Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Last night, the gals from my Life Group embraced one of our members whose dear husband went to heaven two years ago, yesterday. At dinner she shared what a wonderful husband and dad he was, as well as being a brave soldier in the Vietnam war. Then we went to see "Heaven is For Real". Perfect movie for the celebration. Sweet times -- sharing each other's faith journeys. This group, also, wants to be good soldiers, armored with God’s Word. Most importantly, we are doing what St. Paul told young Timothy to do in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of FAITH!” We are convinced God uses our “life's adventures” to equip us with undaunted and unwavering faith.

I remember what a brave, courageous soldier my own sweet husband was, and what it was like.....before the "suddenly". Once upon a time, we had days that seemed so “routine”....waking up, getting dressed, having devotion, eating breakfast, going to work, etc. Repeat. And then, the “suddenly” came that brought a totally new life perspective. Before, rarely did we take the time to focus on how green the grass was, how blue the sky was, how bright the sun was, and how precious were days that were pain-free.

We took the preciousness of life so for granted. I received a lot of e-mails from friends that talked about appreciating life…..and never really got it, until our "suddenly". You know, holding my Honey’s hand, kissing his sweet lips, smelling his wonderful smell (btw -- “Fierce by Abercrombie” -- LOL!), hearing his laughter when he played with the grandchildren, hearing him tell me once again “I love you” – all those things that were once “routine” became so precious and dear to me!

Why do I continue to share my story with my FB friends? Because I want you to appreciate the life, love and laughter God has given you with your precious loved ones. Make every day a day of great thankgiving and making precious memories that will last a lifetime. In the meantime, for my sweet friend and I -- our husbands are cheering us on from heaven's grandstands, and we plant their flag of VICTORY knowing they fought the good fight, conquered, and earned their reward. And, she and I are both determined to finish our race strong -- cherishing each day, and celebrating this side of heaven. We know the other side will make room for us soon enough. That's when we'll plant OUR victory flag -- THERE!

The Show Must Go On!!

The Show Must Go On! (aka…. Life Must Go On!)

One year ago this coming Wednesday, November 16th, my Honey got the thrill of a lifetime, his Bucket List was completed, and he got his ticket for the ride he’d waited for, earned, deserved, and was awarded. He got to go Home to Heaven.

As I write this tonight, I’m overcome with the remembrances of this week last year. My Honey slept more than he was awake. I attributed that to the strong medications – not that he was close to going Home. And, he was very quiet when he was awake. This morning, a year ago, quite surprisingly, he called out to me, “I love you so much, my precious darling!” Those precious words would be among the few words he said to me before he left.

I wrote a blog during this time last year about me wanting to inquire of him what was going on during those periods of sleep or thought. I rattled on…. “Honey, what’s going on when you’ve got your eyes closed. Is God speaking to you? What are you seeing? Is God showing you your mansion in heaven? Do you want to go there? Because if you do, it’s okay! I’ll be okay. But if you want to stay, we’ll continue to believe for your healing, because we know “nothing is impossible with God” and when it comes, we’ll go around the world telling about God’s power to heal. Honey, what are you hearing?” He opened his eyes, looked directly at me and said, “You talk too much!” I laughed and could sense God telling me, “Just trust Me!”

Just recently, when meeting with my dear friends, Sheila and Carol, my prayer and support partners, we talked about the definition of “infant” in Latin. It means “without speech or words”. Think of it. Jesus, the Great Creator, who spoke heaven and earth into existence, the very One Who was the Word made flesh, left His heavenly home to come to this earth as an infant (without speech or words). But think about what He accomplished as an infant. Angels spoke on His behalf and shepherds and Wise Men worshipped Him, and the groundwork for His destiny was accomplished in His infancy.

I think of my Honey and during those times of quietness. He was, “as an infant” – without speech or words. I know His spirit was praying and interceding, and He was getting glimpses of heaven and hearing voices beckoning him to come home. And since he went home, I still hear his words, “You can do this…..the show must go on….life must go on…..finish strong.” And during those times when I am challenged with life and the situations and circumstances that sometimes seem overwhelming….. like having to handle business affairs and financial challenges, selling the house, car malfunctions, fire alarm batteries that go off in the middle of the night, screen doors that need repair, the refrigerator and the garage door and the photocopier and the computer breaking down, counseling friends and family members, and making so many life decisions on my own, I want answers again like I did when I wanted to know what was going on when my Honey had his eyes closed.

Once again, I sense the voice of my Heavenly Father saying, “Trust Me!” So, I take a deep breath and go to that quiet place where I know my Honey went to during his quiet times – that secret place of the Most High – that place where Holy Spirit abides (Remember when Jesus said, “I must go away so that the Comforter – Holy Spirit can come”?) And, so much greater, He (Holy Spirit) lives in us! Oh, think of that! We have a resource that we can go to for the answers, and Who gives us the strength, wisdom, understanding and comfort we need……to keep this SHOW GOING ON and keep it going strong for a long run!!!

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith!!!

Our faith journey continues to keep us on our toes – endeavoring to be good soldiers with our combat boots on, armored with God’s Word, and completely surrendered to our Commander’s orders. We know there is tremendous value in “fighting cancer” with a good positive attitude and being nutrition-conscious! And we’re definitely doing that. But, most important, we are doing what St. Paul told young Timothy to do in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of FAITH!” We are convinced that God is using our “great adventure” to not only cause our faith to be strong and unwavering, but we have a lot of friends, family members, medical team and acquaintances taking this journey of faith with us who are also fighting this good fight of faith with and for us!

Ron successfully completed the 3-days of cyberknife treatments to kill the second tumor that was on his lumbar-2 vertabrae. We’re still working on the pain in his lower back to diminish, but he is a brave, courageous soldier. There are days when we think about how “routine” our lives once were…..waking up, getting dressed, having devotion, eating breakfast, going to work, etc. etc. And then, this “suddenly” happened that certainly caused a totally new life perspective. Rarely do we take the time to focus on how green the grass is, how blue the sky is, how bright the sun is, and how precious are the days when we are pain-free and strong. Now, each day is one to be cherished!

I’ll admit we’ve had our share of crises, but I don’t think we’ve ever come to realize the preciousness of life like we do now! For many years I received those little e-mails from friends that talked about appreciating life…..and now I get it! Holding my Honey’s hand, kissing his sweet lips, smelling his wonderful smell (btw -- “Fierce by Abercrombie” -- LOL!), hearing his laughter when he’s watching the grandchildren, hearing him tell me once again “I love you” – all those things that were once “routine” are now so precious and dear to me!

The next phase of our journey will take place on June 22nd when he is scheduled for the surgery to remove the kidney that has the primary tumor (the real culprit of this whole deal) in it. The urologist is expecting to do a laparoscopic nephrectomy (much less invasive than standard kidney removal), which means smaller incisions and less recovery time. Please pray with us for that to be exactly what happens, that Ron will recover quickly and do great with just one kidney (thank God for this back-up system), and that this will bring much relief and wholeness to his body! We look forward to planting our flag of VICTORY very soon! We appreciate your prayers and support so much!