Our Hearts Are Being Refreshed

Published on by Nancy

macarons xxx

It’s early.  I woke before dawn and watched daylight break through the darkness.  I glance at the cup my dear friend, Nancy, sent to me and read the prayer printed on it.

“May God grant you courage, and through His grace provide the peace that lies in knowing He’s always at your side.”

More than ever I need to know this.  We, my husband and I, need to know this.

My friend sent two different but special mugs.  One for me and one for Bob.

The other mug says:

FAITH, is being sure of what we hope for.  Hebrews 11:1

Our hope is in the Lord.  Our hope is knowing that He will give us strength and courage to walk through this valley.  And as the prayer on the cup says…and through His grace provide the peace that lies in knowing He’s always at our side.

We believe.

Bob went to sleep with those words on his lips last night:  “I believe.”

There have been bursts of glory knowing God is near as His overwhelming presence carries us.  It’s actually more than knowing it.  We’re experiencing it.

We arrived here in this place, 170 miles and three hours away from our home, at the end of August.

It is the beginning of December now and we are still here in our home away from home.  In this apartment 2 miles away from the hospital where Bob is being treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, we are living our new normal.

Bob spent 34 days in the hospital during his induction treatment.  Now he is having his treatments out patient as we wait for news about a stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

A donor match hasn’t been found.

We’re running against time and soon the transplant team will be making a decision to do either an umbilical cord blood transplant or use a 1/2 match from a family member in an attempt to save Bob’s life.

Chemotherapy alone will not keep the aggressive fast growing cancer in remission.

Without the quick decisions and chemotherapy program that Bob’s doctors designed for him, he may not be here today.

We were whisked away within days to begin his treatment.  They didn’t waste any time.

Bob is in remission receiving chemo to keep it there until a transplant can be done.

rose x

A couple of weeks ago, we found flowers on the doorstep of the apartment where we’re living.  A gift from our friends, Tom and Bonnie.  I clipped and arranged them, put them in a vase and they have been giving us many days of joy.

As we look around at the gifts and cards that so many friends have sent we’re overwhelmed with gratitude.

My sister and her husband have been coming at least once a week.  Dave stays with Bob and Judy takes me out for a while.  My other sister, Diane and her husband Andy visit and Diane meets Judy and me for lunch often.

The doctors and nurses ask me, “What are you doing to take care of yourself?”  It’s easy to forget that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to care for Bob.

My sisters have been lifesavers for me, rescuers who won’t let me slip into depression or neglect my emotional or mental health.

Our sons; our daughter-in-law ~ ~ they’re like life-saving medicine to our hearts.

My brothers, my parents, many friends ~ their cards, their calls, their texts, their visits, their prayers are bathing us with hope and courage. We have an army of prayer warriors standing with us in prayer.

We arrived here in the summer…

queens anne lace 4 x

flwrs 3xxx

Saw the beauty of autumn come…

dandy 2

1(1)whole apple 2

then slowly slip away…

tree leave e

droplets

and stood amazed at the winter wonderland of our first snowfall…

snowy berriesx

Through the seasons of change and waiting, we are refreshed by the love and prayers of so many people.

In the fights of life, people can be conduits of great joy and deep refreshment.  Margaret Feinberg

There are many friends and family members fighting this fight with us.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.  Philemon 1:7

Blessings,

Nancy ❤

(All photos were taken by me in or near our home away from home.  I believe God has given us the ability to find and create beauty in the middle of this messy often painful world.  I hang tight to Him and to His promises and will continue my search for beauty through my lens)

24 thoughts on “Our Hearts Are Being Refreshed”

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Chelsea and especially for your prayers. My husband and I love to know when others are praying for us. Blessings!

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  5. I’ll add Bob to the ever growing list of cancer fighters that I pray for. Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses, and a great one to hang on to. When I had cancer Isaiah 43:1-3 was my lifeline. I will pray!

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    1. Thank you Judy! I was just on your site reading your post on prayer when I saw this message pop up. I’m on my way back to re-read it. It’s a great post; filled with truth. Thank you for your prayers and for reminding us of those comforting words in Isaiah.

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  6. Wow, Nancy, you’ve penned and photographed such beauty in the midst of pain. I’ll keep praying for healing, hope and strength for both of you. So glad to hear that your sisters are holding you close to their hearts.
    Blessings & prayers ~ Wendy

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    1. Thank you so much my writing and photography friend. Your words bless my heart and knowing that you continue to pray for Bob’s healing and strength for both of us is encouraging to say the least. Bless you!

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  7. Thank you, dear friend, for sharing your heart, your faith and your concerns with us. And your photos….they are beautiful. Every morning Tom & I pray over the prayer needs you had listed as I’m sure so many are doing. We know the power of prayer and know God is listening. I’m so thankful you have such a strong family support group close to you to keep you encouraged.. Love you two. xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much, Bonnie. The flowers in the photo are the ones you sent. The roses are just now wilting but the rest of the flowers are still going strong and they’re reminders of your wonderful friendship and faithful prayers. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Nancy. We couldn’t do this without the support of people like you and Tony lifting us up in prayer. God’s grace is sufficient as II Corinthians 12:9 says. We depend on it. Blessings!

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  10. Nancy, it has been quite some time since I ventured on to WordPress, but I felt the Lord stir my heart to look in on old friends. You and Bob continue to be in my prayers. It is heartening to read you are surrounded by loving support. Keep leaning on the everlasting arms. He’s got you.

    Hugs and Prayers,

    Marisa, formerly of Becoming His Butterfly

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    1. So good to hear from you, Marisa. These days my visits to WordPress are few and far between. I’m finding it hard to gather my thoughts long enough — or find the time to write out my thoughts once they are gathered. I have so much I could share about God’s goodness during this journey and the small miracles that we have experienced during this deep valley. But God is good and we know that He’s got us. I miss you here and think of you often when I do find the time to log in. Thanks for your prayers. They are deeply appreciated! Blessings!

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  11. Through your adversity, God is showing you His mercy by allowing you to see the beauty in the midst of your chaos. There is no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.

    This is a message for me as well, struggling to find peace in the midst of emotional turmoil. Learning to lean on God more. Learning to speak of His blessings.

    May you and Bob find solace at His feet. You are being blessed with a wonderful support system via family and doctors. Be brave and claim your victory in His holy name.

    Hugs and best wishes for the holidays ☺

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