Today is Friday, October 7. My brother's birthday. More on that later.
So far the steroid reduction has gone fine. I truly attribute that to your prayers, so thank you very much. I'll keep you posted.
Not a lot else going on. I did some laundry this morning... just a few things that I wasn't ready to allow Ken to touch. :) I also took a couple of naps, watched some HGTV (trying to get my DVR list down before I start to load it back up again tomorrow), and am now starting on the blog post. I'm also getting a hair cut today. That should be interesting. We'll see what Cathy comes up with. Of course, I don't have much hair, but what I do have could use some work. And I'm thinking of just going pretty short all the way around. Good thing that I have never been a hair-focused person. If I were, I think this whole process would be quite traumatic.
Today's scripture is from the New Testament.
Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."
I'm going to take this verse in a different direction than I think it may be intended. I think the verse is really talking about our interpersonal relationships and how we need to live at peace with others. Important, yes. However, here is what it is saying to me right now.
It's easy for me to get discouraged these days. And, I was there yesterday and this morning. I was feeling like my situation is hopeless and that there is no use in thinking anything different. I was forgetting that I have a relationship with the God of hope! I was forgetting that I have access to the peace that comes from knowing Him... the peace that surpasses all understanding! And I was forgetting to be thankful.
You may wonder what I have to be thankful for. Here's a partial list. No pain. Patient co-workers who are taking up the slack for me. That so far our jobs have not been jeopardized by our inability to do them as we've done them in the past. People who are providing us with food... abundant and delicious food. Good sleep. Time to blog. Time to create. Friends. Family. A caring Savior who knows just what I need and provides it for me. Like I said, that's just a partial list.
When you get discouraged about things in your life, I encourage you to turn that around and think about the things that you have to be thankful for. It makes such a difference in attitude and will do much to improve your relationship with others, too. No body likes to be around a sourpuss, right? So — let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Live in peace. Be thankful.
And now a card. A birthday card for a special guy.
SHOW
Today is my brother's birthday. Mom called him a bit ago to wish him a happy birthday and I got to talk a little, too. He was on his way home after buying himself a birthday present... a great big (used) Ford truck. I know how guys are about their trucks — and my brother lives out in the country where a big ol' pick-up truck is almost a necessity. I'm sure it'll get lots of good use! (And, knowing Bob, he'll probably test out the 4-wheel drive very, very soon!)
Bob has had his own health challenges over the past several years including a fierce battle with melanoma and over a year of grueling, painful treatments — during which time he lost his job and has not been reemployed since. Life is just not fair, is it? But my brother has kept on living. He's kept on doing the things he loves. He hasn't given up. He's been an encouragement to me. And an inspiration. I'm so proud to have him as my brother! Happy Birthday, Bob! Sure do love you!
AND TELL: stamps are from Papertrey Ink (Say It With Style); cardstock is PTI (Kraft) and Stampin' Up (Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade); ink is Versamark; twine is PTI (Rustic Jute); also used PTI's Wood Grain impression plate, SU's Curves Ahead Sizzlet, and Platypus Designer Duct Tape (wicker).
Well, Cathy will be here to cut my hair soon, so it's time to finish this up. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous day! I really appreciate your visits and love hearing from you. :)
Great that everything is going well with the reduction thing. Hope you're brother has a great B-day too. We want to see the new "do" when it's done. Oh, and before I forget, I'm gonna be sending a package your way next week so you can be looking for it in the near future. Have a great weekend! Blessings!
Posted by: Armando Cortez | 10/07/2011 at 04:18 PM
Wow! Happy birthday to your brother Bob! Janelle, thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom and encouragement for all of us. Thanks for the reminder. Im sure with your smile any haircut will look good. Life is tough, handle with prayer. (bumper sticker I saw) When my sister was battling her stage 4 lung and bone cancer she would pray too! She did not have a sweet tooth though. I cant imagine not wanting sweets! Take care and get plenty of rest.
Posted by: marybethL. | 10/07/2011 at 05:49 PM
Sorry, your card is perfect for a brother!
Posted by: marybethL. | 10/07/2011 at 05:50 PM
Janelle,
You continue to inspire me with your faith. You are in my thoughts & prayers daily.
I hope your brother is done battling his heath issues. Wishing him a happy birthday and many more. Nice card!
Hugs!
Posted by: carol aka krillsister | 10/07/2011 at 09:23 PM
Love the card - Happy Birthday, Bob! Hope his health is improving and his job situation is better soon. You both must have great, positive attitudes. You are such an inspiration. Love the reminder to be thankful for what we DO have in our lives as opposed to feeling sorry for what we don't have. Can't wait to see you new haircut. Continuing to pray for no problems with your steroid reduction and a miracle healing. Hope you have a great weekend! ((HUGS))
Posted by: Connie F. | 10/07/2011 at 11:17 PM
Happy birthday to your brother. Well, Janelle, I have to say that you are an inspiration to me. I do not think I would be able to be as thankful and positive as you are every day. And, it is a good reminder to me to be more thankful every day. That is a wonderful card you made for your brother. Glad to hear about the steroid reduction. Hugs from San Diego.
Posted by: Joyce M. | 10/08/2011 at 12:40 AM
It's understandable that you have times of discouragement - you're human. God understands that. Great bro card. I'm sorry to hear your brother has undergone health challenges, too. Praying for a smooth steroid reduction for you. Love you, friend.
Posted by: SueB | 10/08/2011 at 07:36 AM
I was just reading yesterday about a man of God who was asked how he could be so peaceful and at rest even in the midst of sickness and hard circumstances. He replied, "I am a Christian, and I know my God." Doesn't that just sum it up? It is so comforting just to rest in Him. Thank you for reminding us!!!
Love you! <3
Posted by: Tricia T | 10/08/2011 at 10:49 AM
Janelle --- I'm late getting to your blog (it is almost time for today's, I imagene) ... glad the rad treatments are over.. continuing to ask God for all that you need - love you, janis
Posted by: Janis | 10/08/2011 at 11:52 AM