A Haven for Vee

Friday, June 7, 2019

A New Chapter



Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you...

1 Peter 4:13


Isn't it lovely when one is welcomed back? Ha! I have been away from blogging for some time. Let's see if I can explain where I have been and what I have been up to. I have been very busy indeed.

Years ago, my mother-in-law (Laurel and Adam's grandmother) had an unfortunate 
accident. She had multiple sclerosis and so had challenges from time to time with coordination. On that particular day, she was in her car when she realized that she had forgotten something so attempted to hop out of the car to retrieve it. Unfortunately, the car was still in gear and knocked her down and dragged her over an abutment. The car fetched up, praise God, but she was hanging upside down over that abutment. She told me that her first thought was this: So this is how you die. Her second thought was to pray. I am happily able to report that that was not how she died for God miraculously answered her prayer. 

At the end of March, I was sitting in a doctor's examining room when he, as calmly as possible, said that we could not ignore "the elephant in the room." My first thought was this: That is a most unfortunate phrase. His next comment came as no surprise whatever. Cancer.

And so began all the usual tests and procedures from scans to biopsies to blood tests, etc., etc., etc. At first look, I was told that if one had to have cancer, mine was a "good" one to have. A simple prescription would clear it all up and I would only have to take that little pill for the rest of my life and all would be well. On second look, it turned out to be a whole lot more complicated. This means that I will begin a course of chemotherapy treatments starting next week. I have already been having physical therapy three times a week and have had a port placed for receiving my "cocktail."

This is not something that I wanted to share with my readers and I don't want this chapter of my life to take over my blog just as I didn't want losing John to take over my blog. This is not a blog about illness, grief or any other specific thing. It is a simple collection of simple days lived by a simple woman.

I will probably continue to be purposely vague just like always and only provide snippets of things. You don't really think I'm posting pics of Bald Vee do you?! Horrors! (I have my hairdresser on speed dial.)

Now allow me to share a few photos taken this morning.

Purple on Purple

Everlasting and Red Azalea

Geranium Experiment and Ivy
Patriotic Pinwheel from Target

Beautiful Lap Quilt Gift from Abby

I'll probably be under that cozy gift next week. Abby told me to imagine that she and her friend Judy were praying whenever I am under it. I like that. And I know that you will pray, too. Don't be wimpy about it! A good thought is lovely,  but does not have the impact I am believing for. 

Leaving you with this beautiful Scripture that has been on my mind often. I first mentioned it here.

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
Job 14:7–9 







53 comments:

  1. You surely have been through a lot in the past few weeks. I am a cancer survivor. Next week it will be 12 years since my surgery. If you need me, or want to talk, shoot me an email and it will be just between us. And of course my prayers are with you. That goes without saying. Now that that is said, let me tell you that your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I used to have azaleas at my old house but don't have the room for them here. That's a shame because I love them.

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  2. I suppose I should not be all that surprised that yet another friend of mine, someone who is in my peer group (meaning near my age and with similar spiritual beliefs) has been handed this most unwelcome diagnosis of cancer. But I am. Have we reached that season of life where this is more likely to happen?
    I guess so.

    Thank you, Vee, for sharing this matter with us. I have experienced the effectiveness of sharing prayer burdens with our blogging community and seen what God does with that. It helps.

    May the Lord give you grace through every step of this "assignment" in your walk with Him, may He strengthen your influence on others to trust Him in the hardships, and bring healing to your body.

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  3. Hello dear friend. Thank you for sharing this news with your people. Your flowers are lovely of course and cheery, just like the quilt. The verse from Job is a beautiful one, I need to ponder more on that. As you know, I am faithfully on your prayer team, and I'm sure many others now will be as well. As Elisabeth Elliot said: "Help me to receive grace, to keep a quiet heart, sure that I am, in this very moment, held in the everlasting arms." Love you. ~ Abby

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  4. Dear Vee , thank you for sharing and i will most certaintly pray for you and add you to my prayer list . I don’t know a whole lot but i do believe mighty in the power of prayer . God has you on the palm of mighty hand . Hugs and blessings to you dear Vee . Cindy

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  5. A new chapter. A new normal. Will keep you in my prayers in the days ahead. As an almost 24 year survivor of ovarian cancer (with 2 recurrences along the way) I firmly believe in the power of prayer. Hugs to you. Joyce P.S. A bald head is actually kind of freeing! My first go round I wore a wig and hated it. After that I went without, even to work. Everyone got used to it. g

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  6. So glad to hear that it was an easy cancer to deal with. Praise God! Prayers for you, Vee.

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  7. Dear Vee ~ I too, will be praying for you. Rest as much as possible in God's tender care.

    Your flowers are lovely and that is a sweet 'comfort' blanket from your friends.

    FlowerLady

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  8. Dear Vee, I don't often check your blog because you have been so quiet for quite a while. But this morning I felt I should and was sorry to hear your news. But I am a five year survivor of breast cancer and thyroid cancer and will be praying for you earnestly and often. God loves you and you love Him. You are safe forever. Saved forever. Beautiful flowers and a lovely gift from Abby. Have you read Elizabeth Goudge's beautiful book The Scent of Water? It begins with the quote you shared.

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  9. Sweet Vee,
    It has been too long, and now I am sad. Please know I will
    keep you in my prayers.

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  10. Praying in Oregon. I heard the same word 16 years ago. Deuteronomy 31:8

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  11. I will be praying and thinking of you as you go through this. I am glad that you are keeping your blog and will continue to give us snippets into your life. Sending love as well. xo

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  12. Your are in my prayers. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and couragous...

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  13. Thank you for sharing your story in perfect "Vee-like" fashion. I had a comment written (from my iphone) and POOF, it was gone so I will try to remember the gist of it. How you must cherish that beautiful quilt from Abby and Judy...and the message attached even more so. My prayers of course will continue especially now that chemo is about to begin. Everytime I look down on my wrist and read the words "God's Got This"/Proverbs 3:5-6 (which is many times a day) I will claim those words for you as well! Sending comforting thoughts, healing prayers and lots of love to you. xo

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    1. AMEN to everything Debby just said! You did share your news in perfect Vee-like fashion, and I'm so thankful that you did so that we may pray for you. What a lovely gift from Abby and her friend. Abby is so incredibly thoughtful.

      "Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed: for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

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  14. Oh yes....and GORGEOUS PHOTOS of those love blooms!

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  15. Thank you for sharing your story. I will be most happy to keep you in my prayers. I am a six year Cancer survivor. Hold on to positive thoughts. Please feel free to share along with us when you might need some extra support.

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  16. Love and prayers are pouring over you! I hope you know how much you are loved by so very many! I pray for you every single day and will continue to do so. I had thyroid cancer in 1989 and made a full recovery. My 'simple' cancer was not the slow growing kind that thyroid cancer normally is but I had not one or two but three strains of truly aggressive cancer. But it was dealt with and all has been well for 30 years now. You are in the hands of God and He will see you through! Love you, Vee!

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  17. Dear sweet Vee (stop laughing-grin)---you have been in my prayers every single day... 14 year breast cancer survivor, 1 1/2 year hysterectomy survivor thanks to a tumor (although complications have arisen)---life just keeps plugging along. God's not done with me yet, nor is He done with you. I have missed your blogging. You know where to reach me if you just want to vent. smiles

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  18. Well Vee...I actually had to read this twice to believe what I was reading...I am so very sorry to hear of this. I know so many who are going through this also....but...they are coping and living their lives. You will too....Of course, many of us who know you through blogging are sending love and prayers your way...gentle hugs....love....

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  19. You take care. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please keep us posted when you can. ((Hugs)) God is with you just like he was with your mother in law.

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  20. The Lord who cares for you today will continue to care for you tomorrow. He will either deliver you from suffering, or give you the strength to press on through. I put you on my prayer list. So sorry.

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  21. NO, we would never expect a photo of a bald Vee. You are way to classy for that. Prayers are going up for you and I will add you to my Bible list to remind me to pray often for you. I am certain you will beat this ugly disease.

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  22. Oh Vee so sorry but I will be praying like crazy!!!
    Will have my church friends praying for you as well.
    God Bless You.

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  23. Dear Vee, I've been wondering where you were. I'm glad you shared your story with us because, I hope it doesn't sound corny, but I do like the quote "A burden shared is a burden halved." We will absolutely be praying for you, my friend. Your quilt is beautiful and the thoughts behind it, even more so. I enjoyed seeing your pretty garden, also; thank you for sharing.

    Love and hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  24. Oh dear Vee!!! You have shared something so personal and real .... my heart is hurting for what you are going through. Please, please know that I am praying for you. God will take care of you ...

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  25. Dear Vee, I haven't caught up on your blog in months. Something drew me here tonight. No doubt, it was God. No other answer can explain me checking in on you the very day you posted this news. You will be in my prayers and I have full faith that you will beat this and continue to bless us in your special Vee way. No matter how many months/years go by, I will always treasure you and our friendship. I love you, dear lady. My email is still the same, so please, feel free to write me any time you need or want to vent or just catch up.

    Your Texas Bluebell...Nino

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  26. Hi Vee, I started a new blog.... just couldn't help myself... hehe You can find me at https://accidentallyaging.blogspot.com/2019/06/welcome-to-accidentally-aging.html

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  27. Sending good thoughts your way, dear Vee. And a big, strong hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. Oh my dear sweet Vee. You beginning quote....as though some strange thing happened to you...is what we all feel when we get news like this. And you are precious to us as much as any family member would be. And you've been through so much. But having said all that...you'll do great! You'll meet the challenge and do whatever it takes to fight the cancer. And that's what it takes! Courage and faith...trust that a God is carrying you through it all. My husband and I are both keeping you in our prayers. Please let me know if there is anything else we can do. I love the beautiful quilt Abby made. What a comfort! Lots of sweet hugs, Diane

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    1. I didn't need the word 'a' before God! Sorry!!! Trust that God is carrying you...but you do that already! Hugs!

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  29. I will be remembering you in prayer. I don't need to know details to pray. I have never felt the need to overshare on the blog. We all have things that just aren't said. Prayers and hugs!

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  30. Vee, Good thoughts, prayers, and wishes for strength as you stare that elephant down. I'm often awake in the middle of the night -- that's usually when I do my best 'heart' praying. You'll be on my mind and heart in the days ahead. (BTW, I'm with you about not oversharing things not related to our blogs, but thank you for letting us join you at least cyber=ly as you face all that's required for your recovery.) xoxox Brenda

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  31. Isaiah 46:
    3 “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
    all the remnant of the people of Israel,
    you whom I have upheld since your birth,
    and have carried since you were born.
    4 Even to your old age and gray hairs
    I am He, I am He who will sustain you.
    I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
    I thank God regularly for creating, carrying, sustaining and rescuing me time and again. He is faithful, He cares about every detail, and His unchanging nature and ever-faithfulness is trustworthy.
    He will bring you to the minds of many when you need prayer as part of His ever-faithfulness.

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  32. Dear Vee-My 1st time back at checking blogger in ages and I read this...You know, my dear lady, that Tim & I will be praying most fervently for you. The Lord is with you. He will hold your hand through it all and I know you will come out victorious in this (another) trial of your life. I believe that He will provide you with the strength & the fortitude you will need, Vee. Sending love and hugs-Kim

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  33. Oh my dear Vee, I was just stunned to hear about the 'c' word. But, I am living proof that strong women can survive and survive well from that cursed illness. So, just know that my prayers will be often and earnest. Love you, girl.

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  34. I've been traveling and away from my computer so am coming in late to read this. I am glad you chose to share your news with us, your readers and friends. I will pray for you and your treatments. Glad we know our maker loves us and has us in his hands. Here are some thoughts from Spurgeon.

    "He will carry the lambs in His bosom."

    1. Here is boundless affection. Would He put them in His bosom--if He did not love them so much?

    2. Here is tender nearness--so near are they, that they could not possibly be nearer.

    3. Here is hallowed familiarity--there are precious love-passages between Christ and His weak ones.

    4. Here is perfect safety--in His bosom, who can hurt them? They must hurt the Shepherd first.

    5. Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently sensible of the infinite tenderness of Jesus!

    "My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:27-28

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  35. Oh, dear Vee, life is not fair! I am so sorry to learn of your coming battle. Thank you for sharing this news with us. Know that you are in the hearts, minds and prayers of so many of us- your readers, followers and friends. Gain strength from our prayers, positive thoughts and vibes. You WILL beat this! Sending love and prayers. ♥♥♥

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  36. Vee, I am sorry to read this. You know how badly I hate cancer...from what is happening with my Ted. My daughter Liz is a breast cancer survivor. I thought I'd never have to pray so hard again...but I do..and honey I am praying for you too. I think God wants us to all pray for one another. I am sending hugs to you also. You know you have this whole big blog family on your side. If we were closer we would all pitch in to help in any way we could.Prayer will do so much. It has brought Ted and I this far and we are not about to quit now. May God bless you with good health again soon. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  37. Thank you for sharing,, dear Vee, I will be praying in all ways as you take this journey, You've got this Girlie! There is probably not one reader who cannot relate to this journey in one way or another! I know I do!
    Please take care, and mind the dr.!
    All my love,
    Sue

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  38. Vee thank you for sharing your newest challenge (no challenge at all to the Lord of course.) I look at all those who commented and know many of them are praying women. So you were wise to share with us because prayer is powerful and I'm sure they will be praying, as will I. Going right now to write your name in my prayer book. Pamper yourself a little and keep looking Up.

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  39. Vee, Thank you for sharing with us as so many of us know the power of prayer and love and cherish you. I certainly will be praying along with all these other blog friends. The gift of the quilt and the sentiment shared is so sweet. Love your pretty flowers. Sending my love to you. xo

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  40. Dear Vee,
    Thank you for sharing this as now I can pray..and not wimpy good thoughts as you say. I will ask for healing from our good God for you. You are such an inspirational overcomer..
    much love, Mona

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  41. I, too, thank you for letting me know about this. Without knowing, I would not know to pray for you.
    My love, thoughts and mostly prayers to you, my sweet, dear friend.

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  42. Just catching up on reading blogs. You had better keep me updated. If you want me to pray for you! How about that for a warning? ;)

    I so get not wanting any illness or condition to take over your blog. I don't consider Juvenile Diabetes in the same league with cancer but I have to be careful not to talk much about it. Only to ask for prayer for symptoms (like my eyes giving me trouble). Many hugs to you, my friend. Okay, I will pray for you regardless.

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  43. Dear Vee,
    I'm so sorry to read of this new challenge that's come your way. How sweet it is to be able to rest in God's presence and promises, although that elephant can sometimes overshadow trust, especially, as Brenda says, in the middle of the night. I've been away for a week or more (for a very good reason I'm not free to share yet, but soon) and am trying to catch up with my favourite bloggers, of whom you are definitely in the top echelon!
    Know that you are carried and held by the strong arms of our Lord, and we hold you before Him in prayer for daily strength and daily grace.

    Hugs across the miles,

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  44. I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, Vee, but I do think what your doctor said is very encouraging! I think you'll find a lot of cancer survivors among your followers who have been through what you'll be going through, including myself. Sending you hugs, prayers and lots of strength. Oh, and maybe a little hair :)

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  45. dearest vee ♥ ..
    i'm lifting you up to a holy Lord that he may hold you close at this time, working through you his greater purpose - gentling your heart and mind. bless you dearly. i love what you wrote::: **a simple collection of simple days lived by a simple woman** for that is the focus of my own blog - whereby including "snippets" of life lived real/raw and yet also touching on those things that delight and bring one to a sense of simplicity and sweet joys. {{{{{ hug }}}}} ♥

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  46. Oh, I am so sorry, Vee! I knew something was up when I saw your instagram post yesterday but thought you would 'come clean' in your own time. I had not read your blog post. It is a journey you would not have chosen to go on, but how good to know you are not traveling alone! May God be your strength every step of the way. I will be praying for you, my friend..and will have the MGCC gals join me.

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  47. Oh my Vee, somehow I am just now catching up, and am reading the news. I hope you know that you are in my daily prayers and you will continue to be. You have so many friends here in blogland that care about you. May God bless you on this journey and give you strength.

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  48. Hi Vee, Came here from IG because I wasnt sure what was going on....I too will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Vee.....I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Lots of love and hugs to you. Linda

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  49. I have not commented as I was away from blogging for several weeks, but please know that I have tucked your needs away in my heart and am praying for you often!!

    Moses prayed, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here." I am sure that is your prayer too! And then there is this: "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

    I am praying that you know His presence through these difficult days!!

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  50. Good grief, Vee, this is what happens when I get hyper busy and neglect all my blogger friends. I can add nothing that hasn't already been said here, and I would ditto Cheryl's Moses quote. You are remembered in my prayers. God bless you.

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