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Saturday, June 6, 2009

Graduation, good byes, and great changes


We attended the high school graduation ceremony last night. What fun to see all the 'kids' we have watched grow up, as they walked so proudly across the stage! There is a whole new life ahead of them; I pray that each one of them makes the best of it!

Tomorrow is a sad day for our church. Our interim pastor and friend, Bro. Tim, will serve his last Sunday with us. He has filled in for the last year, as we searched for a new pastor! He will be going through some big changes in his own life, as we will in our church. We will miss him terribly. The way I would describe this man is: Godly, dedicated, educated, friendly, and just a 'regular' guy. That does not take away any authority that he has, it actually shows me that he is real and can relate to all of us. I am thankful to know him, and I am thankful for the internet because we don't have to say 'good bye' forever! We are praying for you and your family, Bro. Tim!

As summer begins, so does change. Change in routine from the daily trips to school, homework, and activities; to a much less regulated schedule and more free time. Summer camps and programs, vacations and fun times await us. For our church, a new pastor and ministry to challenge us. For our family, one more year of growth behind us. Change is a good thing, but you have to embrace it and know that it means just what it is called "change." It has been said that if you do the same things, you get the same results; so if you change, there is a high probability that the results will be different! That is exciting to me! Who doesn't want a more fulfilling life?

My family went through its biggest change after my breast cancer diagnosis and surgery back in the fall of 2007. Amazingly, it took a third cancer diagnosis to really cement in our minds that we must ENJOY life while we have it, and however we have it. Things could always be worse, so we are thankful for what we have, especially in these tough days for our country.

We laugh more and try to experience more in the ordinary facets of our lives. For me, I let my emotions be what they are. I don't hide my tender heart like I used to. I have always been emotional, especially for other people. It is like I feel their pain, and somehow relate to it. Tears are not shameful, they are heart felt and healing. (Just wish I wasn't such an 'ugly' crier! LOL)

Another great change for us is that we dream now. For many years, cancer had prevented me from dreaming and looking ahead. It is not a bad thing to live in the moment, but it is even better to anticipate future moments! This really hit me when I decided to go back to college. I was sitting there thinking that in one year, I could either be in the very same spot; or, I could accomplish a few college classes and be on my way to finishing my degree! Trying was not going to hurt anything; not trying would get me stuck in a place I did not want to be. Once determined to take a college class after 16 years, I started thinking about the next steps. That lead to thinking of trying for a Master's Degree, which lead to career opportunities! How fantastic to get another chance at my 'old' dreams! I can change them, to reflect the 'new' me. I don't have to worry if I fail in some way, because I know to look for other opportunities and prospects.

So you see, in many ways, I am like those graduates that crossed the stage last night. I have hopes and dreams, and look forward to my future. I do not have to compare my life with anyone else, especially those of my peers. Many of my friends have accomplished great things in their lives, but I have nothing to be ashamed of because I know for certain that I am accomplishing what God wants me to do in my own life. The only way for me to get to this point was to endure and embrace great change!

Be blessed, friends!

5 comments:

  1. Haven't stopped by in a while. Love what you've done with the place =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Always blessed when I read what you write! Thanks so much for sharing all of this!
    Stopping by to let you know that I'm here praying!
    Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
    Prayer Bears
    My email address

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  3. Continuing to pray!
    Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Prayer Bears
    My email address

    ReplyDelete
  4. So thankful for the assurance we have in Christ! Praying hard for your family right now!
    1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
    Prayer Bears
    My email address

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  5. Know that your family is always in my thoughts and prayers!
    Psalms 18:28-30 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
    Prayer Bears
    My email address

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