Hello to any of you still patient enough to check out my blog. I'm right on schedule as it's been about a month and a half since my last post. I usually love fall but I find myself kicking and screaming that summer has actually ended. I'm sure it's the fastest yet and my head is still spinning. So many things I wanted to do -- camping trips, taking grandkids to the farm where I grew up, hiking, connecting with extended family, kayaking, a trip to Alaska, etc.
So, as I began my day with a "feel sorry for myself" attitude, these are some verses that came to mind:
Ps. 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." I have had wonderful opportunities this summer to reflect on who God is and how He had blessed my life.
Rom. 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." That was the promise that gave me such tremendous hope and peace as I faced that surgery at the end of May which ended with a very good prognosis.
Ps. 34:1 "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises." Yes, this is the one that truly challenged me this morning so I began thanking God for His blessings and was, again, humbled by His love and care for me.
These are some of the many things I did get to do this summer -- Spend a LOT of time with our five beautiful grandkids, watch them do water sports, I got to water ski twice, I've been able to play tennis with my daughter, bicycling with family, swimming at out fitness center, attend a Gaither concert with friends and more. So, all that to say, I am no longer feeling sorry for myself and whining about summer's end but am ready to embrace fall with all the color, crisp air, fall sports and, perhaps, maybe even a little more rest.
God bless you all and have a WONDERFUL autumn!
Hope
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Just catching up.
Well, yes, I'm actually writing after about 2 1/2 months since the last. I certainly can't seriously be called a "blogger". Anyway, enough people have asked how I'm doing that I'm sufficiently ashamed that I haven't done a better job of keeping in touch especially since Jennifer went to the effort to start this for me. I couldn't even remember how to post a new message and had to call her. So, here we go -----------
One of these days I'll learn to post pictures because that really tells the story and I have some great pics on my computer.
Medically, there's not much new other than we're still waiting and the swelling on my neck is shrinking some at it's own very slow pace. Other than that, I've been swimming, biking, playing some tennis and spending lots of time with grandkids.
Mark's wife, Tiffany, lost her mom on Sunday morning August 9th. She had been battling cancer since spring of 2006. Mary Ellen was a warm, loving, courageous woman of God and we will all miss her terribly. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and, for me, there were days when just the knowledge of her struggle encouraged me to put one foot in front of the other and keep fighting my own battle. On the one hand, she leaves a huge void in the lives of her loved ones and on the other hand, a wonderful part of her is in each of those people. In that, she leaves a rich legacy.
So many of you have been praying for our family -- for me, for Abby, for Mary Ellen, for the ministry of Isaac's Room -- and words are not enough to thank you for all your prayers, notes and kindness. But I do thank you and pray for God's blessings of peace and joy in your lives.
With love and gratitude,
Hope
One of these days I'll learn to post pictures because that really tells the story and I have some great pics on my computer.
Medically, there's not much new other than we're still waiting and the swelling on my neck is shrinking some at it's own very slow pace. Other than that, I've been swimming, biking, playing some tennis and spending lots of time with grandkids.
Mark's wife, Tiffany, lost her mom on Sunday morning August 9th. She had been battling cancer since spring of 2006. Mary Ellen was a warm, loving, courageous woman of God and we will all miss her terribly. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and, for me, there were days when just the knowledge of her struggle encouraged me to put one foot in front of the other and keep fighting my own battle. On the one hand, she leaves a huge void in the lives of her loved ones and on the other hand, a wonderful part of her is in each of those people. In that, she leaves a rich legacy.
So many of you have been praying for our family -- for me, for Abby, for Mary Ellen, for the ministry of Isaac's Room -- and words are not enough to thank you for all your prayers, notes and kindness. But I do thank you and pray for God's blessings of peace and joy in your lives.
With love and gratitude,
Hope
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Baseball on my neck
Well, phooey! Headed up to OHSU this afternoon with my surgery site swollen as before but hoping for a quick fix. Not going to happen. The doctor didn't drain it, didn't call for another drain tube and said to wait a couple weeks to see if the swelling would diminish on its own. If that doesn't happen, we may be looking at another surgery to see what's up. Of course, this being the middle of summer, that's wouldn't be my favorite option so I'm hoping & praying for the swelling to go down.
For any of you who want medical terms, I don't have them as I rarely listen to that stuff and just hear the bottom line. For today, that means I wait and see. The good news is that I'm free to swim, play tennis or anything else I feel like doing with a baseball on my neck. If you see me around with my collar up or wearing a scarf, I'm not really trying to be cool or ultra fashionable but those things do help camouflage the ever-present glob.
Seriously, with all that's gone on in our family the last few years, this is no big deal and I still consider it just an uncomfortable inconvenience. I feel extremely blessed that there is no new cancer, that I can continue to be active and that I have all of you -- my dear friends & family.
Blessings & love to you all,
Hope
For any of you who want medical terms, I don't have them as I rarely listen to that stuff and just hear the bottom line. For today, that means I wait and see. The good news is that I'm free to swim, play tennis or anything else I feel like doing with a baseball on my neck. If you see me around with my collar up or wearing a scarf, I'm not really trying to be cool or ultra fashionable but those things do help camouflage the ever-present glob.
Seriously, with all that's gone on in our family the last few years, this is no big deal and I still consider it just an uncomfortable inconvenience. I feel extremely blessed that there is no new cancer, that I can continue to be active and that I have all of you -- my dear friends & family.
Blessings & love to you all,
Hope
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tubes & Coffee
Hello!
Well, this is my first attempt at this blogging since Jennifer set me up. I'm not exactly a computer wiz so it's is all pretty new and I have no idea how I'll do but at least I found the spot to add a post.
As Jen mentioned, the doctor took the drain tube out this morning and so far, so good -- no swelling yet. In the big picture this slow healing process is just a minor glitch and is really no big deal but I have to admit there are days when I'm not very patient. My best physical therapy is swimming and I can't do that until the drain is out and healed so that's what I'm aiming for.
Again, I can't begin to thank you properly for all the prayer, cards, emails, support and love. I don't know how people walk through difficult times without the encouragement of others and the grace of God.
As Bud takes on more and more of the real estate responsibilities, I find I have more time for the really important things in life. One of the greatest lessons re-learned during this journey has been the value of relationships. So, if any of you have time for a walk, a cup of coffee or a chat, please let me know as I would love that opportunity.
May God bless you with peace and joy ---
Much love,
Hope
Well, this is my first attempt at this blogging since Jennifer set me up. I'm not exactly a computer wiz so it's is all pretty new and I have no idea how I'll do but at least I found the spot to add a post.
As Jen mentioned, the doctor took the drain tube out this morning and so far, so good -- no swelling yet. In the big picture this slow healing process is just a minor glitch and is really no big deal but I have to admit there are days when I'm not very patient. My best physical therapy is swimming and I can't do that until the drain is out and healed so that's what I'm aiming for.
Again, I can't begin to thank you properly for all the prayer, cards, emails, support and love. I don't know how people walk through difficult times without the encouragement of others and the grace of God.
As Bud takes on more and more of the real estate responsibilities, I find I have more time for the really important things in life. One of the greatest lessons re-learned during this journey has been the value of relationships. So, if any of you have time for a walk, a cup of coffee or a chat, please let me know as I would love that opportunity.
May God bless you with peace and joy ---
Much love,
Hope
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Hope's blog
Hey everybody - I'm getting Mom set up with a blog! Isn't that great?! Watch this space for updates, pictures and more.
Jen :)
Jen :)
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