This morning I was reading the following passage from Psalms and the Lord greatly encouraged my heart...
so much so that I had to share it.
It sounds like rain today; which is no surprise. I think it rained 5 out of the 6 treatment days.
Must be God showering His goodness on me...
Passage from Psalms 119: 105-114
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.
Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.[d]
I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end...(vs.112)
God has a plan and I will serve Him in it!!!
Anxious to see what the next chapter looks like; one day at a time...
To God be the glory!!!
jul
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Eve of Final Treatment
It's the eve of my final chemotherapy treatment. WooHoo!!
Tomorrow, last day of February, 2012 (good thing its leap year so I could be done before March). I will finish my 6 rounds of chemo in less than 4 months.
God has been SO faithful to have my blood work suitable for each treatment; even through the help of a "neulasta shot" to boost my white blood cells for some of the treatments.
These last few months have been full of God's faithfulness in SO many ways.
I have SO much to be thankful for and even though, I have yet to endure the aftermath of round 6 and allow my body to de-tox all the "healing poison" of the last few months...I rejoice in God; my Saviour!
When I start this blog I used the name "He is my Strong Tower" and indeed God has been my Strong Tower; a shelter in the storm..
Psalm 61:3
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
He has so often encouraged my heart as we walked this journey foreign to us in so many ways. Many times scriptures were just "right" for the day or the discouragement...
Other times, a card or knock at the door was the bright spot God used to remind me of His grace & goodness.
I held onto "His righteous right hand" for each step of the way...
Just last night I was sharing these verse with a good friend also fighting a battle with cancer...
Isaiah 41:9b-10; 13
‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Yes, countless verses like this one God used to encourage my heart. It's amazing the peace His Word brings in the midst of questioning and dispair.
Just last week, I was reading in a devotional about Trust & Thankfulness. Those two things have been utmost in my journey. Placinmg my trust in my Saviour and reviewing ALL the things I have to be thankful for.
Among my thanks...
-The rich blessing of prayer support... reminders of believers (some I don't even know) praying faithfully and the gift of those I love regularly praying for me/us.
-The phone calls & texts to check in and see how I'm doing...
-The flowers, cards, visits, food, and many other thoughtful gestures.
-Those who visited me at chemo even though I slept thru the visit with conversation & eyes opened. Those medications make me SO tired!
-Those who transported me to and from chemo, and other medical appointments.
-Wonderful parents on both sides to assist in SO many ways.
-Amazing siblings to both Tim & I who pray & encourage.
-The side-kick sisters, who attend to so many needs and were with me thru thick & thin.
-The love and support of our children amid their own busy lives.
-Our grandchildren who call and make me cards to show their love.
-The faithful love and care of my beloved husband of 35 years in March.
-The grace & faithfulness of my Lord & Saviour.
-Everyone should be as blessed to have such amazing love & support from family & friends.
I thank the Lord for each of you and ask Him to shower you with His goodness and blessing for all you have done for us.
I expect the next month to be similar to the weeks following other treatments; but to actually finish this course is rather exciting! It's starting to feel like a reality and you might just hear me do the "victory dance" of praise to the Lord from the Lancaster Health Campus when I'm done...
God be praised for great things He has done!
My wonderful Oncologist; Dr. Oyer tells me I'll come back for blood work & an exam in one month; then 4 weeks later more blood work as well as a CT scan. Then I will be on a 3 month rotation of blood work and CT for several years. If all is well, eventually the appointments will go to a 6 month rotation.
Cancer is a scary thing; one never knows when it might rear its ugly head again...But God is in control of my life and He has my days numbered for His glory. Therefore; I WILL TRUST in HIM and not fear!
He has a plan in all of this...and its for His glory.
Tomorrow, last day of February, 2012 (good thing its leap year so I could be done before March). I will finish my 6 rounds of chemo in less than 4 months.
God has been SO faithful to have my blood work suitable for each treatment; even through the help of a "neulasta shot" to boost my white blood cells for some of the treatments.
These last few months have been full of God's faithfulness in SO many ways.
I have SO much to be thankful for and even though, I have yet to endure the aftermath of round 6 and allow my body to de-tox all the "healing poison" of the last few months...I rejoice in God; my Saviour!
When I start this blog I used the name "He is my Strong Tower" and indeed God has been my Strong Tower; a shelter in the storm..
Psalm 61:3
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
He has so often encouraged my heart as we walked this journey foreign to us in so many ways. Many times scriptures were just "right" for the day or the discouragement...
Other times, a card or knock at the door was the bright spot God used to remind me of His grace & goodness.
I held onto "His righteous right hand" for each step of the way...
Just last night I was sharing these verse with a good friend also fighting a battle with cancer...
Isaiah 41:9b-10; 13
‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Yes, countless verses like this one God used to encourage my heart. It's amazing the peace His Word brings in the midst of questioning and dispair.
Just last week, I was reading in a devotional about Trust & Thankfulness. Those two things have been utmost in my journey. Placinmg my trust in my Saviour and reviewing ALL the things I have to be thankful for.
Among my thanks...
-The rich blessing of prayer support... reminders of believers (some I don't even know) praying faithfully and the gift of those I love regularly praying for me/us.
-The phone calls & texts to check in and see how I'm doing...
-The flowers, cards, visits, food, and many other thoughtful gestures.
-Those who visited me at chemo even though I slept thru the visit with conversation & eyes opened. Those medications make me SO tired!
-Those who transported me to and from chemo, and other medical appointments.
-Wonderful parents on both sides to assist in SO many ways.
-Amazing siblings to both Tim & I who pray & encourage.
-The side-kick sisters, who attend to so many needs and were with me thru thick & thin.
-The love and support of our children amid their own busy lives.
-Our grandchildren who call and make me cards to show their love.
-The faithful love and care of my beloved husband of 35 years in March.
-The grace & faithfulness of my Lord & Saviour.
-Everyone should be as blessed to have such amazing love & support from family & friends.
I thank the Lord for each of you and ask Him to shower you with His goodness and blessing for all you have done for us.
I expect the next month to be similar to the weeks following other treatments; but to actually finish this course is rather exciting! It's starting to feel like a reality and you might just hear me do the "victory dance" of praise to the Lord from the Lancaster Health Campus when I'm done...
God be praised for great things He has done!
My wonderful Oncologist; Dr. Oyer tells me I'll come back for blood work & an exam in one month; then 4 weeks later more blood work as well as a CT scan. Then I will be on a 3 month rotation of blood work and CT for several years. If all is well, eventually the appointments will go to a 6 month rotation.
Cancer is a scary thing; one never knows when it might rear its ugly head again...But God is in control of my life and He has my days numbered for His glory. Therefore; I WILL TRUST in HIM and not fear!
He has a plan in all of this...and its for His glory.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Family
I come from a large family of 6 children. The generations live from PA to Ohio and Virginia.
There are 4 generations of over 70 dear ones.
It is a very Rare occasion that we ALL are able to gather together.
But this January God blessed us with this opprotunity as we gathered for our Christmas celebration. EVERYONE had planned to be in attendance; so my precious mother did lots of planning to have a family picture taken. This was quite a task, but one that she did with ease; to find a location, professional photographer and common time for all. You are truely amazing, mother, your energy at 78 blesses me; I can only hope that I have 1/2 of your stamina at your age...
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| The four generation of the James M. Garber Family |
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| Our family makes up 20 of the 70+ |
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| These are our 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 15 to 1 month. Our hearts and arms are delightfully BLESSED!! |
Below are some fun pictures I snapped during our early morning photo session
My beautiful neice & nephew...siblings
My nephew's wife and their daughter, my great-neice
Cousins sometimes show up dressed in similar shirts!
These cousins, 2 of my beautiful granddaughters had matching dresses.
And these cousins, my grandsons looked great in their stripped sweaters!
These two cousins, live states apart, but love each other & are together whenever they are able!
Soon we all gathered in a large room at the location of choice
where my beautiful niece graced us with her glorious piano music.
After we sang a few Christmas carols together and read "The CHRISTMAS Story" from Luke 2,
My wonderful dad, & mother began the task of calling each name and presenting each with a small gift bag.
He asked each to wait to open the gift until all had recieved.
Inside the bag was a shirt for each family member.
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| All 71 of the family dressed in the Garber Family Shirts. Check out the 72 taped onto the front of our DIL shirt as she carrys the next great grandchild. 73 is taped on the shirt of my neice who is due a few weeks after #73, (the number is not visable on this picture). |
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| Yes, each person's shirt was colored according to the generation they belong... Dad & Mother in white, their children & spouses in red
Grandchildren & spouse in tan
Great grandchildren in black
Each one numbered as they entered the family!
|
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| These are our two daughters with 70 & 71 in their arms. |
 |
| My precious parents #1 and #2 flanked by the orginal siblings #3 thru #8 |
My dad always says, "it all started with a walk in the park..." with my mother.
It is fitting that the line would be part of the logo of the family shirts.
These shirts are a tribute to my dear parents, their love for each other and their Saviour!
As well as the fine way their raised their family and continue to bless the generations to follow.
From there we all gathered at the home of my sister & BIL for Christmas dinner.
Each had a seat and felt the fine hospitality of these two and my gracious sister & BIL.
These two handsome young men, cut & served the PRIME RIB.
They are the sons of my sister & BIL in Ohio who own & operate Duma Meats...
There is always Duma Prime Rib; compliments of my parents at Christmas Dinner.
My family is such a gift from the Lord; as you can see I am richly blessed!
Thanks for taking the time to visit me here...
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentine's Day
A few nights ago I was an invited guest to the home of a friend for "Valentine's Ladies Night Out". It was a secret invitation to which we were asked not to discuss with anyone. In other words we were not to guess just who else might be an honored quest. We were asked to wear pink and black.
I was thrilled beyond words to recieve such an invitation. Knowing the hostess for countless years I KNOW she is indeed the "party queen". She knows how to make her quests feel very special in every way as well as many glorious decorations. (this is a talent shared by her two sisters as well). As one of the quests described her feelings upon receipt of the invite; I think we all agreed, we were "giddy" with delight to be included in this evening of FUN & SURPRISE.
It was indeed a priviledge and blessing to sit among these wonderful friends; all of whom I know well from a Bible Study we all attended years ago. Our gracious hostess served us at the most BEAUTIFUL table set with pink. One dear friend has to miss as she held her precious grandson in Colorado.
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A priceless gift of long time friendship... |
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| The table was absolutely beautiful complete with a foil heart tree... |
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| Heart Shaped cheese topped the delicious Tomatoe Bisque on a heart plate! |
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| Dessert of a petite cake with fresh strawberries & ice cream! |
A few nights later on Valentines Day itself, my beloved Valentine; husband of almost 35 years & I were invited to a special dinner at the home of our daughter, SIL and family. This was indeed a treat as energy is limited during the aftermath of chemo. This precious one greeted us.
She helped her mother with the preperations for the evening and carefully placed a kabob on each china plate. There were conversation hearts on the table and pink dollies with Bible verses of love.
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| Heart shaped homemade mini pizza with heart pepperoni for appetizers. It was a delicious dinner complete with the love of three of our precious grandchildren filling the room with laughter & fun. God, the author of LOVE has given to each of us the gift of His Son, the BEST love gift of all. Salvation in Jesus' Name! Without that gift, I am certain, I don't have the ability to love the way He wants me to love. Today, I am grateful for His gift of love & salvation for me personally; a gift that allows me to share and recieve love in a capacity otherwise unknown to man. Afterall, Valentine's day is about love... |
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 7...day before #5
Happy Anniversary to our sweet daughter and SIL, Laura & Chris. I hope you had a very special day celebrating God's goodness to you. I pray God's blessing for many more happy years together.
Tomorrow, I head into the Health Campus for Round 5 of Chemotherapy. I met with my wonderful Oncologist and he cleared me once again for treatment. I thank the Lord for such a caring and intelligent doctor. I told him I'm ready for this treatment if only I could skip over the "aftermath" of chemo. But since that isn't possible, we take the "good" (that the chemo is doing) with the "bad" of the following days.
A few blessings in my day...
-This reading during my devotions today;
"You are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in ME, for you will again praise ME for the help of My presence" as spoken by my Saviour.. ("Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)
Psalms 42:11
"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God"
-A song on the radio that blessed me richly.
These are just some of the lyrics, but they really ministered to me. She says it so well and truely it fits this journey pretty well. There's NO way I can make it without His help. What a blessing to KNOW Jesus as my Lord and Savior and KNOW that He will see me thru.
NO MATTER WHAT
-Kerrie Roberts
I’m running back to Your promises, one more time
Lord that’s all I can hold on toI’ve got to say this has taken me, by surprise
But nothing surprises You
Before a heartache, can ever touch my life
It has to go through Your hands
And even though I, I keep asking why
I keep asking why
No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what, I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not - I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter what
When I’m stuck in this nothingness, by myself
I’m just sitting in silence
There’s no way I can make it, without Your helpI won’t even try it
I know You have Your reasons, for everything
So I will keep believing
Whatever I might be feeling
God You are my hope, and You’ll be my strength
No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what, I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not - I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter what
Thanks friends, for your faithful prayers and for visiting me here. May God be honored in this cancer journey and may I glorify Him tomorrow as I head to chemo with my amazing nurses and caregivers there.
I am so thankful for each one.
Tomorrow, I head into the Health Campus for Round 5 of Chemotherapy. I met with my wonderful Oncologist and he cleared me once again for treatment. I thank the Lord for such a caring and intelligent doctor. I told him I'm ready for this treatment if only I could skip over the "aftermath" of chemo. But since that isn't possible, we take the "good" (that the chemo is doing) with the "bad" of the following days.
A few blessings in my day...
-This reading during my devotions today;
"You are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in ME, for you will again praise ME for the help of My presence" as spoken by my Saviour.. ("Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)
Psalms 42:11
"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God"
-A song on the radio that blessed me richly.
These are just some of the lyrics, but they really ministered to me. She says it so well and truely it fits this journey pretty well. There's NO way I can make it without His help. What a blessing to KNOW Jesus as my Lord and Savior and KNOW that He will see me thru.
NO MATTER WHAT
-Kerrie Roberts
I’m running back to Your promises, one more time
Lord that’s all I can hold on toI’ve got to say this has taken me, by surprise
But nothing surprises You
Before a heartache, can ever touch my life
It has to go through Your hands
And even though I, I keep asking why
I keep asking why
No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what, I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not - I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter what
When I’m stuck in this nothingness, by myself
I’m just sitting in silence
There’s no way I can make it, without Your helpI won’t even try it
I know You have Your reasons, for everything
So I will keep believing
Whatever I might be feeling
God You are my hope, and You’ll be my strength
No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what, I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not - I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter what
Thanks friends, for your faithful prayers and for visiting me here. May God be honored in this cancer journey and may I glorify Him tomorrow as I head to chemo with my amazing nurses and caregivers there.
I am so thankful for each one.
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