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Thursday, June 26, 2008

God's Faithfulness!




"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

God's Word is so full of promises of His faithfulness to us and that He will never leave us alone and will walk with us through whatever it is He leads us into. We memorize the promises, we quote them to everyone else who is having a problem, and somewhere, deep within our hearts we know that we believe them.

Everytime I hear the hymn that is playing, Great is Thy Faithfulness, my soul wells up in the utmost belief in those words that He never changes, no matter what. So why is it my stomach turned into a million knots when I got THE phone call yesterday?????

In my heart of hearts, I knew it wouldn't be good news. I just didn't want it confirmed, I guess. Yet, even as I listened to this sweet, caring lady tell me about the radiologist's report and the next step in this journey, I knew that the Lord was there with me with the promised strength and fortitude I needed to carry on the conversation and get the information I needed written down.

When I hung up the phone, a strange calm came over me, and I knew that even through the worst of storms, God would be walking with me. At that moment, I could hear the worst thunder, the lightening was cracking around us, it was raining sooooooo hard, it was dark outside and the lights were dimming on and off. But I was dry and safe and protected in my home. And so I also knew that as long as I kept my eyes on Him, there would be no storm that could come over me and defeat me until it was time for Him to call me home. His Faithfulness would carry me through.

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Naomi from Naomi's Notions posted this picture in our Ebay group a few days ago, and I've gone back and looked at it so many times during the past few days. Somehow, to me it is a picture and constant reminder that God DOES keep His promises and will always be faithful to us!



The report???? "Highly suggestive of malignancy. Large mass with pattern of spidering throughout breast tissue, causing deep dimpling and open lesion. Significant changes in armpit."

So this is all I know right now. Tuesday, July 1st, I have a consultation appointment with a surgeon to go over all this and set up a scheduling for biopsy, etc., for the final definitive diagnosis.

Thank you so much for your prayers -- all of you! Your comments, emails, etc., have meant all the world to me, have strengthened me, and made me more aware than ever that God sends His people to strengthen us and lift us up when we are in need.

I never thought I would have a blog. I never thought I'd have anything to say. I never thought I would have breast cancer. And I surely never thought there were so many Godly bloggers out there that would rush to my side and walk with me through this valley in my life. All I can say is, THANK YOU!!!!!

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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
50. My sister, who constantly holds me up and encourages me!
51. Tree frogs, whipporwills and other creatures who have learned to sing in the darkness of the night!
52. Fresh tomatoes from my sister's garden.
53. God faithfulness through all these years.
54. Friends who pray!
55. Long awaited, refreshing rains!
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35 comments:

Gettysburg Homestead said...

I just now am reading your blog by way of Behind the Red Door. I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. My heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.

Mary

Nancy M. said...

I will keep praying for you on your journey. As you already know, God will be with you every step of the way!

Juri said...

Sis, unless you have been through it, no one can know the physical and emotional reaction you have when the doctor says those awful three words "you have cancer." We fear cancer all our lives, we give comfort to those who have it, knowing "there but by the grace of God go I", we read up on it, we donate to various funds to fight cancer....and we think we know...but we do not. Not until our own bodies betray us. All our lives we think "I could never go through that"....but we do go through it when called upon...we have no choice. I know you will make it, Cor...you have to because I did not go through my valley of the shadow of death to lose you!!!! We will take it one step at a time, one moment at a time, one breath at a time and get through this! Psalm 23 says it all, doesn't it?

Love you,

Jur

Renna said...

Cora, your ever present faith is such an inspiration. I continue to lift you up in prayer before our Father. (((hug)))

Debra said...

Amen and AMEN! to what Juri said, and we are in this with you, and beside you in our prayers and thoughts. I remember how scared I was at each step of my brain tumor ordeal, until I learned that He does keep His promises. He is ever present and He is a good and gentle shepherd.Love, Debra
P.S. It's been 13 years since my surgery. I can honestly say that I look back on that time now and still get goose bumps over how close God was-how He took my hand and led me, and I certainly did go through the valley of the shadow, but He had work for me to do yet in the sunshine. I am trusting Him to make me faithful and change those things in me that still need changing.

papel1 said...

Cora,
You won't be going through this alone...you have your Faith and your Friends to help each step that you take towards recovery.
Judy

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Cora,
Your faith is and will be so inspiring to others, including myself! Your post reminds me of what I just read on another post...one of my favorite quotes...Don't tell God how big your storm is...tell the storm how big your God is....

I'm still praying!
Tammy

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

You will be in my prayers Cora. I am so amazed at your level of faith!! Just know that we are here for you. Take care and continue to rest in Him!~Wendy

Ruthie said...

Since I am new to your blog, I had to scroll way back to read about your health issues. I know that God is in control of ALL our circumstances - and I also want to let you know that I will be praying for you in the days to come.
I see you went to PBI. That is where my Dad went and where he recieved his call to China.
I know what you mean about missing your Dad even after all these years. I miss mine also and it's been 22 years.
Keep looking up! I'm praying you'll continue to experience God's peace.
Hugs. Ruthie

Wanita said...

Cora, you continue to be in my prayers. May God strengthen you and give you peace as you go through this difficult time.

Leaon Mary said...

Miss Cora,
I know we have never met in person, but I feel like we are old friends. I don't believe it was coincidence that Fancy Nancy had sent me those angels you'd made LONG AGO. I know you and I were destined to meet and become friends. And I want you to know I will be ON MY KNEES in prayer for you. God loves you so much and will be carrying you THROUGH. REMEMBER OUR EAGLES WINGS VERSE!!!! Please listen to the song at the Potting shed SOMEBODYS PRAYING ME THROUGH okay?
BIG BEAR HUG,
AND MUCH LOVE
Lea
<*)))><

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Cora, you always amaze me with your God given insight. Love you and sending you hugs over the miles.

Love & friendship,
Lea

2 Much Farm Primitives said...

Love you Cora.

Big Big Hugs,
Vic

Unknown said...

Hi Cora, back from moving, still unpacking but had to catch up on my blog buddies, so sorry to hear of your news, but you have such a positive outlook that I know and trust you will come through just fine! God doesn't give us more than we can handle! Hugs!!

PianoPlayer said...

God is faithful, always.
Dan and I are praying for you, all of you.
Love,
Cheryl

SweetAnnee said...

Oh sweetie..your report is much like mine..but fear not
God is with us and He does love us..
You know He is right ahead of you on this
journey, here to take your hand and love you

I know how hard it is..and I know God will
give you strength..count on that..
Praying for you..Deena
.

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His Face to shine upon you and bring you peace."

"He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him whose thoughts turn often to the Lord"

I have no words of my own; but these, listen to the positive encouraging words. Trust dearie.


"Lord God, our Creator, I ask for complete healing for this dear one. I ask you to give her perfect peace regardless of what the future holds. Cocoon her in your love and peace. I ask it in Jesus' name. Amen."

Laura

Susie said...

Cora,
Just wanted to let you know you're in my prayers. I know this must be a difficult time for you and that phone call must have been so hard..
((hugs))

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Cora,
I just wanted to let you no that I'm praying for you actually in the shower, I hope you find that amusing because I feel that He is everywhere we are. Since I had a scare this past March I know a little of what you have experienced and I will not stop praying for you!

Blessings Rondell

zztop357 said...

Cora I'm so glad you found me today , and I hope you come visit again.
I loved the jam recipe.It does sound like my kitchen sometimes.
I'm sorry to read that you are ill.I'll pray for you and your family.I know God is watching out for you.
I hope you come and see me again, things are always happening around here.Just loved your blog!!!
God bless,Donna :(aka zztop357

pinetrees on the moor said...

I am so sorry to hear your sad news.Just to let you know i will be thinking of you and saying prayers for you.My blog has been neglected this past week, my server has been playing up and was busy at work.Blessings to you.kate

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

OH Cora, Like so many others out here in blog land, I was so hoping that the news would be different for you.

I am keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.

hugs, Linda

Katy said...

Wow...my prayers are still with you Cora! I love your faith and how you wrote your post for today....i needed to hear that! You are truly an amazing and brave woman Cora!

I apologize for not commenting much lately...with Chris gone...I seem to have trouble focusing on anything but him coming home. It hasn't been fun. But your post today is so reassuring! Thank you!

Thinking and praying for you my friend! xoxo

katylinvw said...

still praying! praising the Lord for His faithfulness!

*Linda Pinda* said...

Thank you for sharing all this with us Cora. Juri is so wise. I know I can't walk in your shoes right now. I just hope you know how much I wish I were there to rub your feet...

All My Heart... *Linda*

Mona said...

Sweetie, I'll continue to send up prayers for you.

Judy's Vintage Collections said...

Just stop in to check on your update.....I have added you to my blog for prayer and will be requesting prayers for you at church....also you have my shield of faith. I will be holding you up in prayer.
from the heart of Texas!
be safe in Jesus!
afriendtoyou!
Judy

Anonymous said...

Cora, I know how hard it was to write this last post...just putting the dreaded words down is hard..know that so many are praying for you and with you..The Lord is so good and mighty...He is holding your hand even now..Hang in there!

nancy huggins said...

Billy was pretty scared when he was told he had melanomia but he trusted in the Lord and he is still here today. Without that there would be no Nellie and no DH for me. I am sure the Lord will be good to you also. He has a few scars from surgery and you may have to deal with them to...but you are Beautiful from the inside out...You will be in my prayers and will be around for a long time to come. To many People need you and God will take care of you and you will be here for all of us when we need you.
Love ya more than a sister Cora. Big ((((HUGS)))) to you.
Nancy

Pam said...

Cora, I only want to say that you continue to be in my prayers daily.
Hugs,
Pam

Leaon Mary said...

Keepin you in my prayers Miss Cora,
and tagging you: YOUR IT.... please stop by the potting shed; I am taggin you to a 8 things Meme.
Hugs,
Lea

CathyJean said...

My dear friend, Cora ~
I am praying for you everyday!!
Wish I could be there to give you a hug!
Cathy

...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Sugarplum Cottage said...

Ms. Cora I've visited often but haven't left a comment because, words cannot convey my thoughts. My prayers are for you to be healed in Jesus name, for he is the great physician. And I pray his touch and mercy be upon you. I am inspired by your strength and courage, You will survive this and so many people will be encouraging you all the way. Love ya, Rose

Toni said...

Cora,
I`ve been diligently check your blog a few times a day just waiting to hear what the doctors had said.I want you to know that you have blessed so many people with your blog and you are loved by many:)I will keep you in my prayers.Love,Toni

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you, and understand what you are going through. Though I am only 46 years old, I was just recently diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer and have been amazed over the past two months at what the Lord has done in my health. Many, many people are praying for you and God truly will prove his love and faithfulness to you "morning by morning." God bless you!

Hugs,
Lori