Covered in God's Word and Prayer - I'm ready to go!

This morning, the ladies at my Bible study covered me in God's Word...

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."  Romans 8:18 

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." 

Psalm 4:8

"Because Your love is better than life,
   my lips will glorify You.
I will praise You as long as I live,
   and in Your name I will lift up my hands."

Psalm 63:3-4 

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:18

"The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 27:1

"...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  Romans 5:3-5 

"But I trust in Your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in Your salvation.

I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for He has been good to me."

Psalm 13:5-6 

Jesus said..."Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"Cast your cares on the LORD
   and He will sustain you;
He will never let
   the righteous be shaken."

Psalm 55:22

"Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!

How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!

For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
      Who knows enough to give Him advice?

And who has given Him so much
      that He needs to pay it back?

For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory.

All glory to Him forever! Amen."  Romans 11:33-36

"You will keep in perfect peace
   those whose minds are steadfast,
   because they trust in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal."

Isaiah 26:3-4 

"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."  1 Corinthians 1:3-4 

"As for me, I call to God,
   and the LORD saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
   I cry out in distress,
   and He hears my voice.
He rescues me unharmed
   from the battle waged against me,
   even though many oppose me."

Psalm 55:16-18

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7

Psalm 91 from The Message Bible

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
   Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
      I trust in you and I'm safe!"
   That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
      shields you from deadly hazards.
   His huge outstretched arms protect you—
      under them you're perfectly safe;
      his arms fend off all harm.
   Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
      not flying arrows in the day,
   Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
      not disaster that erupts at high noon.
   Even though others succumb all around,
      drop like flies right and left,
      no harm will even graze you.
   You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
      watch the wicked turn into corpses.
   Yes, because God's your refuge,
      the High God your very own home,
   Evil can't get close to you,
      harm can't get through the door.
   He ordered his angels
      to guard you wherever you go.
   If you stumble, they'll catch you;
      their job is to keep you from falling.
   You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
      and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

 ^14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
      "I'll get you out of any trouble.
   I'll give you the best of care
      if you'll only get to know and trust me.
   Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
      I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
   I'll give you a long life,
      give you a long drink of salvation!"

Also today, lots of my sweet, sweet friends prayed for me, hugged me, encouraged me, called me, sent me cards & e-mails, etc.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  This journey would NOT be the same without you!

My dear friend René even stopped by tonight with a gift - a comfy robe (that I desperately needed to make myself presentable when people come by to visit), a prayer box and a very meaningful card!  Thank you René!

The antlers were my daughter's idea!

Don't stop praying now!  Tomorrow is a big day.  Ask God to give my husband and I opportunities to share Him with the people we meet.  It's all for HIS GLORY!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,

Nancy

MY BIOPSY RESULTS ARE IN ALREADY!

"There is no one holy like the LORD...

there is no Rock like our God."

1 Samuel 2:2

IT WAS BENIGN! 

We are turning JOY CARTWHEELS at my house this afternoon! 

WE ARE OVERJOYED!

GOD HAS KNOCKED OUR SOCKS & SHOES OFF!

 YAY GOD!!!  To HIM be the glory!!!

I got a call from Dr. White's nurse Sandy late this afternoon with the GREAT news!  I asked her if she was looking at the right report!  She even double checked! Then she told me she would send me a copy so I could see it for myself!  I declined her offer :) and started praising my God!

So my surgery on Wednesday goes back to being only a lumpectomy and NO LYMPH NODES WILL BE TOUCHED!  GOD IS SO GOOD!

Last night, my dear husband told me he had a complete peace about my biopsy.  He said Abraham kept coming to his mind because Abraham was willing to do whatever God asked him to do.  This included sacrificing his only son.  But God stopped the sacrifice right before it happened.  Shawn said he felt like the same thing was going to happen with me.      



It's all about surrender - complete surrender.  It's hard.  Very hard.  But GOD IS WORTH IT!

Join me in giving God all the praise, honor and glory today!

*And be sure you are armored up every single day according to Ephesians 6*  The spiritual battle has continued at our house and actually intensified a bit.  But, we know that God will be victorious!  

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,

Nancy

God Speaks...

I took my "good" camera with me to church this morning to take pictures of something that never ended up happening.  Then God showed me the real reason I had my camera with me.

I teach 4th graders on Sunday mornings so I do not go to an adult Sunday School class with my husband.  But on Saturday night, one of the teachers called from my husband's class and wanted to know if the class could pray over me before my surgery this week.  So, I made arrangements for another teacher to watch my 4th graders during large group time this morning so I could sneak off for prayer. 

Imagine the smile that came across my face when I walked into my husband's class and saw this on the board...

THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD!!!

 The Sunday School lesson for the day was on Ephesians 6!!!

 I never should have seen this!  ONLY GOD!  ONLY GOD!

And check out our new youth ministry T-shirts...

I bought mine this morning!



 ⁷ “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
   whose confidence is in Him.
⁸ They will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Loving HIM with all my heart and soul,

Nancy

My Ultrasound Surprise!

UPDATE:  Within an hour of me writing this post, the spiritual warfare started!!!  I'm trading my seat belt in for the full armor of God!!!- Ephesians 6:10-13  "...be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..."  PLEASE PRAY!

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Jesus said... "Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me,

I am sending you."

John 20:21

After shopping all night and half the day (Black Friday fun actually started on Thursday night for us this year).....



I went to my ultrasound appointment at CMC after lunch.

I was the only patient there because everyone else on the schedule for the afternoon had called and canceled.  The ladies working there were super sweet and took very good care of me.  Thank you Theresa, Denise, and Dr. Chaconas!

I went in for an ultrasound and came out with a biopsy!!!!!  I won't go into any details except to say the difference between my first needle biopsy in RH and the one I had at CMC yesterday is NIGHT and DAY!!!  I still can't believe it.  I am still amazed.  Just more confirmation that I am exactly where God wants me to be!  He is taking such good care of me through the medical folks at CMC. 

The ultrasound was ordered to investigate 2 spots discovered on the MRI from Wednesday.  One spot turned out to be a cyst - nothing to be concerned about.  The other spot was very close to the cancerous spot that my first biopsy found.  So, Dr. Chaconas, the radiologist, decided to biopsy it. 

Afterwards, Dr. Chaconas said the spot she biopsied was actually the same area from the first biopsy.   And there is a chance that a tiny spot may have broken through the duct and is now invasive.   In layman's terms, this means that the cancerous cells may not be contained and could have spread to other areas.  The pathology report will let us know for sure.  Hopefully, I will know something by Tuesday afternoon before surgery on Wednesday morning.

Dr. Chaconas said I should still only need a lumpectomy because everything is in the same small area.  If the cancer turns out to be invasive, my lymph nodes will be tested during surgery on Wednesday.   This finding is an answered prayer because I only want to have one surgery.  That's why I asked God to please reveal anything suspicious or cancerous on my MRI.  He has answered!  He is so faithful and trustworthy!

Also, if it is invasive cancer, then it could mean chemotherapy and radiation.  Chemo is the last thing I want.  It is so hard on you physically.  It usually makes you very sick, lose your hair, etc.  PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!!!

That is enough medical stuff for now.  I want to share with you what God is doing in my heart. 

It was raining when I pulled into the almost empty parking garage yesterday at CMC.  The wind had picked up, and it was getting cooler.  It was dreary and I was alone.  I picked up my Bible and it fell open to Jonah chapter 2 where Jonah is crying out to God from the belly of the fish.  In the midst of a terrible situation (that was a result of his own disobedience no less), Jonah knew God was with him and would listen to him.  

Verses 8-9 stood out to me:  "Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love, but as for me, I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving."  I immediately thanked God for being loving, protective, a mighty warrior who fights for me, forgiving, compassionate, unchanging, sovereign and trustworthy.  I also thanked Him for having me in the belly of cancer right now because I know He has divine/eternal reasons for it.        

As I walked into the building I was greeted by this wall size tree!  CMC's symbol is the tree of life, and it is everywhere.  But, I don't recall ever encountering one quite this large!  When I saw it, I was overcome with the strong sense of God's presence - His BIG, POWERFUL, LIFE-SUSTAINING, ALL ENCOMPASSING, MIRACULOUS presence! 

Listen to this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FxaUYjRtkc

***GOD NOTE:  A little over a year ago now, God began teaching me things through trees.  Lots of lessons during the past year, but I do not feel like He has revealed to me His "big" purpose for the tree yet.  Maybe all of the little lessons along the way are His big purpose, I don't know.  But until I sense He is finished with the tree lessons, I will keep my eyes and heart open every time I see trees.***

When I walked out after my biopsy, I was overcome with emotion when I saw the big tree again.  Tears started streaming down my face.  It was at that exact moment that God brought John 21:15-17, 19 to my mind.   

 ¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

   “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
 ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
   He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
 ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
   Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."

verse 19 ".......Then He (Jesus) said to him (Peter), “Follow me!”

Now, let me see if I can explain.  I have heard this passage at least 3 times in the past week (including a brief teaching by Beth Moore.)  Jesus was asking Peter if he loved (agaped) Him which is a deep, sacrificial, self-less, Holy Spirit empowered type of love.  Peter answered by saying yes he did love (phileo) Him.  This is a friendly, brotherly type of love.  There is a big difference between agape love and phileo love.

Yesterday, God asked me the same question, "Nancy, do you love (agape) Me?  Are you willing to feed My lambs and take care of My sheep, even if it means going through chemo to get to them?  Will you sacrifice your hopes, your plans, your comfort, your finances, your schedule, etc. and do whatever it takes, including chemo, to reach them?  If so, then FOLLOW ME!" 

WOW!!!  I went back to my car and this time my Bible fell right open to Psalm 91.....the chapter all about God's protection no matter the circumstances!!!  

My response to Him....... "Your will be done, Lord.  Your will, not mine.  Whatever it takes to feed Your lambs and take care of Your sheep.  Here I am.  Send me." 

You better put your seat belt on now!  It's going to be an adventurous ride!!!  My hands are still shaking as I type this, but God is in control.  He will take care of me - no matter what.

And HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU TOO - no matter what!  TRUST HIM!

Loving HIM with all my heart and soul,

Nancy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"Give thanks to the LORD,

call on His name;

make known among the nations

 what He has done." 

1 Chronicles 16:8

"Be joyful always; pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Loving HIM with all my heart and soul,

Nancy

MRI Results

"May the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing His will..."  Hebrews 13:20, 21

Do you remember last week when I went for my MRI that was postponed, and I mentioned that my friend Laura stopped by the waiting room with her friend Nancy?  Well, now Nancy is my friend too!!!  And she insisted on driving me to my MRI appointment today.  We had so much fun!  I know that sounds crazy, but Nancy is hilarious and her goal was to keep my mind off of the serious stuff.

We were in the waiting room laughing and taking pictures like we were teenagers!  Who knew having an MRI could be fun!  We were laughing so loud we thought we were going to be asked to leave!

 Nancy said she had "Texas hair" today.  Beth Moore would have been so proud!

Okay on a more serious note....my MRI went really well and really quick.  THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR ME!  I was very concerned that I would have a coughing episode, but I did NOT - HUGE PRAISE! 

After it was over, I turned my cellphone back on and read this text message from my friend Leann..."Praying for you...God did not give you a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind!"  WOW!!!  I could feel the prayers during my MRI.  I knew people were praying.  And I knew God was answering!  THANK YOU!  

The radiologist called me this afternoon and said several things: 1) NO large masses were found;  2) the left side was completely clear; and 3) on the right side, there are 2 very small spots (less than 1 cm) that have increased blood flow to them.  This can be caused by different things.  So, I will have an ultrasound on Friday at 1:45pm to investigate.

I should know the ultrasound results immediately on Friday afternoon.  If I need a biopsy, the plan is to do it on Monday or Tuesday before my surgery on Wednesday morning.  PLEASE PRAY!!!

After I got off the phone with the radiologist and had my ultrasound scheduled, I was filled with such indescribable JOY!  God is at work and His presence is overwhelming to me!  I just wanted to turn cartwheels - joy cartwheels!  So I did - contrary to what my 13 year old thought!!!

Are you ready?

We were at church helping deliver turkey dinners to people in the community when I did my joy cartwheel.  And that would be my husband in the van behind me on standby in case I hurt something!  

  YEAH!!!

"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."  Romans 15:13 

Loving HIM with all my heart and soul,

Nancy

The Women In My Path

Yesterday morning (Tuesday), I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital.  Part of the process was giving blood.  When I walked into the lab, I was introduced to Evelyn - the same lady who did my bloodwork for my genetic counseling last week.  She was just finishing a telephone conversation in Spanish when the nurse and I walked in.

Evelyn looked at me and said "you look familiar.  I recognize your face."  I reminded her about my genetic testing last week (side note:  my insurance would only pay a very minimal amount for the genetic testing so I decided not to have it completed.  We do not have an extra $3300 laying around!  I was not 100% convinced I needed to do genetic testing anyway.  So, I had asked God very specifically to let the insurance company pay for the test if I needed to have it done.  HE ANSWERED!  And I gave 2 viles of blood for fun!  It was just practice for all of the sticking and poking that's yet to come!)

Anyway, because I had heard Evelyn speaking Spanish, I asked her what country she was from.  She stopped what she was doing and got a very serious look on her face and said C*ba.  Then she began to share her burden for the people of her country with me, especially her aging grandmother.  I was nearly in tears. 

In the midst of it all, I started having a fierce coughing attack that got the attention of the entire office!  Once they realized I was not choking to death, this little episode actually gave Evelyn and I more time to talk.  God uses it all, doesn't He??!!!

Before I left, Evelyn let me pray for her. 

So you see, the blood I gave last week for gentic testing (that never happened) wasn't just for fun after all.  It was so I could meet this precious lady twice, hear her story and start praying for her.  GOD IS SO AMAZING!

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This past Monday morning while walking, my friend Cindy and I had a conversation about our friend Ruth.  We both commented how it had been a long time since we had seen Ruth or talked to her because she travels a lot with her ministry.  When I left Cindy's that morning, I had to run some errands that included going to Wal-Mart. 

Another really cool side note - actually I'm going to start calling them GOD NOTES!  Starting now.....Another really cool GOD NOTE: We have lived in our house for about 16 months now and there are a lot of little things that still need to be done.  After my 2 mission trips, I've REALLY been struggling with how much stuff we have compared to the rest of the world.  And now I'm reading the book "Radical" - there is no telling what my husband may come home to!!!  He's asked me not to put the TVs or computers on the curb!  My response "what about Craig's List or E-Bay??!!!"

Anyway, one of those little things on the still to be done list is getting bath mats for our master bathroom.  My husband even reminded me of this need the other day.  Well, bath mats can be ridiculously expensive.  I even have a gift card to a bath & kitchen store and refuse to use my card to pay the outrageous prices for bath mats!  I have been praying for God to give me a good deal.  So, I decided to look for bath mats again while I was at Wal-Mart. 

I found 2 mats that would work great in our bathroom, only they did not have tags on them for me to check the price.  And I actually needed a third mat that I could not find.  I decided I would have to go to a different Wal-Mart to find them.   So as I was leaving that aisle and heading for the next one, who did I see but this beautiful lady.....

RUTH!!!  "The Ruth" Cindy & I were just talking about!

I was so excited to see her!  She is so encouraging and loves the Lord so much.  We talked for a while and then she prayed for me.  I wanted to do joy cartwheels down the aisle with her but she encouraged me to do them by myself while she stood back and prayed for me not to get hurt!!!  And Ruth is a breast cancer survivor herself!

As I turned to leave the aisle Ruth had been on, some red bath mats caught my eye!  The 2 mats that I had found without tags were actually part of a set someone had torn a part.  A complete set was hanging on the wall in the CLEARANCE section marked $10.00!  I was so excited!  I grabbed them and decided to also grab one of the mats without a tag because I needed 3 mats total.  I figured I could ask to be charged half price for the one mat since it was no longer in a set.

When I checked out, the 2 mat set actually rang up $5.00!!!!!  I asked the cashier about the 3rd mat and she was able to do it for half price!  So I spent a total of $7.50 for 3 bath mats!!!!!  GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!!!  He cares about every single little detail of our lives!!!!!

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Last Friday, my friend Susan invited me and my new friend Laura (who was just diagnosed with breast cancer) to eat lunch with her and 2 of her friends who are both breast cancer survivors.  Susan is so thoughtful.  My Friday schedule was super crazy, but God worked out all of the details so I could go (one meeting got cancelled; Faith Wrenn had to stay after school for a meeting until 3:30pm, etc.)  

We had a lot of fun and it was very, very encouraging.  Sally has been cancer free for 10 years and Lisa for 5 years.  Both of them had mascetamies and reconstruction.  They were filled with such wisdom and personal stories of God's provision. 

Left to Right: Laura, me, Sally, Lisa and Susan

*Susan is holding the completed packet she mailed later that day to the international adoption agency she and her family are using to help them adopt!!!!  Please pray for the child God has for them.

What a privilege it is to have ALL of these women brought into my life!   From the lab tech to new friends!  And God is using breast cancer to do it!  ONLY GOD!  I love Him so much! 

Loving HIM with all my heart and soul,

Nancy

A Hero Emerges From Today's Divine Intervention!

My genetic counseling appointment was first thing this morning in Uptown Charlotte.  This of course meant leaving very early so I could join in the morning traffic jam fun, and still be on time! 

Everything went well.  Because of my age, my doctor wants me tested for a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and to ovarian cancer.  If my insurance will pay for the genetic test (which costs about $3500.00), then the lab will process everything.  If not, then I just donated a tube of blood for the fun of it!  It takes 2 weeks to get the results - if my insurance allows it to happen.

One of the perks of having an early appointment is getting finished early.  I was finished in less than an hour.  On the way home, I was actually looking forward to cleaning my house - which is a complete disaster area right now!  Unfortunately, when real life happens, the house work is the first thing to go.

I got home, returned some phone calls, and checked to make sure no more unauthorized charges had hit our bank account, etc.  I honestly could not wait to start cleaning.  But just as I rolled up my sleeves to get started, I heard a scratching noise.  I did a little investigating, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from.  Then it stopped.

I thought maybe the heater was blowing air onto something and making it move.  But when the noise started again, I figured out that it was coming from the outlet in the wall!!!  I listened for a while and knew that somehow, some way a critter had gotten into our wall!  Sweet! 

I tried to wait until my husband got home, but the scratching got louder and happened more often.  I kept picturing him gnawing on the wires and causing some problems.  So, I said a prayer and went in search of a neighbor who could help me.

Meet my neighbor Rob.  MY HERO!!!  He rescued the tiny mouse and returned it to the wild!  This is proof positive that God did not put us on this earth to do life by ourselves!  We need our neighbors!  THANK YOU ROB!

Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy

MORE DIVINE INTERVENTIONS!

Late yesterday afternoon, I got several phone calls concerning my upcoming medical appointments..... 

* My MRI was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. today along with my nutrition class at 1:30 p.m. 
* My genetic counseling appointment is bright and early tomorrow morning.
* My pre-op appointment has been scheduled for next Tuesday morning. 
* My surgery is now scheduled for Wednesday, December 1 at 8:30 a.m. 
* And my post-op appointment is on Tuesday, December 7.

Every single one of these appointments are at DIFFERENT locations too!!!  Maybe I should hire someone to figure out where I'm going and to actually get me there - on time!

This morning when I got to my MRI, I had a pleasant surprise.  My friend Laura stopped by along with her friend Nancy (who I met for the first time even though we go to the same church!)  Laura was in the area for one of her appointments, and she came by to check on me.  Seeing her and Nancy made me smile.

Then when I was called back for my MRI, it was decided that I needed to reschedule for next Wednesday, Nov. 24.  ***TMI ALERT***  The reason being, I started my period this morning, and it does crazy things to your hormones that the MRI will pick up.  If I had the MRI today, the chances of me being called back due to a false positive finding were great.  So, I rescheduled.

Even though I did not have my MRI today, God had me go to that appointment for several reasons. 

1)  It put me in my car at 10:00 a.m. so I could hear Chip Ingram's teaching on money. Go to http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/broadcasts/online_daily.php  and click on the download for 11/17/10.  I so needed to hear it! 

2)  After my canceled appointment, I had almost 2 hours before my nutrition class.  I asked a security officer where the closest Dollar Tree was to the hospital area.  She could only think of a Dollar General.  So, I thought I would give it a try.  As I was following her directions, I look up at a stop light and see.....

 I almost fell out of my seat!  I could not believe my eyes!  For almost 2 years now, I have wanted a world map to go on the wall in our computer room.  I've done lots of research and found the best deals for my favorite map online at The Map Shop.  Imagine my surprise about 4 months ago when I discovered that The Map Shop was actually located in Charlotte.  And God took me directly to it today!!!  I was thrilled and I knew it was God.  I came really close to turning cartwheels of joy, but the parking lot was a bit too small!

3) It made sure I went to my nutrition class this afternoon.  I mentioned before that God has been pointing me to proper nutrition and its impact on cancer.  The things I learned today were all specific to breast cancer and VERY useful.  I'm so glad I went.  I also met some sweet ladies while I was there.

Even though the day did not go as I had planned, I know God had a plan for everything that did happened.  He has me exactly where He wants me to be.....

This is the Scripture at the sign-in desk at the Cancer Center. 

Loving HIM with all my heart,

Nancy

  

Life Interrupted

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
   but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21

At my Tuesday morning Bible study, we just finished Priscilla Shirer's study "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted."  Good ole Jonah!  He is so near and dear to my heart.  He is the character I most relate to in the Bible.  See, here I am in the belly of the whale...

And in good ole Jonah fashion, my life was interrupted today.  You see, I had my day all planned out.  My "To Do" list was written and waiting to be tackled.   I had a plan and was ready to get a lot accomplished today because the rest of my week is CRAZY busy!  I actually spent close to 30 minutes on Sunday night making my "To Do" list for the week so I wouldn't forget anything. 

But then real life happened!



I took my daughter to school and then went walking with my friend Cindy.  I came home and felt a strong nudge (from the Holy Spirit) to look at our bank account online.  When I pulled up our checking account I saw:  Available Balance:  $0.00!  I quickly looked at the specific debits on our account and saw some that were not made by us! 

I called my husband to double check and he confirmed my suspicions...someone had gained access to our account and depleted it!  And our overdraft protection had even kicked in for some of it!

I immediately went to the bank and filed a claim.  They were able to tell me that the person using our account was in the UK.  (I've always wanted to go to England!  Maybe this is my way of living vicariously through someone else while paying for their trip??!!!  LOL!) They have bought baby items and have paid for a hotel so far.  They originally tried to charge almost $900 at a hotel, but it was red flagged and then denied by the bank.   

The person has been using my husband's debit card number to make the charges.  This is interesting since my husband had the actual card in his possession, and he NEVER uses it!  EVER!  Even the lady at loss prevention asked me if I knew the last time my husband had used his card because she could not find it in her records.  He truly never uses it.  It makes you wonder then who could have actually gained access to his card number.  It definitely shrinks the suspect pool!

Anyway, the lady at the bank decided to cancel and reissue new debit cards to both of us.  Side note:  I wrote my last check on Saturday.  On Sunday when I went to get a new book of checks, I did not have any left!  I could not believe that I had let that happen without ordering more.  That is so not like me!  I rarely write checks anymore, but surely I would have reordered when I took the last book out of the box months ago, right??!!!  Apparently not!

I see this as being such a God thing because now that our account has been compromised, we have some decisions to make about that account!  And honestly, ordering new checks was the next thing on my "To Do" list before God nudged me to look at our bank account online!  ONLY GOD!  New checks are not cheap!

I must admit though, it is a little difficult not having the convenience of a debit card or a checkbook when you need to stop by the grocery store, get gas, or pay for something at the school.  We are so spoiled in this country!

Because it was my husband's card that was used, he had to be the one to fill out an affidavit for fraud.  After I told him what the bank said about everything, he destroyed his debit card immediately since it had been canceled.  However, I later discovered that he needed the card number for the affidavit!  

So, after work he had to go to one of the bank branches to get that info.  While he was there, he asked more questions about our situation.  In the process of helping him, the bank lady discovered that 2 (instead of just 1) new debit cards had accidentally been requested for me (by the lady who helped me at a different branch.)  As a result, the computer would have thrown out the entire request at the end of the day and never issued me a new card.  Instead, the lady helping my husband fixed the problem, and my card should be here soon.

If my husband hadn't needed to go to the bank to get his debit card number because he destroyed his card so quickly,  we never would have known there was a mistake with my new card.  ONLY GOD!!!  

God is just making sure that I do not forget what I learned in my Bible study on Jonah.....life's interruptions are actually divine interventions for believers!  According to Priscilla Shirer, "A life interrupted by a holy God is a privilege."  WOW!

And check out my Bible verse for today.... "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other..."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

There is another familiar verse that comes to mind too...

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28 

So the next time you are interrupted, look for God in the midst of your situation.  And remember how privileged you are to be interrupted by our holy God!

*Also, please join me in praying for the person/people who have been stealing money from us.  It's really sad!  I'm asking God to use this situation to reach their hearts and give them an opportunity to hear the Gospel and learn about the hope of Jesus Christ. 

Loving HIM with all my heart,

Nancy

I MUST CONFESS...

...that I only waited about 45 minutes after my last post before I called Dr. White's office to check on my MRI appointment!!!  I'm not really sure that is considered waiting though!!!  LOL!

I spoke with the young lady responsible for scheduling appointments for Dr. White's patients.  She had been out sick and was working on getting caught up.  She said she had my chart right in front of her and would work on setting my appointments.  She said she would call me back soon.

About 15 minutes later, my phone rang and it was her!  She was shocked she was calling me back so soon.  She said scheduling NEVER happens this quickly - EVER!!!  My first thought was...that's my GOD!  He is all over this!!! 

This is the second time I've heard a comment like this from someone in Dr. White's office!  ONLY GOD!!!   I get so excited watching God work!!!  I can't contain myself!!! 

My MRI is scheduled for this Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 11:00 a.m. and my genetic counseling appointment is early Thursday morning.

I have to share this with you too.  Since my diagnosis, I've sensed God wanting me to investigate the impact of nutrition on breast cancer.  My friend Kathy, Dr. White's nurse Sandy, and a dear lady in my Tuesday morning Bible study have all mentioned nutrition to me too!  Two of them have even mentioned the same exact website for me to check out!

Well, the CMC cancer center offers a nutrition class for breast cancer patients.  Guess when it meets?  The third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. 

Guess what this Wednesday is??  The 3rd Wednesday of this month!   

Guess where I will be this Wednesday???  At my MRI appointment at 11:00 a.m. which is located in the SAME building as the cancer center!!!

Needless to say, God wants me at the nutrition class!!! He is so faithful!!!   

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."  Philippians 4:19-20

Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy

God's Timing

My Bible verse for today says,  "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong."  1 Corinthians 16:13

Just a real quick update.  I'm still waiting to hear back from my surgeon's office with my MRI appointment.  God keeps telling me to be patient and wait on Him.  I keep reminding Him that my prayer is for JOY, not patience!!! 

Hopefully, I will know something by tomorrow. 

Praise - My friend Laura's breast cancer surgery went very well on Tuesday, and she is at home recovering.  Please continue to pray for her healing and for her future treatment.  Remember her husband and children as well.

Pray for my brother Shane who had major back surgery on Tuesday.  The operation went well, but he started having some complications (bloating, high blood pressure, vomitting, etc.) this morning.  Ask God to heal him completely and for HIS presence to be overwhelming to my brother and his wife & 3 daughters.

Also, my friend Heidi had surgery yesterday and is doing well according to her daughter.  Her recovery will take some time so please pray for her physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Also pray for her husband and 2 daughters during this time.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!  God says.....

"Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD..."  Jeremiah 29:12-14

Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy

Meeting With My Surgeon

You will be glad to know that it's late & I'm tired so this will be short and sweet :)

My husband and I went to the cancer center this afternoon to meet with my surgeon, Dr. White.  I was so excited to see encouraging poems and sayings about God at the sign in area.  But, I was completely blown away when I saw Scripture - REAL, LIVE SCRIPTURE -  front and center at the sign in desk!!!!!  I knew I was at the right place!

Here are the nuts and bolts of what Dr. White said.  Because I had my mammograms and biopsy in RH and not at a CMC facility, Dr. White has some questions & wants more information.  So, he is sending me for an MRI to clarify some things on my mammogram.  He said I may even need to have additional biopsies if the MRI reveals anything suspect.   I should know by tomorrow (Tuesday) when I will have my MRI.  I will also have an appointment with a genetic counselor.

Once the MRI results are in (and any new biopsies are done, if need be), I will have surgery.  It will most likely be right after Thanksgiving.  The type of surgery - lumpectomy or mastectomy - will be determined by the MRI findings.  After surgery will come radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and then 5 years of medication to reduce the risk of recurrence.

It sounds like I'll be hanging around the cancer center for quite awhile.  This just means I'll have lots of opportunities to meet people and get to know some of them very well!!!  God has plans!  And to HIM be the glory!

".....whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31

***Please pray for my new friend Laura from my church who was also diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer.  She is having surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 9:00am.

I have so much more I want to share, especially about what God did this past weekend...but it's late & I'm tired...and I promised to be brief.  So, I'll save it for next time.

PRAY!

Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy

PRAY FOR HAITI

With Hurricane Tomas heading for Haiti, my heart is so heavy for the people there. You can read more about the situation at  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/tropical_weather  

PLEASE PRAY FOR HAITI!!!!!

The country is still struggling to recover and survive from the earthquake in January 2010.  I had the privilege of going there this summer.  The devastation is still so prevalent, and the needs of the people are still so great.

"Hear my prayer, LORD;  listen to my cry for mercy."  Psalm 86:6 

Loving HIM with all my heart,
Nancy