My Journey: October 2012

Monday, October 15, 2012

Bitter-sweet?

Finally, an appointment. We received the letter today from the hospital informing us that my hubby will be assessed by the haematologist. The definitive diagnosis is leukaemia. That's the bad news. The ray of sunshine that pervades the black cloud, however, is that the sweet man who said 'I do' to me 34 plus years ago, is dealing with the chronic form - chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) they call it. So now we once again wait for the day of the appointment to discover what the experts might say.The so-called good part about CLL is that it is slow and progressive. That is somewhat reassuring. So no chemotherapy or radiation off the bat. We await direction from the wise ones but meanwhile we ['specially me] try to stop playing the what if game. I did it when I battled my own cancer but then God, through a series of experiences and a few special people, showed me that everything would be okay.

Do y'ever wonder why things happen? I admit that I sometimes do and sometimes I question out loud, but there is just something deep down in the recesses of my soul that whisper that there is something better. This world is merely a gateway to something extraordinary. It's a messed up crazy world we live in and some of the sad, brutal horrible things that happen make me want to curl into a ball and hide.

I've heard it all. "If there is a God, why does He let these things happen?" "Why do accidents happen?" "Why do disasters wreak havoc?" "Do you really think that a merciful God would allow babies to die or children to be abused?" "Why do young people shoot each other? Bully? Kill themselves?" Why did God let you both have cancer?"

We all have our opinions. (Some are quicker to share theirs than others.) I don't have all the answers and I don't believe anyone, no matter how eloquent or sage, can truly have an answer for all the dreadfulness that is part of this world. But just because horror and hardship enter, doesn't mean I can denounce and give up on God. Besides, I don't want a fair-weather God.

I know in my heart God is not the purveyor and perpetrator of wickedness. There is another force beyond our capacity to comprehend, that seeks to destroy.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

So we don't waste time bemoaning the fact that another blip on the radar is seemingly steering us off the course of normalcy again. We open the trunk, dig out the armour and once again prepare ourselves for the fiery darts. My dearly beloved is embarking on a journey. He is courageous and ready. I am thankful to be able to travel with him. We don't really know at this point how long the journey will take, but thanks be to God, we do know the destination...

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Helping the Homeless

Tender Heart Ministries in Greater Toronto

You asked how YOU could help?

…Give a “Jesus Present” this Christmas and Share the love

Michael Bull Roberts is looking to help 400 homeless and displaced youth on the Toronto streets this winter. Each needy young person will be given a backpack containing basic necessities to help them make it through the lonely, chilly days.

Make a young man or woman’s Christmas a little brighter by either giving a cash donation to help purchase items to fill the back packs or by giving a useful gift-card such as Tim Horton’s, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Walmart, etc. I am collecting all the items and any cash donations for Michael and then I will send them on to him.

Please attach your gift card to a Christmas card and send a personal ‘generic’ message of love for the recipient. Some of these kids can’t remember the last time they felt love. Your love gift will make a difference. A thank you letter will be sent to you and your family to share on Christmas Day for any donation or gift. No gift too small.