September 2010 update:

As I begin to write this update to all of you, my heart is filled with greatfulness; first to our wonderful God for His Mercy and kindness, and secondly for each one of you who so faithfully pray for us. Though it has been a difficult week; a tripple dose of chemo and a blood transfussion, I am quickly reminded that God is in control and working things out for His glory. On Monday I found out that this new chemo that I am on, though it is harsh, is working amazingly well. It is a new drug that for the first time is specific to my type of breast cancer. It brings me great joy to be able to give God the glory that only He is worthy of . My tumor marker is at 82, which is the lowest it has been for over a year, and not too far from the high end of normal range. My doctor is even saying that I seem to be heading toward remission! I didn't think that was possible, and yet am quickly reminded that with God, all things are possible.

While we are on this earth, we have the opportunity to know God and make Him known. May I encourage you to make the most of these opportunities, because our time here is short.

Linda with Loraine and Amy vacationing this summer at Lake Hume

May 2010 Update:

What could have been the worst day of my life became one of the best days I ever had. Why? Because when my circumstances were the worst I ever had, I had to make a choice: Do I give in to my circumstances or do I really choose to follow Christ? By His grace, I chose the latter, and as a result three amazing and exciting things happened to me.

By His grace, I chose the later, and as a result three amazing and exciting things happened to me.

First, a wonderful reconciliation took place in my family. We were so happy to see relationships healed and opened again.

Second, I had the privilege of sharing Christ many times and to hear many positive responses such as, “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain…Thanks for sharing with me.”

Third, just before going into the hospital I was in bed listening to the college group sing praises to God. The Lord was working on my heart because I needed to be at peace with the situation He had me in. I needed to be totally surrendered to His will even if it meant not ever walking again. As I listened, they began to sing, “I Surrender All...All to Him I Freely Give…” My heart was broken at that moment and I reminded myself that 14 years ago I had given my life, my cancer, and my journey to Him to use me as He pleased...for His glory. What a joy filled my heart when I remembered that commitment and surrendered once again.

In the days, that followed my doctor was focused on my abdomen and the troubles I was having with my digestive system. Though this was an important issue that needed attention, the real concern was occurring in my spinal column—the cancer had settled in my tail bone area and was affecting the feeling in my legs and feet.

So in March 2010, I was admitted to Henry Mayo Hospital in Santa Clarita, unable to keep food down and little to no feeling in my legs and feet. That very day a team of doctors addressed my situation in a very aggressive and amazing way. Though I’m home now and doing much better…here is the real story and what God has taught me along the way…

“This is not at all about me; it’s about God and His glory entirely.

Edited From My Journal…
I’ve been told by my nurse here at the Henry Mayo hospital that I have created a buzz throughout the hospital staff. Everyone is calling me their favorite patient. Why? Because those who don’t know the Lord and are aware of my condition are amazed that I can have such peace and joy in the midst of such pain and suffering. They don’t understand how I can be so kind and considerate when I’m facing such difficult circumstances myself. This has brought me many opportunities to share with the staff and to point them to my source of peace and confidence. Those who know the Lord here at the hospital are also telling me how excited they are. They are getting a chance to share the gospel with their fellow employees as well. It’s all about making the Lord’s name magnified.

Even my doctor has been impacted. He just came into my room and told me that he can’t believe how many of his staff and also the hospital staff are rooting for me. Each Thursday he gives a talk to the Oncology department and he decided to use me as an example. He was astonished by how many of those present knew me and were watching my progress. Many mentioned that they were amazed at what was happening with me both in my attitude and in regard to my healing progress. God gets all the glory again!

An example of my physical healing took place a couple of days later. I had just had my spinal infusion (chemo directly injected into the spinal fluid) and one of my other doctors was drawing out the fluid and spontaneously said, “Wow…look at that.” I asked him to explain and he told me that spinal fluid should be clear as water but last week when he drew it out, the first time, mine was amber in color. The amber color occurs when there are a lot of cancer cells present. Now, just one week later, the fluid was almost perfectly clear—only a little ting of yellow remained, he said. God again gets all the glory and what a joy it is to be with Him in this journey."

All I need to do, to give God permission to do amazing things

Do you want to see God do great things in and though your life? I’ve found that it isn’t really that difficult. All we need to do, to give God permission to do amazing things, is to—Just Obey Him! Don’t focus on your own plans or the “what ifs” of life; just forget about the past and press on to obedience—He’ll do the rest.