I haven’t been posting as much as usual because I started
going to a group that is reading the book, Creative Call by Janice
Elsheimer. What’s really great
about this is Janice is part of the group. I really enjoy hearing her talk about the different things
she’s learned from writing the book and going through it with other
people. It is fascinating to me! This is my 2nd or 3rd time going
through it and I always come away inspired.
This morning I was reading on page 90 the following
statements. This is your
life. You are responsible for
it. You will not live
forever. Don’t wait. Make the time now, even if it is ten
minutes a week.
Having gone through the following the past 2 years makes
this so real to me.
I had to retire because I have Stage IV breast cancer that
has spread to my bones. I had a
lumpectomy, a port put in, a rod and bolt put in my left leg because a tumor
ate 75% of the top of the femur, 7 weeks of radiation, the port taken out (too
many heart issues with it), and 3 more weeks of radiation.
Now I get a shot once a month to strengthen my bones, tests
every six months, and take tamoxifen daily. If you have any questions you want to ask I am happy to
answer. I always hope my
experience can somehow help someone else.
I have learned you don’t know how much time you have. I feel
like I really started living after I found out I have this. Don’t wait ‘till something like this
happens to you to really live – to breathe in! Use your time wisely. Don’t wait ‘till you get a terminal illness
to discover what is most important in this life.
I have to add get your mammograms. I waited a year and 9 months in
between. If you have a stressful,
physical job like I did and you get a tumor in your breast it can spread
quickly. So again, I cannot stress
enough, get your mammograms.
In 2007 I went through Creative Call in the summer when I
was off work (school bus driver).
After we, Tracy and I and I think a few other women from church, finished
the book - I went back through some of it on my own.
One morning at work, we had 15-20 minute breaks between
schools, I was reading and praying and asking God what He wanted me to do. I just felt He wanted more.
I pulled out to go to pick up my middle school kids and the
car in front of me had a license plate that read, “thinkart”. Seriously?? I started laughing because I couldn’t believe God would be
that literal or humorous. I have
done something art related since but never as much as now. I thought then He wanted me to be full
time at it but I just didn’t have the faith to step out and leave a paycheck
and health insurance behind.
Now I have the time but I still struggle with doing. Fear, feeling it isn't important, things needing done, calls
needing to be made, Dr. appointments, etc. all try to keep me from getting any art done. I am very grateful for this
group, for Tracy inviting me and driving me, and how it has helped me to gain
some focus, get over some apprehensions, and actually get some work done. So, to work I go. And
thank you to all who are involved.
I am praying for you to be able to hear and do the will of the Spirit!
This is the invocation of the Spirit that I wrote from last
week;
Fill us with God’s vision.
images, visions, music and dance to share,
and words that will inspire.
so You will be glorified.
