Positive Thinking--God's Way

People talk alot about the power of positive attitude when going through cancer treatments.

I've always liked the Pollyana glad game of finding the silver lining in the storms God brings us through. Here are the keys that are helping me have a positive attitude even through this difficult time:

1. Proverbs 17:22--A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Okay--there are some gross things about chemo--like having to call an aide to measure and flush all the "output" of the body. But being able to laugh about it makes it better.

2. Ps. 103:1=5 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth the with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

God gave me a beautiful year (with just a few miserable days) with which to step out of my busy and stressful life and to reflect on Him, fellowship with my family (wonderful husband) and friends, enjoy my garden and beautiful butterflies, birds and lizards.

( I am so happy--we have a little sanctuary for the green lizards (are they chameleons?) that are being destroyed by the big bad brown lizard immigrants from Cuba) All spring I watched a single adult do his red throat call and felt sad that he was alone, but this summer we realized he did find his true love because we had tiny greenie lizzies all through the garden! ;) )

We traveled to Michigan and saw family on the Greene and Leonard side of my family that I have not seen for two years and had sweet fellowship, especially with Mom and Dad's oldest living relatives.

I was able to organize photo albums and record memories and sort through drawers and type up our family recipes (those of you who know me, know I love oraganizing--just a little ocd) and pass on teaching materials to my replacement teacher and good friend Karmen and set up the rehearsal dinner in a sweet spot for Jeremy and Sarah next June. So I am very content. God gave me time and good things to do and that makes me happy looking back!

3. Psalm 42:5, 8,11--Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.



It's all good! I do feel that there is still work for me to do here on earth, but I realize that God's ways and plans may be different from mine. But whether I serve Him here or sing His praise in Heaven, it's all good. He has answered so many prayers and shown me that He can take care of my family and my responsibilities and so there are no worries.

5. One day at a time--Isaiah 43:1b,2--Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou wlkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

God has proved this promise true already and I know He is walking with me now. That's where the power of positive thinking comes from!

*This was written by one of my highschool teachers. Please remember this dear lady in your prayers!*