Blessings, Suzanne

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Corinthians 3:18 Abby and Elvis On this week of Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for the girls trip via Abby's Horse Show in Perry, Georgia this weekend. Sometimes the best conversations are in the car, whether in carpool, to and from activities or on a trip like this one. Before we knew it, we were almost there and we had covered high school from A to Z and I am sure I added some of my stories, as usual:) I really treasure that time with her. We also stopped and had a good dinner on the way and put on PJ's and piled in the bed as soon as we got to the hotel. A true girls trip for sure! Now, the week leading up to this awesome time was less than fun..at one point Abby said "there are too many signs that we shouldn't go." I kept plowing through each hurdle, seeing the Lord answer prayers, as ...

"But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness,  and  all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 As I pulled up these pretty pink vinca to replace them with some pansies, the thought came to mind that possibly there were "a few more days of pink." The idea to continue on a bit with writing about cancer survivorship.  I noticed how the cold night took most of the other flowers, but this little bouquet came together nicely, after, might I add, I had thrown them all in a pile to take to the trash! I looked in the box and saw lots of wilted leaves, but mixed in were these thriving pink blooms, still too pretty to throw out.  So I decided to begin again. And put the bouquet on the table where I have my morning quiet time with the Lord.  Just like all of my journals over the past five years, there's lots of material on cancer survivorship mixed in with some "blooms", by that I mean, stories or information that are mean...

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ" Colossians 2:2 I met an unlikely angel, with a strong message, last New Year's Eve. I just found the story that I had recorded in one of my journals and I don't think I ever shared it. Here again, it was a great reminder for me as well tonight! The kids and I headed to the big metropolis of Jasper, Alabama,from the lakehouse, to break up the holiday week (and probably a few fights:) The Jasper mall is not huge but does have a Belk, Bath and Body Works and a selection of other stores but for some reason the kids and I ended up in ...none other than...K-Mart (the Big K). Woo-hoo! I was more excited than I would like to admit about finding a new 2014 calendar and yes, I needed it before January 1st! Abby and Luke had ventured off to the pet section to find s...

"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of the Lord stands forever."  Isaiah 40:8 I ushered in my forty-second birthday, like any other day with a big ole (very strong) cup of coffee and my time with the Lord,  reading and writing. My verse for the day was : "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because your now that the testing of your faith develops perserverence. Perserverence must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 2:1-4 I read through it again and kinda sat there like, hmmm, this is certainly true, yet not the typical birthday wish or prayer, Lord? And perserverence, have you seen what the past week has been like? I am working on the joy part, I really am, and I have seen much joy in all tests! Oh my human mind cannot even fathom  my Holy Father's ways. But hearing "perserverence must finish it's work", wow. Okay, I am yours, I ...

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom."  2 Corinthians 3:17 My coworker,Nolan and I went into a healthcare facility for a meeting and were given an identification badge with a number and....a handwritten scripture on the back! I loved it. I could tell by the warm welcome from the receptionist that it was likely her handwriting:) As we walked through the hall, both us reading our scripture for the day, I made the comment "Well, this is way better than a fortune cookie!" We kinda laughed because I have never once seen scripture in a fortune cookie, have you? A few weeks later, I had some fortune cookies at home, bought from Wal-mart and when I cracked it open I was surprised that it said.... "God looks after you especially." Not because I don't believe that, but because I had never seen a fortune like that! It was not scripture exactly but it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear that day! A sweet confirmation. I snapped the pi...

"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 8:35 I had a full circle moment yesterday, on an ordinary day, doing an ordinary task. Yep I was jut sweeping (swiffering) away underneath my bed, and not before it needed it (totally joking), when I pull out lots of dirt and various objects. Then I saw it. A small cross. It's actually a part of an old fishing lure, with it rubbery texture! I immediately picked it up, and put it in my hand.  Full Circle Moment on November 1st I think to myself "Here we go again, Lord. It's not about me, life is about you."  A simple, sweet reminder. The day after I finish the 31 days of Pink series, I felt as if I had come full circle from January 25, 2009 when I held two steri-strips in my hand, much this same way, from my core biopsy bandage, with blood in the middle, that formed a white cross. Same message. It's not about me, it's about the cross. Pretty awesome! ...

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore." Psalm 105:4 Hey there! I hope you are enjoying your Saturday! I was so surprised today when I realized that I had completed my "31 days of Pink" in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month! I was thinking I had started a day later and so I was going to finish out today? Now that I am in the habit of writing every day again, I wanted to share a few snapshots from the month of October that weren't in posts. These are typically in the "Moore News" section so I just designated a whole post to it tonight. I also want to take a moment to  thank God for his healing hand on my Mom this week...she has been in the hospital since Tuesday and went home today:) The Lord has been faithful, as always, and she has really good doctors who we will follow up with this week. Please keep her in your prayers. Moore News for October.... Luke's fans..only missing Nonna who was in Charlotte at Ga...

"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36 Halloween 2014, with Boston I never intended to have such a public battle with breast cancer, I still don't at times. It wasn't a choice, is was a calling.Well, let me rephrase that..I met him at the call and did have to make the choice to follow in obedience or go my own way. Anytime I speak,  I  usually open with  "I am the survivor of many things, as have all of you, breast cancer is just one of them. However, it is the "one" that the Lord chose to use more publicly, more transparently and more for HIS GLORY than any other trial or victory thus far :) It was about Him anyway...no other way could I have stayed the course!! Several thoughts on "Going Public" ... It's not for everyone . I get that. And it doesn't mean that every detail was or is disclosed. Nor does it mean that I only share on social media or blogs.  I hav...

 “I am the “alpha and the omega” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 Caringbridge Journal April 14, 2010 "I am yours, save me; for I have sought your precepts."  Psalm 119:94 Whose are you? Who can save you? How can you find out whose you are, who you are and be saved? The answers are all in this verse. David is so honest in his writing in the Psalms, they are a rollercoaster of up and down circumstances. Writing this blog has at times felt to me like an endless rollercoaster but don't we usually enjoy the adventure of the ride? I guess the only difference would be we stand in line for the rollercoaster, actually choosing to jump in and never beginning without the trusted bar across the lap for safety. We know that even though the hills are steep and the movement is fast, we will get an adrenaline rush like nothing else!!  There's screams, laughter, some crying (which are shown on America...

"Know ye not that...ye are not your own?"  1 Corinthians 6:19 H Having a medi-port put in (surgically)  for my chemotherapy and Herceptin treatments was a blessing because I have the world's worst veins to access! It was just another part of the process, another scar and yet it too, taught me something about myself along the way! Mainly that I hold onto things or people because of  the fear that I won't be secure without them. God is teaching me to let go of  that fear and replace it with trust and security in Him. Nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). There is such power when there is removal and closure. And way more room for God to work in my life and in the lives of others. Thank you, Lord for your restoration and revelation of truth, order and cooperation. Help me to remember that your ways are Higher than my ways.  Amen. Here is my Caringbridge Journal  on my experience with the port removal...out for good!!!! ...

"For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." Luke 12:12 Each year with cancer survivorship has a different and significant meaning. Year two for me was one of great, great awareness in the Lord and also the beginning of learning to set some new boundaries and goals for myself and my family. God gave me opportunities to be the speaker at several events and retreats at several churches, sharing my testimony of His faithfulness and hope. And I could hardly believe that I was able to speak without turning the color of my winter red coat in the picture below! Only God can do through us, the seemingly impossible...it is so possible with Him (Matthew 19:26). So, here is my celebration letter of my two year cancerversary on Caringbridge. Thanks, friends, for reading! Jan 26, 2011 7:23pm " Praise the Lord, Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands." Psalm 112:1 PRAISE THE LORD!!! Today marks two y...

" In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10 It is day 26 of 31, and I    have not mentioned THE most important thing in my healing process and thus, the turning point back to an active daily life after surgeries and treatment.... Physical Therapy! ! If you have had a mastectomy, chemo, radiation this is essential, it made a huge difference in my recovery!  My muscles were mush after months of limited activity. Had I not been working for a physical therapy company (none other than TherapySouth, the best there is), I would not have known I had the option. I tried to walk as much as I could, but that was clearly not enough.  I can remember feeling so better after the first time going. Those first appointments were a little challenging but it was worth it..thank you, Allison!!  I felt I was finally able to do something to start rebuilding my body and that did alot for my attitude as well!  I also remember catch...

"To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6  Getting Herceptin treatment, 2010 Hey there, I hope you are having a great Sunday! I finally had an activity-free Saturday and am so glad to report that I did not pull my car out of the garage all day!I did some way overdo housework, rested a little and enjoyed not having a schedule!  We all did actually. It was nice to have our little family of four all together, all day, doing our own thing and coming together for dinner (well, kinda we all ate the same thing). Jeff brought back some red fish from a Louisiana fishing trip and it was delicious!  And today, we went to church and did eat lunch together (smile), took a walk and enjoyed another day at home. Sometimes we  just need that! I read back through some more caringbridge journals and decided on this one to share today, mainly because I needed to hear it again! Day 25 of 31 Day...

"Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life." Psalm 23:6   Ten Simple Lessons I learned in dealing with Cancer: God always comes first Find a sense of purpose in your pain Make a choice to remain positive Attitude is (almost) everything! Choose to respond rather than react Live in the present moment It's a blessing to receive rather than always give Rest is the key to healing Let go of what you can't control Never, ever give up Blessings, Suzanne "May the LORD bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." James 1:4 I have a classic devotion book called "Daily Strength for Daily Needs" by Mary Tileston  that I have enjoyed over the past twelve or so years. In looking back over my handwritten journals, I found this passage and wanted to share it with you!  "The Shepherd knows what pastures are best for this sheep, and they must not question nor doubt, but trustingly follow Him. Perhaps He sees that the best pastures for some of us are to be found in the midst of opposition or of earthly trials. If he leads you there, you may be sure they are green for you, and you will grow and be made strong by feeding there . Perhaps he sees that the best waters for you to walk beside will be raging waves of trouble and sorrow. If this should be the case, he will make them still waters for you, and you must go and lie down beside them, and let them have all their blessed influences upon you." H.W. Smith...