Female in Motion

I just got back from a one-day trip to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL, where I had a six-month checkup. Man, that place is changing! They are doubling the size of this hospital, with a new in-patient tower, returning patient clinic, rehab wing, breast care clinic, urology clinic, new dining area and outside courtyard. If that wasn't enough, they also switched the main entrance from the front to the back, by the lake. It's beautiful! I was privileged to ride in the new luxury airport shuttle that Santa brought last week. Super snazzy! My health is good. No recurrence of breast cancer and my mammogram and blood work were mostly good. I am quite anemic, and the doctor was not happy about that. He did a thyroid test, but that was normal. I will start on a new iron supplement they have had good results with, and Dr. Citrin has ordered a few more tests. According to the Mayo Clinic website, symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin...

                                   Jackie Evancho singing an a capella version of "Silent Night." During the hubbub of this holiday season, I sometimes forget what it's all about. Everything is just so...busy. Busy shopping for gifts. Busy making Christmas treats. Busy cleaning the house. Busy decorating the tree. Busy planning the perfect meal. Busy rushing around town. Busy attending all the holiday concerts. Busy being busy. It's time for some silence. Silent worship of our Savior. Silent reflection on His birth. Silent prayer for lost souls. Silent thoughts of love for others. Silent thanks for forgiveness of sins. Silent dreams of peace in our hearts. Silent hopes for a home in Heaven. Silent praise for our newborn King. I send my prayer to you for a Christmas filled with silent moments. ...

Can you believe Judy Garland was only 21 years old when "Meet Me in St. Louis" was filmed? This song is my favorite secular Christmas carol. It's so sad and sweet and soft. Christmas is not just a time for presents and fun. It's also a difficult month for people who have lost a loved one...and that's almost all of us. Reminders are everywhere, of times past and special memories. I struggle with powerful emotions during the holiday season, missing my dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and dear friends. It's like tiny pieces of my soul are pulled away and sent ahead to Heaven. My soul will only be complete again when I die and am reunited with my loved ones. That will be a true reconciliation. While you're celebrating with family this year, don't forget to say a prayer for those who have recently lost loved ones, the critically ill, and those who are in the vise of mental illness. They'll be grateful for the blessing. I'll be praying ...

Point of Grace does a perfect version of this Chris Eaton/Amy Grant song. I think it's interesting that my favorite Christmas carols are sung from Mary's perspective. No, I don't believe Mary should be worshiped. She was an ordinary girl, used of God. And that's what we should all strive to be. As mothers, we face the same fears that Mary did. We desire health, happiness and success for our children. Wondering if we'll be good parents and make smart decisions are two of the biggest questions we face. Mary had no idea what was in store for her infant Son. We don't know what the future holds for our kids, either. The best strategy is to put our lives, and the lives of our loved ones, in God's capable hands. He's got this. *** Female in Motion Health Update: The damp weather makes my joints ache, but if I keep on moving, it gets better. I bought some newfangled long johns to wear this winter. Hope they'll keep me cozy! *** Notable Quote:...

This Christmas Carol is a lullaby, sung by Barlow Girl, a contemporary Christian group. It is sung in the voice of Mary, as she holds her newborn, Jesus. Hallelujah, we've been found A child is born to save us now Hallelujah, light has come A Savior who will set us free A promise for those who will believe This dreamy song is full of hope and longing for the promised Son of God. Put yourself in Mary's place. The baby you just gave birth to is destined to be the Savior of the world. What an awesome responsibility and a wonderful promise. The light of Jesus brings eternal life! *** Female in Motion Health Update: My Thanksgiving holiday was everything I had hoped for. We hung out with the kids, ate, napped, watched old movies and relaxed. I was happy to return to work this morning, but wished for a little more sleep! *** Notable Quote: John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me s...