A few months ago I was introduced to the blogosphere by my son. Since then I have enjoyed reading the thoughts and opinions of so many. I have been challenged, inspired and amused by what I have read. I am not sure what makes me think that I, as a 40-something mother, would have anything to share with others. Maybe it is not so much what I have to share as my trying to be open concerning my thoughts and feelings. I cannot deny that it has been a rough year. I wonder what in the world God is doing. I have asked Him many times (like He has to answer me!). But God, in His infinite wisdom, continues to carry me each moment of the day. Let me share with you my life. I hope to encourage you. Possibly you can learn something from my journey (and my mistakes). And please, laugh with me at my often humorous experiences. So here goes…MY FIRST BLOG!
Just a little more than four months ago, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. It was found in a routine physical that my doctor insisted upon before giving me my immunization meds for a missions trip to India. Needless to say, it was a shock. I must admit, I have never thought of myself having any kind of serious physical problems. I do not remember feeling a lot of fear during this time. I felt numb. I felt like I was in a nightmare. And I felt like I just wanted to curl up on my mother’s lap and cry… Well, three surgeries later, I am still kicking! God has been so good. The doctors have assured me that all of the cancer was removed. It was a “very good kind of cancer, if you have to have cancer”. (Couldn’t the medical professionals phrase that some other way????) I do not need to take any kind of treatments (chemo nor radiation). I just have to deal with an incredibly ugly scar. Enough of all of that! So what have I learned these past four months? I am surprised at some of the things I have learned. I hope to post some of these nuggets to share with you. Now, please don’t think that I would even assume to “know it all”. I don’t. But I do know, for me, God has shown me a lot.
One of the first things that I learned was to “reach deep”. I love entering into God’s presence by listening to the Newsboys, or Mercy Me, or even Casting Crowns. But when I am feeling the most desperate for God, I find that the songs that I grew up with, the “old hymns of the church” are the ones that minister the most to me. I’m not saying that the other songs are not as anointed, but the olds ones that are buried deep within my soul are the ones that have helped me to reach God. Throughout the Pentateuch, the children of Israel are encouraged to tell their children and their children’s children of all that God has done in the past. They are to write it down and to never forget the past. But God also was doing a “new thing” in Israel. Even Jacob was given a “new name” (Israel). So what I am trying to say, God is interested in blending the old with the new, the tradition with the new beginning. In our efforts to be “cutting edge”, I hope that we do not forget the heritage we have.
Any thoughts???
Natasha Poole said,
February 4, 2008 at 1:38 am
Good job Mom. I like what you shared. It was good. Thank you for sharing. Love,
Natasha
Nick said,
February 4, 2008 at 4:58 am
I love it mom!! You did a great job!
Jodi Jones said,
February 5, 2008 at 1:15 pm
You’re awesome! Thanks for sharing! I miss you!
Love,
Jodi
Judy said,
February 5, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Sharon,
Great Job!!! Can’t wait to read more. I am so grateful to have you as a friend.
Love,
Judy
Faith Higgins said,
February 5, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Your words are very meaningful to us as we think of the past 7 weeks of John recovering from open-heart surgery. Though it was difficult to be thousands of miles away from friends and family, it is during these times that we recognize anew the “Faithful One” who walks with us through our valleys. He is so good!
Faith Higgins
Wendy said,
February 5, 2008 at 2:22 pm
As always, I’m thanking God for you and continue to pray for you and your family. May God continue to give the peace and rest that only He can give.
Robert said,
February 5, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Congrats:) You finally stepped out & wrote one. About time;) Good stuff, but man I’m seeing spots! If I ever want to wake up, all I have to do is load your Neon page! Zap! My eyes are wide open lol Love ya Poole Sharon;)
Todd said,
February 5, 2008 at 3:53 pm
40 something . . . I thought you were a 50 something?!
Kathie said,
February 5, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Very good! Your dad would be proud of you! Forty something???? I don’t know!
I too, found the hymns and old songs to be of great encouragement to me during difficult times of my life. I believe that is because most of them were born in the hearts of those who where going through adversity themselves. Here are some other things that helped me during difficult times in my life: 1. Prayer & Bible reading early in the day 2. Daily aerobic activity 3. Good nutrition 4. Good friends and family who would listen and be objective enough to know when to offer words of wisdom and when to be quiet. You know that me and my nursing home patients are praying for you.
Tim said,
February 5, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Hello to my favorite district missionettes coordinator! Welcome to the blogosphere! I look forward to keeping up on your happenings & thoughts.
beckman said,
February 5, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Congratulations on your first blog! One would think, by reading it, that you’ve been at it for a while.
Through this whole ordeal, you have been a rock solid example of faith and strength. Without question, I believe God used you to increase the faith in others, who witnessed yours.
beckman said,
February 5, 2008 at 10:45 pm
PS Did Tasha really reply at 1:38 AM? that girl better get to bed!
Jennie said,
February 6, 2008 at 2:31 am
Love that you can share your experiences with us! Thank you for being so transparent..it’s a great quality! I just can’t believe that Robert read this and responded before me….NOT FAIR
Hehe…J/K Love you Sharon!
Darla said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:46 am
Even Casting Crowns? I would have to agree that there is something about the hymns of the church that brings peace to a troubled heart. What an anointing I feel at times as we sing of the faithfulness of Christ and how he comforted those in desperate times. Psalms 112 says “He will have no fear of bad news, whose heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Thanks Sharon for being so transparent with us and being an example of faithfulness to Him! God Bless!
jeff leake said,
February 6, 2008 at 11:53 am
welcome to the blogosphere!
Holli said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Great to read your thoughts and feelings. I am not familiar with the world of blog, this is quite interesting. I’ll be sure to check back and read on…
Oh yeah, love the hymns too, Great is Thy Faithfulness, How can you beat that?
Lillian said,
February 6, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I don’t know if you remember me, we met a couple of years ago in the office of the Registrar at CBC (Bill Davis), I am his wife. We’ve been praying for you for several months. I am excited to hear how the Lord has touched you and spared you from chemo and radiation. I’m sorry about the scar. But praising the Lord with you for the rest!
I agree that the songs from my youth touch my heart when it is most troubled, I think it has something to do with the “formative years” of our walk with the Lord. I came up in the Lord during the Jesus movement of the 60’s and 70’s (it was more the 70’s for me), the music of Andrea Crouch, Larry Norman, Second Chapter of Acts touch my heart more quickly than many other songs. I love to hear the hymns and I am crazy about the “new renditions” sung by people like Chris Tomlin. What is most important is that we are drawn to the Lord and into His presence.
Welcome to the blogging world. I am not on blogspot but am on MySpace and Facebook and even Blogger. Here is the link to my Blogger if you are so inclined. http://lilliandavis.blogspot.com/
God’s speed,
Lillian Davis
nancy said,
February 7, 2008 at 7:44 pm
well done, missy. i firmly believe that part of the healing process is in sharing our experience. God tells us to share one anothers burdens, and being our maker i figure he already knows he didn’t make us strong enough to bear them alone. hellooooo. And by sharing we are also preparing others for future trials, some we are helping to continue healing from past or current trials. The sharing with someone brings out the ‘encourager’, the intrinsic team player that wants to cheer you on to victory,great and small, physical and spiritual, with words of comfort, advice, a touch that says i will try to understand what you are going through and even if i can’t understand, i still love you and care about you and will be praying for you. It creates a bond that God desires for his children when he says forsake not the gathering together of the saints (so we can complain and whine) share, and where 2 or more are gathered in his name……we pray about our (complaints and whinings) our burdens. We are called his sheep because he knows we are 1. stupid we can always use advise 2. weak when alone so we need to stay with the herd 3. cute and cuddly it makes other people feel good to hug us and feel like they are helping to protect us.
always remember, an island may appear to be independent and all alone, but it is supported by the entire ecosystem of the planet, and therefore dependent upon support from outside of itself. many blessings and hugs to you.
David Martin said,
February 9, 2008 at 3:17 am
Sharon,
You have a wealth of wisdom and grace to offer to those who read your blog. Don’t ever discount what God has done and what He is doing in you, and how it can minister to the lives of others.
marcia r. said,
February 9, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Good job on you first blog. I don’t know why we are so timid to share our thoughts in the world of blogs, (listen to me, I’ve pondered starting my own for some time now and am almost there), anyway I attend APC and your son, Nick is a very dear and kind young man. He is a credit to you, you should be proud of him. I’ve prayed for you during you bout with cancer and am glad to hear you’re doing well! Look forward to reading more of your posts……