Issues abound . .
 . . . or so it may seem.  Pretty aggressive chemo has created plenty of issues for me this summer and the computer continues to have issues of its own.  I seem to spend more time trying to locate things or reinvent them on the laptop than I do actually using it for its intended purpose.  Add my non-technological brain to the one created by medication that makes me foggy and you have one big issue.  If you are in the class of folks who think modern technology makes life easier, I might persuade you to think again.  However, if medication and technology are the only issues in my life, I need to count my blessings!

The new chemo regimen began again on May 16.  It was to have been three sets of three treatments each with a week of rest between the sets.  Honestly, I was not prepared for my body's reaction.  After all, I had had these drugs before and was able to continue working, etc.  What I failed to acknowledge is the amount of chemo I've had since 2002, or the fact that I have aged.  Consequently, I have observed the summer from my perch in the bed where I have spent the majority of my time.  Each set of treatments got harder, actually making me have to skip the third treatment in the last two sets.  Not being able to function has been ONE BIG ISSUE!  I continue to pray for healing and pray especially for clear scans when progress is checked with scans next week in Jackson. 

The computer issue may never be resolved.

Two issues, but MANY blessings!  Marty and the three children came for a week in June.  It was wonderful to have them here--just too short a time.  I have heard from friends from both near and far on facebook, in cards and letters, on the phone, by visits, texts--guess technology is a good thing.  I know, without a doubt, that friendship is one of God's greatest blessings.  Every member of the family across the pool has stepped up to help in ways too numerous to name.  There has been time for lots of reading, Words with Friends, knitting and resting.  Now, I'm ready to resume my life.

I have missed our first venture into gardening, tending the herbs outside my door, playing in the pool with the children, cooking, driving, church.  I've even missed dusting and running the vacuum--never thought I'd say that.  Even so, I know God has a plan.  Verses or parts of verses remind me:  Be still and know that I am God; I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength; I will never leave you, nor forsake you; Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; Greater is he who is within than the cancer that threatens (obviously my paraphrase); Great is God's faithfulness.

It is not the issues which abound.   BLESSINGS ABOUND!  Great is God's faithfulness.

Blessings,
Pastor Margaret