The Big C Celebration

Today, I'm celebrating the Big C. Celebrating that I no longer have it. Rejoicing that God removed it from me. Praising His wonderful name that for exactly five years today, This Day! I have been called a cancer survivor.

I'm also rejoicing that my dear friend Penny's Aunt Betty has been declared cancer free. The tumor is gone. The cancer is gone. Hallelujah!!!

Do you have something you are celebrating today? Shout it out and share it with me!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 3:17 (NKJV) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

A Battle is Won but the War is not Over

A sign of relief. Actually, a heavy sigh. Ahhhhhh! Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Are you breathing with me? If you are, you are also breathing with Joanne. Because today, This Day, she is breathing on her own for the first time since she was hospitalized on January 11.

When I read earlier today that she was awake. Opening her eyes. Moving her right hand. Moving her left hand. Giving a "thumbs up." Moving her toes. I was overcome with joy. I wept with gratitude. Praise the One who made it all happen.

If you don't have a clue who I'm talking about, Joanne at The Simple Wife is a beautiful child of the King. A 38 year old wife and mother who suffered a severe stroke on January 11. She is a testimony to God's grace, love, and mercy. Her family has opened their hearts and lives to the blogging community. They have kept us current with Joanne's vitals, progress, set backs, and prognosis. This family needs our prayers.

There is another family who needs our prayers. Needs a miracle from God. The Great Physician. The Healer of body and spirit. This family has not received as much attention in the blogosphere as Joanne, but their need is just as urgent. My dear blog peep, Penny's Aunt Betty is at the Cancer Treatment Center in the Chicago area. Betty has been diagnosed with an aggressive small cell cancer that has spread to her lungs, brain, kidney, and liver. I do not know what type of treatment she is receiving. What I do know is that this family needs prayer.

Please join me in lifting up these precious ones before God. Thanking Him for their healing. Praising Him that through these two, others will come to know the Lord, and that He will be honored and glorified.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NKJV)  Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Party in Pink

I was blog hopping (imagine) and found myself back at Rachel's spot Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife. I was there to see what she had posted for her Random Dozen. She did not post that today. She posted about this:

Which I totally forgot this was going on today. FringeGirl is hosting this Party in Pink for her bloggaversary, honoring her aunts who are both breast cancer survivors, and bringing awareness to Breast Cancer Month.

I'm supposed to take a picture of me wearing Pink. I thought I'd go a little farther. This is a picture of me taken with my friends, the day we shaved my head after my second chemo treatment. I couldn't control the fact that I was going to lose my hair; but I could control how I lost it. That was three years ago this month.

Here I am in May when I went to Nashville. See Betty, I haven't changed much. I just color my hair a little darker than I used to.

Those were tough times that I couldn't have made it through without God's strength and family/friends' love. So no matter how dark your road seems today, This Day, the Light of God shines and through faith cuts away fear.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

Project 365 and Poker Run

Volunteers from Kroger, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the American Cancer Society registered riders for the annual Run for the Fund, a benefit for the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. (By Marilyn Halstead / The Southern)

Annual Poker Run for the Fund draws hundreds of riders

By Marilyn Halstead, The Southern

Sunday, August 30, 2009 12:52 AM CDT

DU QUOIN -- More than 1,400 motorcycle riders took part in the annual Poker Run for the Fund. Many, like Carla Jones and Cindy Ruble of Carbondale, rode because their lives have been touched by cancer.

The event benefits the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, which was set up by former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill and Southern Illinois Healthcare to help cancer patients.

Tears welled up in Jones' eyes as she remembered her God mother, grandmother, boyfriend, aunts, uncles and friends who had cancer and talked about what a good cause the Coach Kill Cancer Fund is.

"We are trying to give back," Ruble said.

"And we want to get out and enjoy this nice weather," Jones added.

Jeremy and Sacha Cobin of Christopher make their schedule around this poker run because the cause is good. Jeremy also said he feels a little safer during this poker run than when he rides at other times. "Cars can see more bikes than when there is only one bike. It's easier to see a hundred bikes," he said.

Jeff Noll of Marion said not only is the cause a good one, the event also helps raise awareness of motorcycles on the road. His riding buddy, Danny Noll, heard about Coach Kill's cancer fund and thought this would be a fun way to help out.

"We have all been affected by cancer -- family or friend -- and you never know when you might be next," Noll said.

This is the first poker run that Gina Sherland, Kroger Zone Manager for Southern Illinois, has helped organize.

"Everybody working together, and what a good cause!" she said. "All the store managers and employees work together to raise money."

She added that Black Diamond Harley Davidson was wonderful to help them move the 2009 Dyna Super Glide Custom Harley-Davidson from store to store so shoppers could get a look at it. Tickets were sold for $10, with the drawing Saturday evening at the end of the run. Mark McDaniel won the bike.

Coach Kill was represented by his wife, Rebecca, and daughter, Krystal."The riders really came out and supported what we are trying to do for patients in Southern Ilinois," Rebecca Kill said. "We are really pleased with the turnout."

According to Rebecca Kill, the Coach Kill Cancer Fund helps patients with expenses not covered by insurance, such as transportation costs or medications. Working with SIH allows the group to refer patients to other sources of help when it is appropriate. "There are a lot of avenues out there, but people don't always know about them," Rebecca Kill said.

Gene Honn of SIH said this event alone helps between 60 and 70 cancer patients. The fund began three years ago, but spent a year building resources. In two years, Coach Kill Cancer Fund has helped a few more than 200 cancer patients.

Although a total was not available, organizers announced that the proceeds from this year's fundraising had exceeded last year's total.

For more information, visit www.coachkillcancerfund.org.

marilyn.halstead@thesouthern.com

This was a great ride yesterday that covered over 200 miles. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Being a cancer survivor, I'm very passionate about supporting events like this one. It is also an opportunity to witness for Jesus. What are you passionate about today, This Day? Use it as an opportunity to tell others about how Jesus has blessed you.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 2:29 (NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household

Thankful Thursday

Five things I'm thankful for this week: Big or small.....God honors them all. :)

1. Prayer. Prayer for others, prayer from others, the power of prayer, the peace of prayer.
2. Good reports from the doctor. I'm thankful to be healthy again.....well, as healthy as a cancer survivor can be.
   
3. Coffee. That's right. I love me some good coffee. The smell of coffee roasting/brewing. The taste. I drink mine black at work. At home I spruce it up with a little sugar free french vanilla.
4. U-haul. Wait....what? That's right, they have great boxes for packing your stuff. Especially if it's going into storage.
5. Storage units. What else would we do with the furniture and keepsakes we want to keep until we find a house to purchase?

That's my five. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Leave me a comment and share your blessings.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 1:29 (NIV) For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

It's Spring! Time for the UBP 2009!

Greetings and welcome to my little corner of blog world.

Spring is probably my favorite season. To me, spring symbolizes renewal, hope, starting over, new life, promises fulfilled, and the list goes on and on. In honor of spring, I'm joining some of my blogging friends in the Ultimate Blog Party. Is there a better way to kick off spring than with a party? I think not! So help yourself to the buffet, grab a seat, and let's get acquainted.


I am fairly new to this blogging stuff but feel it is another way God is stretching and honing me. I wear many hats: wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, and princess. That's right, I'm royalty! A child of the King! The Most High God.

My life has taken many paths and the journey I'm currently on is probably the most exciting and challenging. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Praise God for His love, mercy and grace, for modern medicine, an awesome husband, and wonderful supportive friends. Where would any of us be without that? Just today, This Day, I received the wonderful news that my cancer markers show no sign of that nasty little mitosis' return. Definitely cause to celebrate!

One of my favorite pastimes is riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle. I lovingly refer to it as "my scooter." My hubby and I belong to the Christian Motorcyclists Association which we absolutely love. We participate in several rides throughout the year where we enjoy fellowship and witnessing. Our chapter also sponsors an annual "blessing of the bikes" where thousands of motorcyclists gather to have their bikes blessed for the upcoming riding season. For many, it is the only time of year they hear God's Word.

I'm very thankful for my blogging friends. I enjoy meeting new people through this medium. I am also participating in Project 365. This project documents every day of 2009 with a photo. Thank you for stopping by hopefully, you enjoyed your visit. I'll be sure to visit you soon.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) ²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Presently, Actively, Continually Believe

It's easy to think that God's not listening to your requests--especially when you're praying for that "special request" that continues to go unanswered. I am finding that more and more my petitions are for a healing touch for a family member, friend, or co-worker. Are you finding that to be true as well?

During chemo treatments, there were two prayers I prayed out loud most days. These prayers comforted me, encouraged me, and strengthened me. When everything else around me was out of control I knew God was in control of my situation. Even though I did not receive a miraculous, healing of the cancer being immediately removed, I believe God healed me through the advances of medicine.

Why doesn't God heal us instantly? I believe that sometimes, God allows that which He hates to accomplish that which He loves. Because God did not heal me instantly, I have a powerful testimony of His grace and mercy....first hand experience of how He saw me through, helped me endure, and brought me to a closer walk with Him. Because isn't that why we're here?

Morning Prayer for Healing

Father God, I thank You for creating me in Your image. I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I confess that You are the God who heals, my Great Physician. I ask You to heal my body from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I pray that You would regenerate every bone, joint, tendon, ligament, tissue, organ, and cell of my body. This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Evening Prayer of Restoration

Father God, I thank You for sustaining me today. I thank You that You are made perfect in my weakness. Your grace is sufficient for me. I thank You that Your steadfast love never ceases and Your mercies are new every morning. You say in Your Word that mourning may come for a night, but the new day will bring gladness. Bless me with a healing night's sleep. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation. Help me to stay on the path that leads to life.

Most of all, don't be discouraged! Here's what He says about prayer:

1. Pray boldly! God wants us to approach Him with confidence (Heb 4:16)
2. Pray often. God desires a relationship with us (1 Thess 5:17)
3. Pray in faith. He is able and willing (Mark 11:24-26).

I am so thankful for the healing touch I received from God. What is your need today, This Day? Go with confidence to the throne of grace, go often, and pray continually; and presently, actively, continually believe that He hears you, knows your heart, and has a plan.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

No Expiration Date

There are expiration dates on almost everything these days: milk, cheese, chips, dressings, meats, even sodas (pop), and cookies. What do these dates mean exactly? There is the "best if used by date" which means that the product is still edible but may not taste as good. Or you must "use by" this date if the manufacturer will vouch for it. Finally, there is the "sell by" date; don't buy the product after this date. This is the final "expiration" date.

Like you, there is no expiration date stamped on the bottom of my foot or across my forehead that tells me or proclaims when my life will end. When a patient has a life threatening or terminal illness, some doctors will try to predict how much time they have left. "You only have three months to live" or "You have less than a year." There is only One who knows that information.

Many people contemplate their own mortality at some point in their life. Some people live each day as if it is their last. They keep their finances in order, tell their family and friends how much they are loved, and keep their "bucket list" short or complete. On the opposite side, people pass through life like they will never die. The put off taking care of things because there is always tomorrow.

There is no doubt that my physical body will expire and so will yours. It's simply a matter of when. But our spiritual body truly has no expiration date. That spiritual body will spend eternity somewhere. The choice is ours as to where we spend it.

If you don't know Jesus, have put off accepting His gift of salvation, or want to rededicate your life, today, This Day, is the day. For those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, eternity is a mansion in heaven. How do I know? Jesus told me so.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 14:1-3 (NKJV) 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Reflections of 2008 and Inspiration for 2009

What are some of your memories from 2008? Did you overcome enormous obstacles? Perhaps someone close to you passed away or was diagnosed with a life threatening disease. Were there joys in your life such as a marriage, a birth, or a job promotion? Maybe you were able to purchase that long awaited home or new vehicle.

There were a couple of noteworthy hurdles passed for me in 2008. One was when my hair had grown long enough so I no longer had to wear wigs. YAY! Another was passing the two year mark with no recurrence. PTL!!! I'm also five classes closer to getting my BS in education and am now classified as a senior.

Those of you who have been following my blog from the beginning know I am a cancer survivor. I don't dwell on this fact, nor do I voice my concern about recurrence. I believe God healed me for His purpose and to bring glory to His name. As long as He permits, I intend to tell others of His miraculous healing power, His love, His grace, and His mercy.

Sara is a gal I met thru the blogging world who overcomes hurdles daily. I recently ran across Sara's blog and believe God is using her to touch the lives of others. As you will read on her blog, she suffers from an incurable disease that will eventually fuse her joints together. I cannot even imagine the pain this process inflicts. Yet, Sara, like Job, praises God in spite of her burden.

That is an example for each of us: to praise God and live the best life we can with what He has given us.......not yearn for what we lack. Accept the gifts, challenges, trials, and triumphs as God's way of drawing you closer to Him. By these, He will prove that He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do. Believe God today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 4:3 (NIV) What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."