Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts

Monday, August 25, 2014

Esther's Courage

I watched this video about the story of Queen Esther in the Old Testament HERE:

It was just what I needed to see and hear today. I am struggling right now with a trial that I survived already once in my life...yet here I am confronting it again. I can't mention any more than that, but am reminded that sometimes even though you have fought a battle... doesn't mean you won't have to fight it again. I learned that quickly when I had Cancer for the 2nd time.
No, I am not battling Cancer again or anything like that, but life does throw us some trials over more than once. Obviously there is something still there to learn.

Some of the comments that were made in this you tube...hit close to home to me, and I wanted to share them with you....

Here are a few of them, still if you have 3 minutes...watch it, my words don't do it justice!
Just like the story of the courageous Queen Esther who did what had to be done to save her people, the same is true about all of us that are facing trials...like I said ...all of us! I loved what these women (on the you tube) that were struggling said about their experiences.

..."Courage and Faith is what pulled me through"
...Being Brave isn't always about not being scared, but going ahead anyway and doing what has to be done"
..."I pray and realize that trials actually have something to teach us"
..."One moment can change the course of our lives"
..."Stand up for what you say you stand up for and do what you need to do"
..."You don't ever realize how strong you are, until being strong is all you have left"
..."Being brave doesn't mean I'm not afraid"
..."There are many things that we don't want to face but we don't have any other choice"
..." We don't always know what the Lord is trying to teach us"
..." But if we have courage and faith, we can trust that He will always do what is right for us"
..."Brave is just acting in faith, we must just push forward"
..."God's plan is not always easier but it is always better"

Esther's courage saved her people, how grateful I am for her example!
Good night dear friends!


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Things I need to remember today!

I woke up a bit earlier than usual this morning, because I had to eat my breakfast by a certain time and then fast from then on ...until the scan. Since yesterday I was only allowed to eat Cheese, Meat or Eggs, that was a switch, I don't tend to eat a lot of any of those but... just for a couple of days I could do it. After breakfast I decided I should just go back to bed and kill some time before I have to leave. Then I realized that I probably should do something productive, instead of just trying to kill time. So I began my scripture study. Now that is something I usually do in the morning during or right after my breakfast, but today I took on a new type of reading...I was searching. Funny how you tend to search and ponder things more, when you are discouraged or scared. I have been both of those for quite some time since I have been sick.
As years past, I have found such comfort and hope in the scriptures that I am always sad when I forget to go there first. I try to figure it out myself, I look at only today, and how bad or sick I feel.  As I was reading and studying in other sources too, I found this wonderful quote " When our day -to -day challenges loom before us, it is natural to focus on the hear and now. But prophets have admonished us to remember the eternal perspective. Only then can we successfully navigate mortality." So true! I need to remember to look at the whole picture! Things look so much better that way. I was reading in the Old Testament in the book of Deuteronomy 11:18 where Moses admonished tangible objects such as Frontlets, to be worn on the people as a reminder of God's goodness. When I looked up the word "frontlets" in the Bible dictionary, it tells that they were scriptures and prophet's words written on strips of parchment and rolled up or put in tiny boxes and worn on their arms or foreheads. One would think for sure you would remember the words of God and the prophets, if you them strapped on your head, right between your eyes every day! :) Then in the book of Joshua 4:21-24 it talks about where the Lord directs Joshua ( who succeeded Moses) to have the people gather 12 stones and keep them with them. And when their children ask what the stones mean, then they could share with them, the miracles that God had given them in their lives. They would share their testimony of how mighty their God is.
I have to admit, I love the Old Testament, I love the stories and the symbols and things that they used to teach and remind themselves of the goodness of God.
When I served my mission years ago, I loved being able to share my testimony of the Love of God. In a world of so many troubles and concerns, it was great to tell the people who wanted to hear...that there is a purpose why we are here on earth. In a book titled Why Did This Happen to Me? by Ray Pritchard. He says: "Sometimes we will face things for which there is no earthly explanation. In those moments we need to erect a sign that reads, 'Quiet: God at Work.' Meanwhile, hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don't quit. Don't give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles."
This sign is what I needed to have on my mirror the last few weeks.
 I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that I have to have this scan today to see if there is Cancer in my body. I know that I can handle with His help, anything that comes my way. I pray it isn't Cancer... but then again, we need to know what we are up against, I need to get better... my body is responding slowly and sluggishly, we need to know why.
So I will go to this appointment today, I will drink that nasty shake that has the dye in it for the exam. I will wait as they pump more dye through a IV hooked up to a machine to push it through my whole body, and then next go through the radiation... and then we will wait and pray.
Thank you for your love, prayers and support. It truly means more to me than I can ever express adequately in words. The love of family and friends, is more powerful than one can hardly imagine. I love you, I appreciate you and I hope that I can be a good example to you, of the faith that I have. I have been through many dark days, and I am sure that I will have many more but;
 I hope by my life, you will know that God lives and that our future...is as bright as our Faith!
Thanks for always being there.
Have a great day! 
I found my quotes and scriptures from here:

Thursday, October 24, 2013

beautiful heart break

Found another great video from Hilary Weeks that was simply uplifting! Just reading the words... is inspiring, but the video is great too!

Watch the music video  HERE:

Beautiful Heartbreak lyrics
I had it all mapped out in front of me,
Knew just where I wanted to go;
But life decided to change my plans,
And I found a mountain in the middle of my road.

I knew there was no way over it,
So I searched for a way around;
Brokenhearted I started climbin',
And at the top I found...

Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights;

I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

I never dreamed my heart would make it,
I thought about turning around;
But heaven has shown me miracles,
I never would have seen from the ground.

Now I take the rain with the sunshine,
Cause there's one thing that I know;
He picks up the pieces,
Along each broken road.

Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights.

I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find;
Through the bitter-sweet tears,
And the sleepless nights.

I used to pray he'd take it all away,
But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

I have to say that I truly believe what this song says....I have learned some of important life's lessons through my hardest trials!

Good night dear friends!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Gratitude goes a long way!

Very busy helping with the new baby and family....but thought I would share this uplifting video with you. It is amazing to see the resilience of the human spirit!
Good night dear friends!

here:

in everything ....Remember to be grateful today :)so smile  :)


Monday, March 18, 2013

Strengthening your core!

I have always been drawn to people who even amidst the worst trials...they stay steadfast and immovable! I know that doesn't mean that they don't hurt, cry their eyes out or want it to end quickly so that they don't have to endure the suffering too long. But still I am impressed that they get up each day and continue to try again and learn from what they have experienced.  I have learned in my life that these people seem to continually strengthen their core ( FAITH).
Having had struggles with my back for many years, I know the importance and help it would be to have my Core (physically) strengthen. Having had 4 C-sections hasn't helped that goal of mine, still I continue to try. Some day, in not too distant future I hope, that I can start doing YOGA and strengthen my core more.

So I think what I have learned from watching so many incredible people make it and not only make it through their trials... but THRIVE, that they continually strengthen their CORE FAITH, with the exact things that helped them develop FAITH, in the first place. They pray, they study the scriptures, they try to do a bit better every day, they try to keep the commandments, they repent of their mistakes, serve Others and trust their God not to give them any more than they can handle. They keep doing the basics and that gives them HOPE and STRENGTH to keep going. I love this quote from
D. Todd Christofferson he tells what he learned from his trials... “Though I suffered then, as I look back now, I am grateful that there was not a quick solution to my problem. The fact that I was forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended period of years taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way and to a degree that might not have happened otherwise or that might have taken me much longer to achieve. … I learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I learned to walk with Him day by day.”

I know that it is important for me to get up every day and do the basic work out to strengthen my SPIRITUAL CORE! I was grateful for this reminder today! Good night dear friends!
 Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. #Hope #Quotes #Quote #LDS     Follow me on Twitter! @starmile83
"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again!" ~ Alex Tan

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Perspective...is a wonderful thing!

I have to be careful how much news I consume on a daily basis. There are so many sad stories and reports, that it is easy to get drug down by them all. Yet, there is a fine line in staying informed and constantly having anxiety from all the terrible stories on the news. I try to find that balance.
 Today I was down most of the day, felt like I was sorta fighting a bug of some kind. It wasn't bad, but it felt hard to get up and get moving. As I looked today in the Seattle Times of the Photos of the Day, I realized when I saw this man in Pakistani walking through a flooded streeet on a rainy day in Peshawar, Pakistan...that my day wasn't that bad after all.
 Perspective...is a wonderful thing! It keeps you grounded, and for that I am grateful. Night dear friends!

Image
You can find the photo here:
      When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"

Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday, July 2, 2012

Still learning

   It seems to me, that just when you think you have something figured out in your life, then boom...something goes wrong, or something changes; and you have to try to figure out a totally different way to handle the situation. I guess that is what parenthood is all about. You sorta think  you have figured out how to raise, teach or handle one of your children, and then you have another one and they are totally different. What you did with them may not be the thing to do for the next child, so as parents you realize you are STILL LEARNING with each child and each situation! It doesn't really get easier, it is just gets different. What technique worked for one, won't work for the other and so once again... you are back to square one.
   I have to admit, that even though I am so totally lost at times on what to do, I am very grateful that I can go to my Heavenly Father in prayer and receive that answer. Not always is it immediate, not always is it even what I prayed for; but always I know beyond a shadow of a doubt ...that it is exactly what the Lord wants me to experience at the time. I also know there is always a lesson closely entwined in this problem or trial. The hardest part is to be patient and worthy to hear that still small voice.
   Yes, when my kids were small I thought I would never survive all the physical demands that came with that age, then as teenagers I thought I would never survive the attitudes and mouthing that come with that age; and now as a Mother of older children, I wonder if I will survive the heartaches and struggles that they go through? The consequences seems sooooooooooo much bigger now.
   Still I know where I can find the peace that I need, and that is down on my knees.  It is in the scriptures that I need to read and search more diligently. Being a parent is a tough job, but at least I know it is one where I will never get bored...because I will always still be learning! :)
Good night dear friends.

P.S. Maybe that is why being a Grandparent is so much easier!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Happy Birthday Lee!



Happy Birthday to our little Lee, thanks what everyone used to call him when he was a toddler. Actually his sister Lauren called him Wee and then she said she was Wauwen. They are only 2 years apart and they have been buddies their whole life.
One thing that Lee wanted me to make him was bow ties, I really didn't think he would use them after I made them but...as you can see it did work for him!
It is hard to believe that just 19 years ago, they rushed me into the surgery to hurry and do the c-section because Lee's heart rate was dropping too fast! Just in minutes they place our 8lb 12oz baby Lee in our arms. Lee was our last baby and we were all crazy about him. He was our fussiest baby at the beginning but after about 3 months, he calmed down and became quiet the dream of a little baby. Of course life was busy for him with all of his siblings, still he didn't seem to mind it. He was either in the car seat taking his nap while we drop off or picked up his brother or sister, if he wasn't doing that then he was usually getting in to some kind of trouble with his very creative and mischievous sister Lauren.
He has been a tenderhearted boy and even though life right now has been really tough for him, we all believe he has it in him to figure it out and to grow and stretch from this trial in his life. Plus, their isn't any reason he shouldn't succeed,  because he has a big family behind him. We love you Lee! Happy 19th Birthday!

"Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new."
Sammy Hagar

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  ~Jane Howard

"The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together."  ~Erma Bombeck

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Life's lessons

Today was a great day. I was able to teach my class and it was standing room only. We had a good time, and I am always grateful that the ladies are so forgiving of my mistakes that I make. It is almost a common thing for me to make a few mistakes each project...then the fun part is trying to create something from that mistake, even if it is only a good reminder to them...of what not to do! :)  Sometimes I actually have fun trying to create something from those mistakes ...just so I don't have to waste the material. But we have fun and that is really what matters!

Tonight when I got home and started checking my email, I received a sad letter from a dear friend. She said that she and her family had lost their home 2 weeks ago, from a fire. Even through all of this, she was still counting her blessings...like that her family was all safe. What an incredible lady she is. I have always wondered what you would do if you lost everything, how do you handle a trial like that? Then I realized from this friend, that you remind yourself of the blessings that you still have...your family and your health.
I do know that life will be hard, I can't even comprehend what she and her sweet family are going through, but I do know that I can pray for them. And that is what I will do. Also I can remember more often my blessings that really count...my family, my friends, my health and my faith.
Good night dear friends!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Storms in life!

I had a good day today, except I feel like I am coming down with a cold. My back is getting better slowly, but tonight for our Date Night ...we just got a movie, between my back and cold... I didn't feel like going any where. I need to try and keep this cold from getting too bad, so I am heading to bed. Loved this quote it was perfect for me to remember tonight.
Good night dear friends.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Three years and counting!

Well if I had only had cancer once, I could say 10 years and counting! But since that is not the case…I had to start the whole number, counting thing all over again. But at least I am still here to count. It was three years ago today that I was in the hospital having my mastectomy, I was so scared  and I wasn’t sure what the future would hold? Wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to have a future, only days after the surgery… I was pretty sure that I didn’t even want a future if I had to go on living… looking and feeling  like I did.

Here I am now, I go out shopping in front of others, still doing my motivational speaking, I am working part time now and best of all….I am living again! I am so grateful that time  heals things, it truly does. But 3 years ago I wasn’t so sure if I believed that or not. I wondered how my family would handle my surgery, how Jeff could ever find me attractive again, what would my grandchildren think of me and on and on. The thoughts were things that I couldn’t for see, I was sure my life wouldn’t be the same and it hasn’t been; but not the way I thought…it has been better.

I wake up every day grateful to be alive, to still be here with family and friends. I am grateful for the hardships because they truly have given me  a much broader and sweeter view of life….what a gift!

So yes, I am three years and praying to count a whole lot more!

Thanks for your support, prayers and encouragement for me, what a big difference it made in my life! I am vey blessed!

Good night dear friends.      

Friday, October 14, 2011

Ever had one of those days?

Well, I have had a few of them right in a row. For some reason I am not sleeping either so……………

as the old saying goes  “ A pictures worth a 1000 words!”   I think this picture says it all for me today!

Good night and hopefully I will get on top of life here soon!

 

No matter how discouraged we get, God has not asked us to do the impossible”  ~ George Grace

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Parable of the Milk Jug

Well, today I worked at the Quilt Shop, then got to visit a dear friend who just had hip surgery and then tonight we are doing a Baby Shower for another dear friend. So I believe I am going to be pretty wiped out so I wanted to go ahead and do my blog now. This was such a cute story with a wonderful moral. It didn't have a title, so I called it the Parable of the Milk Jug.  It is one that we all would do well to remember, especially during the hard times.

I am so grateful for all of you, who have been there to lift me up...when my burdens were soooooooooo heavy!
Thank you for that!
Good night dear friends!

Once  there was a women who was deep in a tremendous trial; she had a small family to support and this burden was just to difficult to bear. She constantly called upon the Lord, begging him to remove this trial from her life, and couldn't understand why her prayers seemed to go unanswered. One day after she returned from the grocery store, she was carrying in the groceries when she spied her little three year old trying desperately trying to lift the gallon jug of milk. The little girl pulled and tugged but to no avail, she couldn't move the jug. The mother watched her struggle as the little girl tried so hard to help her mother with the load. Finally the woman picked up the jug, as she had the Lord to do for her so many times, taking the milk from the child. The little girl began to cry, "I want to do it...." she mumbled. The she lifted her head as her eyes lit up, "Mom, I know! I'll carry the milk and you carry me."

 

"There is no education like adversity."
Benjamin Disraeli

"Pain is inevitable.  Suffering is optional."  ~M. Kathleen Casey

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.  I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."  ~Mother Teresa

Monday, August 1, 2011

Struggling!

I am sorry that I didn't write last night. I had a wonderful Sabbath Day and so I really had a lot of things to share. But I really have been struggling for a couple of days and so I didn't know if I had anything uplifting to say. I have a few appointments that are coming up that are worrying me some. We still don't know what is going on with Lee's health and that ways a bit heavy on my heart. My tooth is still bothering me and Jeff just left for a week long business trip. So it could be one of any of these things that I am struggling with I guess?

There is a heaviness in my heart that I can't seem to get to go away. Sometimes I get feelings like this, right before something bad happens. I have prayed and prayed to know what the feeling is about and of course I try to remind the Lord that I have had so many trials already, and that I don't think I can handle any more right now.

As I even type this, I realize what a silly thing it is to counsel the Lord. I don't know better than He does, I just feel like I have been doing so much better, my health has been getting better and I have been out and about more than I have in a long time. I just feel like I am starting to really live again, and I can't handle any big trauma right now. Then I read this quote today and realized I need to have more faith and trust. I will share this quote with you, in hopes that like me...we will all realize who is in charge and that if we will rely on our God, He will make us equal, to any difficulty that comes  our way. I do know this to be true, I just forget sometimes!

"ON THIS UPWARD AND SOMETIMES HAZARDOUS JOURNEY, EACH OF US MEETS OUR SHARE OF DAILY CHALLENGES. IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL, AS WE PEER THROUGH THE NARROW LENS OF SELF-INTEREST, WE MAY FEEL THAT LIFE IS BRINGINS US MORE THAN OUR FAIR SHARE OF TRIALS- THAT SOME HOW OTHERS SEEM TO BE GETTING OFF MORE LIGHTLY.

BUT THE TESTS OF LIFE ARE TAILORED FOR OUR OWN BEST INTEREST, AND ALL WILL FACE THE BURDENS BEST SUITED TO THEIR OWN MORTAL EXPERIENCE. IN THE END WE WILL REALIZE THAT GOD IS MERCIFUL AS WELL AS JUST AND THAT ALL THE RULES ARE FAIR. WE CAN BE REASSURED THAT OUR CHALLENGES WILL BE THE ONE WE NEEDED, AND CONQUERING THEM WILL BRING BLESSINGS WE COULD HAVE RECEIVED IN NO OTHER WAY."

"FAITH MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE...NOT EASY!"

Friday, June 3, 2011

Hope

Today I went to the Doctor and had blood work done, to see why my extreme fatigue is back. We won't know any of the results till next week, so I will have to be patient. I hope that it isn't Mono again. I had such a hard time getting over it the last time, I think I actually battled it for a year and a half. Anyway, I just need to think positive and be hopeful.

A dear friend of mine called today, and asked me to pray for a mutual friend of ours. She then told the situation that was going on in her family. They have gone through a couple of tragedies in just this past year.
There are people who experience tragedy and come out stronger for it, and others who have seemed to lost faith in anything, and even lost their desire to live. What is the difference? I believe it is where their faith is, and if they will give their trials to the Lord. Trying to do it on your own, can be overwhelming and almost impossible.
I myself try to remember not to say WHY? But What am I to learn from this? Who can I help from this experience? It also helps if I focus on the many blessings I have, even during the times of terrible troubles. There is always something to be grateful for.
Yes, having hope is a better way of life. Trusting our Heavenly Father, and realizing that He will never give us more than we can handle, and that He will never leave us alone during our trials is ... a great comfort to me.

I hope I can remember these things, more and more each day. Good night dear friends!

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"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished
by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope
at all." ~ Dale Carnegie

"There are those who have met disaster, which almost seems defeat, who have become somewhat soured in their natures; but if they stop to think, even the adversity which has come to them may prove a means of spiritual uplift. Adversity itself may lead toward and not away from God and spiritual enlightenment."  ~ David O. McKay

Monday, May 23, 2011

Perseverance

I have been struggling a bit, in a certain area of my life lately. I wonder at times why it is that throughout your life, that sometimes you struggle over the same thing again and again? Why is it that I can't either change this or learn to endure it well? I have always considered myself a survivor, fighter, and one who can be the change that is needed. But lately when I am still working on this particular area, I begin to wonder how tough or how much perseverance I really have?

I looked up some good quotes on not giving up and then tried to realized that there must still be something I have to learn through this trial OR I would not still be having it. In that case, I am wondering why I am such a slow learner? I have to step back, take a deep breath, and try to keep everything in the proper perspective. When my focus gets narrowed and all I can see is my problems or struggles..then I know I am in trouble. So keeping a perspective for me, is vital.

Tonight I will share with you a few quotes that have helped me out this week...hopefully they will bring some inspiration to you ...if and when  you need it!

"ON THIS UPWARD AND SOMETIMES HAZARDOUS JOURNEY, EACH OF US MEETS OUR SHARE OF DAILY CHALLENGES. IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL, AS WE PEER THROUGH THE NARROW LENS OF SELF-INTEREST, WE MAY FEEL THAT LIFE IS BRINGING US MORE THAN OUR FAIR SHARE OF TRIALS-THAT SOMEHOW OTHERS SEEM TO BE GETTING OFF MORE LIGHTLY.
BUT THE TESTS OF LIFE ARE TAILORED FOR OUR OWN BEST INTERESTS, AND ALL WILL FACE THE BURDENS BEST SUITED TO THEIR OWN MORTAL EXPERIENCE. IN THE END WE WILL REALIZE THAT GOD IS MERCIFUL AS WELL AS JUST AND THAT ALL THE RULES ARE FAIR. WE CAN BE REASSURED THAT OUR CHALLENGES WILL BE THE ONES WE NEEDED, AND CONQUERING THEM WILL BRING BLESSINGS WE COULD HAVE RECIEVED IN NO OTHER WAY."
~ Jeffrey R. Holland

"There is no way of telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream"

"Being defeated is only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."  ~ Marilyn vos Savant

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Understanding God helps!

   I have put this story on my blog more than once, but I was discussing this very subject with a friend today and it reminded me of it ! We were saying, why it is that when some people have trials it makes them lose their spiritual grounding and others, it makes them stronger? I believe the ones that get stronger, are the ones that truly understand God, and His characteristics and attributes. Understanding how much He loves us, and that He would never give us more than we can handle...really helps. It helps to strengthen your faith, and a deeper faith... in turn gives you more peace and hope! 
   Understanding that everything happens for a purpose, and that many or the trials we will go through, will truly be our greatest teachers. But so often  we are impatient, or our faith waivers. Truly understanding God, can help us endure things better. Many times our perspective is narrowed and we can't see the whole picture. Knowing God can ...really help!
I love this story, hope you do too. Night!

The Burning Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember next time your little hut is burning to the ground- - it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

 

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us."  ~St. Augustine

"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine.'  ~David Nicholas

"Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message."  ~Malcolm Muggeridge

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Mandy the Third!

Now I know this may sound a bit weird... but try to listen. It is important during stressful times, to try to find some humor if you can. So after my mastectomy, I realized that in order to feel or look partially normal I had to get a prosthetic. Since I didn't want to have to say Prosthetic all the time, I named it Sally. Now Sally wasn't the best fit for me, and so I had to return her and go to another store that sold prosthetics and knew more about how to fit... them so that is exactly what I did. My new prosthetic is named Mandy, I actually liked that name better for some reason. After a year of use, Mandy had some problems and so I had to return her  (and since she was under warranty) I received Mandy the Second.

These new prosthetics are actually amazing. They don't need a specialty bra with a pocket sewn in them, if you don't want to. You can use them with any bra or bathing suit. They stick to you and so they are much more convenient when you have to get up and dressed in a hurry. But of course like everything else lately, the prices have raised. They cost $500.00 can you believe that? Insurance will pay $350.00 of that, and the rest is out of pocket. How funny that something like this would cost so much, and all for a prosthetic you can use out of pocket, is going to cost quite a bit out of pocket! :)  I thought about calling all the kids, and see if they want to donate for the purchasing of Mandy the Third with me ( just kidding ) but thought I'd better not, sometimes my kids don't quite understand my humor...can you imagine that?

Truth is, I am grateful to be in remission for the past two years, I am grateful for technology that has invented a prosthetic that looks pretty normal and I am grateful that I can have a sense of humor about it all, for the first few months...I didn't even think I would smile again or go out in public. I am a far cry from that and I am so glad.

So life is hard but things could always be worse. Try to look on the bright side of your trials and learn from them...it really does help!

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"Determination, patience and courage are the only things needed to improve any situation."  ~Unknown

"Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before."
~James Buckham

"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
~Mary Engelbreit

Full Circle

I loved this story about Hope, Love and Life. I also believe the quote that says..."What goes around, comes around!" It is a great reminder for us to realize our live's experiences are here to teach us something, and to help mold us into who we need to become. Enjoy!

KalaiMoli was an orphan girl who grew up with her aunt and uncle. Her aunt was her mother’s sister, and she took her in only because no one else wanted her. Her cousins were about the same age as her, but they never got along. They always picked on her and made her feel unwelcome.

She didn’t go to the same private school. Instead, she went to a nearby public school. Sometimes, her aunt would make her do household chores all afternoon that she only had time to do her schools work late into the night. Sometimes, too, she would go without dinner as a punishment for something she didn’t do.

Through it all, one thing kept her going - the thought that someday she would earn enough money to support herself, and she can leave the house that has brought her so many heartaches and tears.

She never blamed anyone for her fate. She just accepted the fact that this was the life handed her and she had to make the best of it.

Her only friend was a schoolmate named Kanmani. Kanmani comes from a rich family, but she was very simple and good-hearted. KalaMoli’s plight made her feel sorry for her, but her friend’s determination to succeed and positive outlook on life are what Kanmani admired about her. Her friend’s strong character is something she respected.

“Someday, Kanmani, I can leave everything behind and start life on my own.” She would often tell her best friend. “Someday, I can be truly happy away from all the people that hurt me.”

Although she accepts the fact that she owed a lot to her aunt and uncle, and that she would always be grateful to them for taking her in, she also understands that they have no place in their family for her.

KalaiMoli recalls how hard her life had been back in her home town, but now that she has become a successful doctor, mostly helping the poor and going on medical missions to other impoverished countries, she acknowledges that, without those hardships, she wouldn’t be where she is now.

With the love of her best friend and the hope that kept burning in her heart for a better life, she has finally reached her dreams.

“Indeed, hardships and trials in life come to make us stronger and better persons,” she admits to herself.

She silently whispers a prayer of thanks as she tends to an orphaned little girl. At last, she has come full circle.

http://tamilostories.com/tamil-love-shortstories/hope-love-and-life/

 

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."                          ~ Authur C. Clarke

"However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

"I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."  ~ Henry David Thoreau