Wednesday, April 15, 2015

It continues to be such a trying time. I willed myself out of bed this morning almost angrily saying I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me over and over again.  It was just the mantra I needed to stay upright and not vomit while doing our family's morning routine of Lilli up, dressed, fed, lunch packed and out the door for school and helping Rich in any way he needs to be off in a realively good note. The other goal of the morning is a new timing of when I take my nausea medicine along with chemo and other MEDS in an attempt to have less nausea.  And the most important goal is to try and be as normal for Lilli so she leaves without being too worried about me.

Lilli's worry and fear seem to be growing these past two weeks. I think it's not a coincidence that my increased nausea and general ill feeling.  Lilli got off the bus crying yesterday.  This continued until she fell asleep snuggled next to me in my bed all the while holding tightly to my hand. We spent the afternoon talking about everyday stuff with super hard stuff sprinkled in every few minutes. There weren't a lot of questions although the ones she asked were tough. She mainly kept saying I'm so worried about you. I'm worried that something is going to happen to you. She asked me what if our faith isn't true what if I don't go to heaven and what if I don't get to see you again. She said she wished there was proof. I said so do I. I told her that's why we call it faith because we can't see it. I reassured her that the doctors and medicine are helping me fight the cancer but all of our days are in God'd hands. I told her how much I love her and how much she loves me is small compared to how much HE loves us. I found myself struggling after she fell asleep last night with a bit of this isn't fair. Why me, why Lilli. Slowly in the midst of my heartache and in the quiet of the night I came back to why not me? Why not Lilli. We are loved fiercely by the King of Kings who knows every piece of this eternal puzzle and I will yield to Him.

I slept as though an angel had his arms wrapped around me and Lilli. She slept great as well.   I woke up to the nausea again this morning and started my chant... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.....

April 15

Trust Me, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don’t be afraid.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
—Isaiah 12:2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
—Psalm 61:2–4

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
—2 Corinthians 3:18 nkjv


Whoops, doc just called and wants to see me for possible infusion so I'll fill you in later!!

8 comments:

Shirley said...

My heart hurts for you and Lilli and my eyes are full of tears. I so wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. I continue to pay not daily anymore but hourly. My love to you ..

Wade said...

What an amazing display of faith, and of love. In this time of anguish, you are a true warrior, an uplifting spirit to others. I was so blessed to read this post. You are an amazing creation and God is using you, even now, in a very mighty way.

badputts said...

I continue to send prayers, hugs and love for you, Lilli, Rich and your whole family....... my heart aches for all of you. Your constant faith in God and your amazing outlook remind me daily of how much we all have to be thankful for...... you are an inspiration.
xoxox
Betsy

Patti Rice said...

I'm always blown away by your posts which provide me great pause and reflection...this one was the most inspiring! There is no greater pain for a mother than witnessing the worry, fear, and suffering of her child. While it may not feel like it, God is providing you with the way/means to calm her and build her relationship with Him. This will help her now, and for the rest of her days.
You are a gift that keeps giving...WE THANK YOU!

Unknown said...

The Lord's words to Joshua,"Be strong. Be courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." From Lesson 23 of M'burg Women's Bible Study, from which you are sorely missed. My love and prayers to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Donna, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am sending you so much love. You are in my thoughts all the time.
Stef

Unknown said...

Thinking of you darling girl.
XXOO

Shannon Davis said...

Dearest sister,

I read this when you posted it last week. Since then, I've been praying daily for you, my precious friend. That you suffer continuing physical hardship hurts my heart for you. You have been so incredibly accepting of all this pain, burns, sores, severe and debilitating headaches and now this miserable nausea. Honestly, you are a walking book of Exodus with all these plagues. Seriously, you have to know how much your words bring us to our knees as we beseech God to lessen your symptoms and make them bearable and fleeting. Precious Lilli. You are the perfect mother for her. The perfect mother for all your children and grandchildren. That you continue to witness God's love for you and them throughout this trial is the finest gift this side of the curtain. It's the finest gift for all of us blessed enough to know you. Donna, please know that I am praying you reach the promised land of full and complete healing. That God is working this heartache and these hard circumstances into good purpose is already evident. I pray this week is going better for you, sweet girl. Thank you for your words and your reminders of our Big God.