Thursday, March 21, 2013

Make my life...

My week so far...  

It started with this pretty envelope showing up in the mail...


"Make my life a prayer... "



My sweetest friend Robin@All Things Heart and Home, sent this bracelet to me in the mail. She shared on her blog:

"My prayer for these humble little bracelets is that every time we see them on our wrists we remember to whisper a prayer…over and over throughout the day, our focus gently turned towards the One who made us…over and over whispered prayers of thanks, healing prayers for a friend, prayers of provision for another, prayers of deliverance for someone else, prayers for a stranger …"

You can read more about the story behind the bracelets and how she uses hers by reading her post here.  

I am left thinking, how will I use this to do the same?  "Make my life a prayer?"  My head is swimming with the newness of the week and all of the possibilities. 








As I prepared to receive my "Vitamin H," on Tuesday, Dr. Panwalkar's nurse, Andrea popped into my room.  I haven't seen her since my diagnosis, two years ago, so it was a pleasant surprise to see her again.

She brought with her the list of side effects I may encounter from taking the oral pill, Xeloda.  She also highlighted the most concerning ones, and told me to call her instantly if any of those occur.  They will more than likely have me stop taking the drug, wait a bit, and then try a lower dose.  I was so relieved.  If I am on my trip and have some of those side effects, I will know exactly what to do!  

A few minutes later, one of the Social Workers, Cheryl came into visit.  She essentially pre-qualified us to receive some funds from the drug company to reimburse part of the 859 dollars every 3 weeks that the Xeloda will cost.  

She is apologetic... "its not much."  But its more than I had before her visit.  And not much?  Truly adds up to a lot when its answered prayer.  

"Make my life a prayer..."   Thank you, Father.  Thank you." 



Yesterday I had an eye exam complete with dilation.  I ended up spending the early evening hours in bed with a blurry focus and queasy stomach- but with the good news that despite a little correction needed, the health of my eyes is very good.  

 But Nolan was insistent I get up to eat dinner with them.  I mustered a few bites of food, and then saw a glimmer coming from the counter.  I was so surprised to open a bag and find...

Sparkly mittens!  Beyond adorable!  Thank you Sue for brightening my day!  


Normally, one may not be thrilled with new mittens on the first day of spring... however...


when we awoke yesterday, the sun was shining- but we quickly discovered...

It was a balmy -4 outside!!  

Yes- below zero with a wind that cut right through.  With snow, piled up everywhere, and no warm-up in sight for another week at least.  

Mittens, that sparkle, could not be any more perfect.




But the gifts of the day had not all been revealed yet.  As I sat down to dinner,  I saw Nolan had placed a sheet of paper by my plate,  I turned it over to discover this certificate for Student of the Month.  Wow- I love how Horizon Middle School makes it a priority to recognize the achievements of our kids.  So proud of you Nolan! 

I've been wondering how missing a week of school will affect Nolan and his grades.  I feel the gentle nudge from Him, "he'll be okay."  




I go back to bed, with dinner not really sitting too well with me.

I had such a gnawing in my stomach, and I kept thinking what can I find to eat?  A couple of hours later, another knock at the door and my sweet friend Heidi has brought warm, homemade, bread!  

Its warmth makes it moist and easy on my mouth.  It feels perfect going down, and a short time later, my stomach settles.  I think its the extra dose of love that Heidi bakes with, that truly sits so well.

Time and again, with barely an utterance from my soul, my needs are met in a way that is bigger than I can fully put into words.  



I sat there thinking- wow- this is how prayer shows up in your life.  The right people, with exactly the right things, showing you how to keep on going.  "Wow, Father, wow, the simple abundance continues to nourish me, even when I struggle with the ability to eat." 

Its late now and I finally sit down to go through my email.

The last surprise I receive is a link to the television ad I wrote about previously.  Its hosted on vimeo and I have a short little clip towards the end of the ad.  I would love for you to view it here.  Maybe you'll even click the like button and like it?  The more attention it gets, the longer it will play on cable- and the more audience we can reach.  



"Help Father, help.  There are so many others, with heavy burdens, needing to feel Your ever faithful and loving presence."  Please help.  

"Make my life a prayer..."  

How may I pray for you today?  Email or leave requests in the comments.  












28 comments:

  1. this is a lovely post.

    prayer request? not for me, but for our mutual friend, holly. she has been plagued with migraines the past few weeks, and this latest one is a multi-day'er. didn't get to sleep until 2a, and was awake when i texted her at 7:30.

    is to see her naturopath today. pray it's not cancer, moved to her brain?

    i'm enjoying wearing my prayer bracelet from robin too. have used it as a reminder to pray for you a few times. :-) how many days til you leave for the OCEAN?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes- of course- prayers for Holly. Shoot- its so hard to have symptoms like those- I pray they find a cause that is both benign and treatable in the least invasive way.

      One week from today- yikes- both excited and nervous for all we have to do before we go!!

      Delete
  2. Dear, sweet, incredible Vicky. Prayers for us while you are suffering. Grateful for warm bread and warmer love from a dear friend and sweet, beautiful-hearted Robin and her gentleness to visit you with the lovely prayer bracelet. So happy that Nolan was recognized and celebrated, too, because what makes a mother's heart happier than to see her kiddos happy and loved? Good medicine all around. If you truly want to pray for us, pray that this flu and accompanying pneumonia will leave us. Hunter is getting sick today so I'm running him in for Tamiflu. Our doctor advised us not to wait if the kids got sick after he has seen how sick Jamie and I have been. And pray that Hannah doesn't succumb. She has been working/going to school 14-15 hours a day and is really exhausted. She will be done by tomorrow night and gets to enjoy spring break and DOESN'T want to spend the time in bed sick. So glad for her. Praying for YOU and wanting any and all side-effects to be non-existent. Love you, friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh poor Hunter-man- yes, will absolutely pray that the Tamiflu starts to work immediately and can fend off the dreaded flu/pneumonia! And prayers that Hannah stays strong and can fend off any exposure to the bug so that she can continue to focus on her work and school. Thank you for YOUR prayers Robynn- hugs to you for the burdens you carry when illness threatens!

      Delete
  3. Oh sweet Vicky! Such a grace filled post! I so love "Make my life a prayer" I will read more about this and think how I can do this, I think so much about living a life of graditude, how can my life be a prayer too - good things to ponder.

    I am thanking Him right now for covering you in His love and light - so very thankful!!

    I would really appreciate it if you pray for my sister - she is having a biopsy tomorrow on her breast - after 2 mammos and an ultrasound - this is testing my faith and trust.

    Praying your side effects are minimal - let His healing work through the process.

    Love you!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Tiffany- how anxiety ridden you and your sis must be. Yes, of course I will pray for her- how nerve wracking to have to endure so much and not have any answers yet. I'm glad to hear however, that her medical providers are being prudent and following through till they have erased any and all doubt- the biopsy should put all concerns to rest. Love to you and sis, honey :)

      Delete
    2. We finally have answers to my sister's biopsy -- I would love to share with you if that is ok? Mabye I can email you??

      xoxo

      Delete
  4. Vicky... what a beautiful post. I love "make my life a prayer." I have sent your link to my Sista and 3 of my dear non-blogging friends. I put your blog on my blogroll because you are such an inspiration to me. I am keeping you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie- I am coming to visit soon- but first, thank you for your kind words and for sending my link on- I'm honored if anything I say resonates with someone else. Thank you for the prayers! xxoo

      Delete
  5. Vicky...I try not to cry when I read your posts, 'cause they are full of strength and hope and love. But, when I got to Nolan's certificate and the "he will make it" part...the Mama in me kicked right in and somehow that squeezes my heart and causes the tears to come.
    I'm so happy that you are being bathed in prayer, taken care of by your family and friends, and that you take care of others the same way (or even greater, actually.) I am thankful for the reimbursement of money for your drug treatment, for shiny mittens from Sue, for a bracelet of love and prayers from Robin, for the heads up from Cheryl and the comfort of knowing you could call while you are away on your trip if you need to, for a video that speaks to us from the heart of a dear friend named Vicky, for a good report on an eye exam, for warm bread from Heidi when your tummy was not feeling well and most of all for prayer. Thank you, Lord for the ability to come and sit at Your feet, talk to You and listen to You and leave our burdens with You. I covet your prayers, Vicky, for an unspoken request. The Lord knows it, and I am thankful that my Sister Vicky will pray with me and for me concerning it. Thank you for that.
    Sending you sweet hugs...warm smiles and prayers for a wonderful trip, my friend.
    Love you,
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have my prayers Jackie~ and my humbled thanks of gratitude that you and I have crossed paths and become like sisters. Sending those warm smiles and hugs back to you! xxoo

      Delete
  6. Such a strong post recognizing the power of prayer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan~ you've been in my prayers :)

      Delete
  7. You show me the meaning of Grace every time I come here... that's all I need and I thank you, dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are entirely welcome- and you know where to come if the need/desire for prayers ever does arise :)

      Delete
  8. Congrats to Nolan! I will gladly join you in making my life a prayer. Such a neat thought and way of living!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nolan got a big grin when I showed this to him- "hey that is Carrie!" Such a funny kid. Yes- I could totally see you doing this as well :)

      Delete
  9. Want to thank you and in return, I'm sending up prayers for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ms. A- have been thinking about you and your son- will go look for an update- hugs to you - thank you for taking the time to stop by!

      Delete
  10. What I love most about this is that Nolan left the award by your plate so he could surprise you. Exactly what Camden would do.

    So grateful that you're receiving even a little help with the meds. Yikes on that cost!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that you mention it- I could totally see Camden do the same thing :)

      Delete
  11. Nice post Vicky. I can't believe the cost of your medication...unbelieveable. My prayers continue for you and your family.

    A big high-five to Nolan!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa- much appreciated and Nolan smiled when he saw this :)

      Delete
  12. You are an inspiration. Praying for you. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for such sweet words Jennifer- blessings to you!

      Delete
  13. Love you too honey- thank you- and yes I think we should be knocked over by the costs- something has to change-

    ReplyDelete
  14. Vicky, please tell me how to "like" the video. I saw that you and five others did but couldn't find a like button except on the video itself, which I clicked. But I saw that you and others liked the DRTV or something and I couldn't figure out how to do that. It says I can join Vimeo but I don't think that would do it either. So sorry to be such a ditz!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Vicky, can you tell I'm behind on things? But now, properly caught up and will be awaiting another beautiful update. Your words are always so rich, like a cup of white chocolate mocha! Hugs and prayers and with wishes that your Holy Week will be truly holy and hopeful.

    ReplyDelete

I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

When you get lucky

When you get lucky

Popular Posts

Minnesota.com

Minnesota.com - MN Weather, Map, Businesses and Blogs
Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape