July 24, 2012 / by bofc / Make A Comment / Filed under Something Inspirational
A king once offered a prize to the artist who could best paint a picture of peace. Many artists submitted their work, and from them the king selected two pictures he was quite fond of. “I shall choose between these,” the king announced.
In the first scene was a calm, undisturbed lake surrounded by tall serene mountains. Overhead was a tranquil blue sky with beautiful puffy, white clouds. It looked liked the beautiful representation of peace.
The second picture had mountains in it as well. But these mountains were rugged and harsh. Above the mountains was a murky, dark sky filled with rain that beat down on all below. Stark lightning bolts streaked through the sky. The depiction did not seem peaceful at all.
But when the king stared more closely at the picture, he saw a tiny green bush at the side of the dark mountain. Inside the bush the artist portrayed a mother bird building her nest, sheltered from the raging storm around her.
The king unhesitatingly selected the second picture as the winner.
The king explained his reasoning:”Peace does not have to be where there is no noise, confusion, or trouble. The real meaning of peace is existing in the midst of turmoil and still holding hope and contentment in your heart.” Author Unknown
“My peace I give to you… A peace that truly surpasses all understanding.” Author Christ
October 21, 2011 / by bofc / Make A Comment / Filed under Something Inspirational
Breast cancer awareness month is coming to an end, but breast cancer is not. Let’s keep praying, walking, giving,reading, listening, educating, and taking action to find a cure, not only for breast cancer but for all cancers.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2573438854801
September 6, 2011 / by bofc / Make A Comment / Filed under Something Inspirational
Yesterday, I was on this fast moving train (metaphorically speaking) that started at 5 am to be at work by 6. From there I was going at break-neck speed from Shorewood to New Lenox, to Glen Ellyn back to New Lenox. Physical speeds cruising at 180 mph, aiming for my final destination; my mom’s in Cicero.
In a previous blog, I quoted Rick Warren, “life is not so much like a roller coaster but a set of railroad tracks where good and bad are happening at the same time and often on the same day.” I have had a few of those days and yesterday was no exception.
I received a call from my son to see if I wanted to join his wife at the “greet and meet” for my granddaughter Onya’s first day of Kindergarten. Delighted, I took the afternoon off from work to enjoy this special day in my granddaughter’s life. It was also my grandson Max’s first day of high school. Love all those “firsts.”
I was on my way to the “meet and greet” thinking about all my grandchildren and my niece expecting her precious baby Luca this fall and I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness. The sounds from my stomach interrupted my happy thoughts and I looked for a place to grab a quick bite to eat.
Then in a matter of a moment, my phone rang and I was sitting in the parking lot of Taco Bell with tears streaming down my face. The train came to a screeching halt.
My sister called me from the dairy section in Wal-Mart to tell me her surgeon just called with her latest biopsy report and the news was not good– she was now looking at a more serious surgery. Yep, she received the news at Wal-Mart. No longer are the days where they call you to the office with your loved one holding your hand to tell you the NEWS.
I was scheduled to fly out the next morning and be with her for what we thought in the beginning was very early stage breast cancer; a lumpectomy, probably radiation, and no chemotherapy. But, it’s always something and as more tests were done and more things were revealed, the surgery went from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy and had to be rescheduled.
How then should we live? How then do we reconcile all these emotions that come at us with lightning speed? When prayers aren’t answered for our loved ones the way we want? When our heart is confused by all that is happening in the world around us?
We adjust our focus.
When confusion enters my life and I can’t make heads or tails of the situation I know I have taken my focus off of God. I still may not fully understand but I know that God does. He tells us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, or are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways and thoughts higher than yours.”
In my personal bible study I am studying the names of God: of His deity, character, power, authority, splendor, intimacy and sufficiency. And as often is the case when I feel like my life is on a run-away train, I simply have to pull that emergency handle, go to His word, and adjust my focus.
“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (The Message).
September 6, 2011 / by bofc / Make A Comment / Filed under Something Inspirational
Last week had me on an emotional roller coaster. Even though my life may be going at great speed and sometimes I’m hanging on for dear life, for the most part my emotions stay on a level plane; joyful and thankful. I can say 99% of the time I wake up happy and looking forward to the day.
Even as the events of the day progresses and situations occur that could easily rain on my parade, I open up my umbrella and move on. But, every once in awhile my umbrella jams and I find myself having a full fledged, feel sorry for myself pity party– getting soaked to the bone.
Yep, that’s what happened last week and being a festive person I decorated for my pity party. I went all out, putting up balloons and streamers everywhere. I don’t just put up streamers for this past weeks pity party; like my sister being diagnosed with breast cancer, or the economy so far in the toilet we don’t have a plunger big enough to fix it, or that I don’t have what it takes to finish the book I started two years ago. No, no, no, I go back years, put up more streamers of pity about all the unfairness and injustice of a lifetime.
I know I’m not alone in this, author Missy Morrow wrote about her own pity party after hearing of her cancer diagnosis. She was much more sociable than myself and invited guests, who I know for fact, were trying to crash my party.
“When I heard of my cancer diagnosis, I threw myself a party–a pity party. The first guest to appear was Fear. In his gift, I found the fear of losing friends and facing financial pressure and my own mortality. Next to arrive was Doubt. Inside his gift was the doubt of whether I would see my children grow up and would be attractive when this was over. Not far behind was Anger. His gift contained anger at how cancer would turn my life upside down, and yes anger at God. Dread seemed to take his time getting to the party. His gift was the dread of the treatments and losing my identity. The last guest to appear was Jesus. I raced toward Him and quickly opened His gift to discover:
Hope…promise for the future
Strength…the ability to endure
Grace….God’s Help
Comfort… in pain, trouble and anxiety
Peace….calmness
Healing….restoration of mind, spirit, and body
Joy…..a sense of well-being
Love… compassion and devotion shown by God…..”
All of us every once in a while will have a pity party, and that’s ok. Just remember not to leave up the decorations too long, invite Jesus and make Him a permanent guest.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b
Morrow, Missy and Ann Scuggs. “Throw Yourself a Party.” Praying Through Cancer
Susan Sorensen and Laura Geist. Tennessee: Thomas Nelson,2006.7-8
April 10, 2011 / by bofc / Make A Comment / Filed under Something Inspirational
Last Friday my daughter Gina and I met at Loyola early, very early and proceeded to get all the tests my oncologists had ordered. MRI, tumor biopsy, CT scan and a bone scan, which took the whole day. Fortunately, I had gone the day before to get the digital mammogram.
Wednesday morning was the day for the results and consult. Ron went for a walk early and continued to pray and my son Phil met us at Loyola. Two years ago Phil’s lightening speed on the blackberry made it possible for him to take down every word of our conversation when we met with the oncology team. His fingers were ready.
Again, I was at great peace. I had many, many people storming heavens gates. My former Pastor Steve in Morris, Marty and Carol prayed with Ron and me Sunday, as Pastor Steve anointed and prayed for healing. Loved ones close to me fasted and prayed and the peace continued.
One of the most unexpected and touching prayers came from my eight year old twin niece and nephew, Lori and Jay. Ron had called to speak with his sister, but Lori answered the phone. She said, “Uncle Ron, how is Auntie Wanda?” He told her that I was hanging in there. She then said,” will you tell her that I am praying for her and mom told us we have to pray a certain way.” Jay, not to be left out, jumped on the phone and said, “I’m praying too Uncle Ron, the whole family is praying.”
The next time Ron spoke with his sister, he asked her what Lori meant. She told him,” I always tell the kids when they pray, to pray in Jesus name.” I called to tell Sally to thank the twins for their prayers. She told me that every night since they heard, Jay and Lori would go together in Jay’s room where he has a little prayer stand that he made, with all his prayer books and they would pray for me not to be sick. It doesn’t get any more precious than that.
When the oncologist entered the room, she sat down, and said, with little emotion, “every thing is fine.” That actually wasn’t processing. After a moment I asked, “are you telling me the tumors are benign?” She said,” yes.” I reminded her that last week you were sure the cancer had returned and the breast surgeon was advising me to leave the smaller tumor in place to see how it reacted to chemo.” She said, “I know we are both surprised by this, we have had emails going back and forth. I asked her if she was sure she had the right person and the right tests. She indicated that was something they looked at very carefully as well. There is no cancer anywhere in your body.
Tears welled up for all of us; actually, Ron had to step out of the room. Phil’s fingers were silent. We sat in amazement at the good news. As we stepped out of the office, my best friend Judy was walking toward us. I looked at her and said, “it’s benign.” We hugged, we cried, we laughed. We all stood around talking for a few minutes about getting a second opinion. Sounds good, second opinion, lunch, perhaps a little shopping. Living life, how sweet that sounds.
Ron and I went by my moms and had lunch with her and my brother, celebrating the good news. My sister told me from the beginning, “your cancer is not back,” she believed that with her whole heart. Things like this are particularly hard on her and my son Sam because they live in other states. But through technology and Skype, it’s like I have them right here. They may not can physically hold my hand or be with me but their love and prayers transcend time and space and I can feel them always holding my heart.
As we drove home, I kept telling Ron about the amazing peace I had all week and I wondered if all of this was for someone else. As if God was saying, “I have to take you through something for a short period but I’m going to hold you and give you peace.” I did exactly what I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me all week and I left the rest with Him.
We may never know this side of heaven the answer to, “Why?” We can know this side of heaven that God is sovereign and in control. Would I be writing something different if the cancer was back? No. As one cancer survivor and friend said, “God is good all the time.” We never know what a day or moment will bring, it is important, it is imperative where we stand with Christ.
I have been trying all week to get ready for a wedding for this week-end in St. Louis ~ dress, jewelry, shoes. I had other things occupying my time and wasn’t sure if I really felt like dancing but we were going to help celebrate this young couple’s new beginning.
I have to say nothing like the sweet word, BENIGN, to get me looking for my dancing shoes.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for all your prayers and love and Carpe Diem, we only have the promise of right now.
March 25, 2011 / by bofc / 4 Comments / Filed under Something Inspirational
Cancer Sucks !! I hate that word, well actually I hate both words, but stinks, just doesn’t quite cover it.
I met with my oncologist yesterday after a concern of mine and her words were, “it appears that the cancer has returned.” Having triple negative I knew there was a chance but I didn’t expect it so soon.
The first time I heard the words, “its cancer,” I was devastated. I shook, I cried. For months I could not get control of the fear and wrap my head around this horrible invader. After having the tumor removed, it appeared the three main lymph nodes were clean. They sewed me up and sent the nodes off to the lab.
Upon closer examination there was a smidge in one node. Another surgery. On my second treatment of chemo, my gallbladder was infected and spreading poison throughout my system. Another surgery. Recently because of the gallbladder surgery, apparently three stones managed to drop in the bile duct and decide they liked living there, which would have caused a life threatening situation. Another procedure. I really think there should be a cap on surgeries and procedures in one’s lifetime, not from an Obama Care mandate, but just sayin’.
I fought the fight the first time and have read other stories where the cancer has returned and thought, oh my goodness, I would fall apart. But guess what? I heard what the oncologist had to say, and I was amazed at the grace and peace God showered on me yesterday and today. Tears came as I thought about Ron, my mom, my family, my bucket list, but not for long. I refuse to go back in the pit that God has taken me out of. I refuse to let cancer control my life. It will have some part of it, only to fight it; but not all of it.
It did NOT take my laughter this time, it did NOT take my joy. I have a renewed sense of God’s love for me daily. Now, don’t get me wrong, they have ordered a slew of tests for Friday. And I’m thinking, how can one tell what state the tumor is until the tumor is under the microscope? I do know whatever road I’m on God is there, I feel Him, He has me! I remember one of the songs I heard right after the first diagnosis was, “He Knows My Name,” and He does.
I often comment on, how do people get through hard times without Christ? If you could feel what I’m feeling now, you would run to the cross. It’s supernatural. I’m a big fraidy cat when it comes to surgeries and tests. I have that peace that surpasses my own understanding. All I can do is thank God for giving me what He promised in Timothy. Love ( His love), Power (the power of the Holy Spirit), and a sound mind (the mind of Christ). That’s a winning combination.
I’m off now to the library, my sister and daughter have done some research and I would like to see all of my options. I’d rather get some books, because sometimes, the internet is just a scary place, too much information. You know what they say, “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” My hope is in Christ, can’t get any better than that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkw3a4raWfg
Psalm 34:1-4 “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name altogether. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.”
December 29, 2010 / by bofc / 3 Comments / Filed under Uncategorized
A huge thank you to all who donated to the Kidz Baskets project. What an awesome answer to prayer.
Our goal was to provide 50 baskets to Ronald McDonald House in Maywood, Il for each child whether they spent one day or many months. We wanted to put something in the hands of each child that would encourage them to share their feelings in different ways. From journaling, drawing or taking pictures of the beautiful Secret Garden. With your generous hearts we met that goal.
This past week-end Basket of Courage had a great time assembling the baskets with the main star Brown Sugar Junior. This adorable bear would warm any person’s heart from 1 to 100. My grandchildren were very creative decorating the baskets and it was wonderful to see the youngsters participate in the giving process with all the enthusiasm and energy that children can bring.
From the start, everything fell into place–from generous donations, ordering supplies, securing the best price, to the date the volunteers were available to meet. Finally, with fifty baskets loaded up I was on my way to Ronald McDonald House to find all those Brown Sugar Juniors, a new home.
It could not have been a more beautiful day. As I cruised along I-55 to First Avenue, I felt such a sense of joy. I was looking forward to meeting the House Director Andi, after speaking with her on a few occassions.
Andi, is as she sounds on the phone; warm and engaging, with a hands on personality. You just can’t help but think how lucky these families are to have her. As soon as I pulled up to the House, Andi immediately retrieved carts and with the help of a gentleman whose granddaughter, Ali was being discharged that very moment, he helped Andi and I bring in all the baskets.
Andi giving Ali first basket from BOC
With the last basket safely in the room, Ali was ready to leave with her grandparents. Ali, is a four year old little ray of sunshine, that has been through eight surgeries in her short life; seven of those at Shriners Hospital. We asked her what color ribbon she wanted and with this huge smile she chose purple. I was overwhelmed with emotion as Andi gave her a basket and Ali became Basket of Courage’s first Kidz recipient.
Before I left I had the opportunity to inquire where the children come from that stay at the House? Andi and Lynn, a volunteer, shared some statistics with me; 60% of the children come from Shriners Hospital, 30% from RMCH Loyola and 10% from Rush, UIC, and other facilities. Currently there are 18 families and a wait list for others.
On a personal note, if you ever find yourself feeling a little down or challenged by what life throws your way take a drive to any RMCH or walk down any hallway of a children’s hospital and see the courageous children who endure so much and yet have this indomitable spirit like Ali’s. They are true champions and we could all take a lesson from their playbook.
Remember, you can always donate at anytime. Along with our adult cancer baskets we hope to keep providing RMCH with kidz baskets as long as funds are available.
May Christ bless each of you who have made this possible–together we can touch a life.
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