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Showing posts from October, 2018

Hidden in Darkness

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Photo courtesy of davidjeremiah.blog 1 John 1:7 (KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. There is a dark, gloomy corner of my basement. That's where my laundry room resides. The overhead light from the middle of the room just can't seem to reach that murky place. The Hubster added a lamp, but all we had was a 40-watt bulb. Couldn't even call that a light--it seemed to be more dark than light. I had trouble losing socks and other small items, and couldn't identify and pre-treat stains. (Did I mention I'm a laundry fanatic?)   Recently, the weak bulb burned out, and I replaced it with a powerful, 100-watt bulb. What a difference! What was once dim and dreary, is now sharply defined. Socks are discovered; stains are vanquished at last. Darkness is where guilt and shame reside. They grow like mushrooms--popping up and rapidly expanding as we

Rainy Day

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The First Dose

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Last week marked six years since my first chemotherapy dose. Looking back at photos of that time, I can't believe how long ago it was (seems like a lifetime), and how fast it went by. I was asked how the first dose went--what it was like--and it brought me back to the first day. After researching, I had a backpack loaded with helpful items. The tech checked me into my suite and I settled into the heated recliner. She suited up and brought in four IV bags. Bag #1: Benedryl and saline--To help me stay hydrated and prevent an allergic reaction to chemo. Bag #2: Steroids and saline--These prevent nausea and other stress responses to chemo. Bag #3: Taxotere: Used to treat breast cancer; neuropathy and permanent hair loss are side effects. Bag #4: Cytoxan: No longer available in the U.S.; causes inflammation and loss of nails. As the first bag went in, I just felt a cool sensation. No pain at all. And then I had to pee. And then I napped. The next five hours were basically na

Perfect Weakness

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2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) 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. Last week, I wrote about strength. This week, the other side of the coin--weakness. Every time I fail, or flop, or generally mess up, any semblance of strength that I possess evaporates. My heart cries out to God for help. And He is there. His mercy flows over me and I find the relief I seek. Thank you, Lord. I'm so glad You're there. *** Notable Quote: "Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer driveth away trouble and perplexity."--Philip Melanchthon

Give Me Strength

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Photo courtesy of emerge.coach Exodus 16:15-16 (KJV) And when the children of Israel saw it , they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was . And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. While the children of Israel wandered around the Sinai desert for 40 years, God provided for them. He sent fresh manna every morning...but only enough for one day. This provision from the Father was conditional. The offer was only good for 24 hours. If the Jews kept the manna overnight, it spoiled. Strength is another of our Savior's qualified gifts. He gives us just what we need to face each new day. I believe it's all I can handle. Any more than that, and I would start feeling invincible--like a superhero. Fa