New Year

Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again when we all think about needed changes in our lives and we make our New Year resolutions. I’m jumping on the “be healthier bandwagon,” and I’ve committed to exercising at least three times a week and healthier eating. My husband is a fitness fanatic and came up with a workout for me that will help me accomplish my exercise goals. In addition to exercise, I want to cherish my family time more. I’ve started focusing on my gratitude for family time and relationship moments with my husband and kiddos. I might also start writing another novel this year.

I think it’s important to set goals for ourselves at the New Year and throughout the year. One area of our lives that we don’t want to forget focusing on is our spiritual life. Things can be going well with our physical and relational lives, but we also need spiritual renewal.  What a great time of year to start focusing on quiet time with God. Take a few moments in the still of the mornings with a cup of steaming coffee to spend time in your Bible and prayer. It’s a great way to start each day. You’ll find that with that time spent with God comes the renewal you’ve been in search of.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

Blanket of snow

Just watching the snow floating peacefully gives me a sense of peace this morning. The flakes are fluffy and remind me of the story of Moses and the Israelites, when God sent manna to feed the Israelites as they were wandering in the desert. I wonder if it looked like snow falling to the ground. How would I have responded to seeing God send bread from heaven for me? What an incredible way for Him to show His love, His provision, and His desire to connect with the Israelites. 

I think that God finds many ways to communicate His love and care for us, whether it be in the falling snow, a gentle rain, or in the brightness of a sunny day. We are always in His charge, and I am amazed at His quiet reminders. The next time you see a gentle snowfall, remember that the God who created this universe cares for you.

“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?” Psalms 144:3

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Christmas season

Happy December, Friends! The cold weather is upon us, and some of us have already seen snow. I don’t know about you, but I’m enjoying every part of this Christmas season.  The Christmas lights are shining bright in my neighborhood; and all through town, I see the sparkling and glimmering Christmas trees and decorations. The gifts are piling up under my tree, and I love to sit by the twinkling lights of the tree and the fireplace at night. The other day, my husband and I spent an afternoon shopping and then we ducked out of the cold for some hot chocolate. 

During this time of year, there also seems to be more opportunity for giving. There are so many people in need. It’s a good time to stop and take inventory of all our blessings. Giving from the heart is good medicine for the soul, and there are plenty of grateful people at the other end of our giving.

This time of year can also be one of sadness for many. There are some of us who have lost cherished loved ones, and the pain of missing them is too much to bear. If you are one of these people this year, remember that God is with you. You are not alone. He knows your sadness, your loneliness, and your pain. He will be with you through each day of the holiday season just like He is throughout the year.  If you know someone who is hurting, take a moment to make a phone call, send a note, or even send a text. Let that person know you are thinking and praying for him or her. God put us here for each other, for relationship, and to build each other up. While celebrating the birth of our Lord, we can also share His love with those who really need it. Have a very Merry Christmas!

“Because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Holiday Season

Good November morning! It’s a crisp 34 degrees in Kentucky and the sun is shining. Although the sun looks warm, I’m happy to be inside nestled by the fireplace with a cozy blanket over my legs and a steamy cup of coffee by my side. I hope that you are enjoying the change in seasons and this rush of cold air. Despite the cold, this time of year brings me great joy as I spend a little more time indoors where it’s warm and cozy, and I reflect on my blessings over the past year.

Thanksgiving Day is nearby, and I’ve already placed an order for an oven-ready turkey from Whole Foods, and I’m planning the rest of the meal. It’s a wonderful time for family to come together and just spend time sharing. I love having my loved ones gathered around the table, enjoying a hearty meal, as we just share and laugh about old times, present happenings, and future events to come.

This is a special time of year to reflect on the many blessings God has given me. I’m thankful for my health and the health of my family, for provision, for friends, and for the many comforts God has provided. I’m looking forward to the celebration of the birth of our Lord, and my calendar is already full of special Christmas events.

I have to remind myself to take one day at a time, and to not allow the commercialism of the holiday season to overwhelm me. Instead, I remember with a full heart why we celebrate these special holidays. Friends, I pray that you, too, will be able to focus on the special meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas and allow the joy of the season to fill your hearts. It is a time of giving and generosity, so reach out to those in need. Remember those who aren’t with us and cherish their memory, and embrace your loved ones now with a grateful heart. Enjoy the fellowship, make merry, and share the spirit of joy in this season. 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Mirror

Some days it’s hard to look in the mirror. I don’t like having an aging version of myself staring back at me. Activities that were once easy for me have started to tax my body. Athletic endeavors leave me sore. None of us like aging or seeing our bodies change as we age. It’s important to remember that God shaped us and made us to be just who we are. He didn’t make us look like anyone else, because He wanted us to be unique. Even if we strongly favor another person, we are still each created as individuals. God made you special. Remember that the person staring back at you in the mirror is loved unconditionally by your Heavenly Father.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Fall

This morning the temperature in my car registered 56 degrees. I actually had to turn on my defroster. I couldn’t help but smile to myself as I felt the cool and crisp air. For the first time this year, it actually feels like fall is here. I’m just taking a moment to thank God for the changing seasons. What a blessing. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

So thankful

I’m so grateful today for the twenty more years of life God has granted me. In 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. He could have taken me then, but He didn’t. He heard my cries for life, and He cured me. He gave me so many opportunities to enjoy living. I was able to finish medical school and residency to become a doctor. I married a wonderful man. I adopted a beautiful daughter, and I gained a gorgeous stepdaughter and strapping young nephew. My heart sings with gratitude to how great my God really is. His love is unfathomable, His care for us is gentle, and His heart for us as His children is tender. I thank you, Father.

Special time

Sitting in my hotel room this morning sipping coffee and peering out at the ocean, I’m reminded of the peace the Father wants for our lives. The sight of the shimmering waves and the sound of the slowly rushing water is comforting and makes me think of the way God speaks to us. He is always close by just waiting for us to choose to spend time with Him. He loves each of us so much. 

He beckons us for just a little bit of our time. He says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). He also tells us, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).

When your heart is heavy and you feel weary, or you just need to feel God’s presence, find a quiet place and just talk to Him. He is always ready, always listening, always there for you. 

Restored

Back in 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time I underwent a lumpectomy with radiation followed by a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. After that surgery, I suffered a postoperative infection due to radiated, thin skin with poor healing capability. That infection parked me in the hospital for five days and cost me another surgery. At that time, I was about 31 years old, and I was in my third year of medical school. Spending those days in the hospital taking pain medication and antibiotics caused me to lose track of my days, and I entered a depression. Not only was I sick, but I also had a deformed chest wall with an active infection. During that time, I cried out to God for help and restoration. I spent many days shedding tears, not knowing if I would ever feel “normal” again. Slowly but surely, God wrapped His loving arms around me and healed me.

Last year, I had a required maintenance reconstructive surgery. Both my surgeon and I were very much aware of my increased risk for infection. However, the surgery went well, and I healed well. Two weeks ago, I had to undergo another reconstructive surgery. Just like the previous time, I worried about a postoperative infection. Postoperative day number five, my incision started to become red and appeared inflamed. My mind started going down that road to infection, and I became anxious. I called my family and friends and asked them to please pray for me. I asked them to pray for my healing and restoration to health.

When I saw my doctor the next day, he looked at my incision and immediately knew that I didn’t have an infection. He told me I had an allergic reaction. You can imagine my relief as I almost cried tears of joy. I had already imagined a hospital stay, intravenous antibiotics, and possibly another surgery resulting in a deformed chest wall. I left his office that day with a huge weight lifted, and I thanked God for His goodness.

Perhaps you are experiencing a time of depression or anxiety due to poor health, a desperate situation, or grief. I encourage you to employ prayer warriors to pray for you. Our God is one of restoration, and He hears your cries for help. He will surround you with His love by bringing people to your aid, and He will bring comfort from unexpected places and people. He cares for you.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: He leads me besides the still waters. He restores my soul…” Psalms 23:1-3a.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds….” Jeremiah 30:17a