A Joyful Heart

I read two devotions today.

One from Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." I have over and over, not just post-diagnosis, found this to be true. But it's just so easy for me to slip into my 'broken spirit.' When Josh & I talk of future plans, I see the difficulty rather than the possibility. When I look at my present situation, I often lose sight of the lessons I saw God was going to teach me through this and only see the struggle. Even to write of such a perspective saps my strength! So, I resolve to have a cheerful heart. Because it's good medicine for my soul! (We'll see how that goes - don't ask Josh about it b/c then I may actually have to be accountable!)

The other devotion was from Acts 14:33 "...they were amazed, and began to see [Peter and John] as having been with Jesus." This particular devotion began by talking about events which consume your thoughts much like this cancer process has consumed me. What if, it asked, we were consumed by thoughts of Jesus? What if people recognized us as being so close to Jesus that others were 'amazed' by it? Rather than being consumed by my diagnosis and treatments, what if I'm consumed with Christ? As the prayer of the devotion said, "I would consider this whole cancer deal worth it, if in the end I look more like Jesus, sound more like Him, and even smell more like Him."

I had my blood counts done today. Normally one should have a white blood cell count of about 4.0-11.0. Mine was at 0.53. The nurse was a bit surprised it was so incredibly low, but she explained that it goes to show that the treatments are doing what they should. Weird, because I feel better this time than last time. It apparently has nothing to do with how you feel; it has everything to do with how well you can fight infection. So needless to say, I won't be going to church this weekend. Please don't be offended, I simply don't care to share germs :) I've got a kid with a cough at home and that's enough for me, thank you!

So that's all I have to share at this point. Seems like it's a time of quiet. The few days after treatment are rough, and then after that it's a time to work to stay healthy. Again, we appreciate all the help everyone has given. I really cannot imagine going through this without it. Thank you!!

PS For those who were not able earlier, the meal planner has been updated (www.takethemameal.com)