I can't do everything, but I refuse to do nothing.

The point of walking with God is to keep going.

(Source: prayinfaith, via godstr0ng)

memories-of-a-first-love:

“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39

(via godstr0ng)

The Act of Pushing Foward When Giving Up Seems Like the Only Option

Cancer is a 6 letter word that no one ever wants to hear. To many, cancer ultimately means it’s the end; to James Rhio O Connor it meant it was the beginning of his fight.

 In October 2001, James Rhio O’ Connor was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium (membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body.)It is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Over 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. It appears to be more prevalent in men; however it can affect women as well. Weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling, and blood clotting are all symptoms of Mesothelioma, however these symptoms may take 30-50 years to appear after exposure to asbestos (chemical-resistant, fibrous mineral forms used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters.) Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, X-Ray’s, and biopsy’s. Treatment of the cancer can include surgery and chemotherapy. However, Rhio’s story shows us that there are other forms of treatment as well.

 Rhio’s cancer was caused by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. When he was diagnosed the doctors had told him he had less than a year to live. Rhio didn’t have many choices, surgery was not an option because of the position of the tumor near his spine, and chemotherapy would decrease his quality of life. The doctors told Rhio that all there was left to do was take his wife on a cruise, and when he returns check himself into a hospice- in other words, wait to die. Rhio turned down this idea, he was determined to live. Rhio was determined to fight. Working with physicians, Rhio formed a treatment of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet, practiced mind-body medicine, and relied on his own discipline to see him through the difficult times.  Originally Rhio wasn’t supposed to make it past 62, however, through his determination, research, knowledge, belief in something greater than himself, and his never ending hope, Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years.  On July 11, 2009, Rhio passed away at 69 years old. However, before he died, Rhio had written a book about how he managed and outlasted Mesothelioma for 7 ½ years. His book is titled “They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story.”  In his book, Rhio discusses what he did to live his life with the cancer, the science behind his decision, medical articles, and his nutrition changes.

Anyone can be affected by cancer. It does discriminate on color, or race. It has no gender preference, and age in cancers eyes, truly is nothing but a number. However stories like Rhio’s provide us with the one thing that cancer tries to take away- and that is hope.  Rhio’s story and life is meant to inspire us, give us courage, and remind us that we have the ability to fight. When cancer attempted to take Rhio’s life, it is as though Rhio took cancer by the neck and said “not so fast- I’m not giving up that easy.”  Rhio’s determination, will to fight, love for his wife, and love for life, is proof that there is a way to beat cancer. Even though Rhio was only able to beat his diagnosis for 7 ½ years, his methods show us that one day maybe cancer can be beaten for good.  Rhio’s story shows us there are ways that life can be extended- and cancer can be terminated.  

 What inspires me most about Rhio’s story is his determination. So many times people are faced with a problem and instead of pushing through, they let it break them.  Nobody ever wants to hear that they have cancer, but Rhio was so inspiring because when he heard it, he saw it as another wall to climb- not a barrier to stop him. Rhio’s story reminds me that we only have one life, and life will deal us problems, but it’s not the problems that make your life a legacy, it’s how you overcame them.  

If I were faced with the same challenges Rhio faced, I would hope to have in me the same determination that Rhio had. I would rely on my family and my friends as my support system. My family and my friends would also be my inspiration to keep fighting.  My first plan of action would be to research my prognosis. I would also want to get multiple doctors opinions about what would be best for me.  I would first look to things like chemo and surgery, however if they had little to offer I would get as much information as possible about other options. I would speak to doctors and researchers, as well as find books in the library that pertain to my prognosis. I would also take my family’s opinions into consideration.  My plan of action would be to gain as much knowledge as I can by researching, finding support groups from people that had/have the same prognosis, and gathering my information all together to choose the best option not only for myself, but for my family as well.  Above all else, I would put my faith in God. I would pray and get advice from people at my Church, and I would constantly remind myself that everything happens for a reason, and even if I don’t understand God’s plan for me, I know whatever it is, is for the greater good.  If I were to ever go through this, I don’t know if I would be able to be as strong as Rhio was, but I certainly hope so.

Rhio’s story inspires me to live my life to the fullest. His story inspires me to look beyond my circumstances no matter what they are.  

Cancer is an evil word. People all over the world are being diagnosed with some form of cancer right this very second. Rhio’s life teaches us that every second matters and tomorrow is what you make of it.  When it rains- dance in the rain, when you feel  broken- find a reason to smile, and when you feel like giving up- don’t, because you’re final tomorrow may seem like it’s around the corner, but in reality it’s over 7 years away.   

[*If you wish to research more about the cancer and Rhio go to www.survivingmesothelioma.com. All information about Rhio and Mesothelioma was found there. Some information was directly quoted from the site!]

Cold Season

I sometimes find myself straying away from God. It’s like I have these seasons that I’m so on fire for the Lord, and my faith gets shaken, and I continuously find reasons to believe every day. Then I have these cold winters, I’m sure you know what I’m taking about we all get them. I have these moments in time, except they aren’t just moments, they are days, weeks, months, and they hurt so bad. They are times where I feel so far from God, I feel like He is no where near me, I feel alone. But you know what sucks even more about the fact that I feel like that? It’s my fault. I’m not ashamed or scared to admit it. When we feel far from God it is because WE MOVED.

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

So when I feel, when you feel, whenever any of us feel as though God is not with us, it is because we left God- not the other way around.

And all God wants from us is to come back to Him. There are so many times we get off track, we get lost in what society feeds to us. But my failures my mess ups, when i stray, the devil thinks that’s his way to draw me further from God. but he is wrong -dead wrong. Because when I drift away I feel wrong, I feel different, no matter how many lies I buy into at the time, I realize I’m not happy and something is missing. That something, is a someone, and that someone is God. So when the devil tries to change my path -I may stumble there for a while but I wont stay there for long. Non- Christians ask so many times “well, how do you know there is a God?” And honestly all i can give you is because i have faith- because when things are going bad-i still feel okay- and because when I’m focusing on things that are suppose to make me “happy” I know in my heart I’m truly not happy unless I’m following Jesus.

Recently I’ve been messing up a lot and Lord I pray for Your forgiveness, and I pray for you to give me the strength and the courage to let go of the horrible parts of myself. Lord I want to let go for the glory of You, as a way to share you, to share my faith, to share my love and my passion for you, so that people can see your love and your passion for them.

Isn’t it great that we have a God who loves us whether we are in the storm or in the sunshine.

I want to follow more Christian blogs so that my feed can be filled with Gods word and encouragement!!

Please please please if you know any great Christian blogs recommend them to me - or if you are one, follow me so i can follow back!

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

My valentine didn’t take me to dinner. He took nails in His hands and feet. He didn’t get me roses. He got me eternal life. He didn’t write me a sentimental card. He wrote me a personal love story. He doesn’t care what I look like. He made me perfect and He thinks I’m beautiful.

(Source: madlyinlovewithjesus, via givemeejesus)

Prayer Warriors

so this week has been really stressful.

I’ve had a lot of tests to study for, and tomorrow i am taking my biggest one.

I’m an early childhood education major and a step to get teacher certified is to pass all 4 sections of a big, long  test called the FTCE(its kinda like an SAT you can say.)

well anyway this test determines a lot for me as a i move forward with my major and my dream to open a daycare for children with disabilities.

So can you please please please pray for me! This test is a huge deal and a big part of me transferring to a univiserity!

Thanks guys!

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”