Flowers + Sunshine = Silver Lining

I hope you're enjoying the beautiful  flowers and sunshine

and finding the *silver lining* in everything you do :)

~ Cathy

His Plan

Have you ever had one of those nights where you toss and turn and just can't get to sleep?  The other night was one of those nights for me. Finally I got up and decided to read for awhile thinking maybe that would make me sleepy.  I really had nothing in mind so I went to my bookcase and immediately saw my mother's Bible.  I pulled it out and opened the well-worn cover and taped on the inside page was a poem.  This is what it said:

HIS PLAN

When I stand at the judgment seat of Christ,

And He shows me His plan for me

The plan of my life as it might have been

Had He had His way, and I see

How I blocked Him here, and I checked Him there,

And I would not yield my will - 

Will there be grief in my Savior's eyes,

Grief, though He loves me still?

He would have me rich, and I stand there poor,

Stripped of all but His grace,

While memory runs like a hunted thing

Down the paths I cannot retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break

With tears that I cannot shed;

I shall cover my face with my empty hands,

I shall bow my uncrowned head . . .

Lord, of the years that are left to me

I give them to Thy hand

Take me and break me, mold me to

The pattern Thou hast planned.

Next to the poem mom had written her name. This was so like her. This was truly her heart. She lived her life centered around a desire to be in the center of God's will - to focus on eternal things as her utmost priority.  

How I've often wished I could be more like her.  I tend to get caught up in the enjoyment of life - family, things, friends, fun, and the busyness of it all.  Not that any of those things are wrong . . . the Lord wants all of us to live joyful and fulfilled lives.  But where my mom most often saw the eternal value in every day life - I tend to not always be aware of it.  I know I miss many opportunitites that come my way to hear His voice, to show His kindness, to see people I pass through His eyes. To be His hands extended.

My prayer is  . . . some day I will live my life more like my mom modeled - with eternal value always in my heart and on my mind  . . . and have a blast doing it!

Happy Mother's Day Mom ~ Cathy

I'm Learning That . . .

I'm learning that . . .

Hardship is awful when you're in it,

 but He uses our struggles to build things in us that

I'm not sure could happen without them.

I'm learning that . . .

My joy and peace comes from being connected to Him, 

and knowing He is in control, and He is good

 no matter what I may face.

I'm learning that . . . 

The peace He's given me these past few months 

despite breast cancer has changed me.

It doesn't mean I haven't struggled but

I'm learning to trust the hardest parts of my story, 

and it is beautiful.

~ Cathy

God''s Hands Extended

"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Poo?" he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be there for you."

~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

  This cancer journey has thus far been at times difficult, painful, and fearful, yet I can honestly say that I have never felt more loved and cared for in my life. Yes - it's been so hard at times but it has also been filled with joy as I've experienced the love of Jesus through so many who have come along side and walked it with me. The outpouring of love, many acts of kindness, sacrificial giving of time, driving me to and from Seattle, the prayers, the meals, the flowers, the encouraging gifts, the cards, phone calls and texts, have all meant so much and made this journey more precious as each one truly was God's hands extended to me! Thank you doesn't seem quite enough but please know my heart is truly grateful.  I have seen Jesus in each friend and family member who has walked this journey with me.  My heart is overwhelmed with gratefulness.

A scripture quilt made for me by some very special friends.       ~ Cathy

Spring Has Sprung

Done with the Burn!

I am officially done with radiation treatments! Woop! Woop!  The daily drive to Seattle for weeks and weeks, the burned skin and blisters are now over!! The healing begins!  My journey continues with oncology appointments. every three months, mammograms twice a year, and daily pills for the next five years. I am now considered a breast cancer survivor and I plan to be one for many years to come!! 
~ Cathy