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.  

Edith Sanford  Breast Cancer Foundation

"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.