We were in Oklahoma City, when a young woman walked up to me and said "excuse me, I don't mean to offend you, but you are absolutely beautiful in your scarf.  Where did you get your scarf?"   It took me by surprise.  Then she said, "you have inspired me.  I am in my second week of treatment,and I am beginning to lose my hair.   I came today to shop for hats.  But seeing you today, I think I will shop for scarves instead."  I stood there visiting with this young woman, with tears in my eyes.  I thanked her for the compliment, showed her how to wrap a scarf, and she was on her way with her 7 year old daughter.

You see, at the time she gave me that compliment, I was very weak, I was very thin, and I did not feel very pretty.  I felt sick!  Certainly not beautiful.  But after this young woman left, I was gratfeul that my appearance had encouraged a young woman facing the loss of her beautiful hair.  

Today, I was in Dillards picking up a gift.  As I checked out, there were two young sales associates at the register.  One looked up and said "Your hair is so cute!  It's a pixie cut!"  I said "thank you, it's nice to have hair again" and she responded, in her innocence, "what do you mean?"  I told her that I had finished cancer treatment and this was my new haircut.  At that point she said "oh my gosh I am so sorry." (she thought she had offended me.)    I  laughed and told her that I really appreciated her compliment.  The other young woman standing there, said "wow, you aren't just beautiful, you are so fashionable."  At this point, I laughed out loud!  These two young women have no idea what their innocent and refreshing conversation did for me!     The memories of recent days are still so fresh,  it doesn't take much for me to be teary eyed.  As I walked away from that encounter with two young women I thanked God for His continued restoration of my body, my hair, and my strength.
Still TRUSTING!

The Morning of 9/11/11



Ten years ago today I sat in my living room with my son as we watched the events of 9/11 unfold.  In those brief moments I also witnessed the beginning of my son's destiny.  Although I did not know how profoundly affected our lives would be from the devestating attacks on our nation, I knew that something began to stir in his young heart.

Now 10 years later, on the morning of 9/11/11 I am awakened at pre-dawn by the very vivid sound of my son's voice saying, "Hey Mom"   It seemed so real!   I heard him and I saw him so clearly that I opened my eyes and I looked at the open door.    The enemy has tried to strike fear in the heart of our nation on this 10 year anniversary of 9/11, and now he tries to strike fear into the heart of this mother, whose son is deployed in Afghanastan, fighting this war on terrorism.  I have a choice, to embrace the fear or CHOOSE to believe the scripture that I pray over him daily,  Psalm 91......"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord He is my fortress and my refuge, my God in Him will I trust."

I DO TRUST!  I thank God for His faithfulness!! 

I will not fear the snare of the fowler or the deadly pestilence, for my God will cover him with His feathers and under His wing will he take refuge!

My God is faithful!!

Praying for all of the men and women who serve our nation.  For those who have lost their lives in this fight against terrorism, you will not be forgotten.  We lift your family and friends in prayer on this day of remembrance.

Still TRUSTING!!!