Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Please forgive my absence.....

it happened unintentionally. There has been a lot of living happening since radiation ended back in February and somehow the calendar now displays April 20th. Not quite sure where all the time went, but here is a sampling of my last month.

 Certain subjects are beginning to wind down. End of year projects underway. 
A little over a month left in the school year. It truly has been by God's grace that we have made it through the year with success and progress!


Our Thursday Women in Christ Bible study has been going through the book of Daniel for the Spring semester.....We meet every Thursday morning at church for worship, teaching and small group discussion time. I share the teaching with one other woman as we trade off each week. Oh my, the study has been so rich with God's truth and application as we've looked at Daniel's life and Godly example, and also looked through the lens of Biblical prophecy. 

I have had to study more than ever before in preparation to teach every other week. I've never taken Bible College classes, but this semester feels like I might have a glimpse as to what those classes entail. All good....but very time consuming! I teach on Daniel 10 next week. Our study concludes for the year on May 12th.


As the Women's Ministry Coordinator at our church, I have the privilege of planning and organizing our annual Women's Retreat each year, with the help of many hands along the way. 
This year, we held our retreat at our church as a 1 and a half day Seminar. The theme was taken from Romans 6:22 "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your FRUIT to HOLINESS, and the end, everlasting life." The seminar was held April 8 & 9th. It was glorious. God moved mightily and once again I am in awe of His faithfulness. 

As "Fruit to Holiness" was the theme, we took the ladies through 5 sessions on living lives that bear  fruit to Christ's holiness. We began Friday night with "Plowing and breaking up the fallow ground," and then Saturday took us through "Planting God's Word in our hearts," "Cultivating and weeding out sin," "Pruning," and then "The Harvest." I taught the session on Pruning, and shared with the ladies much of what God did in my heart this past year as He pruned me and walked me through breast cancer. It was very poignant & personal for me, as it was at our previous year's women's retreat that I found my lump. What a year of pruning, but what a year of growth! God is truly amazing.  His ways so much higher than our own. 


We had the privilege of having Debbi Bryson come and be our main speaker. She shared for three of the sessions. If you've never heard her teach, she is a gem and a treasure and shares powerfully from God's Word.  She is from Calvary Chapel Vista in California and her husband is the director of Calvary Chapel Church Plant Missions in Russia. It was such a treat having her with us for the weekend. Her precious assistant, Barbara traveled with her, and they both stayed at my house. 
Again, another treat for me to spend that time with them. They were here last year, as well. The work He began in our hearts last year, He added to it this year in powerful ways. 



On Monday, April 11th, we all traveled to North East, MD, to attend the East Coast Pastor's Wives conference at the Sandy Cove Retreat Center. It was three days of sitting under wonderful Bible teachers and allowing God to wash over me and rejuvenate me. The theme was from Psalm 103, "Blessed," and blessed I was to be there. God had much He needed to tell me during those three days. 






And then onto racing.....the boy's Harescramble racing season has begun! Their 2nd race was this past weekend. After days of rain, the weather cleared for raceday, but as you can see, the track was pretty muddy. At the end of their races, they were all covered in mud, a boy's dream, right!?! 


And finally, the Betties, have been the topic of much discussion and doctor's appointments this past month. Following radiation, I had to start seeing my plastic surgeon again as preparation was needed for my breast revision/reconstruction surgery. Yesterday, I went in for one of my final surgeries of this breast cancer journey. I had the temporary tissue expanders removed and replaced with my permanent silicone implants. It was a 2 hour surgery done under general anesthesia, but I was able to come home afterwards without having to spend the night in the hospital. 

I am bound tightly around my chest and will remain that way until Thursday, when my two drains are removed along with the dressings. The pain is significant, but manageable. Yesterday afternoon was pretty rough, as I had a lot of nausea from the anesthesia and my stomach didn't agree with all that went in.  Praising God, though,  that the surgery went well according to my plastic surgeon. I am anxious to see the final result! Please keep me in prayer the next few days as I move through this recovery phase. 

So, there you have it. A little bit of what my last month has looked like. I had no intentions of being away from blogging for so long and apologize that I haven't kept you all updated as to how I have been doing. Thank you to those of you who have checked in on me. It really has meant a lot! I hope to get around in the next few days and say hi, now that I have some down time in bed as my body heals and God continues the restoration and rebuilding process within. 

"I will do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.....I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places, and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it and I will do it." Ezekiel 36:11, 36

The rebuilding process is underway. As my friend, Elisa, said to me this weekend, "Stacy, you have moved from deconstruction to reconstruction!" God is good, always and the restorer of all things. 

Much love,
Stacy

34 comments:

Diana Ferguson said...

So great to hear from you!! Had been wondering what all was going on. The retreat sounds like it was such a blessing. I am glad to hear you have that surgery over with, too.

I know God has much in store for you as you minister to others!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

My verse since the beginning of it all... 1 Peter 5:10-11. I reminded God of it again last night, praying it both for myself, for you, for other cancer survivors.

So good to know all the ways that God is mightily using you in this season. Blessed Easter walk to you this week.

peace~elaine

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

That is what I had felt was happening...enjoying life!!! Blessings and so glad to read the report. Praying full recovery from your recent surgery. Welcome to spring!

Happy Easter

Sara G said...

So glad to hear from you!! Thank you for sharing the wonderful things going on with you. God is awesome, faithful and He is right there with you every step! Rest in His hands my dear sweet friend.

Sara said...

Stacy,
Honestly, yesterday I had gotten your email off your blog and had started an email to you just to check in on you... I was a little concerned that you hadn't posted. We had company, and I never finished the email to you. I was so happy to see your comment this morning on my post and to read your post. You have just been incredibly busy.

Stacy, I am continuing to pray for the Lord to be gracious to you as you prepare for the reconstruction surgery. May he strengthen you as you heal and are mommy and wife to your beautiful crew.

Much Love!
Sara

Debbie said...

Good Morning! I was so happy to see this morning that you had posted. I have wondered a few times what was happening to you. I had a feeling you were busy with life and all the Lord has for you. It sounds like you have been a very good busy. The study and the retreat that you have been involved in sound soo wonderful. My dil always goes to the west coast's pastors wives retreat and comes home soo refreshed. How wonderful as well to have that surgery behind you and now all you have to do is just get your strength back and move on with your life. How good our God is. I had opted not to do reconstructive surgery and I have given some thought as to rather or not that might have been a mistake. I am praying about it. But I still have the knee replacement surgeries looming ahead, and oh how I dislike surgeries period. But, we will see. Sooo glad all is well with you and your family, and I will pray now for your quick recovery. I pray the Lord blesses your various ministries. I just know He will use this last year and all it's trials for His glory. HUGS, Debbie

OH, and how your boys must LOVE that racing...cute pic

Kari said...

Yeah! You are doing well! Really well! I was so glad to catch up on all the happenings in your life! Take care and feel good!

Love,

Kari

child of God said...

Hi Stacey, I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying life!! Will be praying for you and this recovery from surgery

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Trisha said...

So glad to hear from you and know that you've been delighting in HIs gifts and His many mercies! I continue to pray for you! Love and hugs!

A multi-dimensional life said...

Hi Stacy! I was so excited to see your post. I have been keeping you in my prayers and just as I had hoped, it was all good! I'm thankful! So glad you are doing well. I pray for your healing from the surgery and more wonderful victories ahead! Many blessings!

Tasha (GA) said...

So glad to see your post. I have had you on my heart since finding your blog back in March. Thankful you are doing well!! It is amazing how the Lord can place a burden on your heart for someone you have never met, He is AMAZING! Praise his holy name you are doing good.

Barbara Bartlett said...

Loved reading the update, and seeing all the pictures too! Sitting in the front row crying thru your message at the retreat...well, I wasn't prepared for that! Me and Deb really loved being with you and your sweet family! Everything about the retreat was PERFECT! The Lord does amazing things, so happy He chose you, and laid His hands on you to lead the women at CS :)
love love love you!
hug and kiss!

Unknown said...

blessings to a strong woman of faith! I have your button on my prayer page
http://givingvolunteer.blogspot.com/

LisaShaw said...

Precious friend, as your title says, I want to say to you...please forgive my absence on your blog BUT I have not been absent in prayer for you. I read every word...smiled, celebrated with you, the church, the ladies, your family and also prayed over you in this next transition of your journey.

You're my hero in many ways and I've not laid eyes on you yet but my heart has felt as one with you from the start. You bless me in your steadfastness in the LORD! Keep standing!!!

Praying...love you!

Lisa Smith said...

Girl, life after cancer seems to happen at a crazy, breakneck speed!! I feel the same way about updating everyone on my life. Praising God for LIFE beyond cancer with you, the power of "one year ago" anniversaries and praying we don't get lost in this life that we never want to waste!!

Praying you feel extra grace and strength to get through this surgery!

Love to you!
lisa

A multi-dimensional life said...

Hi Stacy!
Thinking of you and wanting to wish you a happy mother's day!
You remain in my prayers!
Bless you richly! xo

{darlene} @ fieldstonehill said...

love you!
just stopping by to say that you NEVER leave our prayers. every night, dear one!
- {darlene}

Sara G said...

Thinking about you and sending you big hugs!!

LisaShaw said...

Hey precious lady! Dropped in to send my love and prayers to you and your family.

Love you!

doc said...

it's amazing how God has seen you through difficult times & put in place a wonderful support group.

you know you are not & will never be alone.

God bless!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

How are you? I've been thinking about you lately. I hope you are well.

peace~elaine

Unknown said...

I haven't read anything in awhile and you were on my mind today. Praying for you-praying all is well and that you are enjoying your summer.
Hugs-love ya
Jill

Unknown said...

I haven't read anything in awhile and you were on my mind today. Praying for you-praying all is well and that you are enjoying your summer.
Hugs-love ya
Jill

{darlene} @ fieldstonehill said...

hugs. praying for you!

A multi-dimensional life said...

Just thinking of you...I still pray for you every day...for continued healing and blessings upon you and your family. I hope I haven't missed any of your posts...I haven't seen anything beyond this April post here.
I pray that All IS well!!! xo

He & Me + 3 said...

wow! YOu have been so busy, but it looks like the blessings are just flowing. God is good. I hope that you are enjoying your summer.

LisaShaw said...

Touching base with you precious one...I see you are living life off line and I'm so happy for you and your family. I miss you! Much love!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I just hopped over to see what you were up to. I've read your blog through others in the past. Trust all is well, and you are simply moving forward with life.

Lookig forward to hearing more.

Blessings!

Sonja

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Just tried e-mailing you. It bounced back to me... do you have a new e-mail? If so, could you e-mail me at elaineolsen@live.com and let me know? Thanks:)!

peace~elaine

Kari said...

Dear Stacy....I have missed your blog, your insight and learning about your relationship with the Lord. I hope you are doing well. Just wanted to say hi.

Love,

Kari
kari.schmitt@verizon.net

elaine @ peaceforthejourney said...

Thoughts of you this morning... just wanted to say hello since I don't have a current e-mail address. Blessings, sister.

~elaine

LisaShaw said...

Thinking of you....

Cameron VSJ said...

Hi,

I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?

Thanks,

Cameron

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas, friend. I don't know how else to send you this greeting. I seem to have lost your phone number.

blessings,
~elaine