I This week's infusion came with a big headache that just didn't want to go away until today. Overall, not bad, though. I got a steroid shot in my hip this week. WOW, what a difference! I can walk at a pace of 2-2.5 mph, go on short trails over changing elevations and terrain at the parks, and navigate curbs and stairs. That last one is huge. My leg has been giving out when I've tried to step up, and I have literally been holding on to handrails to pull myself up with my arms. I AM SO EXCITED!! I did an extra big workout today that I can already feel, but at least it's normal soreness. Pretty certain Tylenol, Icy Hot, and maybe a massage are in my future, though.
After my exercise class, I walked over to the hospital (my class is in the physician's plaza behind it) to visit a friend. Rhonda has been documenting her journey with some colon issues on Facebook, and just had surgery. What a blessing to be able to visit! I haven't seen Rhonda in person for years, but we just connected like time made no difference. We've been able to pray for one another and keep up updated, but in person is always better. God was able to provide a time when she was awake, alert, and didn't have other visitors (Covid protocols). We talked about how good God has been to us, friendship that is more than just hanging out, and lifting up others even as we navigate our own needs for prayer. The nurse who came in to give meds shared a couple of times that she had goosebumps and it was beautiful to hear us speak of these things. I was reminded of Matthew 5: 14-16. The Message paraphrase puts it like this: 1
4-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
God moments abound! I have a neighbor who has also been diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband have been so gracious to us since my diagnosis, so we sent a note and gift. They invited us for dinner. It was a lovely time! Lawrence has mad cooking skills! We socialized, broke bread, and fellowshipped together. This is community the way it should be. I leave you with the very simple words of this praise chorus with which I grew up:
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
he's so good to me.
And in Swahili, for my friends in Kenya, whom I love to remember (translation provided by Hymnary.org):
Mungu yu mwema,
Mungu yu mwema,
Mungu yu mwema,
yu mwema kwangu.
After my exercise class, I walked over to the hospital (my class is in the physician's plaza behind it) to visit a friend. Rhonda has been documenting her journey with some colon issues on Facebook, and just had surgery. What a blessing to be able to visit! I haven't seen Rhonda in person for years, but we just connected like time made no difference. We've been able to pray for one another and keep up updated, but in person is always better. God was able to provide a time when she was awake, alert, and didn't have other visitors (Covid protocols). We talked about how good God has been to us, friendship that is more than just hanging out, and lifting up others even as we navigate our own needs for prayer. The nurse who came in to give meds shared a couple of times that she had goosebumps and it was beautiful to hear us speak of these things. I was reminded of Matthew 5: 14-16. The Message paraphrase puts it like this: 1
4-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
God moments abound! I have a neighbor who has also been diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband have been so gracious to us since my diagnosis, so we sent a note and gift. They invited us for dinner. It was a lovely time! Lawrence has mad cooking skills! We socialized, broke bread, and fellowshipped together. This is community the way it should be. I leave you with the very simple words of this praise chorus with which I grew up:
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
he's so good to me.
And in Swahili, for my friends in Kenya, whom I love to remember (translation provided by Hymnary.org):
Mungu yu mwema,
Mungu yu mwema,
Mungu yu mwema,
yu mwema kwangu.