Sometimes when things are at their lowest point, the best moments are just around the corner. But you have to venture around that corner. (Suzanne Locklear)
I never had time to be scared or even imagine dire consequences from cancer--I was too focused on conquering it. (Judith Barnard)
Whole days, even weeks, go by now and I don’t even think about it. It’s amazing that after something so terrifying, you can forget. (Nancy Reagan)
My cancer gave me the courage to say yes to life and no to unhappiness...I chose to live. (Elizabeth Miu Lan Young)
It’s a pretty amazing wake-up call. Life is short and I can assure you I don’t waste much time. (Dierdre Black)
Why I celebrate:
Four years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve always had a fear of cancer because cancer is often looked upon as a dreaded curse. And yes, I thought that way myself for a couple of reasons. However, though I’d often begged God to keep cancer far away from me, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 27, 2007. Though a bit shocked, it wasn’t devastating news. During the whole episode, God showed Himself faithful--mainly through the diagnosis. Though it had been 2 years since my last mammogram, I was told that if I had gotten the mammogram on time, the tumor probably wouldn’t have shown up. If I had waited, it wouldn’t have been felt until it had really enlarged. The mass was only 1/2 cm--pea sized. Even though small, cancer can be scary. I was alone in the doctors office when I got the news of the possibility of breast cancer--a terribly lonely time. After the mammogram, a second mammogram, an ultrasound and finally a biopsy, I knew it was my turn for the disease that no one wants but has infiltrated our family. The day I got the call, Jim was at work, Caleb was in L.A., Cory in Madagascar, Carey in Tennessee, and Charley was at home. I immediately called my good friend Cindy and she came right over. She had been through breast cancer the year before. She helped me through those first few minutes of wrapping my head around the news. It wasn’t long before friends and family began sending me words, songs and Scriptures of encouragement. That night, to relieve some of the stress of being overwhelmed, we went to Red Brick Pizza (in Paso) of all places to eat and watch TV (each table is set up with a little TV on it). (that sounds random-lol)
The surgery was on March 2 but the day before is when I really fell apart. Charley soon had me laughing and we decided to go bowling. (What else is there to do in a small town? Ha!)
Encouragement continued to roll in, even at the hospital. Sarah Kate, Joel and Diego came to be there for me and Sarah sang Ginny Owen’s “If You Want Me To”. One of the nurses prayed with me. I am so thankful for all those that shared in this experience with me through prayers, encouragement, Scripture and songs.
After my radiation treatment, we moved to Tennessee and I’ve been celebrating my BC anniversary every year with something fun, unusual, or unexpected. This year, year 4, I’m not sure what I’ll do. A trip to California sounds good to me. We’ll see.
The stedfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an EVERLASTING ROCK!! Isaiah 26:3-4
I sought the Lord and He answered me. And delivered me from my fears. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalm 34:4
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Red Hand Day--February 12
Children Should Not Be Forced Into Combat
Red Hand Day, on February 12, is a worldwide initiative to stop the use of child soldiers. According to U.N. statistics, there are approximately 250,000 child soldiers worldwide being used in adult wars. The average age is 15-18, however some as young as 7 years of age are forced to participate.
They basically become slaves for their commanders. They fear for their lives so do as they’re told from running errands to becoming victims of sex abuse. They may participate in combat, laying mines or other explosives, scouting, spying, cooking and domestic labor. Some join voluntarily for a sense of survival. About 1/3 of child soldiers are girls doing what the boys do as well as forced to be “wives” or “sex slaves” to the commanders. They may be infected with HIV/AIDS or other STDs and many girls become pregnant. These children live under harsh conditions with little food and little or no healthcare.
In the past decade more than 2 million children have been killed in conflict situations. An estimated 6 million children have been seriously injured or permanently disabled. (World Vision)
Pray for the Child Soldiers!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Superbowl Sunday--Super for ???
How will you spend your Super Bowl Sunday?
As people around the country meet for food, fun and fellowship--eating to their heart’s content and cheering on their favorite team--young girls are being sold into the superbowl city, in and around Dallas, Texas. Church activities are put on hold because of this big game--one of the biggest human trafficking events in the U.S.A.
“It’s a sad fact that where men and money converge, human trafficking follows. To meet the demand, many prostitutes will be brought in, including children and teens. Many of these will be forced victims, literally being sex slaves for human traffickers.”
“Dallas Cowboy, three time pro-bowler Jay Ratliff has joined the fight against the tragedy of child human trafficking. ‘It has recently come to my attention that American children are being bought and sold for profit and pleasure and I’m mad. Men, I’m talking to you,’ declared Mr. Ratliff.” He states that “real men don’t buy children, they don’t buy sex.”
It is estimated that between 100 and 300,000 U.S. children are trafficked within our own borders each year. (Aaron Russell, Dallas City Buzz Examiner) 25% come through Texas. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
“Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott noted that there is a ‘looming potential explosion of human trafficking around the Super Bowl.’” He also announced that he would be sending a dozen staff members from his human trafficking task force to assist local law enforcement in cracking down on human trafficking during this years Super Bowl. (John Burger)
Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal trade and is expected to surpass drug trafficking in the next two years, according to Traffick 911. (Josephine Vivaldo--Christian Post Contributer)
Several local organizations in the Dallas area are joining in the effort to raise awareness and support ground work in recognizing and reporting human trafficking for the Super Bowl 2011. Also, 5 major airlines offered a course last week to teach ways to identify traffickers and their victims.
So while you’re enjoying your wings and nachos--pray for the little ones losing their innocence today.
Other resources:
www.traffick911.com
Some Red Flags:
Scripted answers.
Inconsistencies in story.
Branding or tattoos, especially that reflect ownership or money.
Bruising, including handprints or thin marks like an extension cord or wire. Varied stages of healing with black, purple, blue, yellow shades.
Coming on to several men.
Appears helpless, shamed, nervous.
Malnourished.
Inability or fear to make eye contact.
Chronic runaway; homeless youth.
Dating much older, abusive or controlling man.
Not attending school or has numerous school absences.
Clothes that say, “Daddy’s girl” or inappropriate for weather.
On its own, one of these signs might not indicate trafficking, but 2-3 together are a good indication. The average life expectancy for a child forced into sexual slavery is 7 years. Don’t wait. Call 911 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1.888.373.7888, if you suspect something. It’s better to be wrong than not to report it. A life might just depend on it.
"Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." Proverbs 31:8
As people around the country meet for food, fun and fellowship--eating to their heart’s content and cheering on their favorite team--young girls are being sold into the superbowl city, in and around Dallas, Texas. Church activities are put on hold because of this big game--one of the biggest human trafficking events in the U.S.A.
“It’s a sad fact that where men and money converge, human trafficking follows. To meet the demand, many prostitutes will be brought in, including children and teens. Many of these will be forced victims, literally being sex slaves for human traffickers.”
“Dallas Cowboy, three time pro-bowler Jay Ratliff has joined the fight against the tragedy of child human trafficking. ‘It has recently come to my attention that American children are being bought and sold for profit and pleasure and I’m mad. Men, I’m talking to you,’ declared Mr. Ratliff.” He states that “real men don’t buy children, they don’t buy sex.”
It is estimated that between 100 and 300,000 U.S. children are trafficked within our own borders each year. (Aaron Russell, Dallas City Buzz Examiner) 25% come through Texas. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
“Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott noted that there is a ‘looming potential explosion of human trafficking around the Super Bowl.’” He also announced that he would be sending a dozen staff members from his human trafficking task force to assist local law enforcement in cracking down on human trafficking during this years Super Bowl. (John Burger)
Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal trade and is expected to surpass drug trafficking in the next two years, according to Traffick 911. (Josephine Vivaldo--Christian Post Contributer)
Several local organizations in the Dallas area are joining in the effort to raise awareness and support ground work in recognizing and reporting human trafficking for the Super Bowl 2011. Also, 5 major airlines offered a course last week to teach ways to identify traffickers and their victims.
So while you’re enjoying your wings and nachos--pray for the little ones losing their innocence today.
Other resources:
www.traffick911.com
Some Red Flags:
Scripted answers.
Inconsistencies in story.
Branding or tattoos, especially that reflect ownership or money.
Bruising, including handprints or thin marks like an extension cord or wire. Varied stages of healing with black, purple, blue, yellow shades.
Coming on to several men.
Appears helpless, shamed, nervous.
Malnourished.
Inability or fear to make eye contact.
Chronic runaway; homeless youth.
Dating much older, abusive or controlling man.
Not attending school or has numerous school absences.
Clothes that say, “Daddy’s girl” or inappropriate for weather.
On its own, one of these signs might not indicate trafficking, but 2-3 together are a good indication. The average life expectancy for a child forced into sexual slavery is 7 years. Don’t wait. Call 911 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1.888.373.7888, if you suspect something. It’s better to be wrong than not to report it. A life might just depend on it.
"Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." Proverbs 31:8
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