Spread Love: Live!

So, it’s February and people everywhere are celebrating Valentine’s Day. Well, I’m not going to talk about how I would have been married for seven years on February 14 if my husband would have lived---I’m happy for the short time we were together. I want to share that in the last few years, God has blessed me to encourage so many other singles and widows. Last semester I facilitated a home discipleship group, Kingdom Single by Dr. Tony Evans. At the end of the group I gave the attendees a card with this special message: Before Jesus went to the cross, He carried each of us in His heart. Now, we who believe in Christ Jesus have Him in our hearts and we’re NEVER alone. So while some of us may not be in a marriage or a dating relationship, we’re still not alone in this life. Jesus is ALWAYS with us! Let’s remember this truth...not just on Valentine’s Day but every single day. Live...Love..Live...Spread Love!

Reset to Live

It’s January!  This is the month when I had 2 surgeries to remove  breast cancer in 2014.  I am so grateful for 6 years of life cancer free!  Some of you can relate. Some can’t. Maybe you have dealt with something else.  Survivor is defined as someone remaining alive after an event in which others have died.  I could come up with an endless list of examples. That’s not the point.  My point is that I could choose to remain focused on what could have happened to me.  (And possibly become stuck).  Or I could reset my vision. I could use my experience as a way to live differently.  I am working on a lifestyle of better health so that I am not intentionally adding carcinogens into my body.  I am not angry that I had cancer.  I am grateful for life and I will make the most of the time I have left in bringing God glory. He gave me one body and it’s my job to take good care of it.  A healthier me = more effectiveness for the kingdom.

Reason for the Season

On December 24, 2013, we had a photographer visit our home to take what is now our only set of family pictures. Every time I see myself in that red dress, I remember that I had breast cancer! I am so glad I insisted on scheduling that photo session because a year later, two of the people in the room had died. The photographer, Deacon Donald Brown, and my

husband, Ben, had passed away. As I reflect on it, I urge you to PLEASE make the most of EVERY minute you can spend with your loved ones. Don't hold grudges. Smile and laugh more. Take lots and lots of pictures. Live for God like today is the last day you have on Earth. Finally, reflect more on the real meaning of this season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!