Social Injustices at Christmas Time

I love this picture! I wish all families could be this fortunate!!

I am neither a Liberal, nor a Conservative...I don't do labels; what I am is a fed up citizen, who has grown tired of all this political grandstanding, judgmentalism, religious posturing, and hate-mongering; and I've come to realize that the United States is no better than the average 3rd world nation! It seems the "important" people are looking down there noses at the less fortunate.

Recently, I did some research in order to comment on a post by a Facebook page I’m a fan of, concerning meeting the needs of the less fortunate because you may be the hand of God to them; and the statistics I learned about ticked me off.

So, please forgive the rant…but, pay attention to what I’m about to say!

It’s the Christmas season; but there are a few things we seem to have forgotten. The cold reality of the destitute in the USA…

Recent Statistics (within the last 2 years)

• Vacant Houses – 14.2 million
• Wasted food (not eaten or sold) – 133 billion pounds
• Homeless – 578,424 men, women and children

That is downright disgraceful!! According to the Conservative Right, the United States is a Christian Nation, and the greatest nation on the planet! Why then, in the name of all that is decent, are these statistics even a reality??

Don’t want the US Government to take care of those who are less fortunate than you?? Then, stop passing the buck!!

You heard me…when you donate to a charity organization (soup kitchen, clothes closet, etc.), like any decent Christian would, you are LITERALLY passing the buck; you’re telling them it’s THEIR responsibility to care for the poor, homeless and hungry.

And, I've got a news flash for all you Conservative Right-wingers who pat yourselves on the back for being such good Christians, when you religiously donate your tax deductible contributions to charities; you're actually supporting government-funded socialist programs. You're not as against socialism as you thought, eh??

Mark 12:30-31 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (NLT)

Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’....“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (NLT)

However, the Conservative Right has become so busy arrogantly beating their chests over what it means to be a Christian, that they’ve forgotten what He commanded!! This is what happens when one becomes "high and mighty" in their own sight (Romans 12:13), they lose sight of the greatest commandment we were given! 

I was homeless, at one point in my life; it's not a lifestyle anyone desires, trust me. Most of the homeless and destitute don’t get seen by those charity organizations; which is why they panhandle...in an attempt to survive, one more day/night. And all of these organizations are bound by rules and regulations (imposed on them by the government) that make it very difficult to properly see to anyone's needs!!

Whenever I had a job, I always looked for someone to help; I’ve bought food and drink for homeless people who ask me for help, many times. Even when I didn’t have a job, I still tried to meet the needs of the less fortunate. I may not have been “earning my keep”, but I still tried to help those who didn’t have anything.

Sometimes I would deliberately ask them how they were doing, and wait to hear them tell me what they need. If I couldn’t fill that need, myself, I would pray that someone would come into their lives that could; but, I always tried to meet their needs, whenever possible.

That’s what Jesus said we should do…take care of each other!! There’s even a stipulation as to whom we should be caring for…when you did it to the least of these. According to Jesus Christ, Himself, we are SUPPOSED to be caring for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

If you don’t want “Big Gov” to do it, get off your religious high horses and start doing it yourself!! Share what God has blessed you with…not with a charity organization, but with an actual needy person.

Buy them some food, or clothing! Put them up in a hotel, if you don’t want them in your house. Help them find a job; or hire them, if you own a business!! Find a way to fix up those abandoned houses, and let a homeless family occupy them! Show some compassion and empathy....HELP THEM!!

I’m not just saying do these because it’s December, and we’re gearing up for the Christmas holiday…I’m saying do it EVERY day of the year!! BE the Light of Christ to those who have no hope!!

The Liberal Left wants the world to be a better place for all human beings. They believe in fairness, and equality among ALL people. In fact, I've met more Liberals who are more compassionate, in their every-day lives, than most Conservative Right-wingers. Ain't that something!

Jesus had compassion on the weak (Matthew 9:36)…we need to practice that, too. THAT is how we’re going to make this world a better place, for everyone!!

Merry Christmas?? Not for the forgotten...

This is a scene from the story "The Little Match Girl"
I encourage you to read it...this is what we're doing to our own homeless.

A Different Type of Survival: Fighting for Equal Rights

Ok....I'm sure I'm going to lose a few of you, but this needs to be said; so, here goes. This is my "soap-box" moment about the Supreme Court's ruling, today.

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that same-sex marriages are to be considered legal, in all 50 states. That's a huge victory for the LGBT community....and a huge thorn the the side for the Conservative Christian community.

I'm not taking sides, here, but I do think a few things need to be addressed. Please allow me the liberty to do so....

A brief history lesson....

The rights of the Black Community

• The Civil Rights Movement has centered around granting black people the right to be human beings. A lot of folks believe that it all started in the late 1950's, but it actually started in 1863, when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
• The NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was founded in 1909 by a multi-racial group of activists, in New York City.
• MAY 17, 1954 - The U.S. Supreme Court's unanimously ruled in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that public school segregation was unconstitutional, and paved the way for desegregation.
• Overriding President Ronald Reagan's veto, Congress passed the Civil Rights Restoration Act (1987), which expanded the reach of nondiscrimination laws within private institutions receiving federal funds.

Thanks to people who are racist, the Black Community is still fighting for certain rights.

The rights of Women

• On Election Day in 1920, millions of American women exercised their right to vote for the first time. It took activists, and reformers, nearly 100 years to win that right!
• In 1971, women won the right to practice Law.
• On September 13, 1994, The Violence Against Women Act was signed by President Bill Clinton. This law makes programs and services such as protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking, funding for rape crisis centers and hotlines, and legal aid for survivors of domestic violence.
• In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed the first woman, Sandra Day O'Connor, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg followed her to the nation’s highest bench in 1993.

Women have been actively seeking equality for many, many years...and we are still fighting for our rights to equal pay for equal work, adequate (paid) maternity leave, reproductive rights, etc.

I saw this video today....before the news of the Gay Marriage ruling hit the internet. It's relevant to what I've just stated:

And here is a brief history lesson, concerning today's ruling.......

The rights of the LGBT Community

• The Society for Human Rights was founded in 1924; this was the USA's first known gay rights organization.
• In 1962, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in public.
• In 1992, the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy was instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military, but banning homosexual activity.
• And today....legally denying a same-sex couple the basic rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness afforded to heterosexual couples is no longer allowed.

Certain groups of people have been fighting for the right to live their lives the way they see fit, for a very long time....and, although, there have seen tremendous victories, in their battles, the war wages on.

As I've read the articles that are flooding my News Feed on Facebook, concerning the SCOTUS ruling, I've also read a lot of comments from Christians, posting virtual coronaries after hearing about this ruling.

• "The world is going to Hell!"
• "The Bible says homosexuality is a sin, so even though it's legal, God will never bless those unions!"
• "I feel sick...what's happening to America!"

I've been leaving my own "two cents" for those folks......

To all of you who are "throwing stones", I need to caution you.....

Don't get caught up in some "holier-than-thou" attitude toward how the world operates. Jesus told us not to judge others or we would be judge by the same standard we use on them (Matthew 7:1-2); proclaiming yourself as "town crier" over the coming judgment day is still sin, in God's eyes. It's not OUR place to decide who gets punished for what....that's God's job. 

All we are to do is love people, the same as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). It's best to just judge ourselves by God's holy standards; and pray that those who don't, get right with God, before it's too late.

And, to add to that......the Bible also tells us, in Romans 12:2, that Believers are not to conform to the behaviors and customs of this world; so, my advice to you would be...

• if you're not a homosexual, don't become one
• if you're against same-sex marriages, don't attend one of their wedding ceremonies

Other than that, this ruling should be a non-issues to you since it doesn't affect your life, or your walk with God, on any level. And, if you're truly concerned with their eternal future, witness to them how making Jesus your Lord and Savior changed your life for the better, and leave the rest to God!!

Furthermore, The Golden Rule applies here...human rights are for ALL humans, not just God-fearing, Conservative Christians.

Yes, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin; but God gave human beings free will....we are to point them toward Him, but it's not our call to decide that the LGBT community doesn't deserve the same human rights we enjoy.

They are human beings, too....it should be a no-brainer, guys!!

Leave the judgmental attitudes at the cross, and let God be God in YOUR life!

Ok....I'm getting off my soap-box, now. Have a blessed day!!

Cancer Fighter Update

I saw my new Oncologist, today, and we discussed the labs from the blood work I had done, during my last appointment.

Cancer has reared its ugly head, once again. I wasn't able to do the scans, because the pain in my back was too intense; but she says, thanks to the blood work, she noticed my cancer markers are elevated; and that's a clear indicator that I'm in for another battle.

She ordered some targeted therapy drugs for me; a drug called Femara is one of them. She also wrote up a new Rx for Tramadol, so I won't be in so much pain, anymore. As for the scans, we rescheduled them, and I'm going to be under the influence of Diazepam, for that appointment. She tried to get them to agree to completely sedate me, but they're not having it; so "Plan B" is to take a tranquilizer....along with my pain meds, and muscle relaxer, right before I do the scans.

I'm praying that this time works....otherwise they'll have to sedate me. She NEEDS the scans to form a battle plan!

She also said my iron was a tad low, but it's nothing to be concerned about.

So...the cat's out of the bag, so to speak; I now know why I've been in so much pain, and have had difficulty moving around, these last few months.

Time to kick cancer's butt, again!! I WILL be cancer free, in Jesus' name, because the Bible says I'm already healed!! And I'm still holding God to his promise that this disease will not end in death.

I've got a life to live....and I intend to do exactly that!! God bless you all, for being part of my story! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you!!

Let the battle begin.....

Indeed it did...I will never give up, or give in!!

Mountains, Giants and Holy Cows

Hello, my loves....first of all I want to let you know I'm back online (finally got WiFi!); so the Blogs will be much nicer looking, now! And I've fixed the ones that didn't look so great! LOL!!

I have, officially, been a citizen of Knoxville, TN for roughly three months....I signed my lease in December 2014, and spent the holidays with my youngest daughter and granddaughter; I only began occupying my apartment, in mid-January.

Can I shoot straight with you? I have something to confess. These last three months have been a roller coaster of obstacles, excuses and weakness....a lot of "mountains", "giants" and "holy cows". I haven't been walking my mission like I should be, and I'm sorry.

While my body adjusted to life in my new city, I began to feel severe pain in my hips, and legs. At times, it seemed that my body didn't want to move, at all...just like me, my limbs are rebellious and stubborn. The obstacle I need to overcome is the pain, because it keeps me from moving. The more I move, the less pain I'll be in; right?

Well, that will only work, if I stop letting the pain keep me in my chair. Some would say I was making a mountain out of a mole hill; and at times, I would have to agree with them. Even though the pain makes it difficult to move, I can still move! My problem is, instead of telling the mountain to move out of my way, I just sat here and stared at it.

Another issue I'm currently facing is that I'm still spending cash on food....I don't yet have my food stamp card, even though I applied for that, back in February. Enter the giants....all the excuses and procrastination I could muster.

There's a Family Dollar store directly behind my building; I plan to shop there, when I need things like toilet paper, feminine supplies, and stuff for my apartment. I didn't plan on buying food there, because all the food Family Dollar sells is processed junk! However, (warning...excuse in progress!) considering the amount of pain I was dealing with, and the fact that it stopped me from exploring Knoxville, buying junk is better than starving; I can always venture out, and shop at a real grocery store, once my body feels better!! See what I did, there?

No exercise (every street is either uphill or downhill) and a plethora of junk at my disposal....enter the holy cows; otherwise known as food addiction. DiGiorno Pizza, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, BirdsEye Voila meals, Ramen noodles, Chef Boyardee, etc. I know they all look super yummy....but none of these products is healthy! Please don't eat them!! I've stopped eating them, which is why I'm writing this Blog.

I've felt the impact of re-introducing those food-like products, to my digestive system, too.....my body has been screaming at me! Steadily, the pain got worse, my bowels aren't moving like they should be, and I'm feeling depressed. I'm not getting healthy!! And, I'm terrified; I'm reversing all the hard work I've already put in, and will end up back in the Chemo Chair, if I don't get a grip and get serious about my health!!

A friend of mine is allowing me to borrow a laptop, because mine broke; this friend as also supplied me with a handful of movies, in case I get bored (before I set up my Wifi). One of the movies I've watched is Facing the Giants. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so! This movie spoke to me in ways I never thought were possible.

This is one of my favorite scenes....

The conviction to do our very best (despite the mountains, giants and holy cows) is what God is looking for....and I have failed Him more times than I care to count. This scene convicted me; honestly, the whole movie convicted me....but this scene made a powerful statement to my heart.

I was texting my oldest daughter, one afternoon, and she asked me how I was doing; I told her I was disappointed in myself. I had anticipated being further along in my "new life" than I was, and had become disgusted by the fact that I had slipped back into some old habits.

The Apostle Paul said, in Romans 7:14-20, he hated that he couldn't do right by God; he always seemed to give in to his sinful nature. I keep holding on to what God told my oldest daughter, the week I was diagnosed...He said I wasn't going to die from this disease, but it was going to be used for His glory.

It is NOT my intention to make God out to be a liar! But I know, if I don't get healthy and stop this disease from destroying the rest of my body, that's exactly what will happen....I'll die from breast cancer. And I'm the only one who can stop myself from eating things that will destroy my health.

So....now that I've fallen, again.....it's time to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and keep believing I will be the person God wants me to be!

I will NOT accept defeat!!

Stardate 92610.14 (geek moment)

For those of you who are not familiar with all things Star Trek, I’ll translate the Stardate for you....today is January 3, 2015; and I woke up at 6:42am. I’m geeking out, only because I woke up!!!

Let me explain....

The day I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my doctor also said, “So...this is what you’ll die from.” I defied is claim; but later learned that, statistically speaking, the average survival rate is 2½ years. My loves.....that’s today; as of this day, it’s been 2½ years since I was diagnosed!!

AND I’M STILL ALIVE!!!

I’m in tears, as I praise God for the privilege of being alive, to share this with you. As many of you know, while I was in the hospital, having been newly diagnosed, my oldest daughter prayed for my healing. As she was praying, she was led to read John11:3-4 from her Bible. And I've been hanging onto that promise, every day.

According to the American Cancer Society,  the 5-year survival rate for Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage 4) is 22%. I was never given an “expiration date”, so I fully intend to be one of those who survives well beyond the first 5 years. Bring it on!! LOL!

Another one of my favorite Bible verses is, Psalm 118:24; I will, indeed, rejoice in this day! Rejoice with me, my loves....it’s a new day, and we’re alive and well!

I hope you have a stellar day, today!!

Life Has Changed

I haven’t posted a blog in a while...I think it’s been longer than a month! Sorry about that! Here’s an update for you...

Last week, I went to Peachtree City, GA, and spent the week with my youngest daughter; I, finally, got to meet my granddaughter!! <3 It was the best week I've ever had...and I've got tons of pictures, too! Last week, I also celebrated my birthday (first birthday, officially cancer free); I’m 44 years old, now! Yay, me!!

Three generations of survivors, there! Breast cancer, a difficult pregnancy, and attempted suicide!

My birthday week was AMAZING!! I loved getting to spend time with my daughter, her boyfriend, and my granddaughter; and the boyfriend’s parents are such great people, too!! They not only picked me up, from the airport; they also dropped me off, when it was time to go home...and hugged me “good bye”! Love them!!

I have more pictures on my Facebook page (The Savvy Survivor)...including pictures of two birthday meals my daughter fixed for me! They were delish!! So was the vegan birthday cake...made from scratch!!

I was there from Monday afternoon, to Friday afternoon. Friday night, I had a strange dream, about my estranged husband (I mentioned him here); I told him he needed to be the husband he promised me he would be....his answer was, “I'm sorry; I can’t”. A few hours after I woke up, Saturday morning, I got told something that has changed my life, forever.

I was told he had taken his own life, Friday evening. Now, I understand why he told me he can’t be the husband he promised he’d be, in my dream. He had struggled with bipolar disorder (un-diagnosed), for quite a number of years; and was diabetic, as well. I’m coping with this, the best I can...we never resolved the issues that split us up. I’m also having a hard time dealing with the fact that he took his life, the day after my birthday.

My youngest daughter, and son, are his children; she's dealing with his death, much the same way I am...and, as of this post, I haven't heard back from my son.

The Bible says murder is a sin (Exodus 20:13), and killing yourself is murder. However, I am choosing to believe that God went to him, at his final breath, and he asked God for forgiveness; if that’s true, he’s in Heaven, waiting for me....and we’ll see each other, again, some day.

I made this, to honor him....

My loves, I am begging you....please don’t consider taking your own life, just because things may seem a bit difficult; suicide is not the answer, it just creates more problems!!

Talk to someone...reach out for help!! It’s there...someone will always be there to help you through the bad times! You're NOT alone!!

Thank you for your love and support; it really means a lot to me! God bless you!! oxoxox

Eye-Opening Wake Up Call!!

Wow....I’m speechless! I just really don’t know what to say, or where to go with this; so, I’ll just start by explaining why I’m unable to think, at this moment.

I watched a video, by The Life Regenerator, last night...and began to feel convicted. He said a lot of stuff about his own journey, and how surrendering and getting real with himself, changed his life; it was a powerful video!

And, while I was in worship, this morning, I realized where that conviction was coming from; I’m not improving my health, and I've begun to make excuses for why I do what I do, again. I know what I need to do, but I don’t do it, consistently; I've gone back to just going through the motions, and not truly holding myself accountable. Lord, empty me of me, so I can be filled with YOU!!

In my revelation, this morning, I realized that everything God had placed in my care is gone.

• My livelihood. I don’t have a job...and I’m medically not allowed to work, anymore. My source of income is a monthly Disability check, now; and it’s not all that big, either.
• My children. I’m having to repair relationships with my three children, because I wasn't the Mother they needed me to be, when I had the chance. Two of these repair jobs are coming along, slowly; but the relationship I have with my son is strained, at best. There’s a wall between us, and I can sense it every time he and I have a conversation.
• My belongings....I used to have a lot of stuff! Yes, God expects us to take care of our material possessions, as well! I don’t have much, now...the bulk of my belongings ended up in a yard sale, held by a niece of mine. What I have now, I've purchased since moving into my sister’s house.
• My health!! I neglected and abused the body He gave me to live in, so much, I almost lost that, too! And, here it is....a year and 6 months after I got diagnosed, and I still struggle with “what’s the convenient thing to do?” I've even heard myself think “I only get xx amount in food stamps; I can’t afford to go vegetarian/vegan!!” Really?? Most of what I eat, is convenience food...the very lifestyle that caused the disease, in the first place! Can I afford to die??

My sister told me, she’s not willing to alter her life to accommodate me...at first that hurt my feelings. My thought was, “I don’t EXPECT her to, but it would be nice!” Who am I kidding?? At this point, I haven’t even altered my own life to accommodate myself!! How can I want someone to do something, I’m not willing to do for myself?

I remember a conversation I had, with my Physical Therapist, a few weeks ago. I was talking to her about The Savvy Survivor Facebook page, and how difficult it is to live that persona; she understood... “You've got all the knowledge, you’re just having trouble putting it into practice!”

Yes...that’s exactly right! I’m still letting my human self dictate what happens, in my life; instead of relying on God’s wisdom, and surrendering to His will! Which seems to be the biggest stumbling block I've encountered, in my life as a Believer!

How is it that I can love God with all my heart, soul and strength...but not with my mind?? My mind is where my excuses come from; that’s where my human self still lives! The Bible says, in Luke10:27, we must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” If I can’t love Him with everything I am (including my mind), I can’t love my neighbor as myself, either. Which means, what I teach you in my Blogs and on Facebook, loses its value...because I’m not the “Savvy Survivor” I should be!

I continue to repent, every time I realize I've screwed up; but, my apologies won’t mean a whole lot, if I keep doing the things I’m apologizing for! I’m so thankful that His mercies are new, every morning...I certainly don’t deserve mercy, but I’m grateful for it!

I don’t want to lose you!! I appreciate your support and encouragement! You've become an intimate part of my support system. But, if I don’t get my head out of my butt, it won’t take long before you won't care what I have to share with you; and I will lose you, as well. If I haven’t, already.

My Pastor once said that God isn't the type to take your income away, just because you decide not to tithe. At the time I heard this, I had just lost a job...shortly after deciding not to tithe; I had used the money for something else. Sorry, Pastor...but if God is the same yesterday, today and forever, He most certain DOES remove the things we don’t care for, properly.

And, I know, some of you are thinking “that’s pretty cruel of Him!” and you’re right....but how many of you lost things your parents gave you, when you were growing up, because you got grounded for breaking the rules?? Same principle, folks! Now, He’s not going to force us to follow the rules; but when we don’t, there are consequences.

God will make us the overseer of quite a bit, while we’re here, on earth...but it doesn't take much for Him to remove those responsibilities from us, when we fail to take them seriously.

I stand (figuratively speaking) before you, a broken and defeated human; but, I'm wide awake, now. I ask you to forgive my hypocrisy, and my failures. This “SavvySurvivor” will become the leader God has commissioned her to be, one way or another!! Please be patient with me, as I humbly begin the journey back to myself. I have a hard battle ahead of me...regaining control of my thoughts; but, if I am to be the person God made me to be, I better get real with myself!

Be on the lookout for changes in me, my loves! The Bible says you know a true Believer by the fruit they bear (Matthew 7:15-20). In other words, I should be living the life I preach about, and showing you the benefits of that lifestyle.

I will keep you informed, as my body and mind line up with what God expects of me. As a Child of the Most High God, it is my responsibility to properly care for the body He gave me to live in, on earth.

And so....it begins. (again)

God, please help me learn this one!!

It's Christmas Eve!

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 KJV)

As I sit and connect with God, this morning, He brings me to this Scripture, and it got me thinking.

I've often said that it’s not a great idea to assume what God’s doing, or thinking. That means you’re putting yourself in His place, and you believe you know more than He does (I'm guilty of this, myself...but I've learned my lesson!) Lucifer did that....and was thrown out of Heaven for it.

All the time, I hear people ask, “If God's so "all powerful", why does He allow bad things to happen? Why doesn't He just stop them?” Well...if someone comes chasing after you, with a big stick, aren't you going to run for cover?? How do any of us know that maybe God’s allowing all these bad things, because He knows they’ll bring us closer to Him??

The Bible says, in Psalm 9:9, many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to. (Easy to Read Version)

Now, I’m not assuming to know what God thinks, or anything...I’m smarter than that! LOL!! But, think about it...the Scripture, above, tells us He does new things to make life a little more bearable!

For instance, consider all these different Bible translations we have available to us, these days. So many people get offended at them, citing that the King James is the ONLY translation there should be; but, how do any of us know that it wasn't God’s idea to create easier to read versions of the Bible??

I’d consider that making “a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert”. Wouldn't you??

See...thanks to all those different variations/translations, more people are getting to know God, because they can finally understand what the Bible is teaching! Granted, some of those translations have left whole verses and chapters out (not good, folks!); but if you can’t understand...

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:16-18 KJV)

you might be able to understand... “Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people. Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, and do your best to live at peace with everyone.” (same Scripture, but from the Contemporary English Version)

Folks, we’re not supposed to be fussing with each other over what God’s will is; it’s not our place to assume we know what God is up to, with all that’s going on in the world! That would be usurping OUR will, and claiming it's God's will. We’re only supposed to be concerned with how He wants us to impact the world!

That’s OUR job...the job of the Believer; and, the biggest impact would be to introduce the Savior to those who may not understand that that’s who He is.

We’re also not supposed to stand in judgment over anyone, for any reason, either, and I hear more and more Believers doing that! Jesus' own words to His followers:

Luke 6:37-38 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

Luke 6:37-38 Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. (The Message)

This is what we (the Believers) are supposed to be doing with our time...

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (KJV)

Mark 16:15 And then he told them, “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. (The Living Bible)

The GOOD NEWS (aka: The Gospel) is that Jesus gave up His life, being crucified on the cross and resurrected from the dead, so no human being would have to spend eternity in Hell...we can all go to Heaven! The only “catch” is that you have to believe that...if you don’t receive what Jesus did for you, as the gift it was intended to be, you won’t make it to Heaven.

Not my rules, folks...just the truth!

Jesus even said it.... “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) The Father is God, and He lives in Heaven; none of us will ever get there, if we don’t believe that Jesus IS the Savior of the world.

The Apostle Paul taught us how to do that...

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

You don’t have to change how you live, or think, or dress, or speak. You don’t have to convert to another religion. And you don’t have to “be a better person” before you decide to believe and confess; just do it!! And, I know, some of you are thinking, “Why would anyone give up their own life, for me??” Simple...He did it, because He loves you; and He knew that was the only way to bring you Home.

That was the whole purpose behind His birth...He came down from Heaven to bring us Home!!

John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. (AMP)

And, wouldn't you say that a virgin birth was a "new thing"? It only happened once, in the history of mankind!

Enjoy your Christmas holiday!! And, God bless us....every one!

oxoxox

Home Sweet Home

Yes, that’s right…I’m finally home, again; I've been home for a week, now!! Thank God!!

And, boy, do I have a blog for you, today!

After surgery, I rehabbed at a place called Pebble Creek, in Akron; it’s only about a 20 minute drive from my sister’s house. I wanted to go back to Edwin Shaw, which is where I rehabbed, last year; but, my insurance company wouldn't cover it. They gave me a ton of grief over a few things, while I was recovering from surgery! I’m seriously considering switching insurance companies (on the Medicaid program, you have the luxury of switching insurance companies)!!

While I was at Pebble Creek, I developed a few health concerns…I spent the better part of those 2 months throwing everything up, having hot flashes, and going through major panic attacks; all of which the house doctor medicated me for, without running any tests to find out why I was experiencing these issues. I kept telling everyone I've never had these issues, before, and it wasn't what it looked like, but (of course) no one would listen. I've never experienced anything like that, before, so I knew something was a bit off…but, since no one would listen to me, nothing was done about it.

I also came down with pneumonia, while I was at Pebble Creek…pneumonia!!! I've never, in all my 40+ years, have ever had to deal with pneumonia; I was only in the hospital for that, for a week, but still!!! And, I’m still recovering from it, too…my lungs aren't quite as strong, now, as they were, before; my sister said the best respiratory therapy for me would be to sing. And, since I like music so much, it’ll be the most fun way to build my lungs back up, too! LOL!!

Now that I’m back home, I've been set up with a Nurse, a Physical Therapist, and an Occupational Therapist, for home care. And, I've got a walker, for around the house; and a wheelchair for shopping, and errands. Every once in a while, I dare the devil and walk a short distance without my walker, but that’s incredibly difficult to do, at this time! My PT says we’re going to have to work a lot on building strength in my legs, so I’m not leaning on my walker so much, when I use it.

Hopefully, I won’t need to use the walker, or the wheelchair, for much longer!

My appetite is getting better, too…slowly. The food at Pebble Creek was atrocious!!  Every meal they made for us was cooked; they hardly gave us any fresh fruits and veggies, at all! And it was all cooked WAY too much…tasteless, soggy, and inedible. It’s no wonder I spent all that time throwing up!

My sister’s been feeding me lots of raw foods (fresh fruits and veggies), and I have eaten a few cooked things; although, the cooked things at home are still making my stomach turn, from time to time. My sister says it’s because my brain has been trained to think that cooked food is gross, because of the two months I spent throwing up at Pebble Creek. I’ll reprogram it, soon!

Oh, and my insurance company! Not only would they not pay for MY choice of rehab facility, they made a decision to discontinue covering my pain medications, after I got back from having pneumonia. See…I was at Pebble Creek, then went to the hospital with pneumonia, then I went back to Pebble Creek. When I got back, my insurance company refused to cover most of my medications; the in-house doctor fought hard for me, too…he convinced them that I NEEDED those medications, and they gave in. Can you blame me for wanting to switch companies??

The plus side of the time I spent at Pebble Creek, is that because I spent all that time throwing up, I actually lost 20 lbs! Not that I would've wanted to lose weight that way, but I can work with it!! LOL!!

Now that I've been home, for a week, I’m slowly getting stronger in a lot of areas; the carpet is difficult to walk on, with my walker, but that’s helping me build up my strength. And, last night, I actually slept in my own bed!! I've been “living in” the recliner, since coming home, because my back still isn't too keen on laying down. But, I positioned my bed so that the head was elevated a little, and slept the whole night! I wasn't going to bother with it, but God spoke to my heart, and encouraged me to try…I’m glad I listened!! LOL!!

And, I've begun another round of chemo…yesterday was my first dose; this time I’m being given Ixempra. I don’t know how long I’ll be doing this round, or what it’s going to do to me, but I should be hearing my doctor tell me “It’s gone!”, early next year!! I’m excited about that!!

Not too thrilled to be doing this, again...but it beats the heck out of dying!!

I also told my Oncologist I was going to wait to move to Knoxville, TN because I wanted to be cancer free when I get down there; that way my new medical team will only have to help me stay healthy, rather than help me fight the disease. He said he liked that idea! Of course, the actual timing of my move is all up to God…I’ll go, when HE says it’s time.

Well, I do hope you have a fantastic day, today! Thanks for keeping up with me! God bless you! oxoxox

I CAN WALK!!

Ok, so…it’s update time; again, sorry it's been so long between Blogs. I bet the title of this Blog caught your attention, didn't it?? LOL!

Let’s back up, just a bit, first. Many of you know, I was admitted back into the hospital, for more surgery (last month). Cancer got aggressive on me, and even surprised my Oncologist; so I am now the proud owner of two cages, and a thoracic/lumbar fusion bar (it has taken the place of my spine, between my rib cage and my hips. Surgery went well, and I spent a few weeks in ICU (mostly because they didn't have a room for me, elsewhere).

I’m in so much pain, with my new and improved body; the surgeon practically gutted me, to do what he needed to do! The staff at the hospital were amazing, as always; they took real good care of me! The healing process will take some time, but this too shall pass!!

Everything’s a learning experience, now…getting in and out of bed is the hardest part. I haven’t quite got used to pushing myself up to a sitting position, while struggling through the pain of movement. But, it’s only been a few weeks, so I’ll just have to give myself permission to struggle. Log rolling is ridiculous!! LOL!

My back is at a point where I can’t lay flat, at this time, because the pain is (once again) unbearable; so, I've made that a goal of mine. I will become strong enough to lay down, flat, in bed. I wish you could've seen the look on my face, when I woke up from surgery, and discovered that I was laying down...in a bed. I was elated!! Just knowing that I could lay down, in bed, was amazing!! LOL!

I've moved into a place called Pebble Creek Nursing and Rehab Center, to recover from surgery and regain some mobility; they hooked me up with Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy; the Speech Therapy is more for learning how to swallow my food. I was intubated, for surgery, so the muscles in my throat got weak. She’s helping me learn to take baby bites, and has encouraged me to drink after each one; I've also noticed, my appetite has changed! I can’t eat as much as I used to be able to…bonus!! This will, undoubtedly, help me lose weight!

Whatever I do, throughout the day, gets me all sweaty, now…and this is no exaggeration! I can break a sweat, doing my deep breathing exercises! I think I scare the staff, sometimes, with all that. Here, again…you never really know what the body is capable of doing, until you can’t do it, anymore. Last year, I had to re-learn everything, from the start; this time is no exception. I am, literally, re-learning the art of being a human; limitations and all. They’ve got me all set up, though…lots of equipment, and tools to use, to help me out. Stellar staff, here, too!!

And, yes…yesterday, I walked! This whole time, I’ve been struggling to move around, thinking (and starting to believe) that I wasn’t going to be able to move, much, now. God’s been dealing with me on a wide range of emotions, during this part of my journey!

Yesterday, during PT, my coach said, “I’m gonna go get the walker, and we’re gonna take a few steps. Just to see where we’re at.” She joined me in my struggle. As I began to move my feet along the floor, she smiled at me…first two steps, done. I kept going; not paying any attention to anything, except….every time Jesus told a crippled person to get up and walk, they did. I’m not crippled, just temporarily set back.

My Therapist’s face lit up, once she heard me say I needed to sit back down; she had another Therapist walk with us, and bring my wheelchair along. They were both pretty impressed with me! It wasn't me…it was God; the only thing I can take credit for is the praying I do.

God doesn't want me stuck in bed, for the rest of my life. I have things to do, people to see, and a life to live! I have a message to deliver for Him; and I can’t do that, if I can’t get around. Yesterday, I walked about 3 ft.

Today is a brand new day! Enjoy this day, and be blessed!!