Radiation to come

It has been a while since I wrote. It has been hard to discipline myself to sit at the computer. Had a wonderful time with my Aunt Violet in Florida! One week of being spoiled by her, enjoying the sun and the magnificent scenery, swimming in the ocean, and just plain resting. The best thing: no to-do list!!

Since getting back there have been lots of activities as my daughters' school years are winding down, which means being fairly busy. But I try to pace myself, especially with radiation treatments coming very soon. I will be having 25 treatments, starting on May 22nd. They will be 5 days a week, for 5 weeks, in Sherbrooke (1½ hrs drive away.) I plan to drive back and forth some days (or rather be driven) and stay overnight at a friend's house in Sherbrooke some other days. We will see how things go, especially with my energy level. I have heard that the side effects of radiation are not as bad as chemo, mostly tiredness. I am not looking forward to this new stage in the journey. However, I know that once I get through this, all medical treatments will be over, and that's my motivation.

Some verses that have been especially encouraging to me these past weeks, as I have been feeling tired and wonder often if I will ever get my energy back again. The apostle Paul is writing this:

"We do not want you to be uninformed...about the hardships we suffered...We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure...But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God....He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers."
2 Corinthians 1:8-11

I have to be reminded over and over that this situation is only an opportunity once more to grasp how much I need the Lord each and every day, His strength, wisdom, love and patience. And how really this is the way I should be living, even when not dealing with a sickness or side effects. A quote from my devotional book sums this up very well:
"Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on God produces abundant living in the kingdom."

That is my prayer as I journey on - to not try and do it all myself but to rest in Him to carry me through. As is stated in those verses above, the delivrance from God was also linked to the prayers of those who interceded for Paul. I continue to be so touched by the number of people who have told me recently that they have been praying for me regularly over the past nine months. Such perseverance! To you all: A HUGE THANK YOU!!! Your prayers have made a real difference in my life. Be blessed!