tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15165672774719998392024-02-02T17:57:55.391-06:00Life is GoodOur journey of faith...and lymphoma.Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-11864474918756338932020-10-28T21:16:00.000-05:002020-10-28T21:16:41.332-05:00Faithful... Loyal... Steadfast...<p>Two years ago we left a vocational ministry and re-entered the "real" world. It's been a strange but good adjustment. Hubby is working full-time, and I'm blessed to be back at home after nine years of being a working mom while the kids were still in school - whew! Now we have an empty nest (which is kind of a neat thing), but I'm trying to figure out what exactly I should be doing with my time. </p><p>Hubby jokes that I'm retired and loves me being home, and I love taking care of things around the house. My grown daughter is glad I'm home so she can come over during her lunch hour, for supper and movie nights, or to do laundry. The college kids appreciate that I'm available when they need something... like money... It's nice to be able to go visit our married daughter's sweet little family (yay for grandkids). And I'm sure the dog is thrilled to have me let him out and back in all day long.</p><p>I enjoy working in the yard and trying to grow food, creating things for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/inthegapdesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, and having time for the endless list of projects. But since the stupid virus, I feel a little bit like a hermit. I miss my friends at Bible study, miss meeting someone for coffee, and even miss smiling at people so they can actually see it. I'm home almost all the time now... and may or may not talk to myself more than I should - HA!</p><p>So with all this time, I can do a lot of thinking and asking myself questions. Should I be doing more of something? How do I make an impact on people when I'm not around people? Will God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" if I'm not out serving? Is the guilt I'm feeling really from Satan to make me doubt this season of quiet? </p><p>When I was going through cancer, I had such clarity on how God was working. I felt like I had relevant things to share with people. I felt like I had a purpose... a responsibility to show my family and friends and others going through cancer that God is still good even in the bad. That spiritual and eternal healing is so much more important than physical healing. As weird as it sounds, I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be. </p><p>But what about during this season of quiet? </p><p>In a Bible study video by proverbs31.org, I heard the following: "Our identity is not in what we do but in what God has already done!" I needed that today! Especially in a season when a "job" isn't defining me. I'm not working at a Christian college, a student ministry, or a children's home anymore. I'm not a stay-at-home mom raising and homeschooling my kids. </p><p>Christine Caine says that if God has assigned you, He will find you. So be faithful... be loyal... be steadfast... WHERE YOU ARE! </p><p>How does that look for me right now? I'm trying to be <i>faithful</i> in praying for others - which is definitely a work in progress. I'm trying to be <i>loyal</i> in studying God's word - which takes some discipline without face-to-face accountability. I'm trying to be <i>steadfast</i> in loving and encouraging my family - which is hard to know how to do when the kids are away from the nest. </p><p>So while I'm waiting on a specific assignment, I will "be still and know" in this season of quiet. I will recognize that my identity is not because of anything I do or a job that I have. I will be faithful... I will be loyal... and I will be steadfast right where I am!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhc5ZUwUONAnR9EEPsc84jJjEZFJKKtIeYop4rdP35LUQeYwAcoprq4x1ihTqbEyRifr1o4QoaOjjToG0AN3Yu0zhEX7-x_CkVCngTSC65JM0EbtPZ_wl5ZAyrIbw18MO_QwF4QwBwyg/s822/Be+Still+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhc5ZUwUONAnR9EEPsc84jJjEZFJKKtIeYop4rdP35LUQeYwAcoprq4x1ihTqbEyRifr1o4QoaOjjToG0AN3Yu0zhEX7-x_CkVCngTSC65JM0EbtPZ_wl5ZAyrIbw18MO_QwF4QwBwyg/s320/Be+Still+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-36014469313406701442020-06-12T18:57:00.000-05:002020-06-12T18:57:22.582-05:00Hit the Reset ButtonI don't know about you, but I'm so ready for a reset! 12 weeks of "rona" life still has me in a state of mild chaos. It's no where near 40 years in the desert, but I feel like I've been wandering and am a bit purposeless. For the 2 1/2 months of the year before life got turned upside down, I was working hard to get things into a nice routine. And I was actually getting my act together and making the most of my days. Then the virus...<br />
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Hubby set up his "office" at the kitchen table to work from home... College daughter was home to finish the semester on-line and couldn't even clean out her dorm room until a couple of weeks ago... High school son lost his job and was home all day every day...<br />
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We were all home, and I was having a hard time with MY routine. My daily "chores" and yoga became hit and miss - or even non-existent. Our budget was (and still is) a hot mess. The work I was doing to promote my Etsy shop and figure out how to best use social media is still on vacation mode. My Bible study (which was also my social life) was canceled! And it's very hard to mop floors with people always around - ha!<br />
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While I was usually coordinating one car for two working people (husband and son), we all of a sudden had two vehicles (with daughter home) and no one was going anywhere! Such a weird predicament!<br />
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Our high school son finished on-line high school in a very anti-climatic way - he submitted his last final and that was it! We couldn't even celebrate with dinner at his favorite restaurant. No open house... no party... And the summer event that he'd been looking forward to was canceled. <br />
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It's kind of ironic that we noticed the other day this calendar on the refrigerator to keep track of our son's work schedule. In some ways it's like time stood still once the virus hit and he was laid off. March almost seems like forever ago.<br />
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But today, I finally hit the reset button. Hubby's back at the office, and I actually did my AND mopped the floor! It's a small but important step to get me back on track! Thankfully, each day is a chance to reset and start again!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d;">The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d;">Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT</span></i></div>
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-29826949304323384382020-04-09T21:10:00.000-05:002020-04-09T21:11:07.569-05:00There's No Place Like Home<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If you know me at all, you know I'm a homebody. So a Stay at Home order and Social Distancing are actually comforting during this crazy Coronavirus pandemic. However, it's weird knowing we can't just go and do whatever we want whenever we want. I just want to go shop for pansies and gardening supplies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Although it's a super crazy time, I've been mostly worry free. Maybe I'm in denial... or maybe it's because I've seen God bring us through so many other tough situations - raising kids (am I right!), homeschooling, lay-offs, job changes, moves, floods, health issues (um, cancer), etc. You know, LIFE! Here is one of my LIFE verses:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. - Jeremiah 17:7</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">While I'm not worried, I am concerned. Concerned for my girls - two with a history of pneumonia and one with a history of asthma... for my grandkids who are only 2 months old and 2 years old... for my father-in-law who has health issues... for friends who have lost their jobs. I'm sad for my high school senior son who got laid off from his good part-time job (thankfully his school was already on-line)... for my college girl who is now home to finish the semester on-line and missing her friends and all her belongings. I'm a little anxious for my husband - who hates change - and is now working from home and is a little anxious about the future of his job. I'm wondering about my mom and sister who are in other cities hunkered down alone... and wondering what's going to happen to my neighbors, country, and world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I'm counting my blessings that I'm not in the middle of chemo during this pandemic. I just had lab work done and a visit with my new oncologist a month ago, and everything looks good. I'm probably just as healthy as anyone, but my family isn't letting me take any chances. Except for gas station stops on our trip to see our adorable new grandson before quarantine and a drive-thru run to Chick-fil-A, I haven't been out for almost four weeks! Hubby and Jarod are doing all the grocery shopping and TP scrounging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">So what am I doing during our sudden family togetherness? Pretty much the same as always only trying to make sure everyone else is doing okay! I'm taking advantage of free on-line lectures and Bible studies, enjoying all the music that artists are posting, working on some crochet, doing yoga, and trying to strategically run the vacuum so I don't interrupt anyone's school or work - ha! </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I'm taking my Vitamin D and getting natural Vitamin D when the weather cooperates. The yard and garden are calling me, but so are my coffee and puzzles!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">With all of us home all day every day, I'm intentionally focusing on my attitude:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, </span><span style="color: #134f5c;">O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I'm also trying to stay informed about the virus and sift through everyone's "expert" opinion and advice. I'm trying to understand the power of the government - federal and state - to basically shut down our country and then watch them fight as they all claim to have the best way to help we-the-people. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think. I want everyone to be safe and healthy, but it's a bit scary at how fast and how limiting the government can act. My next free lecture might need to be on the Constitution...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I don't have any answers... so I'm praying.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">let them sing joyful praises forever. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Spread your protection over them, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">that all who love your name may be filled with joy. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">For you bless the godly, O LORD; </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">you surround them with your shield of love. - Psalm 5:11-12</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">May He be glorified! I'm glad we're all in this together. And when we get through this, we'll have another testimony of God's incredible provision. For now...</span><br />
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-42670663809035928102018-10-30T18:45:00.001-05:002018-10-30T18:52:04.149-05:00Pinch Me!<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires. - Psalm 37:4 (NLT)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Those desires probably won't be served up on a silver platter...and the process may be difficult, but God is always good! I am surrounded by his goodness and am loving it!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Over the past few years the desires of our hearts have changed, but thankfully God knows best and provides in His perfect time! We are at a new beginning after waiting over two years while God worked out all the details. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Our family had been involved in a ministry for over 9 years where our jobs, housing, and kids' school were all part of the package. While it was a great set up, leaving became a bit complicated. Once we decided to step out in faith, it's been fun watching God put all the pieces together.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We had been debt free for seven years! That's a really good thing... until you start thinking about buying a house. Daryl had no credit score and I was non-existent in the system. So for two years we played the credit card game and ended up with excellent credit and qualified for a home loan!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Even before knowing we'd be able to buy a house, we resigned our ministry without other jobs lined up. That was a foreign concept to us, but we felt we needed to take that step. My mom graciously invited us to stay with her during the transition, so we left our stuff in storage in Oklahoma and moved to my mom's in Kansas...actually to my childhood home! That's not weird at all - HA!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After a crazy time of trying to prove our residency at my mom's, we enrolled our son in a Kansas public on-line high school. God quickly provided a part-time job for me as a preschool cook - which was great but physically exhausting. We sold our old Jeep for more than we expected (which covered repairs needed on our van). God provided an anonymous cash gift when we really needed it. Daryl picked up some free-lance graphic design jobs and had a chance to decompress after a stressful couple of years. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">A couple of special college friends prayed Daryl through several interviews. When he accepted a job offer, I immediately quit mine :) His job puts us closer to two of our kids and our only granddaughter! It's still in Kansas so doesn't mess up our son's schooling! It pays enough that I won't have to work (a BIG desire)! And... we are able to buy a house - with a fenced back yard for our dog </span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">and an amazing front porch for me</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">!!! And how exciting to have a house for the grandkids to visit! Daryl's new employer has been great during our transition of house hunting, commuting, and finally getting moved. It's been refreshing for him to feel valued and appreciated - which was evident when he walked in on his first day to a brand new Mac!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We are so excited to be homeowners after being tenants for over 9 years! And with the 3 month transition, we were able to move during the crisp cool fall weather of October instead of the horrible hot summer weather of July. Just another blessing of God's perfect timing! And we had incredible friends help us load the truck!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We've connected with a sweet couple in our new city through a college friend. They go to church with two of Daryl's co-workers - so we're ready to get involved in the church as soon as we get settled. Our realtors and lender have been so helpful to us as well as a lot of fun. And the beginning of this month was our LAST payment for our son's braces - just in time to start making house payments!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There have been a lot of hard days mixed in with the good days, but it's all been worth it! This is a</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> snapshot of how God has been putting together our puzzle. He </span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">knew two years ago where we would be right now - HOME SWEET HOME. He is AMAZING!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Our Home</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Be still in the presence of the Lord,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>and wait patiently for him to act.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 37:7a (NLT)</i></span></div>
Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-76412091721460595062018-01-06T14:41:00.000-06:002018-01-06T14:41:21.595-06:00Intentional for 2018<span style="font-size: large;">I always think I'm not going to mess with picking a word for the year...but then a word quietly fills my head and won't leave. Some past words have been:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Simplify</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Faithful</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>First</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Come Alive</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still have a couple of these words spelled out with Scrabble letters where I can see them every time I open one of the blinds. This year's word won't fit on the Scrabble holder, so I made a sign.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpWwUT8RNVEU_p0CnMAiDEBj91HzrN9qFlIryEEJFg9hSy2blD2BZ9VoIjg7k-ifnPszvAhCCI3ttVz5RabMwzYfkGJyl5saKiP-lSwFIWpnamTus41l6xCPUxFACgoO41h8gPwNAwnY/s1600/intentional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpWwUT8RNVEU_p0CnMAiDEBj91HzrN9qFlIryEEJFg9hSy2blD2BZ9VoIjg7k-ifnPszvAhCCI3ttVz5RabMwzYfkGJyl5saKiP-lSwFIWpnamTus41l6xCPUxFACgoO41h8gPwNAwnY/s320/intentional.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">visit my Etsy shop - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/intheGAPdesigns" target="_blank">intheGAPdesigns</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past couple of years I've tried to protect myself from doing things - or not doing things - out of guilt or obligation. Now I'm to the point where I need to be more <i>intentional </i>- in my spiritual life, my relationships, my finances, my home, and my health. I need to follow through and finish what I start, and the word <i>intentional</i> sure sounds less painful than <i>discipline</i> - HA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm building on some goals I've set during the past two years in these areas and have a good idea of what is realistic and attainable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to memorize a book of the Bible (I have a hard time memorizing a verse), but I can be intentional in daily readings to complete the Bible this year. </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to be everyone's best friend, but I can be intentional and pour into my family and a couple of special friendships.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to win the lottery, but I can be intentional in budgeting and tracking our spending through Every Dollar by Dave Ramsey.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to have a perfectly clean house (ever), but I can be intentional with a specific chore for each day.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to become a fitness guru, but I can be intentional with realistic exercise goals and healthier food choices.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Being intentional about being intentional almost feels like I'm learning to walk and just taking baby steps. I'll probably take a few steps forward with a couple of steps back...and I may even fall down. You would think I'd have life figured out by now, but even at 50 years old, I'm still a work in progress...<i><b>intentional</b></i> progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 (ESV)</i></span></div>
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-5361725390390414232017-08-19T18:51:00.000-05:002017-08-19T18:56:58.310-05:00Rain, Rain, It's Okay - Part 3<span style="font-size: large;">After 4 months, I'm finally realizing the blessings of the flood. As I was walking by the old house the other night, I found myself thanking God for the flood... for seeing His hands and feet in action by those who helped us move... for the purging we were forced to accomplish... for a house that is on a hill instead of in the "hollow" area... and for Jessika making the brave decision to move into the dorm at college.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I mentioned to my 16 year old son how I can finally see the good in the flood. He agreed! He showed me some artwork he's created for tattoos he'd like to get someday. He wants the Japanese symbols for <i>strength</i> and <i>flood, </i>one on each wrist, to remind him that <b>strength comes after the flood</b>. Wow! He's been processing more than I knew. I'm so glad he's seeing the good!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Alone, these realizations may not seem like much. But after the stress of the flood, moving, and not knowing where we'd end up living, they are like milestones for our family. I'm thankful I can now consider these trials as joy (James chapter 1). And instead of dreading the rain as something negative, I'm beginning to recognize the imagery of water washing over me as God's cleansing, forgiveness, and grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm feeling more settled in our house and enjoy making it home. Today I've been doing things that I haven't done since the flood - my Saturday routine of making fruit leather, baking, and hanging out with my family. I've missed those normal things; and even though it's a little bit different in this house, the familiarity is comforting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for God's mercy that falls like a sweet spring rain!</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0uXhrk83VFTT73lIqOwoqt-FJ9nbaTZA4h38ssDfzmueR5r08ZEFEBEekyf088otySPkqWnF1L4N8nBsEJGQpgI4k1xkP5iP3jU8DRS8Xs6nUWsS0nkaF_dUvKRZmIGYw26YAq9jkBo/s1600/JarodSnapseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0uXhrk83VFTT73lIqOwoqt-FJ9nbaTZA4h38ssDfzmueR5r08ZEFEBEekyf088otySPkqWnF1L4N8nBsEJGQpgI4k1xkP5iP3jU8DRS8Xs6nUWsS0nkaF_dUvKRZmIGYw26YAq9jkBo/s320/JarodSnapseed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strength came after the flood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2017/06/rain-rain-go-away-part-1.html" target="_blank">Rain, Rain, Go Away - Part 1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2017/06/rain-rain-go-away-part-2_24.html" target="_blank">Rain, Rain, Go Away - Part 2</a><br />
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-27689887125062843102017-06-24T20:14:00.000-05:002017-08-19T18:48:39.845-05:00Rain, Rain, Go Away - Part 2<span style="font-size: large;">Following the flood, we felt very lost and needy. The maintenance department on campus probably got tired of hearing from us, but when a vacant house suddenly gets occupants, things need done... like hooking up the washing machine, repairing the hot water heater, fixing plumbing issues, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It took days to get everything moved out of the flooded house and to get all the wet items washed. It took weeks to sort through tubs and find things trying to figure out how much to unpack and put away not knowing if/when we'll get back to our house. We were hopeful that our house would be repaired so we could move back and carry on as normal. Yeah, right!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, four weeks after the flood, we found out the house was going to be demolished. Even though we don't own the house, it was sad news to hear. We had lived there for almost eight years. Now what? Well, we had to clean out the attic...and the shed... The shed had flooded more than we realized and was a nasty smelly mess. We threw out anything that was wet, moldy, or absorbed the moldy odor - our Christmas tree, books, furniture, memorabilia, etc. We were tired...tired of moving, tired of the wet, tired of the smell...just tired!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We finally had everything moved over to the other house. Would we get to stay? Nothing was decided for almost four more weeks. We were starting to feel at home in the other house. We were fixing things, deep cleaning, painting, doing yard work and landscaping, and enjoying the new neighbors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then came the dreaded news that we'd have to move...again...to another house on campus...a much smaller house than what we had...and by the end of next month!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While the timing and details are being worked out concerning the move, we are searching for the lessons God is wanting us to learn while trying to remain joyful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The kids are not thrilled to move back to the same area that flooded... in fact, we all cringe a little at the sound of rain and thunder. Jessika is changing her college plans and now moving away for the school year. Jarod is frustrated about losing space for having friends over and a place to hang out and play games. Daryl and I will have to purge and downsize even more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Those aren't bad things...but they aren't what we want to do. What about our hobbies and collections? Do I give up stamping while we're in the smaller house? How long would that be? Does Jarod's nutcracker collection go in storage? Jessika's books? What about no office space for Daryl? Smaller bedrooms? Less bathrooms? No laundry room? No dishwasher? I know, these are all 1st world problems...but right now they are our problems... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I keep thinking how ironic it is that when we went through cancer, there was nothing to question - we just did what had to be done. So this should be easy...it's NOT cancer...it's just a house... But right now, it's our life and it doesn't feel any more settled than it did eight weeks ago when water started coming in under the back door.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Is God testing our obedience - OR - Is He preparing us for new opportunities?</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do our kids sacrifice again for our ministry - OR - Do we make changes for them?</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, we love and serve a mighty God who loves us and already knows how this is all going to work out for good!</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF1cZu0b6-gotCvM-PFBMXl93LBAj7IgTcBwCoQqeCSqEXcbkY8SGO4W8eerPzD8gdxYTBZ4ORBhbXuqccCqzsYzXEyFpKn0WJ2fYoyeO_UlvMueBLdgUcjsT36lngPZamlV23wDd2SM/s1600/IMG_20170502_110922+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF1cZu0b6-gotCvM-PFBMXl93LBAj7IgTcBwCoQqeCSqEXcbkY8SGO4W8eerPzD8gdxYTBZ4ORBhbXuqccCqzsYzXEyFpKn0WJ2fYoyeO_UlvMueBLdgUcjsT36lngPZamlV23wDd2SM/s320/IMG_20170502_110922+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally finished at the old house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to read <a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2017/06/rain-rain-go-away-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a></span><br />
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<br />
<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-83380896786507830672017-06-24T20:13:00.001-05:002017-08-19T18:47:23.359-05:00Rain, Rain, Go Away - Part 1<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a creature of habit... even bad habits... And I'd rather be at home than anywhere... So when our house flooded and we were forced to move out, I was immediately way out of my comfort zone and happy place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On April 29, I was enjoying a lazy Saturday morning at home with my family during a spring storm. The ground was saturated from a previous rain, and we watched the normally dry little creek bed fill with run-off water and quickly overflow. Since we've seen it overflow before and never reach our house, we didn't take the flash flood warnings very seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Daryl was fixing breakfast while I made my morning cup of coffee. I went to look out back again, started to take a sip of coffee, and saw muddy water coming in under the door. The only words I could form were, "Oh, crap! Oh, crap! Oh, crap!" I grabbed all the towels I could find in the laundry room and tried to stop the water from going into the kitchen. Yeah, right!</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-yMPXka9yl_iOPDQbVtUiEQoWSHyVWsN9JN5nJ0t1t97AE9vCqUtQxjSCm-ysAZm449vN_kXYPNOjtdlXZCcz9rad8ubr7wxxj7HTe_l6Dho40E8oYyCVLea0Cy4NNGDwpXblEuQwfE/s1600/IMG_20170429_113057+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-yMPXka9yl_iOPDQbVtUiEQoWSHyVWsN9JN5nJ0t1t97AE9vCqUtQxjSCm-ysAZm449vN_kXYPNOjtdlXZCcz9rad8ubr7wxxj7HTe_l6Dho40E8oYyCVLea0Cy4NNGDwpXblEuQwfE/s320/IMG_20170429_113057+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towels did not work...</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter Jessika was still in bed and jumped up to see what was going on. The bathroom across the hall from her room was already filling with water. In what seemed like a few seconds, water was everywhere! It was coming in the back door and flowing out the front door... and it must have come through the floor and walls! Our carpet appeared to be floating.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot4qWu3TWlia4vaDmIIj7UI-afoIHulDEAeFgesNUu6LDMZwqy3JM8BoQPUH5tEtb6zQmA1aWvaVreHI54bYzPnQ3KcmdD2uUH0Vv34O_i-SMlTMPsUuk4MjKBHo2Ie-JHmYl2eCCWBY/s1600/IMG_20170429_113719+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot4qWu3TWlia4vaDmIIj7UI-afoIHulDEAeFgesNUu6LDMZwqy3JM8BoQPUH5tEtb6zQmA1aWvaVreHI54bYzPnQ3KcmdD2uUH0Vv34O_i-SMlTMPsUuk4MjKBHo2Ie-JHmYl2eCCWBY/s320/IMG_20170429_113719+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was frantically going through the rooms trying to get stuff up off the floor while Jessika was trying to keep Buddy (the dog) from getting swept down stream! Daryl and our son Jarod worked on unplugging all the electronics. Daryl was zapped when he touched a power strip while standing in his flooded office! The table, counters, beds, furniture, and even bathtubs were piled with stuff, and water continued coming in. We called a friend to bring us a shop vac. Yeah, right!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNO4UK4sN821RyYB5W1Whwo6LU8KGNylJ2D2QIXeS0yax2NjrwBedayjIbv2mVvlykMxa8iiKoIwhazonfKEzPdGf0mUka4a4HngMMU-VlQhApVn0inCAZooT9mLWp_IBDA2CTJLdt0A/s1600/IMG_20170429_180706+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNO4UK4sN821RyYB5W1Whwo6LU8KGNylJ2D2QIXeS0yax2NjrwBedayjIbv2mVvlykMxa8iiKoIwhazonfKEzPdGf0mUka4a4HngMMU-VlQhApVn0inCAZooT9mLWp_IBDA2CTJLdt0A/s320/IMG_20170429_180706+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bed...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were still getting stuff up off the floor when we were told to evacuate. We each quickly packed a bag and carefully waded out to our neighbor's pick-up that was high enough to still get through the water. Before we left... not knowing how high the water would get or how long it would stay... Daryl and Jarod kept me from having a total melt down by moving the cedar chest (<em>hand made by my dad for my 21st birthday</em>) up on the coffee table. I just couldn't leave with that piece of my dad sitting in nasty flood water to be ruined!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SRJ7FMolwJTAaPZ0YdRzL-u9qExEqfK9v2ftJuSxvjm3UiH7Z9KvGFTnEM3lIQBY3B0TxZh1miaBp735yl8hEnmIKiUtzgKgCxqXxeamfE7vHDzOSW-UbT-fuYBeKp7a3Gc1nqlZ7Rs/s1600/18268669_1519265221431561_1462992478862067178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="762" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SRJ7FMolwJTAaPZ0YdRzL-u9qExEqfK9v2ftJuSxvjm3UiH7Z9KvGFTnEM3lIQBY3B0TxZh1miaBp735yl8hEnmIKiUtzgKgCxqXxeamfE7vHDzOSW-UbT-fuYBeKp7a3Gc1nqlZ7Rs/s320/18268669_1519265221431561_1462992478862067178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of our road!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We've never even thought about what to do in a flood. I figured we were going to be homeless and everything inside the house was going to be destroyed. Thankfully my mom suggested bed risers or even cinder blocks to put under our furniture. That got our brains working! We found a stack of bed risers, so later that afternoon when the water went down enough to walk back to the house, we put our main furniture up on the risers and then put trash bags under other items. Our piano is on wheels, so I rolled it forward, put down plastic lids, and then rolled the piano back onto the lids so it wasn't directly on the soaked carpet. The house already smelled bad, and the carpets sloshed. We tried using the shop vac again. Yeah, right!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVomeqCOvP-xx0mIjqpwqcUMeQbnNdsxHB7duGOiiLZ314Li-uurjKZDZKR4WaQpmm2O-7tEZhGr6qywPecjNdKCajs-BWPEF7A7HpFQObPNFy_GWK0mn1xuNrhvpmvrpEHESWHb1uX0/s1600/IMG_20170429_180714+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVomeqCOvP-xx0mIjqpwqcUMeQbnNdsxHB7duGOiiLZ314Li-uurjKZDZKR4WaQpmm2O-7tEZhGr6qywPecjNdKCajs-BWPEF7A7HpFQObPNFy_GWK0mn1xuNrhvpmvrpEHESWHb1uX0/s320/IMG_20170429_180714+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for bed risers!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Because we live on the campus of <a href="http://www.cooksonhills.org/" target="_blank">Cookson Hills</a>, we had lots of offers for places to stay. Since we were dragging along our freaked out wet dog, we decided to camp out in the former preschool room - it was carpeted and had access to a bathroom! Plus, we were soaked and more than a little frazzled with so much to process... we knew we wouldn't be very good company. It was nice to be with just the four of us - and the dog.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxs3Icc-Ll_GwBHkkMs7bqIcpzApGcgvx2Z3wATEG0huLNmh5l_WMMdUYkQnKbJK4lHGUx9mGo4rhvBeiAokPGovao9wJMENk_EpkIlPKkbUMm5tJSg5eUB3u4tkWH7hHZAnPKO_h2M0/s1600/IMG_20170429_150229+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxs3Icc-Ll_GwBHkkMs7bqIcpzApGcgvx2Z3wATEG0huLNmh5l_WMMdUYkQnKbJK4lHGUx9mGo4rhvBeiAokPGovao9wJMENk_EpkIlPKkbUMm5tJSg5eUB3u4tkWH7hHZAnPKO_h2M0/s320/IMG_20170429_150229+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our survival kit!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday morning we headed to Walmart for tubs - lots of tubs. Not knowing if/when we'd be able to stay in the house, we decided to pack up things that we didn't want to get damp and smelly - like all of our books! Then we saved Jarod's nutcracker collection! While people on campus were helping two other flood victims get moved out of their wet homes, we found out they were coming to help us next. An empty house on the other side of campus was going to be our temporary home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How in the world do you wrap your head around moving out of your house in ONE DAY??? I just stood on the sloshy carpet looking around at the total chaos of stuff piled everywhere. I was overwhelmed... with the smell... with all our stuff... and knowing people were on their way... The horror of people seeing ALL my stuff quickly faded when they walked in to help at the flooded house while others were getting the temporary house ready for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our friends and co-workers were definitely the hands and feet of Jesus. They were so kind and willing to serve by supplying tubs, packing and moving, and providing food and drinks. They knew when to let us cry and when to give us hugs! If we were going to be flooded, we were at a good place for it to happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Those two days felt like forever, but we were just beginning our time of being unsettled!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<em><span style="font-size: large;">...to be continued...</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's <a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2017/06/rain-rain-go-away-part-2_24.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a></span><br />
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-19892491397690781082017-02-19T21:23:00.001-06:002017-02-19T21:30:03.915-06:00We Have This Hope<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is this hope? Not the kind of hope we throw around in casual conversation...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"I <i>hope</i> tomorrow is a nice day."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"I <i>hope</i> I get a letter in the mail."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"We <i>hope</i> things turn out for the best."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm talking about the hope we have in Christ - for salvation and eternal life! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This hope can easily be taken for granted. Growing up in a
Christian home and being at church whenever the doors were open, sometimes hope was a given. It just was. And it wasn't until facing cancer that I realized the power of this hope - this
hope in Christ. Because without the promise of salvation and eternal life, a diagnosis is
meaningless... healing is meaningless... and life is meaningless...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was sweetly reminded of this incredible hope while representing <a href="http://www.cooksonshills.org/" target="_blank">Cookson Hills</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">during a missions weekend at our church. </span>I admit, I tend to tune out when it comes to talking about missions or listening to missionaries. A lot of us probably have images of huts in the bush with memories of boring slide shows... But it's a whole new world out there!!! Missions is everything from children's homes and schools to coffee houses and libraries!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The weekend gave me a new appreciation for today's missionaries and the importance of sharing <b>this HOPE</b> with people. In fact, I came away with four distinct observations:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Persecution of Christians is Real</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can easily distance ourselves from the persecution of Christians around the world because it's so far away and isn't personal. Our speaker for the missions weekend was very real and had been very persecuted in his home country. The government caused a wreck that injured his son, injured his wife, and killed his unborn child. His home was invaded and belongings confiscated...at least twice. He and his family were harassed and received death threats to the point that they were forced to escape the country for their safety. They are now based in the United States where they work with Gospel Wave Media Ministry and share Jesus via satellite.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Heart Language</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">People need to hear Jesus in their heart language or mother tongue. Our speaker shared that watching the Jesus film years ago put out by <a href="http://www.cru.org/" target="_blank">CRU </a>(formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) and hearing Jesus speak in his heart language was the turning point for him. Jesus is for ALL people, so we need to share Jesus in ALL cultures... not just our "American" ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Technology Rules</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Did you know most people around the world have cell phones or satellite? Even in the desert??? And in the slums??? People may not have electricity, but they have solar powered chargers for their phones! Or someone in town may have a generator and collect a fee to let people use it to charge their devices. Technology has opened up a whole new opportunity to reach people in closed countries. People may not be allowed to meet in person for church, but they can meet in chat rooms on-line. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Israel is Vital</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Praying for the peace of Israel is obviously important for the people of Israel, but it is also vital for spreading the gospel to the world. It is a satellite hub for many ministries. Gospel Wave uploads their programming to Israel where it is then sent to closed countries.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So...
what does <b>this hope</b> mean for those who don't know Christ? What if they
worship Allah or another god? What if they worship L. Ron Hubbard or another person? What if they do more good works than I will ever do? It doesn't matter how much they believe in their god or how good they are, they have <b>NO HOPE </b>without <b>this HOPE</b>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus is the <b>only way</b> to salvation!</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>"<span class="text John-14-6" id="en-NIV-26675"><span class="woj">I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6</span></span></i></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">People need to know about <b>this hope</b>, and we need to tell them!</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span class="verse-19">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,</span>
<span class="verse-20">
where our forerunner, Jesus, has
entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the
order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 6:19-20</span></i></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-51589693780844759052016-12-30T16:18:00.000-06:002016-12-30T16:21:31.200-06:00My Two Words<span style="font-size: large;">It's time to pick my word for 2017... Last year I tried to focus on the word SIMPLIFY. I wanted to simplify my commitments and my stuff. I'd say it was probably the most successful year as far as sticking to my resolutions and goals. No, I wasn't perfect, but I was mindful and purposeful. I mean, I used a scrapbooking app (Project Life) and documented EVERY week this whole year! WHAT!!! Of course, I still need to get them printed...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My main resolution was to quit saying yes to things out of obligation or guilt. I think I did pretty well. I did not take on anything new that required me to be in charge. I did not join every activity that presented itself to me. And I was able to say no when I didn't feel like it was the best yes! Talk about freeing!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My other resolution was to simplify my stuff. Baby steps, right! I've done some but still have a lot of decluttering to do. Both of these resolutions will carry over to 2017!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I had also set some goals for the year in the areas of Faith, Family, Finance, and Fitness. I posted my <i>Sweet 16 for 2016</i> goals on my bathroom mirror - which really kept me reminded of what I wanted to accomplish. It takes determination and discipline - neither are easy for me - but I stuck to it pretty well. I have tweaked those goals for 2017 and will keep plugging along!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So now a word to keep me focused and motivated for the new year is actually two words:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOiiZJ0Y7TQTO9xdXn6X8W59ef-mvIHviCk8wRXOxdVyFcIWb-7GC1rUVXXU4OC_yCPmDpSaPBABQrBsIIj8qLJVVA9WezrduGqrGb70zBc3Y4AZzHlsCQ832znlWo5lLGiErmf93-lU/s1600/Come+Alive+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOiiZJ0Y7TQTO9xdXn6X8W59ef-mvIHviCk8wRXOxdVyFcIWb-7GC1rUVXXU4OC_yCPmDpSaPBABQrBsIIj8qLJVVA9WezrduGqrGb70zBc3Y4AZzHlsCQ832znlWo5lLGiErmf93-lU/s320/Come+Alive+cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing my cancer journey is teaching me is that life is to be LIVED! It's okay to step out of my comfort zone and experience new things. It's okay to have fun. It's okay to get rid of obligation and guilt. It's okay to dream BIG.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NLT-29232">Now all glory to God, who
is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish
<b>infinitely more</b> than we might ask or think.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NLT-29232">~ Ephesians 3:20 NLT </span></i></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's time to come alive and live life filled with the Holy Spirit - to be a soul on fire with the breath of God giving life to my dry bones!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">As we call out to dry bones </span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">come alive, come alive</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">We call out to dead hearts </span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">come alive, come alive</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">Up out of the ashes, let us see an army rise</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">We call out to dry bones </span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span id="ctl00_cphMain_lblLyrics">come alive</span></i></span></span></div>
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-5140671649313068232016-12-20T19:57:00.000-06:002016-12-20T19:57:11.871-06:00My Talk About Our Walk<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier this month Daryl and I represented TEAM TERRI at the Tulsa Light the Night Walk awards dinner. The top 5 Corporate, Friends & Family, and Individual fundraisers were recognized with a framed team picture taken at the Walk. TEAM TERRI was the #4 Friends & Family team for the Tulsa Walk!!! WOO HOO!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I gave our RSVP for the dinner, the coordinator asked if I would share about why we walk, how we raise funds, and what we appreciate about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I was honored, and this is what I wrote to help me keep my thoughts straight!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * * *</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We participate in the Light the Night Walk because blood cancer is now a part of our lives. Four years ago this Christmas, my mom noticed a lump near my collar bone. After several doctor visits, tests, biopsies, and then surgery, I was diagnosed with two types of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma. I had six rounds of R-CHOP and am doing well.<br /><br />At my chemo orientation, the nurse practitioner mentioned the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since the only thing I knew about lymphoma was that my husband’s grandma died from it over 20 years ago, I was thankful for a reputable organization dedicated to blood cancer. As you know, the internet can be super scary when googling for information, so I tried to stick to LLS as my main resource.<br /><br />I also took advantage of their Co-Pay Assistance program. When my doctor visits require a 150 mile round trip to Tulsa, being reimbursed for my co-pays is a big help! And I love that LLS has a very involved advocacy program that keeps us updated and provides the information so all we usually have to do is click a link!<br /><br />At the end of my treatment, I was searching for ways to give back and be involved in awareness efforts. I found information about the Light the Night Walk and knew we had to do it. I appreciate that it’s more intimate than a 5K race – which we’ve also done – and that my whole family can participate with me. TEAM TERRI isn’t huge – it’s just my family – so the Walk is a great way for us to celebrate together and have a meaningful time to reflect on our journey and know that our fundraising is helping others. I love the white lantern and survivor shirt. I love that my husband and kids are recognized with red lanterns as supporters. And I love that my mother-in-law can carry a yellow lantern in memory of her mother. And this year, my father-in-law joined us with a white lantern for his battle with multiple myeloma.<br /><br />I’m especially proud to be associated with an organization that gives 74% towards research and patient services! Not very many organizations can say that – especially some of the really well-known ones…<br /><br />Fundraising is a little tricky for us. We live out in the country and work at a non-profit ministry, so we don’t really have the opportunity to use our workplace as a fundraising venue. I keep a “Coins for a Cure” can on my desk year round and had close to $50 by the time of the walk. In the spring I have a garage sale and use the money as a Kick-Off to our TEAM TERRI fundraising. The majority of our fundraising comes from friends and family. I use Facebook as my platform for requesting donations and take advantage of September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month. I make sure our Light the Night pages are set up and ready to go by August and then in September post something daily about blood cancer and our walk and include our TEAM TERRI link. It’s great that LLS already has graphics to use – plus my husband is a graphic designer and makes me lots of stuff! I post all year long to keep focus on blood cancer and finding a CURE!<br /><br />I’m thankful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for their information and resources, their patient services and co-pay assistance, their advocacy on behalf of blood cancer patients, and especially for funding RESEARCH which is developing new treatments that are saving lives and will someday lead to a CURE! The statistics now compared to 40 years ago are amazing, and I’m thankful to be one of the new numbers! THANK YOU!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official "team" picture at the Walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're on our way to the Walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBxh2g3V9iFLk6O2TocTKF-IxmVUcatfc19M9CoYNDktaFIjpPgjGLYegFXLnGq65orBBKXnqC7EFm5txeFDeJ0miliEbHuI_X9lAFLD_3gX97CWPhRtByAlglO5reRWxiNEe0ITYVDI/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBxh2g3V9iFLk6O2TocTKF-IxmVUcatfc19M9CoYNDktaFIjpPgjGLYegFXLnGq65orBBKXnqC7EFm5txeFDeJ0miliEbHuI_X9lAFLD_3gX97CWPhRtByAlglO5reRWxiNEe0ITYVDI/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my kiddos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44mrmUsp9l8nHUogpDCEgqqpH0wB9nYAMVmIU5a3-J_RrPNrovrehlHtEI8XEXIFhDdPYS_qH9RFMIkCuDRXZJ_szje2Irt0utAmhef2LTL55fO6M5N_qaaP4kIYHXB_7v1JLRfbwVhk/s1600/Photo+Oct+14%252C+6+34+37+PM_Snapseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44mrmUsp9l8nHUogpDCEgqqpH0wB9nYAMVmIU5a3-J_RrPNrovrehlHtEI8XEXIFhDdPYS_qH9RFMIkCuDRXZJ_szje2Irt0utAmhef2LTL55fO6M5N_qaaP4kIYHXB_7v1JLRfbwVhk/s320/Photo+Oct+14%252C+6+34+37+PM_Snapseed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off our SURVIVOR shirts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3fcBkzJefLdGaOpm59nZcsS-1fqGHpSCOUtm4zDyFUtp9iFCrFatUC8c-XUEs9fmS9zVQaz0L7nkDV9-IMgQarMomH2n2StcVz46vvkMZSWtd3eNsXzekVgMbhN32YcMDavrLmv7_A8/s1600/Photo+Oct+14%252C+7+17+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3fcBkzJefLdGaOpm59nZcsS-1fqGHpSCOUtm4zDyFUtp9iFCrFatUC8c-XUEs9fmS9zVQaz0L7nkDV9-IMgQarMomH2n2StcVz46vvkMZSWtd3eNsXzekVgMbhN32YcMDavrLmv7_A8/s320/Photo+Oct+14%252C+7+17+45+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sweetie and biggest cheerleader</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3xhjGE1zaf5JV1fR4CYreAeSQzDNAcMOEP31Fh53Sj6y3WoGzlmYuCIYRRkwCdLKGSV5Tvia-RlZgB0XsTsVcgcdolNTpsxRJvEoEuPEKZwTplnH6JDQdRXvfpQyOcIpc76tIbLreaE/s1600/Photo+Oct+14%252C+8+06+09+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3xhjGE1zaf5JV1fR4CYreAeSQzDNAcMOEP31Fh53Sj6y3WoGzlmYuCIYRRkwCdLKGSV5Tvia-RlZgB0XsTsVcgcdolNTpsxRJvEoEuPEKZwTplnH6JDQdRXvfpQyOcIpc76tIbLreaE/s320/Photo+Oct+14%252C+8+06+09+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the Walk</td></tr>
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-70349651417825260602016-10-11T20:48:00.000-05:002016-10-11T20:48:47.371-05:00Jessika's HeartI've prayed God would be real to my kids, and He answered! My daughter had an assignment to write about a significant event in her life. I'm very proud of her courage to share from her heart... with her class... and on my blog! She has become one of my biggest encouragers!
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The
Year that Changed Everything…</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">by</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jessika
Williams</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was Christmas Eve 2013. I was
just 15 years old. My family and I were at my <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">g</span>randma’s house for Christmas
just like every year, opening presents, eating sugar cookies, and watching
cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. We had to head back home that day after
presents and Christmas dinner with the family. Before we left my <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">g</span>randma asked
my mom what that lump was on her neck. “What is that, Terri?” she asked,
pointing to my mom’s neck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What?” my mom asked confused. She
put her hand up to her throat and felt a lump. “That’s weird… I’ve never
noticed that.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You should probably get that
checked out. It could be a swollen lymph node,” my Grandma said
matter-of-factly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I never thought too much about the
lump on my mom’s neck. I knew it couldn’t be anything serious because nothing
serious could happen to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my </i>family. It
wasn’t until later that I realized how wrong I was…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">*****</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the early days of January, my mom
went to the doctor for tests and scans of her neck. It felt like weeks before
we finally got the news that changed everything. Cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
a cancer that infects the lymph nodes all over your body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My stomach dropped. I barely
remember my parents actually telling me that it was cancer. The whole thing was
such a blur. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My mom has cancer,</i> I
thought to myself in disbelief. She started chemotherapy almost immediately
after getting diagnosed. It all happened so fast, but in a way, it felt like
time was agonizingly slow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had a lot of resentment in the
beginning of this never-ending journey, mostly towards God. My family had
always gone to church, always been Christians, and I was angry with God for
letting this happen to my mom. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is
what we get for following you? </i>I asked Him. I hated Him for a long time
because he gave my mom cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I felt like I was in a bad dream. A
dream I could not wake my self up from no matter how hard I tried. At school I
felt like everyone’s eyes were on me - my teachers, my friends. It’s like
everyone was waiting for me to have a nervous breakdown. I acted out in school
and almost twice a week or more I was getting sent to the principal’s office
for talking in class and being disrespectful. I just didn’t care anymore. I
didn’t care about school, my grades, how I treated others… I was so full of
resentment and sadness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My mom was amazing through it all.
She had chemo all the time, but still went to work and put on a smile everyday
no matter how tired and sick she was feeling. That’s just the kind of person my
mom is. She never made us feel scared, and she never resented God. Seeing her
become closer to God, when he allowed her to have cancer, amazed me. My dad was
just the same. He stepped up and took care of my mom and us kids, and that
strengthened our relationships with him. Looking at how they dealt with it made
me realize I was reacting in all the wrong ways. I saw that I needed to be
there for my parents and siblings and be an encourager rather than a
discourager. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though I felt a change needed to
happen, it took me a long time to even pick up my Bible again. Once I finally
did, I found peace. My anger with God began to fade and my relationship with him
and my parents grew stronger because of the cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a way, I’m thankful for the
cancer because it brought something other than just pain and sickness. It
brought me a new understanding of love and life. It taught me to cherish every
moment I have on this earth and with the people in my life. It brought me
closer to my parents and God and it strengthened those relationships. Cancer
showed me who my true friends were that would stand by me through the tears and
through the happiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life always brings things we don’t
expect. I never thought my family would be troubled with something as awful as
cancer, but here we are. Three years later and still working through it. My mom
truly is my hero and I’m grateful to have shared our story.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special encouragement for scan day!</td></tr>
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-74836809014937189732016-07-27T10:00:00.000-05:002016-07-27T10:00:30.406-05:00Life is Messy, but God is GOOD!<span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever just feel like throwing up your hands and saying life stinks?!?! People and relationships can get so messy. And life messes are incredibly hard... maybe even harder than cancer! With cancer, everyone is united against the same ugly disease. With people... everyone is <i><b>not</b></i> always on the same page. That's when life can get messy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the middle of the mess, it's so easy to whine and question WHY??? Sometimes it would be easier to keep the peace rather than stick to convictions. And it's difficult to navigate the range of emotions and to think rationally through the heartache and tears.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, God is good, heals broken hearts, and restores broken relationships!</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We've recently experienced some tough growing pains as parents. We've had to humbly acknowledge during this messy time of life that until you've walked in someone's shoes, don't judge. It's easy to look at others and say, "We wouldn't do it that way." And believe me, we've said that many times! But chances are, you don't know all the details, and you don't know how you'd react. We now better understand the truth of John Bradford's words ~ <i>There but for the grace of God, go I</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're blessed with friends who have walked in similar shoes and are willing to come along beside us with wise counsel, encouragement, and prayers. They have poured into us in ways we didn't expect - but so needed - and have pointed us to the goodness of God. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So we're holding tight to the truth that God is good - all the time!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we don't have words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes... <span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="verse-26"><i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span class="verse-26"><i>We do not know what we ought to pray for, but
the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ~ Romans 8:26</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we can't see past the present pain, God is preparing the good... </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i><span class="verse-28">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we wonder why things are happening like they are, God is making us more like Jesus...</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i> <span class="verse-29">For those God foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... ~</span> Romans 8:29</i></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">God is faithful and has already started the healing process. We will move forward striving to honor HIM in our relationships... our words... our actions. It will take time... but even when life is messy, GOD IS GOOD!!!</span><br />
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-22814665975840269392016-03-23T11:37:00.001-05:002016-03-23T13:02:12.666-05:00Three Years!<span style="font-size: large;">This week was another CT scan and follow up with my oncologist. It's been almost three years since finishing treatment for my lymphoma - THREE YEARS!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In those three years my oncologist's office has moved, my original doctor left, and the practice has changed names. For someone who is comfortable with the familiar, these have been big changes! But one good thing with the name change and partnering with St. John Hospital and MD Anderson is that I can now have my scans done AT Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (formerly Tulsa Cancer Institute) and insurance will approve it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So this week was a familiar scan (how many have I had???) but at a new place. Every place does their stuff differently, and that always adds a little stress to an already somewhat stressful situation. This was the first time my port was accessed for the contrast IV (<i>which everyone should experience at least once</i>). No biggie, but the tape they used to keep everything in place from the lab to radiology was too tight and I couldn't even stand up straight without my port digging into whatever muscle it's on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The nurse brought out TWO big styrofoam cups of a <strike>delicious</strike> somewhat nasty liquid to drink - one right then and one about 15 minutes later. I asked her to fix the tape on my port... right in the middle of the waiting room... but I didn't care. It was nice to move without pain!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I waited at least 30 minutes before getting called back for the scan. That's a lot of time to get worked up and start freaking out about what they might find. I got the shakes and couldn't stop. Poor Daryl was getting worried about me. I kept quoting my mantra:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord; whose confidence is in him. - Jeremiah 17:7</span></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And even added the next two verse:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">He will be like a tree planted by the water </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">that sends out its roots by the stream. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">It does not fear when heat comes;</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">its leaves are always green</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has no worries in a year of drought</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:8-9</span></i> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The CT scan itself was fairly routine. I wore a shirt with a design of metal accents so had to change into a gown. Who knew just figuring out what to wear would be such a big deal. It needs to be fairly warm (the clinic is on the cool side) with a neck line that allows easy access to my port, and no metal for a scan. And it also needs to be cute so I feel good, right!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since I had the scan at the clinic in the morning, we left for lunch and a little shopping before going back in the afternoon to get the results from my oncologist. That waiting... it's a big part of the journey, but still not fun. I'm not sure it gets easier, but hopefully we're wiser!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">RESULTS ARE GOOD!!! No changes or signs of enlarged lymph nodes!!! Bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes, but my liver was clear on the scan, so Dr. Taylor isn't concerned. My alkaline phosphatase was below normal which is related to my bone density and osteopenia. He said to keep taking the Prolia shots! Everything else was pretty much perfect!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've graduated to seeing my oncologist every six months! I'll have one more yearly scan to check a spot that is unchanged from last year and is probably scar tissue. If next year's scan is unchanged, I won't need one every year. We even talked about taking out my port... except the follicular lymphoma dictates it stays. In fact, my doctor said something like this:<i> Oh yeah, you also have the follicular. The diffuse large B cell is probably cured. The follicular will probably come back, so the port stays.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's the update! Scan in one year, visit to oncologist with blood work every six months, keep the port and have it flushed every two months. Works for me! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to all who continue to pray for us!!! You helped us get through an emotionally draining day!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-32240080195477956592016-01-18T21:04:00.000-06:002016-01-18T21:04:10.750-06:00Jarod's Sweet Perspective<style>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As I reflect back on the beginning of this journey three years ago, I'm reminded of many blessings. My kids have been a great support and encoura<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">g<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ement to me<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">! <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I</span></span></span></span> want<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span>to share <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">a sweet paper my son wrote for school that summarizes several events and conversations</span>. He was 12 at the time of my diagnosi<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">s</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;">Cancer</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“BEEP!
BEEP! BEEP!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard as I stretched out
my arm to turn off my alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better get ready to go to Grandma’s house, </i>I
thought to myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I slowly got out of
bed and got all my things I needed to go to my grandma’s house for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all of my family and I got everything
we needed packed into our van, we set off for my grandma’s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After a
four hour car trip, which felt like ten hours, we finally made it</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t that bad of a trip; it was pretty
nice actually, until my grandma pointed out something on my mom’s neck during
dinner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“It
looks like you got a bump or something on your neck, Terri,” She said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is it?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t know. Do you guys see anything?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
asked around the table.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“No, I
don’t,” I told her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, at the
time I didn’t. As the trip went on, the
more my grandma was talking about it, the more noticeable it became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandma kept going on and on about it,
until my mom finally decided to get it checked at the doctor after we got back
home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My mom and
dad went to the doctor after her surgery to find out about the bump on her neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I wasn’t worried. I figured if it
was anything, it would be something small like some weird thing for the flu,
but it wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my parents got back
from the doctor, they called my three sisters and me out to the living room and
told us the bad news, that my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It hit my sisters and me pretty hard, but we
tried not to show it, not wanting to make things worse for my dad because we
could tell it hit him the hardest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After we
got the news things were really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strange</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Because of the medicine and chemo my mom was taking
she couldn’t get any germs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Every time
we went outside, shook hands with someone, or touched anything really, we had
to use Germ-X and make sure our hands were germ free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom also had to carry a small bottle of
hand sanitizer wherever she went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
chemo she was taking also made all her hair fall out so she had to get a wig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole family went with my mom to go help
her pick out her wig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if I
was having trouble accepting the fact my mom got cancer or fathoming it, but when
we were at the wig store is when everything really hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t completely know what happened, but I
just sort of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">broke</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">down</i> and started crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>My family knew before the wig
store that I was having a hard time with everything, but they didn’t know I was
taking it as hard as I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t
help when everyone would come up to me and try to tell me everything would be
okay, not even when my parents told me that because if they were being honest,
they didn’t know. The only thing that I
or anyone could do that really helped was to pray, and that’s something I did a
lot of. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I spent
a lot of my time in my room the next couple of weeks thinking and praying about
everything that was going on, while my parents spent a lot of their time making
sure my sisters and I were okay when they weren’t at the doctor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my parents got back from their second
doctor’s appointment, my mom came in to tell me about what her doctor said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Hey
Jarod. Whacha doing?” she asked me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh,
nothing, just some homework. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How was
your doctor’s appointment?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“It was
fine, but I wanted to tell you about what the doctor said about the cancer I
have.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh,
okay what?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well it
turns out I have two types of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lymphoma</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t have the worst type of lymphoma
there is, but one type of cancer that can’t completely be cured.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“So it
will just lay dormant in you your whole life?” I asked with a confused face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well,
it won’t necessarily be dormant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
a chance of coming back.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“SO WHAT’S
THE POINT OF EVEN HAVING MEDICINE IF IT WON’T CURE THE CANCER!?!” I shouted while tears were building up in my
eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Because
the medicine will help, and it doesn’t have a high chance of coming back after
the medicine,” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">m</span>y mom told me while
tears were building up in her eyes as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point I didn’t know what to say, so I
just laid down on my bed and cried. My
mom stood in the middle of my room and slowly walked out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It took
a couple of days to realize that it was stupid of me to be mad, so I went to my
mom and just said that I was sorry and walked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to my room and thought for a bit about how
things are going to be now that my mom has cancer and how just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">life</i> was going to be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“God,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said at
the brink of tears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“You know that these
last few weeks have been the hardest weeks I have ever had in my life, and even
though this whole, I don’t know, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thing</i>
or chapter of my life, I don’t know… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i> has been very hard, I can
see, I-I know, there has been good in it as well. If this whole <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever </i>never happened, I wouldn’t be as close to my family as I am
now. I wouldn’t be as close to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i> as I am now, and as I said before it
has been very hard, but I would not trade this experience for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So with all that said um, I just wanted thank
you. Um, uh, I’m not saying I’m happy my mom got cancer, I’m saying <b>I’m
thankful for all of the good that came from this</b>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Jarod,” my mom said as she
slowly opened my door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“I just wanted to
make sure you were doing okay.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Yeah, I’m doing okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry I’ve been giving you a hard time
lately, it’s just been kinda hard adjusting, well more like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accepting</i>, everything that’s happened
these last few weeks.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “It’s okay. I know you’ve been
having a tough time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a tough
time for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just a part
of life we have to get use to now.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Yeah…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>okay.” She then made her way to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom,” I called out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Yeah.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “So, you said the type of cancer
you have, it’ll never <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i> be
out of you, right?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “…Yeah.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Hmm okay, that’s what I
thought,” I said as she walked out of the room and closed the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat on my bed for a little bit. I wasn’t
thinking or praying, just sitting. And then I said, “Amen.”</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsw_UVOVk9HyA3XyDMV3_nrNanbMwq7t9Gah5eHaRWezCrfl6qwfRyvO4MRtcdh-k6u1P88zKhOP_P74bmpEJ6L9d5Wq4Q-bvRe3nIekxbnwRzSUjWUMpXubFxp6ak6Rta0ahJ_x3uGs/s1600/8782_4972878243466_2075165001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsw_UVOVk9HyA3XyDMV3_nrNanbMwq7t9Gah5eHaRWezCrfl6qwfRyvO4MRtcdh-k6u1P88zKhOP_P74bmpEJ6L9d5Wq4Q-bvRe3nIekxbnwRzSUjWUMpXubFxp6ak6Rta0ahJ_x3uGs/s320/8782_4972878243466_2075165001_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2012 - two months before diagnosis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
</div>
Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-40443717886337238052016-01-07T19:37:00.000-06:002016-01-07T19:37:34.853-06:00One Word<span style="font-size: large;">It's just one word, but how do you pick just one word for a whole year? I tried it last year and did pretty well focusing on it and trying to blog something each week... until I went on vacation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the past few days I've been searching for a word. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've set some goals for the year that involve my Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances. I had no problem coming up with those words! Anyway, as I was writing down some goals, I had to admit I don't always follow through with things. Just ask my family! Or look at my scrapbooks! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I still haven't finished an on-line class I started this past summer (I have a year to finish, and I'm sure I'll take that long). I started exercising regularly... for a few weeks. I don't think I've ever completed every lesson in a Bible study. You get the idea.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Obviously I need help with <b>follow through</b>, but that's two words... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the middle of reflecting on my bad habits and thinking about working on good ones, I've been rearranging and organizing all my stamping and scrapping stash. One daughter moved back home this semester to save some money. Since I had pretty much taken over her room, I'm trying to clear out my stuff and give her back her space. While I was trying to find just the right spot for it all, I thought of the word <b>simplify</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It would sooooo help me, if I could simplify my life - mostly my THINGS! I would have less mess which would require less cleaning, less organizing, and less frustration. I would have more time to spend working on my goals! In fact, simplifying my life would probably help me follow through with things!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then a friend shared a video to Lauren Daigle's song, First, with this post: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you are planning your year, month, week, or day, consider seeking
God first. Jeremiah 29:13 tells us, <i>"</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">You will seek me and find me,
when you seek me wi<span class="text_exposed_show">th all your heart."</span></span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">I just found my word - <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">FIRST!</span></b></span><br />
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-92085212850157476052015-11-01T20:31:00.000-06:002015-11-01T20:31:46.316-06:00A Lifetime of Thankfulness<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">November starts the 30 Days of Thankfulness posts on Facebook - and one year I posted something I was thankful for each day (<a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2013/11/thankful-november-days-1-11.html" target="_blank">Days 1-11</a> and <a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2013/12/thankful-november-days-12-30.html" target="_blank">Days 12-30</a>). I always enjoying reading what my friends post, but after an emotional day, this year I want to focus on how thankful I am for the HOPE we have in Christ - not just for 30 days, but for a lifetime!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some days it hits me harder than others when my cancer junk is at the front of my thoughts. I can't even begin to imagine what veterans go through with PTSD. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A graphic popped up on Facebook this morning stating November is National Caregivers Month (in addition to many other awareness issues). So on the way to church I'm thinking about how well my husband and family took care of me - and still do - during my treatment and the emotional roller coaster that is still a daily ride. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I begin reflecting on my journey... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While waiting for our service to start, I read an update about a little boy in our church who has neuroblastoma (<a href="http://coltranesmith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coltrane the Courageous</a>). The honesty shared by Coltrane's dad is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It makes my emotional roller coaster look like a kiddie ride.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I begin feeling survivor's guilt... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then we sing Great I Am (Phillips, Craig & Dean) and tears begin flowing as I reflect on the powerful words...</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">Hallelujah, holy, holy<br />God Almighty, the great I Am<br />Who is worthy, none beside Thee<br />God Almighty, the great I Am</span></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">I pull myself together for the sermon, but during offering we sing 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman). That last verse always gets me...</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">And on that day when my strength is failing<br />The end draws near and my time has come<br />Still my soul will sing Your praise unending<br />Ten thousand years and then forevermore</span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"> </span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">Bless the Lord oh my soul<br />
Oh my soul<br />
Worship His Holy name<br />
Sing like never before<br />
Oh my soul<br />
I'll worship Your Holy name</span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm just a blubbering mess...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And tonight I read that Fred Thompson died - after a relapse of indolent lymphoma - which just brings up more emotions... and maybe a few fears...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't imagine getting through life - especially the tough things of life - without the promise of eternity in God's presence. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I'm going to keep my eye on the prize and pursue a lifetime of thankfulness for the HOPE I have in Christ - firm and secure!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOQgqqUWe7Qyn0FUvyHCPfB7a3UloQybJBB4NFgFY3a4FpeAn2dfCREmFFsIWkZiVF7UA0E9UqNBVwnXRdhbOsKCo93IvMx11dDC65WwPawZgBA1D4SZq5tEuD1_AGKWG_rMBKhDQtxE/s1600/anchor+gap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOQgqqUWe7Qyn0FUvyHCPfB7a3UloQybJBB4NFgFY3a4FpeAn2dfCREmFFsIWkZiVF7UA0E9UqNBVwnXRdhbOsKCo93IvMx11dDC65WwPawZgBA1D4SZq5tEuD1_AGKWG_rMBKhDQtxE/s320/anchor+gap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="verse-19"><br /></span>Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-7305884021442628952015-10-15T20:51:00.000-05:002015-10-15T20:51:43.948-05:00 The Most Unlikely<span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever feel insignificant? Or as if you're the most unlikely to make a difference? Welcome to my world. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m still trying to figure out what comes next in this crazy journey I’ve been on for almost three years. It's so easy to slip back into old habits when life isn't as tough as it had been. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to dream big and do significant things for God, but I’m not sure what that looks like. And honestly, I feel a bit like the most unlikely to do great things. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I know that God didn’t bring me through the most wonderfully difficult experience of my life for me to return to complacency or remain stagnant.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So... what does God want me to do? How does He want me to encourage others?? To glorify Him???</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know fear and my own insecurities are big stumbling blocks. Talking about my cancer was easy. It was so tangible. It was there for the world to see, bald head and all. But knowing what to do now is scary and intimidating because it's not so <i>in-your-face</i> obvious. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't it be great if God painted a message in the sky that said, "Terri, I want you to ____________."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For now, I need to trust God while I continue...</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">blogging... and trying to expand my writing - especially since it's good therapy.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">reading and learning... from God's Word, spiritual mentors, and inspirational authors.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">praying... for friends who are on a hard journey and for God's revelation of how He wants to use me. </span></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30X2PPjujvMxZwDoAcvg5834_i86W2gnkPUVRoh0HKqfpfaEiYAJXX-eGJrJpjbN-ARWz8C-qMtCAEx_AZzPyhisNW7WNRMn6ZCJZmJa_fHTbBI0Pk1zWQSfjwVCb0olOR3gq7kXeZyY/s1600/56205794abdc0f754da4d944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30X2PPjujvMxZwDoAcvg5834_i86W2gnkPUVRoh0HKqfpfaEiYAJXX-eGJrJpjbN-ARWz8C-qMtCAEx_AZzPyhisNW7WNRMn6ZCJZmJa_fHTbBI0Pk1zWQSfjwVCb0olOR3gq7kXeZyY/s320/56205794abdc0f754da4d944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I just listened to a snippet from Patsy Clairmont that is exactly what I need to hear:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"God chooses to use <b>the most unlikely</b> to accomplish things far beyond what they believe they can do... When we get our eyes off of what we're not and focus on who He is, it will make all the difference." </i></span></blockquote>
<br />
Linked to:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjN6aaCK93askP9nYmbb0od3-WZUAXilkNYjyJ1M83W6fWRq1ctRzVtTyrAgQS0GBhxjZc2VnDAlwCNv_6IRKeCh2tJsYVMCx-h1YJLgIsidQ5MnGZ6hqzAoQz6ejlWfHuEuMqBS7ajZZenQ8UMUcS8i1XOBg_niWH7Wdcqm-Y6KvN2o39JFAwBrFB-Vp0=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://jenniferdukeslee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/tellhisstory-badge.jpg" style="border: medium none;" title="" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://holleygerth.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://holleygerth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Holley-Gerth-Button-250x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjenniferdukeslee.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2Ftellhisstory-badge.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjN6aaCK93askP9nYmbb0od3-WZUAXilkNYjyJ1M83W6fWRq1ctRzVtTyrAgQS0GBhxjZc2VnDAlwCNv_6IRKeCh2tJsYVMCx-h1YJLgIsidQ5MnGZ6hqzAoQz6ejlWfHuEuMqBS7ajZZenQ8UMUcS8i1XOBg_niWH7Wdcqm-Y6KvN2o39JFAwBrFB-Vp0=" -->Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-13936312189167716062015-09-30T20:41:00.002-05:002015-09-30T20:41:52.643-05:00Hello, I'm Terri...<span style="font-size: large;">...and I'm a procrastinator!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There,
I said it. I've always known it but usually blame it on something
else. I'm too busy... I have four kids... I have too much going through my head to keep it all
straight... I work full-time... I have chemo brain...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Glynnis Whitwer's new book <em>Taming the To-Do List</em>
has helped me recognize some issues in my procrastination, or what I
like to call my organized chaos! Understanding some reasons <b>why</b> I don't
accomplish everything is helping me see what I need to change in my thinking
and implementation of my to-do list. This book is very practical, and while reading it, I felt like it was describing ME! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I
appreciate the personal examples which also give practical tips for
improvement. Glynnis Whitwer includes an application at the end of each
chapter for two areas the reader identifies at the
beginning of the book: a regular task - I'm working on our budget - and a personal goal - I'm dreaming about ways to use my
cancer experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm grateful to Revell for sending me this book for review. It is easy to read, completely relevant, and gives tangible tools to help us all tame our to-do lists! </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTH97WU1TeHx9lOxFlo7IT8mk6f0Xnbet572DxuIskQbjuSThAfcpxM3Vm0LECTmS5vmXecTK7_e4la0rLhqi5d0tYnpvwYZinJ75eRxRuUDNBtJCfzYMZusNN1ZUrVdqxqpgRafFINE/s1600/700072_1_ftc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTH97WU1TeHx9lOxFlo7IT8mk6f0Xnbet572DxuIskQbjuSThAfcpxM3Vm0LECTmS5vmXecTK7_e4la0rLhqi5d0tYnpvwYZinJ75eRxRuUDNBtJCfzYMZusNN1ZUrVdqxqpgRafFINE/s320/700072_1_ftc.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-63929768255279523112015-09-19T16:47:00.000-05:002015-09-19T16:47:13.327-05:00The Season of Leaves<span style="font-size: large;">I hate leaves... the dead leaves that make a home in my gutters and pile up all over my yard, porch, yard, flower beds, yard, patio... and did I mention yard??? I hate cleaning them out of all those places. I hate the smell of damp leaves that have been snoozing in the gutters and on the ground. I hate the critters that are hiding in the smelly wet leaves. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was thinking about how much I hate those dead leaves today as I was scooping out the slime that was growing miniature trees in the gutters. And for an instant I wondered why we even have to mess with leaves in the fall. But then I was quickly reminded of Ecclesiastes chapter 3... </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>There is a time for everything, </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>and a SEASON for every activity under heaven. </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What if there were no leaves to clean up in the fall? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I would miss out on the sweet flowers that appear on the trees as we welcome spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I would miss out on the new leaves and their sea of green that provide an umbrella of shade in the summer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I would miss out on the miracle of the changing colors of the leaves that announce fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I would miss out on the bare branches that seem to strike a pose against the winter backdrop. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I would miss out on recognizing how God's amazing creation changes with each SESAON! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned my griping into rejoicing as I scooped leaves out of the gutters and raked them out of the garden. I actually found myself thankful for the smelly wet leaves. Thankful for the opportunity to be outside soaking up some sunshine and vitamin D. Thankful for getting a work-out while checking off an item on my to-do list. And thankful that my collection of leaves made the silly chickens so happy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I am thankful for the season of leaves!</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMZMXTV29HH02sEPWOJA2_1NEa8ykTUcvLe3i_k_5F8JlMSESIdFz8qTHvvGX8aZCLcRj1sg77PfPXkBJJX8aW-LasL0v1axnyDiRkDyLbA9c4cK8fKBcBEZU5DD-mTXdENs0QH6lvOE/s1600/Chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMZMXTV29HH02sEPWOJA2_1NEa8ykTUcvLe3i_k_5F8JlMSESIdFz8qTHvvGX8aZCLcRj1sg77PfPXkBJJX8aW-LasL0v1axnyDiRkDyLbA9c4cK8fKBcBEZU5DD-mTXdENs0QH6lvOE/s320/Chickens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Linking to:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jenniferdukeslee.com/tell-his-story/" title=""><img alt="" src="http://jenniferdukeslee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/tellhisstory-badge.jpg" style="border: none;" title="" /></a>
<a href="http://holleygerth.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://holleygerth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Holley-Gerth-Button-250x250.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-49795108961676531212015-09-07T17:57:00.002-05:002015-09-07T18:06:06.990-05:00Why We Walk<span style="font-size: large;">It's time for another Light the Night Walk, and we need your support!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There's always confusion and mixed feelings when it
comes to fundraising. I hate asking for money, and people want to know
where their money is going. So, let me explain... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">TEAM
TERRI's participation in the Light the Night Walk is NOT a fundraiser
for us personally. All proceeds from the Light the Night Walk go to the <a href="http://www.lls.org/" target="_blank">The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society</a> to help advance their mission: <i> to <b>CURE</b> leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a graphic showing how funds are used by LLS.</span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As a blood cancer patient, LLS has personally been a benefit to me through:<br /><br /><b>Educational Materials</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />LLS has materials for each specific type of blood cancer. It's been my "go-to" place for information on my two ty<span style="font-size: large;">p<span style="font-size: large;">es of </span></span>non-Hodgkin
lymphoma. In fact, it's where I learned my Stage 3 diagnosis didn't
necessarily mean the same as other Stage 3 cancers. Whew! The internet
can be a scary place when looking up cancer. LLS is a reputable source
with helpful information for my specific type of cancer. They also offer
seminars<span style="font-size: large;"> (on-line and locally), forums, and on-line chats and webinars.</span><br /><br /><b>Co-Pay Assistance Program</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I
was able to qualify for the Co-Pay Assistance Program that reimburses
me for co-pays during treatment and follow-up. It also reimburses part
of my insurance premiums. That has been a huge help considering we drive 150 miles round trip for each appointment, port flush, and scan... not to
mention <i>paying</i> for those appointments and scans :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Government Advocacy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />LLS
has an advocacy group that works on behalf of cancer patients from the
local to national level. They make it easy for others to be involved by
providing links with e-mails already composed ready for us to hit send. <br /><br /><b>Light the Night Walk</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The
Light the Night Walk is a special evening that honors patients and
survivors, caregivers, and those who have lost their battle to blood
cancer. Our family represents all three groups - me as a survivor (white
lantern), my family as excellent caregivers (red lantern), and in
memory of my husband's grandmother who passed away from lymphoma before
targeted therapies were developed (gold lantern). We're also
walking in honor of my father-in-law who was recently diagnosed with
multiple myleoma. The walk is very personal for our family<span style="font-size: large;">!</span><br /><br /><b>RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I love the truth of this picture...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The
outcome of my therapy may have been totally different if not for the
development of Rituxan - a targeted therapy that has been available for
only 20 years. Without funding, there is no research. Without research,
there aren't as many survival stories. In fact, 40 years ago, there was
only a 3% chance of surviving childhood leukemia. Today, 90% of children
with leukemia survive! <b>Amazing!</b><br /><br />So... that's why we
participate in the Light the Night Walk and give to the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society. We'd love for you to support TEAM TERRI as we walk to
the end of blood cancer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Join our team or donate <a href="http://pages.lightthenight.org/ok/Tulsa15/teamterri" target="_blank">here</a>! </span>Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-65314296428176236212015-07-14T19:25:00.000-05:002015-07-14T19:25:48.678-05:00Balance<span style="font-size: large;">Goodness... it's been four months since I updated my blog. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today was a routine four month check up with labs, a port flush, AND finally meeting my new doctor. The verdict? We liked him!!! He had obviously studied my file and even sounded like he had been my doctor from the beginning. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He changed the schedule of my port flushes to coincide better with my check ups, so now I'll go every two months for that and then every four months for labs and visits with him or the NP. And he said we'd wait until it's been a year to do another CT scan (which will be February)!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He also said if I'd only had the diffuse large B cell lymphoma (aggressive), I'd be good to go with no more scans. But... I don't... and the follicular lymphoma (indolent) is a bit trickier. Part of the trick is finding a balance between staying on top of a recurrence/relapse without exposing me to unnecessary radiation that could cause another kind of malignancy down the road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we were walking to the car, Daryl laughed and said, "You just had to have the follicular, didn't you!" Thanks, Hon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Besides cancer, there are a lot of aspects to life that require balance. I seem to have been off balance the last few months not only with my blogging, but with my exercising and even my quiet time (not to mention cleaning, organizing, appointments, budget, etc). It's all been a little random and hit-and-miss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After seeing some very frail patients at the clinic today, I decided I need to get serious about toning my body and building physical strength. And more importantly, I need to make my quiet time with God a priority and build my spiritual strength. It's time to find balance! </span><br />
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Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-85906521113146774732015-03-18T22:22:00.000-05:002015-03-18T22:22:03.382-05:00Perfectly Normal<span style="font-size: large;">I've waited almost two years to hear words confirming I'm in remission...at least as much in remission as I can be. This week my oncology Nurse Practitioner (Julie) told me my labs were good, my scans were good, and I was <i><b>perfectly normal</b></i>. WOO HOO!!! Of course, I chuckled knowing my family would be cracking up to hear me described as any kind of normal. Then she clarified, "On paper, you are normal." HA!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I went to my appointment with a couple of questions on my mind. First, since I had Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (aggressive) along with Follicular Lymphoma (indolent), where do I fit when reading articles, listening to webinars, and attending seminars? I haven't found much that addresses aggressive and slow growing lymphomas at once. Julie explained I had two separate types of lymphoma and it will be hard to find information that applies to me having them together. So I'll just keep learning about BOTH.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is the DLBCL (aggressive) is considered cured, and getting to the five year mark will be a relief. The not-as-good news is the FL (indolent) is not curable and could some day "rear it's ugly head." So, I'll be monitored for life - also known as <i>watch and wait</i>. Yep, for life... But it's comforting to know my doctor will be continually observing me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The second question I had was if a CT scan will pick up bone cancer. Maybe I'm a little paranoid, but information is power, right?!?! My last couple of scans, as well as a bone scan after I cracked a rib, show degenerative arthritis and osteopenia, which I'm sure is the cause of my neck pain. Since pain is also a symptom of something more, I don't want to dismiss it just because nothing else showed up on my scan. Julie said a CT scan will show if cancer has spread to the bone. She also assured me that it is not common for lymphoma to metastasize to the bone like some other cancers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While cancer <span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: white;">(and lime green)</span></span> will always be a part of my life, it's becoming less and less the seemingly BIGGEST part of my life. I'm moving past the surviving stage and on to the thriving stage. I'm looking for ways to make the most of what I've learned and experienced. Life changing events force a new normal, and I'm becoming more comfortable with my new <i><b>perfectly normal.</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-86412152315430224182015-03-06T21:50:00.000-06:002015-03-06T21:50:07.699-06:00Believe 2.3 and 2.4<span style="font-size: large;">Since I'm behind with my Documented Faith verses after going on vacation, I'm combining the last two BELIEVE verses - Psalm 46:10a and 2 Corinthians 4:18.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt1xFlsdwKO6ZCiLuGvEruC5wlHMtqLbL5dzNH7whRwG9-WpM-H5Jdcp009EyB1nkv9AhWEn71E85plGLbZzHe0WSPjKUHZOrneYiTuaqJPfl5HpTYauGNNvsPjMQILrJk9CD6ylRKIw/s1600/Be+Still+and+Look+to+Heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt1xFlsdwKO6ZCiLuGvEruC5wlHMtqLbL5dzNH7whRwG9-WpM-H5Jdcp009EyB1nkv9AhWEn71E85plGLbZzHe0WSPjKUHZOrneYiTuaqJPfl5HpTYauGNNvsPjMQILrJk9CD6ylRKIw/s1600/Be+Still+and+Look+to+Heaven.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These passages compliment each other very well. Psalm 46:10a tells us to be still and know that God is God. We need to be quiet before Him and BELIEVE that He is in control. We posted this verse around the house during my cancer journey to remind us to relax, breathe, and trust God. Today it's a reminder that no matter what is happening (health, kids, life), God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While going through a difficult situation, it's so easy to get caught up in the here and now. Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to keep our eyes on the big picture - eternity! Whatever we may experience on earth is nothing compared to heaven! We need to look to our eternal glory and know that it outweighs any trial here on earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The things we usually focus on - the things that are seen - are fleeting. Let's look to heaven and remember that the <i>unseen</i> of eternity is our end goal. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="verse-18">So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="verse-18"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">~ 2 Corinthians 4:18 </span></i></span></span><br />
<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1516567277471999839.post-90122176528978976482015-03-04T18:46:00.001-06:002015-03-04T18:46:53.501-06:00Cruising - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly<span style="font-size: large;">Daryl and I went on another great cruise - an all-inclusive vacation where we didn't have to worry about a thing... except driving home in the ice...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last year I posted some travel tips that we learned after our first cruise (<a href="http://lifeisgood-ourjourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/terris-top-travel-tips.html" target="_blank">here</a>). This year, a list noting the good, the bad, and the ugly seems appropriate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SMALLER CLASS SHIP</b> (Serenade of the Seas)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Good </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Less expensive</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Less space and activities on board </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You can feel the ocean a lot... a LOT... I didn't get nauseous, but it sure messed with my head. </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CRUISE FOOD</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Good</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of delicious food and fancy desserts to sample! </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Eating LOTS of delicious food and fancy desserts</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Stepping on the scale when returning home </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PORTS OF CALL </b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Good</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Relaxing on the beach and gazing at the incredibly beautiful ocean </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Forgetting to put sunscreen on the tops of our feet </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Thong bikinis. OH.MY.WORD. Either these gals didn't have mirrors in their staterooms, didn't have friends to tell them NOT to go in public so under-dressed, or just didn't care. Ewwww!</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TRAVEL SIZE TOILETRIES</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Good</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cream perfume in a cute little compact </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Possible allergic reaction </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hives on my neck - Next cruise will include regular perfume and hydrocortisone cream! Thankfully I had some allergy medicine!</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We still packed too much and didn't have all the right clothes (like a dressy sweater for the freezing dining room), but at least ALL of our bags this year had wheels! We're anxiously awaiting Royal Carribean's 2017 schedule so we can plan our next cruise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Video highlights will be in another post.</i></span><br />
<br />Terri Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05738666085876161872noreply@blogger.com0