It seems I am most faithful to blog when I have cancer. I’m also more faithful to pray for others, to pray for myself, to search the scriptures and to strive to memorize them. Cancer, or I guess any need in my life that is bigger than my ability, drives me to seek the LORD more diligently. Why is that? Why do I and so many others lack the discipline to pursue Him with passion daily? I have a daily quiet time. I pray daily. I even read non-fiction books about God. But pursuing him with passion, deep pursuit with all that I have in me only comes with the difficult times. That is the FIRST benefit to having to deal with cancer again.
The SECOND benefit is extra time. Not that I have more than the twenty-four hours I had before but, I am not driven to do things that don’t matter. Unfortunately I can’t do all of the things I want to do either. There is down time. Thanks to chemo and anti-nausea meds I will rest more. While I may not be able get out as much and see everyone, I will spend more time on the phone and texting with friends. It’s not the same but, I am so thankful for technology and for my friends and family! Thanks for reaching out as you’ve heard the news! You have lifted my spirit.
The THIRD benefit is building more compassion. Some of you may remember that I scored a -3 on the mercy section of a Spiritual Gifts test once. I know what your thinking, “Can you really score a negative number on a Spiritual Gifts test?” The answer is “Yes!” I am not exaggerating for effect. I took the test again one year after and I am proud to say I moved up to a zero. I improved, not as much as I wanted to but, I had improved. I hope that cancer has changed that in me. I hope that I see others hurts more clearly and quickly and that I do my part to help. Those are just the first three benefits I see. I’m sure there will be more.
When all this began again I was asking God to show me a verse on trust. Check out Psalm 118. Be blessed as you thank Him for His love that endures forever. Praise Him! Thanks for being on the journey with me.
Abundantly His 
Emily…. I had not heard. I will be praying for you!
Thanks Vicki. We had not told everyone too quickly this time because we wanted to have all the facts. Thankfully it is still contained. We pray that God allows the doctor’s to get it all this time. The greatest news if we can trust God with it all. I hope you guys are doing well.
Praying for you dear friend! Once again, God’s got this! He will bring you through this again, and in the meantime, you keep uplifting and challenging the rest of us with your blog and your ever-present smile. I always want to do something for you, but instead you always do something for me. :). Love you and let me know what you need!
Thanks Lori! Right now your prayers and encouragement are doing wonders for me.
Our family loves you and is praying for you. I will never forget how welcoming you and Hayden were when I first started attending UHBC. You guys were the first people I meet at church and one of the main reasons I stayed and started attending the college class. You have blessed me, I would love to be able to bless you too. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Thanks Angela. I have been blessed by you guys and the rest of the UHBC Family. I don’t know how people go through the hard things without a church family.
Thanks Angela. I’m sorry I’m so late in writing you back. Seeing you guys serving the Lord each week at church and teaching your boys to do the same is a huge blessing to me. Thanks for being willing to help us through this. Your prayers are most needed. Please pray for the doctors to know exactly how to treat my cancer and that God would bring healing.