Greetings to all of you, my sweet sisters in Jesus Christ.
This life you and I are living right now is so incredibly brief. In God’s Word it is described s a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke. Job 8:9NLT says “For we were born but yesterday…Our days on earth are as a transient as a shadow.” The word transient means, “lasting only for a short time; impermanent”.
So, if we are here for only a short time we as sisters in Christ Jesus must decide how will we spend our time. Daily we are faced with so many choices, not only with our decisions and actions but with our attitude. We must ask God to help us see life on earth through His eyes. “Help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more.” Psalm 39:4LB Ask yourself this question, “How do I want to go through my life…empty handed? Distracted? Or do I want to live out my days with a sense of urgency as Christ’s daughter making every moment count and have eternal kingdom meaning.
Pastor Rick Warren tells us in the Book, “Purpose Driven Life”, God is very blunt about the danger of living for the here and now and adopting the values, priorities, and lifestyle (attitudes) of the world around us. When we flirt with this world, God calls it spiritual adultery. The Bible says, “ You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you will end up enemies of God and His way.” James 4:4MSG
For the last ten months I have faced a variety of challenges, and yet I would NOT allow my mind to dwell upon the setbacks and possible outcomes. Instead, I saw my circumstances as opportunities to bring the joy and peace He has given me to those I encountered. You may be thinking so exactly what steps did you take to not let those negative thoughts; those lies the devil was whispering affect your daily life? Through the pain, the brain fog and weakness of my cancer journey?
First, no matter how I was feeling physically, how clouded my mind; I allowed the Holy Spirit to comfort me and help me speak simple words to God. If all I could get out was “Yes, God”, “Bless the nurses, Bless the doctors, Bless their families”, “Lord comfort the next patient who sits in this chemo chair, who lays on the radiation table.” Doug and I often found ourselves praying for those sitting in the waiting room. We thought if we can be a blessing to others bringing joy and hope in this place, God will be glorified.
Second, I was careful to protect what my eyes and ears let in. What I mean by this is our eyes and ears are receptors or gates that are constantly exposed to all things, what the world says, what the people around you are saying…much of which are tainted by the devil’s attempts to destroy God’s truth. Let me give you an example, I could have researched my diagnosis of Breast Cancer and read all kinds of negative experiences which would allow my mind to sink into despair. Instead, I did research through well established cancer treatment centers to gain an understanding of my illness, but I was careful to not draw any conclusions. God has already told me He was with me, so that I should not worry but have confidence that no matter where this journey ends, I belong to Him. We must let Him be ENOUGH.
Our life here on earth has a beginning and end date. Only God has those details. I recent heard a poem called “The Dash” it speaks of what is put on a tombstone or written in an obituary, you know Birth date – Death date and in between is always a dash. Sisters it is what happens in that “dash” that counts, how we chose to spend our earthly life. We chose the reflection seen by others, are you reflecting Jesus or the world? Are you looking at those around you through Jesus’ eyes?
In the Message version of the Bible 2 Peter 2:11 says, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.”
In closing, the brain fog is lifting slowly, for now I have completed my chemotherapy and radiation. There is some ongoing treatment ahead and some surgery but I am confident that God’s wonderful hands are on those caring for me.
Ephesians 1:11-14MSG “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.”
Blessings, Sister Laurie
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 
Thank you, Lori! So VERY GOOD! God is being glorified in and through you. Leon