On the Journey With
Lara Fletcher...
I met Lara at the Prayer Barn here in Austin. She had just received her diagnosis and I was taken aback by her authentic positivity. Sometimes people fake their optimism – because they think that is what they are supposed to do/be. Such was not the case for Lara. It was real. She is an inspiration, and I think you will appreciate that same quality as you read a bit of her story.
Just about a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Apparently, it started in my upper right colon and metastasized into multiple tumors in my liver, lungs, and one little lymph node. The largest tumor was the size of the softball. The diagnosis was an absolute surprise. Other than being tired for months and anemic for a few weeks, I had no clue that anything this major was wrong. I don’t have a family history of cancer (at this age), I go to all my screening exams, and I run to the doctor every time I stub my toe.
Once I got the news, I immediately researched the survival rate, and the American Cancer Society gives me a 13% chance of being alive in five years. When I met with my oncologist – who is amazing – I asked her for a cold blast of truth regarding my prognosis. She told me that my cancer was not curable. She told me that I would be on chemotherapy indefinitely to slow it down. And when I asked for a life expectancy, she told me 1 ½ to 2 more years.
I did not weep. I did not rant at God. I did not throw a pity party. Yes, I get teary-eyed when I dwell on the thought of leaving my family, but mostly I felt, and continue to feel, calm. When asked how I can be so peaceful, I’ve realized that through the Holy Spirit, I’ve developed a very important faith habit that grew in me such that I could shrug at cancer. I noticed the way God continuously works in my life, and I cultivated an attitude of gratitude.
My favorite verse for the last 30 years has been from Philippians 4:4-7, which tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” and encourages us to be thankful so that we can experience “a peace that passes all understanding”. I have tried to do that ever since my early 20’s dealing with a very difficult boss. Interestingly, as I learned to thank God for her, I became more respectful of her position and knowledge, and she became an unofficial mentor and a lifelong friend. That taught me an important lesson. Gratitude changes how I see things.
Since then, I’ve made a habit of being thankful in all situations, not just the big dramatic ones. When I curled up on the couch for two months with a hot mess of chemo side effects, I found peace in thanking God for my body … my “fearfully and wonderfully made” body that has gotten me so far.
Because of the habit I’ve created of noticing God’s work in my life, I was able to approach my cancer diagnosis feeling confident that He had things under control. Honestly gratitude is my default setting. I have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, my Canyon Ridge Middle School and my church communities, my stellar medical teams. The list goes on.
I am well aware that I may sound Pollyana to some. The truth is that I know that my suffering pales in comparison to that of others. I’m responding well to chemo in that my tumors are slowly shrinking, whereas others who love God are getting worse. But for me, I’m not buying the 1 ½ to 2-year prognosis nor the 5-year prognosis. I’m going for ten years, with an option to add another decade depending on how I’m feeling.
With that said, if I pass away tomorrow, I am a 56-year-old woman who has had a full life, others are not so fortunate. I put my focus on the fact that I have had (and continue to have) thousands of moments where God has lovingly guided my life. I am so thankful for His work in me, and I look forward to watching His plans unfold for me and my family.
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Waiting… I have to confess, it’s not my favorite thing. There’s something about waiting that feels like a waste of time. I’d rather keep myself busy, thank you very much. Think of all the productivity that could be happening instead. Ever feel like that? And yet this scripture alludes to the idea that waiting has a purpose all its own.
Those who wait shall renew their strength. What does that even mean? How does waiting renew our strength? I think it’s an indicator of the kind of “waiters” we should be and who it is we are waiting for. The kind of waiting talked about here is all about expectancy and hope. It’s not just passing time. It’s looking forward to the good about to happen, with hopefulness, because of the one for whom we are waiting.
Lamentations 3:25-26 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
I’m waiting on some things in my life right now. Some are short-term and some I have been waiting for a longer period of time. Even though my waiting is hopeful, maybe it’s time I adjust the focus of my waiting to the One who promises to deliver goodness. How about you?
Caregivers Corner with
Lori Smith
To Support (noun): to provide assistance that enables one to function or act.
When was the last time you had a really good laugh or felt a deep sense of joy?
You might think, How can I laugh or have joy when everyday is a struggle? I get it. Life is heavy and hard. Cancer makes it even more so. But God reminds us in Philippians 4:5 (NIV) to Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Likewise, Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) reminds us that A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
When my husband was receiving treatment in Houston, which took us away from our kids and our home often, I tried to find moments of joy for myself. I’m an introvert, so I would rent a room in the hotel that was connected to the hospital he was in, and enjoy some breakfast, coffee, and quiet time all to myself, even if just for one night. In the midst of his relapse, that one small thing brought me joy, and I became even more grateful for those quiet moments. This week, I encourage you to find ways to cheer your heart.
What makes you smile?
What brings you joy?
Do that this week. Even if it feels very small. A little joy can go a long way.
Worship Moment with
Joel Salabarria
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: No Weapon (Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music)
Band: Fred Hammond
From: Spirit of David * 1996
I’m going back in time on this one. This song has literally blessed me and encouraged me time after time over the years! It’s written from Isaiah 54:17, and I love how simplistic it is in painting the picture that weapons and challenges will be formed to try and take you out in some way, but because I am HIS they won’t prosper, and I can continue to press forward.
Say, God will do what he said he will do
He will stand by his word and he will come through (yeah)
God will do what he said he will do
He will stand by his word, he will come through
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
It won’t work
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
It won’t work
God will do what he said he would do
He’s not a man that he should lie (stand by his word) he will come through
Say, God will do what he said he will do
He will stand by his word, he will come through
Oh, I won’t be afraid of the arrow by day
From the hand of my enemy
I can stand my ground with the Lord on my side
For the snares they have set will not succeed
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (No way)
It won’t work (And it won’t work)
No weapon formed against me (shall prosper) shall prosper (And no way, no way)
It won’t work
For I know God would do what he says he’s gonna do
(Said he would do it, said he would do it)
He would stand by his word (Stand by his word)
He will come through, yeah
Poetic Encouragement with
Julie Clarke
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
A Journey
A distant far away journey to an unknown foreign land
Has brought me even closer to His outstretched gentle hand
It’s taught me to shed the things I know
And somehow trust His flow
It’s taught me just to show my part
In His vividly colorful show
I’ve learned there is a place for me,
in this world I cannot change
Heaven’s not so far from reach,
or somehow out of range
It’s taught me to shed the things I know
And somehow trust His flow
It’s taught me just to show my part
In His vividly colorful show
I’ve learned to let Him move me,
as I am led to move
No fear can hold a grip within
or take away His groove
It’s taught me to shed the things I know
And somehow trust His flow
It’s taught me just to show my part In His vividly colorful show
The simple one has taught me,
When we gather in His name
To share our honest hearts,
and therefore never be the same
It’s taught me to shed the things I know
And somehow trust His flow
It’s taught me just to show my part
In His vividly colorful show
So, thank you fellow journeymen for sharing your treasure with me
For you have brought me closer to the one I long to see.
You’re beautiful clear reflection of my Father’s heart in me
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
OK, It’s the middle of summer, and it’s hot! So, let me share a refreshing recipe that my
friend Mary Harmon shared with me. It’s simple and healthy too!
Watermelon Salad
- 5 sliced Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 small seedless watermelon, cut into chunks (about 12 cups)
- 1/2 cup fresh, chopped mint
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or balsamic)
- 4oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted pistachios
Combine cucumbers, watermelon, 1/4 cup mint, salt & pepper in a large bowl. Drizzle in extra virgin olive oil and vinegar and toss. When ready to serve, sprinkle on pistachios & remaining mint, and serve feta on side.
Prayer of the Week
Medical Ambassadors International
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer ad petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God )Philippians 4:6)
How should we pray for the sick?
Pray Sincerely.
At any given day, you can find prayer requests for the sick on social media. It is easy to comment “praying” or to simply add the prayer emoji and scroll on to the next post. We can liken this to someone in Galilee telling a friend that they would take him to Jesus for healing and never showing up. Take your commitment to pray sincerely, doing it right then and there before you get distracted and forget your promise.
Pray Hopefully.
When sickness seems hopeless, remember that you are praying to the one that is described in Exodus 15:26 as “Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Who Heals”. While we may feel powerless, we can find great hope in that the highest power of all has invited us to the throne, where we can pray for our sick loved ones.
Pray Thankfully.
Answer to prayer is one of the biggest blessings in the life of a Christian. When prayer is answered we must not forget to “put on a garment of praise” to the one who provided in our time of need. “…and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3
Interested in supporting this new initative?
The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects and team members committed to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families. As we look to the future, we are excited about creating a variety of new resources that will provide pastoral support to those battling cancer. This initiative will include this newsletter AND a host of other resources including a new podcast providing helpful information on health and fitness, fresh pocket prayers delivered daily to fellow cancer warriors, a new page on the website “heal” Heal – Piet Van Waarde with weekly reflections on navigating the “dailyness” of the journey, plus a soon-coming book Keep on Healing that will address the top 50 questions people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis. We want to make these resources available at little/no cost to those who need them, and your support through the Foundation (https://www.patreon.com/pietvanwaarde) makes that possible.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
