Outside My Window Everything looks so green from all the rain we have had in the past week or so. And I am still enthralled with the 8 wasps that are still VERY busy building this nest on my window I just don't have the heart to knock it down yet. Through all the winds and rain, that little nest held strong there as those 8 wasps just clung to it, keeping it covered, etc. !
I am thinking. . . So many thoughts. Worried how the chemo treatment Wednesday will affect me. So much to do before then to get ready for it. And I never saw myself so ugly before. Most of my hair is gone now, leaving just a thin layer of straggly strands all over. If anyone looked like a witch, it's ME! And looking out my window, I see I need a new bird feeder. This one is falling apart. Funny though, the birds don't mind at all. They are NOT fussy as to what their dinner comes in!
I am thankful for... Sunshine. Enough daily strength to get through. A great dinner last night. Friends. Prayer. My sister who puts up with my daily whining.
From the kitchen... LOTS of spagetti sauce, Italian sausage, etc., for next week when I won't feel like cooking!.
I am wearing... Tee shirt, undershirt, black slacks --- AND A HAT!
I am creating... Nothing yet, but still have ideas!
I am going... Nowhere today, but tomorrow will be a big run to the grocery store. I'm stocking up on everything from soup to pudding, bread, juice, etc!
I remember what I couldn't eat, what tasted terrible, and what tasted good last time and want to be well stocked up.
I am reading... Nothing! If blogs count, then that's what I've been reading. I have found some of the most wonderful, encouraging, God-centered blogs that have just lifted me up and I can't begin to thank all of you who share your hearts like this. I would have never believed that blogs could be used of God the way they are.
I am hoping... I don't give up on all this. There are times I wonder if I'm cut out for a long, stretched out treatment plan like this! There have been a few times this week when I felt it definitely was NOT worth it. Other times, I realize I really have no other option. Here I am just at the beginning, and I'm already feeling like quitting????? Just can't be!!!
I am hearing... A pair of chickadees arguing with each other as to whether my bird house is the right one to rent! They've been in and out a million times and having the same conversation over and over! Can't lower the rent, so they will have to take it or leave it!
Around the house...There is so much to do. I did get vacuuming done. Got the wash done. Garbage is out. Dishes are done.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . Get myself ready in advance for Wednesday's chemo treatment. Been taking vitamin, etc., to help some. I'll do everything I can in advance so I don't feel guilty or upset when I'm under that 18 wheeler again.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Now surrendered, Lord, I need Thee near.
For Thy guidance, this is all I'm asking,
Free me from my worry and my fear.
Thank you for this peace beyond expression,
Bought for me that day at Calvary,
Undeserved, unearned, yet freely given,
Mine just to accept through faith in Thee.
Rejoicing in Thy guidance and Thy power,
Never fearing unknown paths ahead,
Thanking Thee, though pain replaces pleasure,
Peaceful, still believing You have led.
--Cora Eelman
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I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog
24 comments:
Hi Cora! I'm sure you do not look like a witch and when this is over your hair will grow back thicker than ever. Love your prayer and your new blog look is beautiful. I changed mine up a bit too. I thought a lighter background would be more cheerful and inviting. Take care.
On Friday my best friend from high school (class of '64) dropped in to visit. The last time I saw her was nearly a year ago when she had not one hair on her head. Friday it had all grown back thick and curly! She was beautiful both times, with and without hair. The God who created you and breathed life into you and who sustains you sees your beauty within, not without. Gather Him close and He will be your strength. blessings, marlene
still praying for you. You are such an encouragement. Big blessings to you.
Love the thoughts, and the sunset.
Marlene already said it better than I could so just know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
You can totally make it through this Cora....not through your own strength..but through His!!! I know it is easier said than done...I can't imagine how horrible it is for you. Know that sooo many people love you and are praying for you! xoxo
Great to know what you are up to today. I am thinking and praying for Wednesday!
Love,
Nicole
I am praying for you, Cora and just think how pretty your hair will be when it grows back. Have you thought about an attractive wig? might help you feel better..God bless and keep you sweet sister..
I am sure Buster doesn't care what you look like. I like the changes to your blog.
Judy
I was really blessed by your blog. I will definatly be praying for you. You are a great encouragement to all who read.
Cora, I'm sure you're beautiful no matter what because you have a beautiful heart.
I'm keeping in my prayers.
When I lost my hair due to a med I was taking, I took advantage and bought a lot of cute little scarfs from eBay with bangs or a velcro strip so you can add bangs. I bought a blond and a red bang. : ) I still wear some of mine even though I have my hair back. You'll get yours back too.
That little wasp nest reminds me for some reason of Noah and the people in the Ark.. : )
You will be in my prayers especially on Wednesday.
I'm so happy to have found your lovely blog! Please know that you will be in my prayers!!!
Hey Miss Cora...
Nope... NO witch at Hidden Riches from Secret Places..~ instead thee: BEAUTIFUL CORA Eelman. -- The Cora Eelman that God knew even before she was born.* The Cora who.. is SPIRIT FILLED, has tremendous Heart, is loving, giving, very creative, an incredible writer and artist, she's encouraging to others, brave-(even though she doesn't think so), and her beauty shines with or without hair.
Thinking of you sweet friend,
(Wednesday, I'll be on my knees praying.)
EAGLE WINGS ~^~
L
I'm sorry for what you are going through and I pray that you have a great support group to carry you when things are hard.
Remember, He doesn't move away but you can chose to stay close to Him.
Elaine
A beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing.
I pray your treatment goes well tomorrow and the following weeks.
Praise the Lord that He is our Strength.
Thank you for visiting me.
~ Christina
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the LORD for ever:
for in the LORD JEHOVAH
is everlasting strength:"
~ Isaiah 26:3-4
Hi Cora! My best friend from high school went through breast cancer treatments, many years ago.
When her hair came back it was lighter in color and curly. She is beautiful before and after, inside and out. Just like you!
Hang in there. I am still sending good thoughts and prayers from Georgia.
Pam
Our neighbor, who is doing the breast cancer battle, looks so sweet in her hats. She sometimes wears a wig, too. She is hoping her hair comes back white like her Dad's was. I'm sure you will look beautiful in your hats. I wish you the best as you face this week. You can do it. I know you can. Julie
Oh Cora... you're beee-u-tiful inside and out!!!
I will be praying especially hard for you tomorrow....
Hi my Sistah
(((Hugz)))) Your post was so heartfelt, you will be amazed at the inner strength that you possess. It's like there is a reserve within your soul that the Lord continues to refill with himself, and through his strength you make it through each day.
I don't know if you ever heard this poem before, but I thought I'd share this incase you never read it...
Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a
wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head."H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did
and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said,"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."So she did
and she had a fun,fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.......
Leave the rest to God.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
God Bless You.. Lorie
Rain does bring a shower of blessings - especially in late summer so everything that was heat stressed gets a bit of a boost. Glad you are preparing for your chemo - I know everyone gives you a zillion suggestions - my family member who went through VERY aggressive chemo and radiation found that strong green tea with honey and lemon helped his nausea and the doctor said it was good for raising blood oxygen levels too. Wish some of us were close enough to brew that tea, tie your pretty scarves on (love the idea of scarves with BANGS) and make a nice snack when you are needing a nibble. Bless you, sister in Christ - you are keeping your eyes upon the only one who matters - Our Daily Bread had a wonderful two line poem today - Only one life, ’twill soon be past / Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Today your blog blessed all us who read it - that is done for Christ.
Will check in with you - stay the course good and faithful servant - we never know what surprises He has for us.
Hello, Cora, I am sorry you have to fight this battle. I loved the "Attitude" poem posted for you by "Joyfulsister". I will remember you in all my prayers today. Debbi :-)
I think of you often dear Cora. You know your winning this battle for all of us and we are so proud of you. My husband had Lymphoma a few years back and also lost his hair due to chemo. Our creative daughter painted a large smiley face on it, along with other things. A smooth head makes a perfect canvas when you get tired of wearing hats. Hey, maybe you could start a new fashion trend. Stay brave, encouraged and know we love you with or without hair. RoseMarie
Cora, the poem is beautiful!
Knowing today is your chemo treatment, I will be breathing many prayers for you throughout the day.
(((BIG, BUT GENTLE, HUG)))
How I love reading your reflections on your day! From the way you are enjoying those nasty but industrious wasps to how you interpret the bird conversations.
The only problem is the kitchen part ... I always close with the most amazing craving for whatever you have mentioned!
Love,
Lea
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