Storing up Sweet Memories and Steroids and That is why I look like a Stuffed Chipmunk!

Storing up Sweet Memories and Steroids and

That is why I look like a Stuffed Chipmunk!

Psalms 34:8

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him

Psalms 119:103

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth

When we decided to accept my cancer diagnosis, enter hospice and enjoy my remaining days at home, sweet peace truly flooded my soul.   My goal was to embrace all of God’s goodness through the Bible, Hymns, precious memories, and the sweet fellowship of our church, family, and friends.

Phil. 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

That verse has been my go-to reference for myself and everyone I counsel when you are needing direction and encouragement.  Count your blessings and let God sweeten your day!  Let me challenge you to inspect your conversation and your attitude.  Is it a lovely, pure and sweet testimony that you share with the world each day.  Sadly, I am seeing more and more ladies who have been given grace, turn into judgemental vicious women. Ten years ago I presented our ladies with a challenge……Would someone call you a Gracious Lady?  Have you grown in grace, made spiritual decisions, and yet stayed gracious towards others who are still growing.  This mean-spirited attitude of stalking, talking and staring at a person who does not meet your standards is totally opposed to the grace that Jesus extends to all of us whose best is called filthy rags.  I mentioned my first prayer request after my diagnosis was that I would stay sweet, and not be grumpy.  It is so easy to fall into the trap of forgetting Phil 4:8.  Being kind, lovely, and praising is the mark of a gracious Lady.  What kind of lady are you?  I have a malignant brain cancer that wants to swallow my mind and body.  We have a sinful, know it all attitude, that wants to go around God’s grace towards certain people.  God wants everyone to receive his love and grace.  Please be sweeter and gracious, don’t let malignant cancer kill your gracious lady status.

When I came home everyone started to spoil me.  No one scolded me or tried to tell me what I did to get this cancer, or how I was to blame.  Everyone treated me carefully because I was in a fragile state.  Flowers, cards, comfort foods and my favorite sweet things, cookies, donuts, and chocolate……and Love was sent my way.  There are many who need this same care and love spiritually.  My doctors even gave me orders to eat a cookie every day because I had lost so much weight.  Please consider offering something to other ladies who need encouragement

Sweet treats, precious family time, my garden and sunsets, your prayers Have been Heaven on earth for me.

The next 2 months were so encouraging.  I felt good and all the side effects of the hospital started to fade away.  With a walker, scooter and the remodeling changes Tim made to our bathroom, my life was not a normal cancer experience.

Recently, the extreme fatigue that comes with brain cancer has changed my life.  Losing muscle tone in my legs and arms has slowed me down a little.  Weakness and needing more daytime naps are my new normal. I finally gave in to Tim’s suggestion of a lift chair, and it is so helpful.  The next adjustment was my new look!  Taking steroids and anti-seizure drugs have made my cheeks and neck look like I am a stuffed chipmunk.  I don’t think I can frown, my cheeks are so chunky.

I am so thankful for your prayers and the sweet fellowship of family and friends.  As I approach the 3-month stage, we are so grateful that God continues to give me more time, few complications and memories with loved ones.  We continue to live moment by moment, day by day, and cherish our time together.  I hope we can encourage you to live this way, too.  Hug, kiss, and make memories with your family and friends.  Be Sweet, be kind, be tenderhearted, forgive and let Jesus direct your life.  Laugh at the chipmunks, think of me and eat something Sweet!

Wendy