To will

Creating willingness to do the right thing and help others is such a different way of thinking in this society that is self- centered. Everyone sitting in their bubble of life. Driving past children in school zones not paying attention to the safety of kids. Opportunistic people stealing their neighbors goods that they earned and work hard to get. People shoving people who get their way without manners. I get annoyed. Is this what I have surrounding me and my community. The examples set for my children?

I sat talking to a group of 15-16 year old kids of various ethnicities but with one commonality. Pursuit to be closer to God. At least I thought so, when I asked them why they came no one answered. But, their body language showed they didn't want to be in a class with me. It made me sad at first and then I prayed with them and them with me. So there, I was able to lay seeds in their minds and hearts.

And, my heart resonated when at week 2, they shared more about their daily struggles. I listened to how they deal with pressures of having good grades, living up to expectations of their parents, peer pressure and relationships. It gave me insight on what I have to look forward to. I just need to remember to have open ears for when I need to listen to my kids struggles and cries for help.

Truth shall set you free

am a believer of truth

Amazing grace!!

I am a sinner. I am human. I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and a teacher. I have been spared my life on more than one occasion. I have witnessed miracles in my own life and in others. The power of prayer has no limits. HE saved us so we could live in his glory. I proclaim his name because even when I fail him on a daily basis, he still loves me. Stubborn, prideful, cussing like a sailor, me. Yesterday, the wind was knocked out of me as the doctor cancelled , my surgery and asked me to come into the office to discuss my treatment plan. I thought of course, it was Bad Bad news. I was in a bad mood all morning. Taking it out on my poor husband. He just told me, he was there for me and I had cloudy vision and hearing. When I got the news, he just hugged me so tightly and kissed my shoulder over twenty times.I could feel his shoulders release his burden.

He is private in his faith, religion and prayer are usually instigated by me or the girls. He looked at me and adjusted his body while saying it is AAAAMAZING MIRACLE!!!

The girls were confused!!! I had to repeat the news to them a few times. My oldest could not leave my side. She asked if she could stay with me all night.

I'm still in shock. Amazed and thankful. My mind digresses and I think of my girlfriend, Alva. She fought so hard to battle breast cancer. She holds a special place in my heart. I dream about her and sometimes have randomness reminders of her as I go through my day. I feel her presence all the time. I have the need to tell her out loud. I know she can hear it.

When I shared my news with family and friends, one of my HL Mamas, texted me back.  It resonates in my mind. HE  has lots left here for you. Then, later in the day,  my oldest said to me when after we ate dinner. Daddy would not be able to function without you. OMG! This from my 11 year old.

I have more time. To be a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I need to make it count. Everyday!!! I challenge myself to live with the Grace of God.

The C effect

I read a TIME magazine article about the Angelina effect. Amazing how this woman has had an effect on other women throughout the world! Her personal decision to have a double mastectomy because she carries the BRAC-1 gene. The IRONY of it all is when it first came out on the news about her decision to get a double mastectomy, I was having conversations with my girlfriends of my decision to get a double mastectomy because of my health history. My oncologist agreed with me. While, it is hard to explain to my children and my husband the rationale, the simplest way to to describe it was my ability to take control of my health and using modern technology to improve my quality of life while giving me peace of mind.

This is the C effect, I call it. I no longer fear cancer. I fight it head on!!! I have so much more to do. More mothering, more living, its not my time. The C effect is now the Cherry Effect. Cancer fears ME. I have the best healer in the Universe. My God and savior has a path for me. And, he can heal me and all the cancer in my life. I go to HIM when I feel weary and low, when my loneliness bears the weight of my shoulder and I'm to weak to fight my physical aches. At the end of this all, I am promised something Great an Magnificent!!! Only I can only dream about. That's what I hold true in my heart.

I can see HIS promises in my surroundings and even when my patience is tested. I can look around and see his love for me.