The Seven Safeguards from Falling Off the Wagon

As I've shared in the past, I have tried and tried to lose weight in the past. I have even been successful or a while, but then I end up falling off the wagon. I've learned a lot since the last time and I think that I have figure out some important safeguards to keep us from falling off the wagon. And I wanted to share just in case there are others out there that struggle with this as well.

#1 ~ Commit and Submit to God. When we allow God to guide and direct our lives it's no longer we who are in charge- it is Him. No longer are we allowing the flesh to direct what we do - this is key. If you get nothing else that I have to say today, I hope you will understand the significance of allowing God to be in control of you. 

21Make you complete in every good work to do his will,

 working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,

through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 Hebrews 13:21

 

Teach me to do your will; for you are my God:

 your Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Psalm 143:10

#2 ~ Be Honest, And essential part to being successful in weight loss and keeping it off is to be honest. Many people, including myself, eat for emotional reasons- like sadness, loneliness, guilt, and so on. We need to learn to face our feelings. Be honest about what and how we are feeling. Take these painful thoughts and emotions to God and ask Him to help us deal with them in a healthier way. When we are pained for what ever reason and we turn to food- we may find relief, but it is only temporary relief. And we end up feeling worse in the end. So allow God to give you the strength and courage that you need in order to face what ever you need to face. God gives us the strength we need - He promises us.

 "as your days, so shall your strength be."

 Deut. 33:25b

 

11Revive me, O LORD, for your name's sake:

 for your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

Psalm 143:11

#3~ Forgive others and yourself.  It is very important for us, not only to forgive others, but we need to forgive ourselves as well. Many of us carry around guilt if for nothing else but the fact that we have failed so often in our past attempts at losing weight. WE need to learn from our past mistakes and then forgive ourselves. God has forgiven us and we need to accept His forgiveness and move on in faith. Holding onto resentments and forgiveness is not good for us and can cause health issues. These health issues and make it harder for us to lose weight. It is best just to forgive. Let go of our resentments and allow God to take care of those things.

 "The LORD shall fight for you,

 and you shall hold your peace."

 Exodus 14:14

#4~ Enlarge your perspective.  For those of us who are overweight - losing the weight is very beneficial. However, I would like to suggest that we expand our horizons a bit. We need to look at the whole picture. Losing weight and fitting into smaller clothes is great incentives, but there is so much more to it than that.
I have known for a long time that I needed to lose weight, but just couldn't make myself get serious abut it until m husband was diagnosed with diabetes. Then I realized that not only did I need to lose weight, but I needed to get healthier. I needed to take better care of myself. Here is a partial list of reasons to adopt a healthier lifestyle:

*getting healthier
*bring cholesterol down
*lower blood pressure
*getting healthier
*getting in better shape
*bringing glucose numbers down
* losing weight
* fitting into your clothes better
*boost your immune system
*And a whole lot more*

19What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have of God, and you are not your own?

20For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

#5 Be persistent.  In the journey to lose weight and get healthier there will be times that we find ourselves discouraged. But don't give up! We work and work and don't seem to be seeing results as fast as we would like and we are tempted to give up. We are a generation of people who want instant results- we say no to the desert and think that we deserve to see a reward on the scales and it just doesn't always work that way. We may do everything right today, but there may not be visible results tomorrow. Don't give up. The scales are just one avenue in which we can have results from a healthier lifestyle. 

 * lost inches

 * fit into our clothes better 

 * reduce cholesterol 

 *reduce blood glucose # 

 *lower blood pressure 

 *and there are man more benefits that we may not even realize 

 

So no matter what the results are, continue on towards a healther lifestyle - it's well worth it. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.

13Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 Ephesians 1:12-13

 

#6  Be Positive. It's easy to fall into being negative- especially when we have failed at losing weight or keeping the weight off, but we need to realize that those negative thought don't help us one bit, In fact, they probably do more damage than we realize. We need to be hopeful for a positive out come. it's not, "if I lose more weight" it's "when I lose more weight." stop being your own worse critic.

In NO way am I trying to convey the message that all you have to do is to think positive and you will get what you want. There is a whole counterfeit message called ~ the secret~ going around that teaches this idea. Like we can control our circumstances with our minds. That we can save ourselves. And nothing is further from the truth.

 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

 with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

#7 Move Forward in Faith.  We actually began our journey towards weight loss with faith when we trusted God enough to commit to Him - so now we just need to continue to have faith. We know it is God's will for us to be healthy. And when we allow Him to guide our choices we will be successful. Its only when we allow the flesh to control us that we fail. We can hold onto the promise that He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. It's a life long journey. It's a life long promise as well. We need to allow God to do His work in us. Faith in Him. Faith in success.

Being confident of this very thing,

that he who has begun a good work in you

 will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 1:6

Now I am not saying that this is a complete list - I am sure that as I advance along this journey I will discover more secrets to being successful. I just wanted to share with you all where God has been leading and hoping that by sharing some of the things that I am learning that it can help you as well. I pray that God will bless you as you work towards a healthier lifestyle- it's His will. Ask Him to lead and He will guide you in the right direction, you just have to be willing.

If you have turned your life over to God and continue to walk in the path which He leads - you will stay safely on the wagon towards better health. :O)

Suppose and What if?

Suppose your out mowing your yard and you begin to feel bad. Paramedics come and take you to the hospital - and you end up dying shortly after getting to the hospital? This happened to my sister in laws brother yesterday.

He woke up and went through his day like any other day- the only difference is that this day will not end like any other day. His days on earth are no more.

What if today was your last day?

What would you do differently?

What would be your priorities?

These are important questions for us to ponder.
Who would you want in control of your life? You know... there are really only two choices. Many times we recoil from the idea of allowing God to be in control of our lives. We believe that we will only have freedom when we are able to do as we please. The only problem is that when we have not submitted our lives to God - we are at the mercy and control of Satan. We may think that we are directing our own path but really it is the flesh, the sinful flesh that is in control and the end result is not an eternity with Jesus Christ. 

We are not promised tomorrow - we may not even finish this day. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to make the decision of who we will follow --- and make that decision now! Right at this moment we can give our heart and our lives to Jesus Christ - the one who came down to this sinful world and gave His life on the cross for us. He loves us SO very much! His greatest desire is to have you in heaven with Him one day. That is why He has gone to prepare a place for us! You can read about it in John 14:

 

 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.

2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

4And where I go you know, and the way you know.

John 14:1-3

 

Do you know why these words are written in red?

It's because they were said by Jesus Himself!

 

Please won't you give your heart to Jesus?

 

If you have already - just take this moment to recommit your live to Him.

 

You wont regret it.

 

And on that day --- when your days are no more--- the very next thing that you will know is waking up to see Jesus coming in the clouds of glory. What a wonderful day it will be!!

Finally.....

Today I am praising the Lord! Do you know why? Because my problem with blogger has finally been resolved!!! For the past 6 months or more I have not had the ability to go in and stop following blogs. Why would this be a problem? Well because there were several of the blogs that I was following that the people stopped posting and someone hacked the blog and started spamming a whole LOT of unless (to me) posts. It totally filled up my page that shows me when the blogs that I follow post new posts. And it was very overwhelming to me and made it almost impossible for me to keep up with my favorite blogs. So I am so sorry if I have not been around like I should be. It was just so hard to wade through all the nonsense posts to find the ones I wanted to see. I have cleared out as much as I could and will work a bit more later. I was sad to see some of the blogs that I loved following - have closed down their blogs. I really do enjoy interacting with you all and I like seeing how you all are doing. So it is sad when the blogs are shut down. Anyway right now I am going to focus on being happy about being able to get a lot of the blogs that I do not want to follow anymore off of my list. Now I can keep up with the blogs that I really enjoy and maybe even find some more.

Hopefully I will have some time to come around and visit soon. I had been having a problem posting comments on some of your blogs - so I am hoping that - that issue has been resolved also. :O)

Mix it up

I have learned a few important things about exercise lately and I wanted to share them with you all - just in case it will help you.

So I was listening to a speaker talking about taking care of oneself. He said that if you had a home and left for 20 years and never put any energy into it - it would decay. If you never brushed your teeth or flossed - your teeth would decay. And then he said - if you don't put out energy and exercise - your body will decay. It is very important that we exercise. When looking at all of the factors of taking care of ourselves - exercise is a very important key to doing so. And I think it needs to be on our priority list as many days of the weeks as we can prioritize it. It's really good to take a day off here and there. Just like the importance of taking care of our homes and taking care of our teeth is important to keep them from decaying- so it is important to take care of our body's! 

I have also learned another important lesson. I have a friend who is thin and in very good shape - she is very fit. She shared with me that not too long ago she began to gain weight. She was still practically a vegan and ran all the time. Nothing had changed and she could not understand why she was gaining weight. Then she heard of the importance of mixing up her exercise routine. So she did. She continued eating as healthy as she was eating before with no changes and just changed up how she exercised and she began to lose weight. When we have a routine- our bodies get used to it and ever so often it is good to do something different. I think that is one reason why I am enjoying going hiking ever so often. I have also decided to add in a few more elements to what I have been doing - so that I am mixing it up more. It is also good to have a day here and there. That too- is mixing it up.

I hope that these tips can help you in your journey to better health. And remember that if you are not up to mixing it up - and you are just able to walk at this time - keep it up because moving and exercising is great for your body - even if you are not able to mix it up. Just do something almost every day to get your body moving. A book that I have heard of is called strong women stay young - points out the importance of keeping strong. And to do that we have to keep moving and keep challenging ourselves. I have been asked to go on a 5 mile walk with someone and am planning to take them up on it- as long as the weather is not hot with the sun beating down on me - I am thinking that I can do it. I will certainly get on here and let you all know once I have accomplished it! Wish me luck~ I might need it... :O)

A 3 Mile Hike

 

Last week my sister and I went hiking. We chose a trail that was much longer than what could actually hike- but what we did was we walked 1 1/2 miles in and then turned back. So we ended up walking a little over 3 miles when it was all said and done.

 

Here was a cute little bridge that we came to towards the beginning of the hike.

 When we were getting close to our turn around place we came to this awesome view!

Another great view!

 

 

And my favorite view!

 

 

It was a challenging trail. With lots of ups and downs. We were sweaty by the time we were finished - well actually probably before the halfway point. It was already in the 80's while we were hiking.

 

There are several other trails at this park and we are hoping to be able to check out more of them in the future.

 

We both have been working towards better health. And it felt great to be able to do this!!

I hope you have enjoyed a little ride along of our hike! :O)

Come to the Garden...An Invitation to Serenity.... .series

 

How

can I integrate

 

My scattered thoughts,

 

My dreams?

 

How can I find balance,

 

Freedom from extremes?

My days have passed,
my plans are shattered,
and so are the desires of my heart.
Job 17:11

....everything is futility
and striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:17

Where shall wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:12

What does "keep" mean?

Great quote from my book ~ God Said "I Promise" A refreshing way to look at the Ten Commandments. By Debbonnaire Kovacs.

"Keep His commandments.
Uh-Oh! There's that "thou shalt not" thing again! Don't worry. We've come to it in the right order at this time. Now that we know how to worship and serve and love God, now that we know for ourselves how impossibly much He loves us, we don't get confused about a perfectly simple word ~ "keep." What does "keep" mean? No need to get out the dictionary this time. We learned this before we learn to say yes. Keep means it's yours. It means you get to take ...it home and nobody can take it away from you. Keep means put it in your treasure box and show it off on special occasions. Keep means, if it's kept long enough, it becomes part of you and you couldn't give it up if you tried.
Remember that major premise-minor premise business you hated in high school? Well, let's figure this out, now.

 Major premise: The Commandments are the transcript of God's character.

 Minor premise: The second commandment promises that we will keep the Commandments. (Right so far?)

 Conclusion: the character of God is ours to keep.

 Incredible, isn't it? Peters says it even more clearly. "He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine character ( 2 Peter 1:4) Partakers of the divine nature! And all because we decided to let God be first, last, and everything in our hearts."
 

God's Promises....

Started reading another great book today!
God Said "I Promise" A refreshing way to look at the Ten Commandments
by Debbonnair Kovacs

This is a long quote I want to share but well worth the time to read it:

"What a revolution in thinking it would cause if we thought of the commandments that way (as a promise)! Take, for instance, "You shall not steal." Suppose a person had a serious problem with stealing. Suppose he thought God could not love him because he could not stop stealing. Then suppose he learned about the free gift of salvation. To his grateful astonishment, he learns that God loves him now -while he is still a thief!
Does God say to him sternly, "You shall not (read "must not) steal," or does he assured him, you shall not steal- I promise!
Imagine the difference to this struggler's future. He wants to stop stealing. It is the greatest desire of his heart. Nothing could comfort him more then the certain knowledge that God has the power to change him, for good!
What if Jesus' words, "If you love me, you will keep my Commandments" (John 14:15), weren't a threat, or a challenge, or even a measuring stick, but a simple promise? He said Himself that all the law and the prophets hung on love for God and love for others. What if He really meant it? What if all we have to do is love Him and love Him and love Him, and He will do all the transforming?
Then the law, which was a measuring stick of death before our conversion, will become a shining goal -something God holds up to us and says, "This is how I am, and this is how you shall be when I am through with you. You shall not lie or cheat or steal anymore. You'll enjoy a holy Sabbath, and love your family, and be content with what you have. You'll be called by My Name, and it will mean something." Pg. 7-8

Cake Balls and Such

Hello! How are you all doing? I hope you are having a good week so far. I am.

 

I have been busy working on getting caught up on some jobs that I had put off because of so much going on around here.

 

Our week end ended up being even busier than we had anticipated. Meals for out of town guests. Visits with Jason's Aunt who is 82 years old and doing SO well. I mean seriously - I hope I am doing as well as she is doing when I am her age. I even asked her questions of what she things has contributed to her great health. She is on NO meds- traveled all the way here from San Antonio by herself. She's really amazing. We really enjoyed our time with her. I had a great friend show up Sunday afternoon and we had a great visit. She moved to Idaho several years ago and I have missed her- it's been since bc=before Chemo, since I had seen her. Good news is that it looks like her and her husband will be moving somewhere much closer - like about a 5 hour drive from here- which means there is a much better chance that I will be able to see her more often. 

 

The wedding, a small get together - turned out to be very nice. Here is my favorite photo of the wedding that I have seen so far. This photo was taken by Jason's Aunt. I love how it captures - Jason and I - along with the newly weds- lighting a unity candle - along with our precious granddaughter.

 

I am so happy that everything went smoothly and that it is behind us. 

 

Last week was a busy week. I went to the bridal shower and then we went to the rehearsal dinner and then the wedding with lot more thrown in just for excitement. And with all that I am happy to report - I did not gain weight. I know this is not a normal time that I do a check in with how much I have lost - but I will go ahead and share - I have lost 15 pounds!

I am thrilled with the weight lose. It helped my new dress look even better on me. I am not where I want to be yet - but I am so thankful for the progress I have made.

This week I have been going through some clothes - clothes that have been too small and boxed up. And I am happy to say that I have lost enough weight that the winter clothes that I had last year that were too snug and had been packed into a box - actually fit really good now.

I also went through my jeans and capris - that are the next size down and have them packed in a tote- that will be easy accessible so that when I start noticing that my pants are getting baggy - I can get out my tote and use the smaller jeans. I am so excited to look forward to the changes that will come.

And I am excited to say that I was able to maintain my weight- through last week - even though I had 2 cake balls and some cake at the reception. When making better choices in what you eat - you can still have some goodies ever so often - but instead of them being regular fair - just have them be special things and really enjoy them when you have them. What makes me so excited about being able to maintain my weight is that it shows me that this can be a forever change - a lifestyle change. And that makes me happy. It helps me continue to trust that God will give me the ability to lose the weight that I need to lose and He will help me through the brick walls that I usually come up against in my efforts to lose weight. There are issues and such that I am working through. But God is faithful and I trust Him to get me through.

 

Laughter is good for the soul

I just had to share a little funny with you all today. I was listening to a pastor Ron Halverson preach on Creation and the silliness of evolution and he quoted this poem. I thought it was so funny that I had to look it up and share it here. I hope you all enjoy.  

 

 

If you would like to hear him speak - go to YouTube and look him up there are several of his sermons there. He is a wonderful speaker. He says it like it is. 

When I was a little girl he was the pastor of our church- I was quite small but I remembered him. Then I was lucky to be able to hear him speak again when he came to our church to speak on his book - Prayer Warriors. I have shared some of the book with you all in the past I am sure. He spoke on a prayer walk - where you walk around businesses or homes - and pray for it while you walk. I think it is an awesome idea.

Come to the Garden ~ An Invitation to Serenity

Come to the Garden

An Invitation to Serenity

 

 

I

Feel like quitting.

 

I feel self-doubt.

 

I'm tired, Lord,

 

I'm worn out.

 

My soul is in anguish.
How long, O Lord, How long?

Psalms 6:3

 

I am worn out with pain;

every night my pillow is wet with tears.

Psalms 6:6

 

I am utterly helpless,

Without any hope. Job 6:13

 



Important Information about Endometrial Cancer....

This is a repost from back in 2014. I thought it was important to share these posts again. The more knowledge that is out there about this cancer - the better.
*************************************************************
Just a quick post to share some very important information. For anyone new to my blog- I would like to share just a little bit of my story - just in case it may help one of you.

7 months ago - I had a hysterectomy. I had an enlarged uterus and the Dr thought that I had - adenomyosis. So on November the 18th- I had a total hysterectomy. When my uterus was sent to the lab- they found cancer- Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer. This is very unusual for someone pre menopausal- and it is the reason why my cancer was not found early enough not to have to have chemo. The cancer was found to have grown to about 80% into the uterine wall. If they find the cancer before it gets past the 50% point of the uterine wall- they are more sure that the cancer has been contained in the uterus. And on top of it being so large - I also found out that my cancer cells were a grade 3 - the highest and most aggressive cancer cells. For this reason - I was sent to on oncologist and underwent 6 rounds of Carbo/Taxol chemo.

What I would like to share with you ladies is- if you are menopausal and you begin to bleed- have it checked out ASAP- that is when people find this cancer in time - so that they are able to just do a hysterectomy and not end up having to have all the chemo and radiation. If you are pre- menopausal and you are having heavy periods and break through bleeding- or spotting more and more- be sure and get with your Dr and explain to her what is going on with you. Endometrial cancer does not show up on pap smear tests. So you have to let your Dr know what is going on with you- if you have heavy period- or are bleeding more and more- have it checked out. I am only 44 years old - and was diagnosed at 43 with this cancer that usually hits women that are post menopausal. And when it hits younger women it tends to be more serious because we just think that the symptoms are just premenopausal and so we let it slid.

I really hope that by me sharing my story - that I can help other women avoid having to go through what I am have gone through, it is no fun. And it is also scary - to realize that you have had cancer growing inside of you for who knows how long and had no idea. It changes your life. I am so thankful that God led me to pushing have more testing done and that we found this cancer. Had I just had my pap smear and accepted my normal results - I might have been dead by the next time my annual came around. Cancer is nothing to play with - if you have problems - have it checked out - you will be glad you did.

I also want to share one of the ways that I know that God was watching out for me through this journey- called cancer.

When I found out that I needed to have a hysterectomy - God led me to the right Dr. who did the new DiVinci surgery. If you have cancer- and you have a laproscopy surgery - the way the procedure works - you actually have a chance of spreading the cancer while they are removing the uterus because with the laproscopy surgery - they take the uterus out in pieces. With the DiVinci surgery - the uterus is taken out completely whole. Once we found out that I had cancer- and I read an article telling of how the other surgery could allow the cancer to spread - I knew that God had been in control - because I had never heard of the DiVinci surgery before. But God was in control and I am so thankful that He was.

We can be confident that no matter what we face - God knows and will be with us every step of the way.

Just Peachy....part 2

So last week I found out that another lady that I know has recently been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The good thing is that she is post menopausal - so that means that more than likely it has been found early enough and hopefully just the hysterectomy that she will be having in just a week and a half will take care of the cancer.

Remember ladies~ If you are post menopausal and you begin to have spotting or bleeding - please have it checked out - it is very important see your Dr. Bleeding after you have gone through menopause is a red flag warning and if you have it checked out soon - you are more likely to be able to just have a hysterectomy and not need further treatment.

It's weird - since I was diagnosed with having endometrial cancer almost 3 years ago - I have know 2 other ladies with the same kind of cancer. It is more common then you may realize. Breast cancer gets so much publicity - but there are many other cancers that are affecting women.

Take 10~ Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You Live Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good series.....Bible Study Guide

Golden Rule 2 ~ The Low of Rest and Restoration

 

I. Biblical Background:

    A. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23- Solomon testified to the stress and strain of physical toil and mental vexation on a person: "His______________________(mind) taketh not __________________in the night."

 

    B. Isaiah 28:12- God's Word and His laws of life and health will bring us _____________________ and ____________________ if we will pay attention to them.

 

    C. Matthew 11:28,29 contain Christ's gracious invitation to all who are weary and heavy laden with the burdens of life. He promises that if we come to Him we will find "____________________

unto your souls."  

II. Physical Applications:
    A. Jeremiah 30:17 - God promised to "_____________ health" to his people and heal them.
    B. Mark 8:25; Matthew 12:13- Jesus demonstrated God's desire to restore health when He gave _____________ to one man and healed the _____________of another.
    C. Leviticus 25:5- In the Israelite economy even the _____________ was to be given rest.

Dr. Mervyn Hardinge, former dean of the School of Health at Loma Linda University, illustrates our need for rest in a story he uses often. At the time of the Battle of Britain, military production was given the highest priority in England. In one of the aircraft factories, workers were scheduled to work seventy-four hours per week. The average work week actually was sixty-six hours per person due to sick leave and other factors. The workers in the factory were pressed to the limit. In fact, the factory management, aware of high absenteeism and deteriorating moral, decided to lower the requirement time per week from seventy-four to sixty-four hours. Doing so lowered the actual work week to fifty-four hours per person. The managers were pleasantly surprised that production levels remained the same as they had when workers actually worked sixty-six per week. The company officials decided to experiment further. They lowered the required weekly hours to fifty-four and were amazed to learn that production levels did not fall but rose 15 percent. Besides, the morale of the workers increased. There was less spoiled work, fewer accidents, and less absenteeism. This illustrates that it does not pay to work beyond the fatigue limit. We need to take time for sleep and other activities that provide relaxation and promote well being.

III. Mental Application:
    A. Isaiah 57:19-21- The Lord brings healing _________________ to those that place their trust in Him, but those that do not serve Him are like the troubled_________________. They cannot find _______________ or _________________.

    B. Psalm 16:8,9 - Those who trust in God have ____________ hearts and rest in ______________.

"One whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is on the highway to health. To have the consciousness that the eye of the Lord is upon us and that His ear is open to our prayers is a satisfaction indeed. To know that we have a never-failing friend to whom we can confide all the secret of the soul is a happiness which words can never express."- Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 34. 

     
IV. Social Applications:
    A. Deuteronomy 5:12-14- God gave the Sabbath as a delightful day to lay side work and concerns. He indicates that those who employ others should give them the same kind of _________________.

    B. 1 Chronicles 22:9- King Solomon was to be a ______________ of rest and bring his people _______________ and quietness because they would have rest from military aggression. God's kind of peace cannot be defined. Philippians 4:7 calls it a "peace that passeth understanding." It's the kind of peace that comes into our hearts and lives only when we allow Jesus to become our _________________ ______ _______________. (See Isa. 9:6.)

But receiving peace and contentment is not just a passive experience. We cooperate with the law of rest and restoration in many active ways, For instance, Dr. J. DeWitt Fox included a chapter entitles "There's Health in a Hobby" in his book The Doctor Prescribes. He asks "Are you fed up with life? Of late have you noticed the increasing tempo of your activity has been just too much, and you are about to throw in the sponge? If so, it's time you started riding a hobbyhorse for a while instead of careening through traffic in your Cadillac or Chevrolet- page 47. Having a hobby can help make you easier to live with, and can also affect you socially by: (1) giving you something interesting to talk about, (2) helping you make new friends with similar interests, (3) encouraging you to join classes or hobby groups, and (4) in some instances, adding to your income.

V. Spiritual Application:
    A. Psalm 51:10.12- After David had repented for a terrible sin, he prayed that God would renew a right spirit in him and ________________ in him the joy of salvation.

    B. Jeremiah 6:16- When we walk in God's paths we will find ____________for our souls.

God gave the Sabbath to human beings in the Garden of Eden even before sin came into this world. (See Exodus 2:1-3.) His main purpose in establishing a weekly day of rest was not only that we might find time to remember and fellowship with the creator, as the fourth commandment tells us, but after the advent of sin, the Sabbath became a memorial of our choosing to accept the redemption our Creator provided. It is the outward symbol that we have entered Christ's rest of redemption.

Hebrews 4:9,10 reveal that there "still awaits" (NEB) a "Sabbath rest" for God's people, he adds the concept that whoever enters Christ's rests enters into the rest of redemption and ceases trying to earn his own salvation. On both the Sabbath of Creation and the Sabbath of redemption, Christ "rested" from the completion of His great work. Because Christ rested in the tomb on the Sabbath following His crucifixion, God's set aside day of rest has taken on a new significance. Even keeping the Sabbath with this significance in mind has no real meaning unless we have accepted the terms of the new covenant and have allowed Christ to accomplish the work of grace in us. We are living in a time of unusual stress and tension. In this anxious, worrisome time, God's people will learn to trust Him and find His rest and peace in a special way. He plans for us to enjoy eternal rest in a land where all tension, stress, conflict, and terror will never rise again- a land of eternal peace and happiness. That's why Jesus calls to us now, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." How can we resist such a loving invitation?

Hi there....

So sorry that I was not able to get the Bible Study post of our golden rule this week. I will be posting it next week. On Monday I ended up getting a migraine and then the rest of the week - I had problems with having a head ache. And I just did not feel like posting anything. I am thinking that I am having some issues with allergies - ragweed and mold have been high this week - along with pigweed. That is the only thing that I can think of that is causing my headache. Anyway I have gotten some allergy medicine and I am hoping that it will help me feel better.

Anyway  - so this next week we will be very busy because my oldest son will be getting married next week end so I will not be able to do a lot of posting this week. But I am hoping to at least get the Bible Study guide that I was suppose to have posted this week.

I would love to hear what you guys do for allergies - any help would be appreciated. :O)

Just Peachy..part 1

a repost but still very important information

 

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. And because I have been affected by endometrial(Uterine) cancer- I thought I would take this chance to post some helpful information that may help others.

"There are five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) cancer. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.)" 

If you are dealing with anything that just does not seem right - be sure to talk to your Dr about it. You are your own advocate! You would rather be safe than sorry.  

I will be doing at least one post a week - just to help get the word out about these cancers that many times get over looked. Check back for more posts. Thanks :

Beloved Names of God.... Wonderful Counselor

Beloved Names of God

Wonderful Counselor

 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor."

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is called "Wonderful Counselor" once in the NIV.
• In some translations, a comma separates "Wonderful" and Counselor." It make no difference. Someone who is both wonderful and a counselor would surely be a wonderful counselor as well.
• By using the name Wonderful Counselor, the prophet Isaiah was foretelling the birth of Christ, praising His attributes, and predicting His everlasting reign.

When noble leaders come to power, they usually surround themselves with wise counselors. Pharaoh took Joseph's advice and guided Egypt through years of drought. Daniel counseled Nebuchadnezzar on his relationship with God. Esther's cousin, Mordecai, saved Xerxes from an assassination plot. The success o such counselors depended largely on their ability to gain their kings ear.

Now imagine the perfect combination of leadership and wisdom: a leader with such great power that He doesn't need anyone's advice, because He knows all of creation and everyone in it. No one would have to petition to be heard by Him. He would want to speak with each of us every day. The advice HE gives would never be wrong, and the Kingdom He rules would never end.

Sound familiar? Thank the Lord today for being our Wonderful Counselor.

Take 10~ Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help YOu Life Longer, Feel Better, and Look Book.....Golden Rule 2 part 2

Take 10~

 Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help YOu Life Longer, Feel Better, and Look Book.....

 

Golden Rule 2

The Law of Rest and Restoration

 

Dr. Hans Selye, an Austrian-born endocrinologist, served on the faculty of the University of Montreal for 32 years. He became famous for his pioneer work in the field of defining and understanding stress. In his trail-blazing book entitled Stress Without Distress, Dr Selye points out that stress cannot be avoided, unless we died and that's not the kind of solution we would choose. Even under anesthesia the body can experience stress.

 

The feeling of stress doesn't come from the outside; it happens inside. No two people - not even twins- react to stressors the same way. Our personal response to tension is the key to defining stress. The most noticeable responses usually are an increase in pulse rate and the tendency to sweat. Most often those under stress become irritable, too. Sometimes the pressures become so intense that the body is forced to call upon hidden resources. When this happens, we may get the strange feeling that our stomachs are tied up in knots. When we become anxious or alarmed, we respond with strong emotions. These reactions prepare us for either fight or flight. Blood pressure  shoots up. The heart pounds faster. Breathing becomes more rapid. Sugar increases in the blood. Cholesterol rises. Muscles tense- ready for action. Every non- essential body function shuts off. Juices in the stomach and intestines stop flowing. Blood shifts from the skin to the vital organs. We look white and pale. 

 

When we are called upon repeatedly to undergo these kinds of chemical changes, our reserve of energy can be damaged. Almost anything can produce stress. The causes of stress range across the board from physical, to mental, to social, to spiritual happenings nd evens. It is of course absurd to suggest that we can live without encountering stress-producing situations. But what we can do is learn how to cope with the flood of change that is swirling about us.

 

We live in a fast, harried, and hurried world which brings many stresses. Poet Virginia Braisier quipped:

 

"This is the age of the half-read page,

And the quick hash, And the mad dash,

The bright night with the nerves tights,

The plane hop, And the brief stop,

The lamp tan in the short span,

The Big Shot in the good spot,

And the brain stain, And the heart pain,

And the cat naps, Till the spring snaps,

And the fun's done."

 

Anxiety, tension, frustration, anger--all wear out the life forces.

 

How does stress cause disease? There is a direct relationship between the body's resistance to disease and the demands made by the rapid changes that take place around us. The more devastating the changes, the steeper the price. For example, death rates among widows and widowers within a year after the loss of a spouse are 40% higher than normal, according to studies done in London. The body is built to handle a normal amount of stress easily. But if the responses to stress mentioned above are called upon often, day after day, they can lead to a host of real, not imaginary, illnesses. IN most medical problems stress is at least a contributing agent because it affects our ability to resist disease.

 

According to Kenneth Cooper, it isn't the amount of stress we're under that is most important, it's the way we handle it. What can we do to handle tension and stress? Obviously we nee to deal primarily with lifestyle. Because stress results from pressures that come from very dimension of life, it is futile to merely treat physical or mental symptoms. We must deal with the underlying stressors. The only adequate method of coming to terms with stress is to deal with the total person. Because of the high cost of medical treatment, it is important to spend more time and effort on preventing disease than attempting to cure it. Let me give you a few examples of things that can be done in each dimension of life to cope successfully with stress:

 

PHYSIOLOGICAL: 

 

Relaxation Techniques

Regular Exercise

Balanced Diet

Noise Reduction

Frequent Change of Pace

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

 

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL:

 

Cheerfulness

Being Realistic

Planning Ahead

Reducing Life Changes

Developing Positive Attitudes  

 

PSYCHOSOCIAL:

Being Helpful

Setting Goals and Priorities

Budgeting Time

Forgiving and Forgetting

Simplifying Lifestyle

Looking for Good in Others

 

SPIRITUAL:

Trusting in God's Love

Learning to Pray Effectively

Studying Bible Promises

Deciding to Do God's Will

Confessing Your Wrongs

 

The goal in managing stress is not avoiding it-- that cannot be done-- but keeping it within manageable limits. Dr. Donald A. Tubesing warns that we often over spend our stress energy by using $10 worth on ten cent problems. It takes careful thought and wisdom to properly budget stress energy.

 

Much of the space in this chapter on the golden rule of rest and restoration has been devoted to the discussion of stress because it contributes to many diseases by lowering immunity.
But, as illustrated above, this law is one of the golden rules of life and health because it applies across the board in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual functions of life. The Great Physician invites us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV). The rest Christ offers brings freedom from the guilt that crushes us and from the anxiety, selfishness, and hostility that so often take the joy out of living. Although we still have to face up to the problems of daily life, we can do so refreshed with the peace and tranquility that comes from complete confidence in Him. After the Good Shepherd provides "green pastures" in he twenty-third Psalms for His sheep to rest in, He "restores" their souls. This restoring, healing process take place as we respond to His invitation to "come apart....and rest awhile" (Mark 6:31).

 

The major secret in coping successfully with stress is the recognition of what we are doing to harm ourselves and to determine the improve our lives through more balanced and effective living. That's easier said than done. But by tapping the hidden resources available, including spiritual dynamics, we will discover that, although troubles and tensions will not disappear, they need not beat us or break us. The Great Physician, knowing how prone we are to physical, mental, social, and spiritual stress, has made ample provision for our rest, relaxation, and restoration. He won't force us to do what He knows is best, but lovingly counsels us "Take it easy--you'll last longer!"

*******************************************************************

 

Come back on Friday when we will do the Study Guide for this lesson. :)



Take 10~ Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You Live Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good.....series Golden Rule 2 part 1

 From the book ~
Take Ten- Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You Live Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good

Golden Rule 2. The Law of Rest and Restoration

"Take It Easy~ You'll Last Longer" 

 

 

A story published long ago in Coronet magazine told about a young man who was always in a hurry. The boy and his father farmed a little piece of land, but that was about all they had in common. The old man believed in taking it easy, but the young man was a go getter.

 

One day, early in the morning, they loaded their cart with produce and set out for the city, where they planned to market their vegetables. it was quite a trip, particularly traveling by oxcart, as they did. The young man, impatient to get there, kept prodding the ox with a  stick.

 

"Take it easy," said the old man. "You'll last longer."

"But it's going to take us all day and night to get there," the young man replied. "If we hurry we'll get to market in the morning before everyone else and not only get better prices for our produce but be able to start home sooner."

 

The old farther didn't answer. He just pulled his hat down over his eyes and went to sleep. Some time later they came to a little house near the road. "Here's your uncle's place," the old man said. "Let's stop and say hello."

 

The young man could hardly sit still while the two brothers gossiped and enjoyed each other's company for the better part of an hour.

Finally resuming the journey, they soon came to a fork in the road. Let's take the one on the left," the old gentleman urges.

"But Father, that way takes longer," the son impatiently replied.

"I know, but it's a prettier way to go."

"Don't you have any respect for time? " the young man grumbles.

"Oh yes, I respect it very much. That's why I like to use it for looking at wild flowers and trees."

Sunset found them in a most beautiful part of the country, and the old man insisted that they sleep there overnight.

"This is the last trip I'll ever take with you. You just don't have any business sense." snapped the young man.

Before sunrise the next morning the son, eager to be on the way shook his father awake. They had traveled only about a mile when they came upon a farmer trying to pull his ox out of a ditch. "Let's help him," the old man urged.

"We'll never get to the city at this rate!" the young man exploded.

"Relax, son, and you'll last longer."

By the time they got the other cart back on the road and approached the rim of the hill that looked down upon the city it was a little past eight o'clock. Suddenly a great flash, like lightening, split the sky. There was a roar of thunder, and rain began to come down in torrents.

 

"If we hadn't delayed so often we'd be there by now and not caught out in this awful storm," the young man complained.

"Oh, take it easy, son," the old gentleman said, "You'll last longer."

 

After a while they came to a spot where they could look down on the city. The sight they saw caused the young lad to exclaim in suddenly humbled tones, "I see what you mean, Father." Turning their cart around they drove away from the ruins of atom-bombed Hiroshima.

 

The wise words of the old farmer state a basic law that governs life: "Take it easy; you'll last longer." All nature demonstrates that we violate this golden rule of rest and restoration only at the risk of life and health.

 

Even the heart, which is through to be continually at work, actually rests(between beats) about twice as long as it works. Physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually we need to rest in order to maintain good health. When a person becomes ill, one of the treatments the doctor often prescribes is rest. Living in a world that is filled with stress and tension demands that we learn to rest and restore ourselves to fitness.

 

 



Faith

This is my devotional today from "Streams in the Desert"
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

And when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him (Joshua 6:5).

The shout of steadfast faith is in direct contrast to the moans of wavering faith, and to the wails of discouraged hearts. Among the many "secrets of the Lord," I do not know of any that is more valuable than the secret of this shout of faith. The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour." He had not said, "I will give," but "I have given." It belonged to them already; and now they were called to take possession of it. But the great question was, How? It looked impossible, but the Lord declared His plan.

Now, no one can suppose for a moment that this shout caused the walls to fall. And yet the secret of their victory lay in just this shout, for it was the shout of a faith which dared, on the authority of God's Word alone, to claim a promised victory, while as yet there were no signs of this victory being accomplished. And according to their faith God did unto them; so that, when they shouted, He made the walls to fall.

God had declared that He had given them the city, and faith reckoned this to be true. And long centuries afterwards the Holy Ghost recorded this triumph of faith in Hebrews: "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."
--Hannah Whitall Smith

Faith can never reach its consummation,
Till the victor's thankful song we raise:
In the glorious city of salvation,
God has told us all the gates are praise.

Be All At Rest

Be all at rest, my soul, O blessed secret,
Of the true life that glorifies thy Lord:
Not always doth the busiest soul best serve Him,
But he that resteth on His faithful Word.
 

Be all at rest, let not your heart be rippled,
For tiny wavelets mar the image fair,
Which the still pool reflects of heaven's glory--
And thus the image He would have thee bear.
 

Be all at rest, my soul, for rest is service,
To the still heart God doth His secrets tell;
Thus shalt thou learn to wait, and watch, and labor,
Strengthened to bear, since Christ in thee doth dwell.
 

For what is service but the life of Jesus,
Lived through a vessel of earth's fragile clay,
Loving and giving and poured forth for others,
A living sacrifice from day to day.
 

Be all at rest, so shalt thou be an answer
To those who question, "Who is God and where?"
For God is rest, and where He dwells is stillness,
And they who dwell in Him, His rest shalt share.
 

And what shall meet the deep unrest around thee,
But the calm peace of God that filled His breast?
For still a living Voice calls to the weary,From Him who said, "Come unto Me and rest."
--Freda Hanbury Allen

Take 10~ Ten Dynamic Golden Rules..... Bible Study Guide for Golden Rule 1

Take 10

Ten Dynamic Golden Rules That Help You

Live Longer, Feel Better, and Look Good

by Leo R. Van Dolson, Ph.D., M.P.H.

 

We Reap What We Sow

The ancient Scriptures summarize the fist golden rule this way, "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). I can't think of a better way of phrasing it. A state governor, visiting a penitentiary, saw a prisoner working in the area where prison clothes were made. "What are you doing? Sewing?" asked the governor. "No, sir," replied the prisoner regretfullly. "I'm reaping." We DO reap what we sew.

 

Some thing of God as an arbitrary Judge just waiting for us to do something wrong so that He can punish us. But God doesn't act that way. God DOES NOT destroy humans. He sets up laws which, if properly followed, lead to health, happiness, and a better life. He does all He can to get people to cooperate with His golden rules because He desires a good life for us. But we are free to choose for ourselves. And the choices we make determine our menu at the banquet of consequences. What, then, are you going to do about it? The intelligent, life-preserving choice is to reason from cause to effect and to follow a course that will bring the very best that life has to offer. Reaping will be according to sowing. Nature's laws transgressed will become our tormentors. But by beginning now to sow the seeds of obedience to the laws of life and health, our banquet of consequences will be a happy one.

 

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

 

If we SOW good health habits like drinking enough water and exercising we not only keep the doctor away but reap a harvest of good health. But, negatively, of we sow bad health habits we reap a poor health harvest.

 

I. Biblical Background:

   A. Disease and illness are the result of sin. Where does the Bible indicate that sin originated on this earth? (Gen. 3:17,23)-In the Garden of _____________________ as a result of _______________________God's command.

   B. Deuteronomy 5:33 -What are the results of following God's commands?  

      1. We may __________________________________.

      2. It may be ______________________________with us.

      3. We may _________________________our days.

  C. John 10:10-What is Christ's desire? He came that we might have the more ____________________ life.

 

II. Examples of Physical Applications:

  A. Exodus 15:26 indicates that following God's instructions would prevent the people of Israel from coming down with the kind of ________________that they had been exposed to in___________________.

  B. Proverbs 23:29,30- What are the results of alcohol abuse? ________________________________________________

 

III. Mental Application:

  A. Proverbs 14:30- "Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer"(TEV).

  B. Proverbs 17:22- "A _______________heart doeth good like a medicine; but a ______________

spirit drieth the bones."

  C. Philippians 4:8- Read this text to learn God's screening program for healthy minds.

 

IV. Social Applications:

  A. Isaiah 58:7,8- What types of service for those in need enable us to enjoy good health?

      1. Giving _______________to the hungry.

      2. Bringing the homeless to our ____________________.

      3. Providing clothes for the_______________________.

      4. Ministering to the need of those of our own ________________________________.

  B. Proverbs 17:17 - A friend____________________ at all times, and a brother is born for _________________________.

 

V. Spiritual Application:

  A. Psalm 37:3-"_________________________in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily though shalt be _____________________________________.

  B. Proverbs 3:5-8 - When we _______________in the Lord and follow His ways, He promises to ___________________our paths.

 

"The consciousness of right doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds.

The special blessing of God resting upon the receiver is health and strength.

 A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is in the pathway to health."

 -Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2. pp. 407, 408.



Posting for Awareness Uterine(Endometrial) Cancer- not just a post menopausal woman's cancer (a repost)

Many - if not all of you have probably already heard my story, but I thought that since September is Awareness month for female cancers (except breast cancer because it has it's own entire month to itself) that it would be the perfect time for me to tell my story one more time just in case some new people come by my blog.

It was 2 weeks after my 44th birthday that I heard the words no one wants to hear. Cancer was found. Two weeks before - I had had a hysterectomy because my Dr had thought that I had adenomyosis.

"Adenomyosis is uterine thickening that occurs when endometrial tissue,

 which normally lines the uterus, moves into the outer muscular walls of the uterus."

 

I had been having very heavy periods for a couple of years. And I had begun to have spotting off and on throughout the month. I had attributed these symptoms to maybe going into menopause. But during the year of 2013 - I had felt like something was wrong. I called and set up an well woman appointment with my Dr. The soonest they could get me in was Oct. Once I had my appointment. I told my Dr what was going on. She said that the best thing to do would be to have me have an ultrasound. So I did. The result were - an enlarged uterus. Since my Dr is not a gynecologist- she told me to pick out what Dr. I wanted to go to. At first I picked the gynecologist that I had before switching to my current Dr. But felt uneasy about the whole situation. I was actually even feeling anxiety. So I contacted a friend of mine who is a nurse. I told her what was going on and she said you will want to have a DaVinci surgery and here are the names of two Dr that do it at our hospital. One of the Dr was the same Dr who had delivered our grandbaby- so I just knew that was who I was suppose to pick.  As soon as I did- I felt total peace about everything.

 

I had my appointment with her and we talked about everything that was going on with me. And she said it sounds like Adenomyosis. And that the best solution would be a hysterectomy. I was told I had the choice of keeping the ovary that I had or having it removed as well. Since I had lost an ovary 18 years before because of a large cyst, I decided that the best thing would be to have the ovary removed as well. I did not want to have another surgery later- if I had problems with the ovary.

 

So once we got approval from my insurance, my surgery date was set. It ended up being about 3 weeks after my appointment. November 18th of 2013 was my hysterectomy. The surgery went well. And recovery went well except that I had a reaction to the Dilodid that they gave me after surgery. And ended up throwing up. After the second dose and throwing up again we figured out what the problem was and so changed pain meds. I was given meds for the nausea and so I slept most of the rest of the day. The next morning I went home - a little before noon.

 

I had been told by the Dr that as long as I was not taking pain meds- I could drive as soon as I felt up to driving. So my husband and I both got a red flag - when 2 weeks later on Monday afternoon at 5pm - I got a phone call from my Dr wanting to see me and my husband and preferably the next day. There were a few more things in the conversation that made me think something was up.

 

But even that much preparation did not prepare me for what I heard the next day:

Cancer had been found in my uterus.

Endometrial Cancer.

 

Not only had they found cancer - but it had spread to more than 1/2 of my uterine wall- the myometrium. If the cancer if found before the half way mark they are more likely to believe that it had been contained to the uterus. But my cancer had spread 1.8 centimeters into the 2.5 cent. wall. So my cancer had actually grown - 75-80% into the myometrium.
And to top that off - I had grade 3 cancer cells!

 

Before that day - December 3rd of 2013 - I had never ever heard of cancer cells getting a grade. And to be honest - when we first heard that my husband and I were both thinking that she had just said that I had stage 3 cancer. The higher the grade that the cancer cells are the more aggressive the cancer cells are, which means that they spread faster then the lower grade cancer cells. And they are more likely to come back as well.

 

The pathology results actually were found on November 19th, the day after my surgery. But the reason why I did not find out for 2 weeks- really ended up being a blessing for me.

 

Very close to my surgery, my Dr lost her Mother in Law to breast cancer. So she was out for a week. Then as my Dr was looking at my file - she noticed that my birthday was on the Sunday after my surgery and then of course then came Thanksgiving on Thursday. So she did not want me to have to have the added stress of finding out I had cancer during that time period - especially since it would be 2 weeks till I would be seeing my oncologist. So she set up my appointment for December 4th. The very next morning after we found out that they had found the cancer. 

 

My Dr had felt bad - that she had waited the two weeks - and was worried that we would be mad at her, but honestly I am thankful that she waited. After having a hysterectomy - you already struggle with your hormones being out of whack and it had taken me the two weeks to figure out what I needed to do to get a good nights sleep. So she had done me a favor. There was nothing I could have done had I know about the cancer before that Tuesday.

 

Anyway I went on to have 6 rounds of carbo/taxol chemotherapy treatments. And of course, 2 weeks after the first treatment - I began to lose my hair. A few days later - I had my husband shave it off. It was easier on my to do it that way than to slowly lose it all. Lots of people say don't shave it cause it's itchy. I did not experience any of the itchiness.

 

I am not going to go through all of the stuff about chemo - but what I do want to say is that if you are facing chemo- take it one day at a time. Chemo for me was a cumulative thing - meaning that the more chemo I got the more of the side affects that I got. The first chemo - was not awful like you think it is going to be. I had the bone pains that shoot here and there. And I had a problem with constipation after each chemo treatment. Some people struggle with diarrhea. So it's a wait and see approach many times. I would also recommend that if your Dr prescribes you meds - like Zofran- like mine did. Be sure and take it those first 3 days or so that they tell you to take it. It is easier to keep the nausea under control than to get it under control once it has gotten out of control. Oh and one more thing- yes - you can just take the Zofran with water like a regular pill. Zofran is a dissolvable pill - and I had thought I had to let it dissolve. And it had the flavor of a cheap mint. And when you are already feeling sick - it is no fun to take a cheap mint tasting pill.

 

Anyway I wanted to share my story in hopes that maybe by my sharing my story I can help someone out.

It is not normal to have heavy periods with lots of blood clots.

It is not normal to spot off and on throughout the month.

 

There are other symptoms - so be sure and look them up especially if you are having either one of these.

Also if you are post menopausal

- and you start spotting or bleeding-

get in to see your Dr right away.

 

Many times women after menopause are able to catch their cancers quick and require no further treatment than the hysterectomy.

And contrary to popular believe- Uterine/Endometrial cancer does NOT only affect women post menopausal. I am a prime example of that. More and more women premenopausal are getting this kind of cancer. Many women in their 30's and 40's are getting it.

So if you are having any of the symptoms mentioned above - or things just don't seem right - be sure and get in to see your Dr.

As I look back over the last year - I can see God's hand in everything. I can see Him guide and direct - me not only to get seen by the dr, but also in what Dr. I picked out- who picked out the right oncologist for me. To the kind of surgery that I had and the decision to have my ovary removed during my hysterectomy- had I not decided to do that _ I would have had to have another surgery to remove it. There are many way in which I know that God was guiding me along the way. Also God gave me the strength and courage every step of the way. There were many tears, and even there are still some now, but I know that God is in control and will never leave me nor forsake me. You can count on Him! :O)