds me!!

This is one of many put into the wonderful BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CELEBRATION QUILT...my online Quilting group made especially for me.



Many gifts came in the mail at various times in this journey...I was so touched by the KINDNESS and LOVING HEARTS that wanted to REACH OUT to me at this time in my life...TO ENCOURAGE...and SUPPORT!



There was a special TEA time with dear friends...flowers from afar...a lovely teacup keepsake given by a stranger! A Willow figurine of HOPE...homemade cards...a lovely Breast Cancer bracelet...GIFTS OF LOVE.

I've learned...how important the support system is for someone with CANCER.... any ailment for that matter. As I've just learned of my Hypothyroidism...and the affects even this has on ones body. SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT help so much as you go through each day waiting for medicines to work...for a day of feeling GOOD.

Gifts are thoughtful and a reminder as you look upon them..but the HEART of the people is what matters most...FRIENDS...FAMILY...loving you!

I've also learned the MOST IMPORTANT... CHRIST is all sufficient!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
...for when I am weak, then am I strong. II Corinthians 9-10b


My faith was encouraged as I read God's precious WORD...strengthened with courage and peace.

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 21:24

If you know someone with CANCER or an ongoing illness...reach out to them! A word of encouragement...a card...tokens of your love for them.

Tell them the greatest of LOVE is the LOVE of CHRIST and how much HE LOVES THEM...

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SONG, AND IS BECOME MY SALVATION! Psalm 118:14

Happy Birthday Kelly Anne

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... Philippians 1:3

This post is dedicated to Kelly Anne Johnson...

in celebration of her birthday July 3!

Kelly has been such an INSPIRATION to me and many others in her ongoing battle with Cancer...but also just being Kelly Anne!

She shows her care by
reaching out to others,
just to say...

"I'm praying for YOU!"


Words of comfort...
that come from her heart,
at such a time as this...

"I'm praying for YOU!"

Unselfish thoughts of joy
for others,

"I'm so happy for YOU!"

......and.....

She passes this along...
to those in her path,
a witness that is true...

"Grace upon Grace..Always enough...Always more"

Thank you Kelly Anne for your friendship...your kindness...your prayers...your faithfulness...and your testimony of LOVE for the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Love,
HOPE

JUST CALL ME....Mommy

I will cry unto God most high: unto God that performeth all things for me.
Psalm 57:2

Not only were we expecting the social worker..but our dear friends Anne-Marie and Jack were coming for dinner. I wanted them to come and quickly. We needed help with our decision concerning Stephen. His continued distress troubled me and I felt my own weakness' causing guilt.

"Is it my weakness, LORD, or does Stephen need the care of the nurses?...am I failing my son!"

Later that afternoon while Anne-Marie and I visited, the social worker Madame H. also came to visit. I was so thankful to have both of them with me...ladies I could confide in and trust their judgment of my dilemma.

At this time also...my neighbor who didn't speak English stopped by for tea! I didn't know how to tell her that I was busy and so gestured for her to come in. It just so happened that the visitors I already had were fluent in French.

"Thank you, Lord!"

While we discussed Stephen's condition as I was feeding him....once again with great force his feeding spewed out. They quickly helped me...and we soon had Stephen calm and resting. One helped clean-up, one cradled Stephen while I prepared his clean clothing and another spoke gently to the other children.

I was heartbroken.

Always surrounded by nurses...I just wanted to be...his mommy. The past few days I held him close, I rocked him, I sang to him. I did all the things I wanted as a mother with my child in the privacy of my own little world.

"Why? is this happening? Is it something I am doing wrong?"

These ladies consoled and gave me such comfort with their caring hearts and wisdom. They too agreed, Stephen did not look well and to check with the doctor the next day.

I was so thankful for that perfect timing once again. Not just one lady to help me, but three: a dear Christian friend who prayerfully in her heart could seek God in giving me an answer, a social worker who could access the situation in the family needs of each individual and then a common neighbor who's compassion showed in her deep concern.

The fellowship of dear Christian friends brought us true joy at such a needed time. The rest of the evening brought peace with enjoyment of their company and time with our children.

That evening, late... well after another feeding; Stephen became very distressed and crying. I couldn't get him quiet and I was too afraid to pick him up for fear he would vomit again. His color was not good and scared us. We called Claudine (mid-night) and she came over to watch the children for us while we transported Stephen to the hospital. I'll never forget the look on her face. I know her heart felt our fear.

As I sat in the back of our van cradling Stephen in my arms, crying and praying. My dear husband spoke words of comfort, reminding me of God's grace and care shown to us. He reassured me that I did the best I could and that Stephen knew this too.

I remembered the "Angels Chorus Sang".

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9

As we entered the hospital, I immediately felt relief. I knew he was in the best of care. The nurses hugged me and they also reassured me that it was alright. Stephen needed to be there; he did not look well.

The ride home was a very sad time for us. My arms were empty of my son once again.

The next morning the first social worker I spoke with Madame S. (whom I had the wonderful opportunity of a witness) called to tell us, the Cardiologist wants to observe Stephen for a few days back at the other hospital. She will visit with me soon.

"Lord, is this another open door? it must be... Oh LORD, let us be yielded to thy will and our prayers heard as we seek to show your love to others"

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God towared us, because that God sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I John 4:7-11

BE OF GOOD COURAGE....part 5

Another day inserting the feeding tube. This day was the most trying of all.I inserted the feeding tube and it came out his mouth. I was so discouraged. This made me all the more fearful...of myself!

The nurses reassured me that I will do fine, just a minor setback..they have them too.

"Dear God, please give me strength!"

Stephen is scheduled to come home in 3 days...

My husband had taken time off of work so we could all be home and adjust. The children were so anxious to have their other little brother home. My eldest daughter, just 6 years old, was so helpful with little Charlie. She loved to hold him.

They too have visited the hospital and understood Stephen's condition.

"Stephen won't be able to crawl around like Charlie and bounce on your knees; he will need special care at home just like at the hospital."

We couldn't wait until we could all sit around as a family and laugh together, read stories and sing. Our family time is so precious to us. They are such sweet children!I am so thankful for their tender hearts, kind and loving.

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

We prepared the "baby room" with two little cribs and all the necessary items needed for Stephen's special care..boxes full.

I must continue to draw strength from the LORD and not succumb to my own fears. The battles of this flesh can be so wearisome. Truly mankind, needs GOD. Truly in the depths of one's soul...they know...they know without him...there is not understanding nor peace.

Each day I see the LORD, a little more closely...a little less of self and more of HIM.

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.Psalm 63:5-8

BE OF GOOD COURAGE...part 4

Today was a very scary day. Stephen turned blue while choking as I inserted the tube. I think he sensed I was nervous today with three nurses and a new one I did not know.

Every day, I wonder what God's will is for us...where this is leading...

How I manage, will truly be by the grace of God.

ANOTHER DAY...

The nurse had me insert the tube totally on my own from the beginning to end. I did okay, but while feeding him he spit up quite a bit. The nurse told me that yesterday had not been a good day for him. When he spit up it had shot across the room. Quite a violent reaction to his feeding.

I fear now...

Am I capable of taking care of him...with no nurses beside me!

"Oh, Lord...I want to trust you...but I am so afraid. How long will this go on? Maybe, once he gets home...everything will settle down and he will adjust and not need the feeding tube for long."

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

I recieved a wonderful letter from my OB doctor back home.

"How thoughtful of him to take time out of his busy schedule to think of...me!"

A friend of mine had told him about my delivery and Stephen's present condition.

I remember getting the doctor's okay to leave for Switzerland...seven months pregnant with twins! He knew better than to question my trust in the LORD as I had witnessed to him already through two of my other children's births. Now, I am able to write back and tell him once again how GOD has cared for all my needs.

"Thank you, Lord...for another encouraging moment of hope!"

I Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I do love the LORD and I know my life is his. He not only has prepared Heaven for me..but so much more that I cannot even comprehend. His love is endless.....

WHY? every person on earth is not saved...I cannot understand.

GOD...GOD of creation...all the evidence surrounding us that he exist. Who made the eye that it can SEE! Oh the wonders of it all...color, light...the ability to READ words and understand it! The nervous system..the heart...

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

He which hath begun a good work...

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I was encouraged in this verse in my youth as a new Christian. Learning: that when we trust the LORD as our personal Savior...it does indeed become PERSONAL. A work had begun in my new life in Christ.

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Moment by moment, day by day, year by year...people, places and events...working in my life....GOD's desires.

Phillipians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

As I yield each moment, day and year to the LORD...I ALLOW this perfect work to be done.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

I've chosen...to yield...my life to the LORD JESUS. To let him have his way with me. For surely as he has created me..he knows me.

Isaiah 29:16Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteeemd as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

I find great comfort in knowing God has prepared a way for me.

Isaiah 55:8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are highter than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

It is good for me to read the Bible..and know GOD. To read the words, HE has chosen...not man...

II Timothy 3:16aAll scripture is given by inspiration of God....Revelation 21:5...Write: for these words are true and faithful.Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

As I seek him, I find him and understanding of HIS ways.

Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the LORD with all thine hert; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I am strengthened in my walk with him as I yield and know his way with me is perfect. In trials..

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.James 1:3-4...

Wanting nothing?....do I want to escape this trial? or let GOD work in me what he choses? Perhaps, he is doing more than I can imagine...it is in faith..faith that pleases GOD..to wait on him..and let him.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  II Corinthians 4:17

I must remember this. Time passes quickly...yea,in a moment the years pass!

(let me note here...that it has been 26 years since this trial and GOD has always been at my side..he has never left me comfortless...and HIS WORD is my treasure!

Psalm 119:49-50 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

BE OF GOOD COURAGE...part 3

(I am alone and my husband is gone on a business trip for a week)

Today is the fourth session of inserting the feeding tube.

Fear gripped my heart when Stephen began to choke; I had so feared the tube going the wrong way and into his lungs. But, this lasted just a moment and he was fine. After we settled down from his feeding...I sat in the chair beside his crib stroking his forehead as he calmly went to sleep.


"How long he is going to live, LORD? Will I be able to handle his needs along with those of the other children? I must trust you, LORD. I must keep your word in my heart continually, knowing you are with me."

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm chpt. 19 verse 14

Kathryn stopped by to tell me the Pediatrician said that we can take Stephen home whenever we feel comfortable taking care of him.

I am so happy....yet so fearful.


TWO DAYS LATER...My grandpa died today and my heart grieves not being able to be with my family. Growing up without my father; grandpa was an important part of my life. I can see all our memories passing before my eyes and touching my heart.

It hurts so much!

I've never had anyone close to me die! It especially sorrows my heart not knowing if he had ever trusted Christ as his Saviour. So often I had tried to tell him about the LORD's saving grace and merciful kindness. A kind, but tough man...he didn't need GOD.

Tears flood my soul at the anquishing thoughts of a dying lost man. How I hope he trusted Christ as the dying thief. Repenting moments from death...to hear the blessed Son of God say:

"...To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." St. Luke chpt. 23 verse 43

verse 39-43 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him saying, If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:
but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day....

And I spoke with my mother:

"Please mom, read in the Bible I John chapter 5. All my strength comes from the LORD and even alone at this time...he will help me. I'll be okay."

Sorrowful, yet rejoicing...because I myself have the LORD. How thankful to know Him, His word and His comfort. Today, is another day of spiritual growth in the LORD. Understanding life and death, it's reality...and the great hope of Eternal Life found in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

BE OF GOOD COURAGE...part 2

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. AMEN. Ephesians Chpt. 3 verse 20-21

Another day...another weakness in my flesh...but strength in the Spirit.

As the above verse states. HE is able to do above all that we ask or think. And so, my prayer to God continued: asking him to help me in my weakness; those times, when my heart ached, my stomach was in knots and fears compassed me.

How I thanked God for sending Kathryn to befriend me... A NURSE...oh of all people!

The very person who's words encouraged me.

"Oh,(Hope) you can do it again... You did much better than some students I've watched...GOD did indeed help you didn't he!"

The nurses warned me before I proceeded for the second time: that the tube can be inserted incorrectly and enter his lung, causing him breathing problems and his coloring turn black. (this had happened already with the nurses). It overwhelmed me hearing this. I couldn't let the nurses know that my heart at that moment: literally ached. They had to tell me. They had to inform me of every little thing that could and would go wrong.

"I must do it again...poor little guy...he needs to be home."

The nurse brought in a stroller so I could take Stephen for a walk around the hospital grounds. It would be our first time...all alone.

One of the nurses walked with me to the elevator and then to the front entrance. I thanked her and then...Stephen and I...together... took our walk in the sunshine of a beautiful fall day.

As I walked... I spoke with Stephen telling him how much we loved him, about his brothers and sisters and what it would be like to be home. I also spoke with the LORD. Thanking him for all he had already done for me. The comfort his word brings to my heart. I thanked him for giving us his word so that we can have assurance and know him.

I began to recall in my thoughts the years prior and how GOD had strengthened me then and shown his will.

In 1979 my first son was born with jaundice and I remember how helpless I felt. I didn't know at the time, how common this condition is: especially in boys. Because he was allowed to go home and released from the newborn nursery; when his test result numbers were to high, he had to be readmitted to a regular hospital room. I had to stay with him and watch him while he was under a special lighted isolet. Oh, the trauma for me then; seeing my new baby having to have special care.. his eyes had to be covered with little patches and the nurses would come in to prick his tiny feet. I cried. But, he would be fine and go home in a couple of days.

Then this same son at six months old developed a virus with a vey high fever and was admitted to the hospital. The doctor had him put into a crib with an oxygen tent and said that we would first try antibiotics and if his fever did not go down, he'd do a spinal tap. I tried to calm my son the best I could and soon he fell asleep. The nurses checked on him often and since I was to be there overnight in his room; I made myself comfortable in a recliner provided and began to read my Bible.

After being settled in...I overheard a doctor talking to the patient on the other side of the separating curtain. An elderly lady who was being told how to give herself injections for diabetes. I could hear the fear in her voice as she asked him questions. The doctor sounded very clinical. I felt so sorry for her. When the doctor left, I peeked around and asked if I could speak with her. She smiled and obliged, so I took my Bible and began to encourage her in the LORD and read some scriptures. I then left my Bible with her for the night. The next morning her son came in and after visiting with his mother, asked to speak with me... he said:

"I want to thank you for talking with my Mother last night. You helped her so much! She has been up all night reading the Bible and found so much comfort that now, she says she has the courage to do the injections by herself. Thank you so much!"

She was being released to go home and before leaving thanked me and returned my Bible. Just a short while later, my doctor came in for his routine stop and informed me that my son's fever was gone: the meds worked and he could go home today!

PRAISE THE LORD!! 

THAT is why I was here....for that sweet little lady! What comfort came to my heart, knowing it was all part of GOD's plan.

Now the God of all peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. AMEN.  Hebrews Chpt.13 verses 20-21

As I recalled this...I could now plainly see, how GOD so graciously had prepared me for the present. A little strengthening here and there: the purpose shown and a blessing in the end.

Stephen and I had walked the perimeter of the hospital and now back to the entrance, I took him upstairs and prepared myself for the next lesson. I bathed him and inserted the tube as the nurses watched over...

and all was well...once again.