tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64563874389711497212024-03-04T23:04:36.137-06:00Laura's Blog"Though the mountains
be shaken and the hills
be removed, yet my
unfailing love for you
will not be shaken nor
my covenant of peace
be removed, says the
Lord who has
compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-18014577816922311472015-03-30T09:19:00.001-05:002015-03-30T09:29:44.034-05:00Forever Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>"Taste and see that the Lord is good. </b></div>
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<b>Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!"</b></div>
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<b>Psalm 34:8</b></div>
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I started writing about my cancer journey in a private journal. I quickly realized that my kids would need regular updates since they all lived away from home, so I turned my journal into an online blog. Finally, overwhelmed with the number of people in our circle of family and friends who wanted to know how to pray for us, I made that blog public. It became a daily comfort for me to sit quietly with God and document all that He was teaching me. For several years I have been encouraged to share my story with a wider audience. I never intended to write a book. Being an author was never something I have aspired to. But, after so many fellow cancer strugglers and their families shared with me the courage and strength they received from the story of my cancer journey, I told the Lord I was open and available to do whatever He wanted me to do in this regard.</div>
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In April, 2013, I was eating breakfast in a small cafe in Paris France with my husband, Mark, our son David and his wife Syd, and David's publisher Dr. Todd Swift, the owner of Eyewear Publishing. We were celebrating the debut of David's first book of poetry (<a href="http://amzn.com/1908998075" target="_blank">Our Obsidian Tongues</a>). In the course of that conversation, Dr. Swift began to talk about publishing books from a Christian perspective and David said, right out loud, "My mom has a book." I was surprised by his statement. I smiled, graciously acknowledged David's kind words, and waited to move on to other subjects. But the publisher was intrigued. "Have you really written a book?" he asked. "I am very interested in publishing books related to spirituality, and I would very much like to see what you've written." I told him I was a cancer survivor. Within the next five minutes of conversation, he was ready to commit to publish my story. I encouraged him to read it first, and then we could talk. By the time we arrived home, I had an email from the publisher waiting for me. He was serious. I was still unsure about the prospect. Then one day, as I prayed, God reminded me of our earlier conversation. So this book is His doing.</div>
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If you are interested in purchasing a copy for yourself or a friend, it is available on Amazon.com. Just click on the link below.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.com/1908998474" target="_blank">Forever Hope by Laura Shook</a> on Amazon</span></b></div>
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-1614309806318052642014-05-27T08:21:00.000-05:002014-11-09T20:03:59.312-06:00<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">May 27, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today is the five year anniversary of my stage 3 rectal cancer diagnosis. I have always wondered how this day would feel. I've given a lot of thought to how I should celebrate. A giant dance party with DJ? An amazing trip? Or having all my family gathered together? Should I invite the church? Invite my friends? Invite my doctors? How would I feel? What should I do? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today is the day - 5 years - that magical milestone that every oncologist is working toward, every cancer treatment's goal, and every cancer patient's dream. The dream of survival. Five years is the marker that says, "You are healed. Your chance of being diagnosed with cancer in the future is now the same as the rest of the population on planet Earth. Go live your life!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So how will I celebrate? It's 6:00 AM. The rain is falling, birds are singing. Praise music plays in my head again:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Now death where is your sting? Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated!" (Kari Jobe)<br /><br />Mark is gone to jury duty. My family is scattered across the country and the globe. It's just me and God today. A quiet morning together. And somehow that seems like the perfect celebration. Just like so many private moments together on the couch during my treatment - private tears and anguish shared; heart poured out; hope beyond hope that everything I believed was real. And He was there, in all his glory. And He is here with me today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My heart is so full it feels like it will burst. I am so grateful that the only way to express it is with tears and the quiet deep longings of my heart - crying out for more of you. I understand why "angels prostrate fall". There is no other way, no other response to a God so magnificent and Holy, so good and kind, so loving and gracious and giving. My words fail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I remember today my sweet friends, so many who have gone on before me - Stacey, Melissa, Tony, John T., John D., Brandon, Dr. Keller - and sweet Roosevelt who cautioned me not to follow in his footsteps! I try to imagine the joy they experienced as they stepped into Your presence - again, I am left mute. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God, I love you, I praise you, I bless you, and I thank you. May I live every day conscious of your presence in my life. I am yours, body and soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"For the Mighty One has done great things for me - Holy is his name." Luke 1:49</span>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-64426421641029395722013-01-03T12:50:00.001-06:002013-01-03T12:53:41.415-06:00The Most Wonderful Words...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, November 27, 2012. I sat in Dr. Campos' office in a white paper gown, seated on the exam table. Mark sat in the chair, head back, eyes closed. Dr. Campos finally walked into the room with my six-inch thick chart, trailed by Dr. Z. and some new medical student who quietly leaned against the wall, listening, watching, and learning. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then he spoke the most wonderful words ever:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You are completely normal! Your PET scan was clear, all your blood work is normal. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">No Colonoscopy for three years.</i><b>" </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most amazing joy started deep inside me, filled me and spilled onto my face. For the first time I honestly feel that I've been healed, that this is over. I feel free. I feel alive. I have a future. Anything is possible! I feel like laughing and running, and dancing! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, I thank Dr. Campos. We all agree that it was God at work through him. He tells me to come see him in six months then leaves the room, encouraged with a broad smile, and heads into the next exam room. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alone, Mark and I look at each other with wide eyes and crazy grins. We give each other double high fives across the room. We leave his office, still in wonder at the goodness of God toward us. What a lot we have to celebrate and be thankful for! I text the kids, my family and friends on the way. Congratulatory text messages flood my phone - joy spreads! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, Jesus, for healing, for grace, for walking with me, for your joy overflowing! Please let me live every moment to bring praise and honor to you. Please show me how. </span>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-86039018533064926812012-12-28T10:38:00.005-06:002012-12-28T10:38:33.525-06:00Get Your Rear in Gear November 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After participating in the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Tulsa in March, I decided that I would actually train and RUN the Houston GYRIG 5K in November. My sweet friend Kristy was my constant encouragement. Several friends joined in the fun and came out to support my efforts as we raised money and awareness for colorectal cancer research, including Aimee who is pregnant with twins! I have such amazing friends! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful clear morning. With each step I was reminded that I am healthy and strong, that God is faithful and that my future is full of His goodness. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following weekend, my California family participated in the Get Your Rear in Gear in Orange County in my honor. I wish I could have been there with them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love these people!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Kristy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praying before the race</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BFFs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">California GYRIG Team</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you all! Thank you for your constant love, encouragement, and support! And thank you for your help in finding a cure for colorectal cancer. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-58290418736593414532012-10-17T08:40:00.000-05:002012-10-17T08:42:53.955-05:00Love is in the Air!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, August 12, 2012, Mark and I had the joy of celebrating Ashley's engagement to Mr. Adam Love! Yes, his name really is Love! And we are thrilled for both of them! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet friends praying for Ashley and Adam</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the wedding planning begin!</span></div>
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-81874922370311548892012-07-20T10:13:00.000-05:002012-07-20T10:13:16.134-05:00Dear Body<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This letter is written in response to the invitation by <i><b>She Loves Magazine, Stories of Sisterhood</b> t</i>o write a letter to my body. To read more letters, written by women around the world, click here: <a href="http://shelovesmagazine.com/2012/a-love-letter-to-my-body/" target="_blank">www.shelovesmagazine.com</a> or visit <b>shelovesmagazine</b> on Facebook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Body,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve spent forty-nine good years together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve traveled the world and had the joy of
laughing with friends across the globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve always had a good relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have always been grateful that you seemed to maintain your health and
your form without any effort on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have depended you and found you to be faithful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is until May 27, 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Imagine my shock when I was told that you had stage 3 rectal
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctors told me that I had a
50/50 chance of maintaining my relationship with you for five more years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always known that my days with you were
numbered, but it was stunning to hear that number may be much smaller than I
had imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I immediately felt betrayed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could you let this happen? You had no history of this disease!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are never sick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so began my personal battle to prolong
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We partnered together,
garnered all our strength, and stepped into the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you were phenomenal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You took everything that came your way with amazing strength and
dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stood up to repeated radiation,
the burning of your cells,; and diligently discarded the refuse. You
miraculously rebuilt damaged tissues even as you cried out for rest and relief
from the onslaught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You even gave birth
to brand new cells in spite of the biological warfare of chemotherapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You endured multiple surgeries, each time
producing beautiful scar tissue to remind me of your victories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You fought through diarrhea, dehydration,
exhaustion, electrolyte imbalance, secondary infections, constant nausea,
emotional upheaval, pain, grief, fear, and despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You endured countless medical procedures, and
torturous medical exams. You persevered through it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After endless months in the fray, you rang the bell,
signaling your personal victory. You are amazing! You are strong! You are
“beautifully and wonderfully made.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have never been more proud to call you mine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for fighting for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t live without you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Laura<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-86145342462423377092012-07-12T12:31:00.000-05:002012-07-12T12:33:19.364-05:00Open My EyesHave you ever had one of those moments when your own sinfulness reared its ugly head, and for a brief instant you saw things clearly - the way God does - the total depravity of the human condition; and of MY condition without the grace of God?<br />
<br />
Maybe a moment when the ugliness of pride showed its true colors in you...<br />
Or a moment when a lack of compassion was all that was reflected...<br />
Maybe the heat of judgement poured out on someone you love...<br />
Or angry words spewed before you had the wisdom to silence your mouth...<br />
<br />
That happened to me this week.<br />
<br />
Sneak Peak: I was walking into the office the other day at the same time that a woman got out of her car and headed into the building. I didn't recognize her. She looked a little haggard. I assumed that maybe she was a part of the cleaning crew that works at the church. I didn't say hello to her. I barely even looked at her. I walked inside without even smiling. Wow. Who was that person? Not her, but ME!!?? Why so impersonal and cold? Was I really so busy that I couldn't be kind, or even polite?<br />
<br />
Her Story: Kristy and Mark had conversations with this woman and discovered that she was in need of help. She came to Houston from Michigan to bury her ex-husband, the father of her 10 year old son, who had been found in Buffalo Bayou. She didn't have enough money to get to the bus station to catch her bus home. She just needed a little help; she was willing to work for the day. I know we are all cynical about these types of stories and requests, but her need seemed genuine. Mark bought a tank of gas so her friend could drive her to the bus station. <br />
<br />
Full Disclosure: Then Mark called me and said, "Let's go to Wallmart and buy them a gift card so they can have food to eat on the bus. It's a two day trip." And I replied, "You go ahead. <i>I don't want to ride in the car with them, they don't smell good."</i><br />
<br />
Immediately I am convicted and ashamed. Appalled at my lack of love. Did I just say that? Did I really have that thought? Seriously? That's going to be the determining factor in whether I demonstrate Christ's love to someone or not? I am sickened by my sin. <br />
<br />
Redemption: As it turned out, God gave me the opportunity to go with Mark to Wallmart to purchase the gift card anyway. Thank you, God, that in this moment when all I had to offer you was the stench of selfishness that you didn't respond in kind. I am humbled by your mercy and grateful for your patience. Thank you for opening my eyes today. Please continue your work of transformation in my life! I obviously desperately need you...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-25954031297609512062012-06-29T21:02:00.000-05:002012-06-29T21:05:15.856-05:00"I like your scar"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the souvenirs I have from cancer is scars. I have six scars that are related to my cancer surgeries and treatment. Five on my abdomen and one on my chest. When my surgeon first discussed my treatment with me, he was concerned about how I would feel about having scars. Honestly, at that point, scars were the least of my worries! I hadn't worn a bikini since I was in college and all I wanted was to be healthy, no matter what it took to get there. As I walked through cancer treatment, I found that I really liked my scars. Like I've said here before, they are signs of life for me. My scars remind me of where I've been and what I learned, and they say to the world that I am a survivor. They are very personal to me and I am proud to have them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I was even more proud to wear them! When I was shopping for a dress for Sarah's wedding, I was looking for something that would cover the scar on my chest. It just seemed like the right thing to do. And I was looking for something to cover my upper arms, which also seemed like the right thing to do! No one wants to see jiggly mother arms at a wedding! However, if you've seen the pictures of the wedding, you know that is not the kind of dress I ended up buying. Sarah and I found a beautiful caribbean blue strapless gown that we both agreed was the perfect dress. Several days before Sarah's wedding I tried on my "Mother-of-the-Bride" dress after having it altered, and Sarah said to me, 'I like your scar, mom." For her, it signified that her mom fought hard to be here with her. My scars became even more special to me after seeing them through her eyes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day of Sarah's wedding, Sarah, the bridesmaids, Tyler's mother, Julie, and I were all together getting ready for the big event. Our sweet friend, Patricia, was on hand to expertly fix everyone's hair. Lily, a professional make-up artist, was also in the room, making sure every girl's beauty was perfectly on display. When it came my turn, I hopped up in the make-up chair and Lily worked her magic. She then asked if I would like make-up on my chest. I knew immediately, that her real question was, "Do you want me to cover your scar?" I proudly let her know that the scar was an important part of who I am and did not need to be covered. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the sun set, and the music began to fill the chapel, I happily walked down the aisle on the arm of my son, David, and watched my sweet daughter marry the man of her dreams. The scars were there, representing God's goodness and faithfulness toward me and Sarah.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, Sarah, for seeing the beauty in scars! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-50458374933906352012-06-08T20:52:00.000-05:002012-06-08T20:52:02.243-05:00The Perfect Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tyler & Sarah May</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 1, 2012</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-83621517406708160352012-05-18T17:24:00.001-05:002012-05-18T17:27:08.414-05:00Worth It?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Cancer Researchers,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I am so thankful for all you do. However, I also want to say that there HAS to be a better way - a better way to fight cancer than flooding our brains and bodies with life-destroying poison! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always been the detail person. I never forget things. At least I never did until I went through cancer treatment... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, Mark and I, and our friends, Donald and Gretchen, flew into the Houston airport. After passing through immigration and customs, I left the three of them at Starbucks and went to get the car to drive around and pick them up. I knew exactly where I left the car - Terminal E, Level 5, Row M1. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty minutes later, I am standing in the parking lot, fighting back tears, sweating, and ANGRY! My car is nowhere to be found. I have walked every row of every level of the parking garage. I am horrified. I absolutely can't remember where I parked my car. I feel like I have been betrayed by my own body; like I've lost a part of myself. This has never happened to me before, not once in all my life, until now. I routinely lose my car. I frequently forget conversations, I regularly lose things around the house. I can't come up with words or names. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And at this moment, alone in the parking garage, for the very first time, I ask, "Why me?" Why did MY brain cells have to be killed? Why do I have to live like this? <i>Is it worth it</i>? The jury is still out for me... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the grace of God, I finally find the car, pick up my passengers, and begin the drive home. I am quiet, processing what happened, when God gently begins to open my eyes. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of the whole reason we were just out of town - celebrating the 10th anniversary of Comunidad de Fe, the church we started in Cancun. Person after person came up to us that weekend and thanked us for starting the church. They told us amazing stories of how God had transformed their lives and families through the church. It was such an incredible experience!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of the school in the village of Bubanza, Burundi, Africa, that is now under construction. It will open in the fall to classrooms full of adults and children who, for the first time in their life, will have the opportunity to receive an education.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of the young girls in Honduras who have been rescued from sexual abuse and are now receiving food, shelter, love, and hope for a bright future.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of the email I received just this week from a woman whose life has been dramatically changed through Community of Faith.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of the student at COF who included Mark and I in his senior legacy project at school. His mother wrote to tell us of the positive impact we have had on his life. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think of my own children and all that is going on in their lives. I think of Sarah's approaching wedding, secure in the knowledge that I will be there!</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am humbled, and I am grateful. Life is precious. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah... it's worth it. Brain cells or not, I am glad to be here! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God, please help me to depend on you when my less-than-dependable brain fails me. And please... show those cancer researchers a better way to treat and cure cancer! </span></div>
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-52039973557049490632012-03-12T18:55:00.000-05:002012-03-12T18:55:10.413-05:00Get Your Rear in Gear!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend my friend, Teri, and I traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to participate in the <b>Get Your Rear In Gear</b> <b>5K</b> with my daughter, Sarah, her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Drew, and three of her friends, Kourtni, Greg, and Molly.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In their own words, <b>Get Your Rear In Gear </b>"are sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and friends who have been affected by colon cancer and want to do <em style="margin-right: 0.15em;">something</em>."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their mission is to "Empower local communities to promote prevention and early detection of colon cancer and to provide support to those affected." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teri and I arrived in Tulsa and immediately went to Runners World to pick up our race packets. We felt like athletes as we browsed through the store's running gear. In the back of my mind I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Yes, I ran track in 6th grade, but that was a long time ago!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Teri handing out at Runners World</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed a high-carb dinner at Olive Garden with Sarah and her friends under the guise that our training required such extravagance! Then we spent the evening making t-shirts for our team (by that I mean Sarah spent the evening making t-shirts for our team!).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sarah's handiwork</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day was predicted to be cold and wet, but Saturday morning arrived beautiful, cool, and clear. We put on our running gear, loaded up the car and headed down to Veterans Park</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Teri and me at Veterans Park</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sporting my "survivor" t-shirt, I stepped up to one of the tables to fill out a form in honor and memory of several of my sweet friends. As I was doing so, the lady at the table said, "Laura Shook! Is that you? I've read your story! I'm so glad you are here!" It was another special moment to remember all those who prayed for me and championed me in the battle. It was the perfect inspiration to start the run! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I walked in honor and memory of my friends!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sarah ran in my honor!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race route was beautiful, taking us over and along the river, winding through a peaceful tree-lined neighborhood and then back to Veteran's Park. Over 500 people participated in the event, from age 7 to 99! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a surreal experience to be run/walking in a 5K almost three years after staring death in the face and being told that I had a 50/50 chance of survival! I took such pleasure in the sun reflecting off the river, the daffodils pushing up through the dirt, and the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wind on my face. My heart was bursting with gratitude for life, for my family, for my friends, for my doctors, and for my faithful God.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things that touched me the most was all the people I saw who were running in memory of their mothers and fathers - a sweet tribute to their loved ones, and the sad reality of the ugliness of cancer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Teri and I rounded the bend heading into the finish line, Sarah, Drew, Greg, and Kourtni were there cheering. Sarah ran out and joined us to cross the finish line together. Her smiling face beside me was my reward! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Finish Line!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am happy to report that we finished the 5K and we didn't come in last! Although "bringing up the rear" would have been totally appropriate given the nature of the race! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We celebrated with brunch at Dilly Deli in downtown Tulsa. What an amazing fun day!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To all my Houston friends, Houston will be hosting its first ever Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on November 3, 2012. I hope you will all join me as we continue to fight against colorectal cancer! </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For more information check out their website: </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.getyourrearingear.com/">www.getyourrearingear.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-5397161577877308932012-03-05T21:57:00.000-06:002012-03-05T21:57:19.552-06:00In Every Way<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently Mark and I had dinner with some good friends. As we were sitting around talking after dinner, my friend asked, "Laura, would you say that cancer changed your life?" Mark and I both laughed out loud, looked at each other, and immediately answered, "Absolutely!" And then she asked, "In what way would you say your life has been changed?" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thought of it left me almost speechless. The change has been all encompassing. The only words I could speak were, "In <i>every</i> way" And those words seem so inadequate to describe what has happened. EVERYTHING about me is different. I may look the same on the outside, it may seem that my life has returned to the way things were, but the truth is that everything has changed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way I think, the things I think, the way I feel, the dreams I have, my relationships with family and friends, my relationship with God... there is <i>nothing</i> that has not been profoundly affected in some way. I am a completely different person on the inside.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I wouldn't change it for the world! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am stronger than I have ever been. I am more confident than I have ever been. It has caused me to speak my mind even more than I used to. I'm not sure that Mark thinks this is a good thing, but I am very happy to do so!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not afraid of anything. I have an unshakeable peace. I know without a doubt that my life and my future are held in the hand of God. There is nothing that can come against me that God and I together can't handle. I know that He will always stand on my behalf. There is tremendous peace in the knowing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My priorities have become more focused. I don't waste time or energy on things that don't fit into those priorities. Family matters. My friends matter. God's Kingdom matters. And that's about it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am constantly aware that life is fragile and death is certain. That may sound morbid, but honestly, it makes each moment sweeter because I recognize the gift and value of each day I am given. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, yes, cancer changed my life. Completely. Thankfully.</span><br />
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-20272560488727296422011-12-21T17:07:00.000-06:002011-12-21T17:07:21.287-06:00A Day to Celebrate!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>December 20, 2011 has been a day to CELEBRATE!!! </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I went to see the oncologist and was told that my most recent PET scan was NORMAL and all my blood work was PERFECT!! All the doctors, nurses, and staff were smiling. They told me not to come back for six months! This was the best early Christmas present ever! Thank you God, for this gift!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me, rockin' the paper gown and red shoes!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today Mark and I celebrate 28 years of marriage! I am so grateful to be married to my best friend! We have had the most amazing life together and we are looking forward to many more years of adventures together! Thank you, God, for this gift!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 20, 1983</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we celebrate my dad's birthday too! I have the best dad in the world! He has always prayed for me daily, pointed me to Christ, and supported and encouraged my dreams. I am so thankful for his consistent example of a man "after God's own heart." Thank you, God, for this gift!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daddy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Today my girls are home and it's almost Christmas! I am so thankful that God "</span>loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Thank you, God, for this gift!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrating Christmas 2011</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that each day of this Christmas season is a day to CELEBRATE for you and your family! I am thankful for each one of you and your faithful friendship! Thank you, God, for this gift!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-60822682188707750032011-11-30T09:51:00.001-06:002011-11-30T10:12:53.889-06:00Think Again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past month has been the most difficult of our 30+ years of ministry. We have faced situations that we have never experienced before. Our hearts have been broken, our trust betrayed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the middle of all of these experiences, I read this in <i>Jesus Calling</i> one day:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings...</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I literally laughed out loud! This had been the worst month ever. The church had been rocked to the core, the people and staff were hurting. I thought to myself, "Well, this devotion is off the mark today; this is certainly not a time of abundance and blessing and ease and refreshment! I'll just disregard this little devotion."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then God opened my eyes and spoke to my heart: "Laura, you are looking at it wrong. Your focus is off. These words are true. They are always true of your life, not based on your circumstances, but on my character."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is still God. He is still on his throne. He is continually pouring out his blessing and abundance on me. He continually offers refreshment to me if I will look to him to find it. He will ease the way if I let him carry the burden. He promises to be strong in my weakness. He delights in providing it for me!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a change of thinking! What a profound turn-around of everything! The circumstances don't matter - they don't change the fact that my life is overflowing with God's goodness and blessing always, no matter how it may seem or how it may feel, or how difficult it may be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend Mark preached from 2 Chronicles 20, the story of King Jehoshaphat, my favorite story in Scripture. God performed an amazing miracle and turned what the enemy intended to be the destruction of God's people into a "Valley of Blessing." That's what God does! I can't wait to see all that God is going to do as he turns the past 30 days into a "Valley of Blessing" for me and for my church!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Chronicles 20:21</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-49236273915497893532011-10-29T15:06:00.004-05:002011-10-29T15:11:05.953-05:00He Knows<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"The Lord is like a father to his children, </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>tender and compassionate to those who fear him.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> <i>For he knows how weak we are, </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>he remembers we are only dust.</i>" </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 103:13-14</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a weakness for pottery. I love the different shapes, the designs, the textures, the curves. I am intrigued by the fact that someone's hands formed the items I treasure; their creativity on display for others to enjoy. The bright colors bring me pleasure! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever we travel, I usually find some sort of pot or vase to bring home as a reminder of the culture and country we visited. Many in my collection have been gifts from friends around the world, making them even more special to me! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my most prized possessions is probably the least expensive piece of pottery I have. It's value comes from the fact that it was given to me by my sweet Batwa friends in Burundi, Africa. They spent a week mixing the mud themselves, forming the pot, smoothing it with their hands, delicately carving designs around the side, and lovingly setting it in the fire to dry. They diligently worked together with me in mind, making gifts for all the guests who were coming. On the day of our final visit to their village, they thanked us for our friendship, they danced with us, prayed for us, and presented each of us with the gift of their handiwork. I was humbled and honored by their generosity. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew this piece of pottery was extremely fragile, and I desperately wanted it to survive the journey to it's new home in Texas. I carefully wrapped the pot in my clothing, filling the inside and wrapping several t-shirts around to protect it. I put it in my carry-on bag, placing things around it to keep it from bouncing around during the trip. I cushioned it above and below. I carried it with me in the car to the airport. I kept it in my hands all through the airport. It never left my sight, except as it passed through the x-ray machine at the security check point. Even then, I was watching my bag go through the machine and I grabbed it as soon as it passed through. I kept it with me as we waited to board the plane, and I gently set it under the seat in front of me on the airplane. I kept my eye on it during all three flights home, making sure it didn't get bumped or roll around. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew that this pot was delicate. I knew that even an unintentional blow could shatter what was so special to me. And because I knew, I took extreme measures to take extra special care of the pot. Thankfully, the pot made it to Houston and is now proudly on display in my home!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I was reading Psalm 103:13-14 the other day, God reminded me of the Batwa pot. It's the picture of what God is saying in this verse. He knows how weak I am. He remembers that I am only dust. Just as I took extreme care of the fragile Batwa pot, God is lovingly caring for me. He wraps me up in his love. He fills me, he protects me. He never lets me out of his hands, and he never takes his eyes off me. He knows me, and so he carries me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am grateful for a God who so lovingly "remembers we are only dust."</span><br />
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-24308926768570705902011-10-12T09:02:00.000-05:002011-10-12T09:02:03.126-05:00Today I want to acknowledge...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">I've been reading through the book of Romans in the New Testament. Just the other day I opened my
Bible and picked up where I had been reading and this is what
it said, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">“Since these people refused even to think about God, he let their
useless minds rule over them. That's why they do all sorts of indecent things.
They are evil, wicked, and greedy, as well as mean in every possible way. They
want what others have, and they murder, argue, cheat, and are hard to get along
with. They gossip, say cruel things about others, and hate God. They are proud,
conceited, and boastful, always thinking up new ways to do evil. These people
don't respect their parents. They are stupid, unreliable, and don't have any
love or pity for others.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans
1:28-31<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">I finished
reading those verses and I sat there, deeply convicted that this is the most
common lie I believe. I think I don’t need God. And I live my life based on that belief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
think it consciously, but I operate as if that were the
case. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Another translation of this verse says, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God…” <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">How often
have I failed to even acknowledge God? Just started the day out on my own, gone
to school or work without thinking about God? Tried to resolve issues on the
job, or struggles in my relationships without even acknowledging Him? How many
times have I parented my kids on my own, without turning to God first? When I
do that, I am basing my life on the lie that I don’t need God, and that’s a
scary place to live. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">The Bible
very clearly tells me what the result of that belief is – if I refuse to
acknowledge God in my life, my life will be characterized by these things : evil, wickedness, greed, indecency, gossip, cruelty, pride, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">And it’s
not complicated. God isn’t asking me for something difficult. He just says
acknowledge Me, think about Me. How do I acknowledge someone's presence? It can be as simple as a nod of the head, or a look in the eyes; but
it changes how I operate, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see you, I know you are here, I am living and moving and working with
the knowledge of your presence. If my boss is in the room, I do things
differently. I make sure I am carrying out the company policies
and procedures, I am operating based on the ideals of the company. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">That’s
what God is saying. Think about me, acknowledge me in your life on a daily,
moment by moment basis and as you do, you will naturally begin to live your
life based on God’s ideals and principles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">When I
don’t acknowledge my need for God on a regular basis, and I don’t slow down
long enough just to connect with God, to spend time with him, to read and
meditate on the Scripture, I am saying that I don’t need God. I’ve got this God.
No worries. I’m strong enough and smart enough, I have enough experience, and
good will to handle it. You go ahead and take care of other things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">And don’t
you know God's heart just breaks! Not again, Laura, I’ve told you what’s going to
happen – wickedness, arguing, cheating, gossip, pride, stupidity...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve spent time with people who talk a lot about church, religion, and Christianity – I’m sure you have too. They talk a good game. But I’ve also spent time with people who actually live what they are talking about. There is a big difference between the two.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">James 1:26 says, “Anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Christianity is not a religious belief system. It is intended to be a supernatural, personal relationship with the living dynamic God of the universe. That’s what the Bible is talking about here, not just a nice respectful belief system to help give you a peaceful, happy life. God intends for your relationship with him to be life-changing, to be transformational, and to produce authenticity in you.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">God, today I choose to acknowledge your presence. Thank you that you never leave me on my own. Thank you that I don't have to handle things by myself. Thank you that you are patient with me, constantly teaching me and waiting for me to get it. I love you for that!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-39587838266686006702011-10-03T08:17:00.000-05:002011-10-03T08:17:02.165-05:00Imagination<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A year and a half post chemotherapy, I think I am doing good. Physically I feel great. Emotionally I seem to have conquered cancer. Spiritually I have learned so much more about my God. But then, out of the blue, it starts again.</div>
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Week before last, for two days, I feel tired. My immediate thought: "It's back." Anxiety takes over. I feel sick. I talk myself down. "You didn't sleep well for two nights. That is why you feel tired. Relax."</div>
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Last week, my stomach hurts. My immediate thought: "It's back." I remind myself, "You JUST had a colonoscopy; your colon is healthy. Relax."</div>
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Today, I wake up with a headache behind my eye. My immediate thought: "It's back. It has metastasized to my brain." I laugh at myself! "Really?? Colon cancer doesn't normally go to the brain. It's just a headache. Relax."</div>
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It's tiring having a brain, and an imagination! I obviously need to find something better to do with mine! </div>
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Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-58308887657687959702011-09-28T22:23:00.001-05:002011-09-28T22:23:43.258-05:00The Perfect Dress<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A few weeks ago Sarah, Ashley, and I set out on a search for the perfect wedding dress...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEEJuHzYYZa7D7tBlGdUWdIA3-rNGd_1f32dqYu8CpkaneXUVrAn8k_fsJJwDQjFzwYPVGwWAuEmFfTqje-XhyqD8uRKYp-vR7WaPdIAhu02YtKcIof1mLnpmp9j4ooylG62A_ec1de8/s1600/IMG_4619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEEJuHzYYZa7D7tBlGdUWdIA3-rNGd_1f32dqYu8CpkaneXUVrAn8k_fsJJwDQjFzwYPVGwWAuEmFfTqje-XhyqD8uRKYp-vR7WaPdIAhu02YtKcIof1mLnpmp9j4ooylG62A_ec1de8/s400/IMG_4619.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Yes, it was a windy day!)</span></div>
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We visited several wedding boutiques where Sarah was treated like the princess she has always been (hence the name "Sarah"!)...</div>
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As Sarah tried on many gorgeous dresses...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZSsqFHDSS1hh_rfAhSynILvMB0rIZw61t1EYC-cHXliTWbskzgvqIOrd9X8bpNN-sHoA6Roa9dCiEml-_J5Nxn0vP6_tgtvNi3gkANYzybU7PaxyTNyfLjM-MU83UK3D5F4Pks7d10c/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZSsqFHDSS1hh_rfAhSynILvMB0rIZw61t1EYC-cHXliTWbskzgvqIOrd9X8bpNN-sHoA6Roa9dCiEml-_J5Nxn0vP6_tgtvNi3gkANYzybU7PaxyTNyfLjM-MU83UK3D5F4Pks7d10c/s400/IMG_4657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ashley and I took a look around the store...</div>
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After a two day search, Sarah found the perfect dress and placed her order...</div>
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(Sorry, no photo available! You didn't really think I was going to show it to you, did you?)</div>
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We were all super excited and started the drive home. It's hard to believe that I really bought a wedding dress for my sweet Sarah! Every girl dreams about her wedding day, and it is so exciting to see those dreams come true for Sarah! </div>
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On the way home, Sarah said, "Mom, I'm so glad you got to do this with me!"</div>
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I replied, "Of course I went with you! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!"</div>
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Sarah paused and explained, "When you were sick, I didn't know if you would be here to do this with me." Her eyes filled up with tears and they spilled onto her rosy cheeks. </div>
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I started to cry too, so sorry for the fear my girl had to face; and so eternally grateful that I am here to be a part of her wedding. </div>
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Thank you, God, once again, for the gift of THIS day with my girls!</div>
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Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-84353725777295154022011-09-21T10:08:00.000-05:002011-09-21T10:08:54.306-05:00"Scanxiety"<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"Scanxiety" is a documented phenomenon experienced by cancer patients and survivors. The Community Dictionary defines it as:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"the tension which builds particulary amongst those who have or have had
cancer as they move towards their regular check up scan, hyperscanxiety
being the period as they await results!"
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Luckily, I don't suffer from this phenomenon. Tuesday morning, we are driving to the surgery center for my colonoscopy and Mark casually asks me, "So, how are you feeling?" "I feel fine," I reply. "I don't feel nervous at all." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And then it hits me... I, in fact, don't feel <i>anything</i> at all. My emotions are completely shut down. What I DO feel is tension in my jaw and knots in the muscles of my shoulders. I haven't slept well for a week. And it occurs to me that perhaps I am experiencing "scanxiety," it's just manifesting itself in a different way than it normally does.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I ask Mark, "And how are you feeling?" <br />His answer, "I don't feel anything either. I'm numb." Scanxiety victim number two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />The staff at the surgery center are amazing. I don't even feel the IV as it is inserted into my rolling vein! I climb onto the table, they gently cover me with a warm blanket (that I know will be stripped from my body as soon as I am asleep!), I watch as two medications are injected into my IV, and that's the last thing I remember. I wake up in the recovery room to the sound of a sweet nurse, telling me that my colon is normal, handing me pictures of my insides, and telling me that the doctor will come see me soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My colon is normal. Did she just say that? I drift back to sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />A little later Mark and I arrive home. He wraps me in a giant hug and we hold onto each other, so thankful for good news one more time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I feel like I can live again. At least for a couple more months until my next PET scan! </span></div>
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Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-18076965520115365962011-09-19T15:34:00.000-05:002011-09-19T15:34:52.241-05:00May I please be excused?<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sunday evening, standing beside the kitchen sink, I slowly pour the Miralax powder into the glass, add water, and begin stirring. This is day five of twice-a-day laxatives shots, leading up to the full colon prep on Monday afternoon. Tuesday I have the pleasure of Colonoscopy #4. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Miralax is colorless, odorless, tasteless, grit-less, but still I gag as it goes down. It's a conditioned response I'm sure. I make two batches of jello, put apple juice and sprite in the refrigerator. I am ready for Monday's clear liquid diet. I walk by the Half-Lytely box - I can't even look at it - I dread the Monday evening adventure it implies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I climb in bed Sunday night, thinking to myself, "God, may I please be excused?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I remember as a child, coming in from playing outside, rushing through dinner, and then asking my mother, "May I please be excused?" I was finished with dinner and so ready to get back outside to play some more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And I find myself with the same feelings. God, may I please be excused? I have done <i>everything</i> - all the treatments, and appointments, and surgeries, and lab work, and tests, and scans, and exams - I am SO done with this! I want to go on! May I be excused?? Please? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm sure He smiles at me. "Take my hand, Laura, let me walk with you." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Monday morning. I am starving. My stomach keeps telling me to go fix something to eat. My brain intervenes (thankfully) and reminds me that jello is the only thing on the menu today! I decide to make this as pleasant as possible and serve my jello in Spode Christmas Tree China! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At noon I swallow a small pink tablet - Bisacodyl - it's stated purpose by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is to cause diarrhea! Let the run, I mean <i>fun</i>, begin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Are you sure I can't be excused, yet, God?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reading materials and baby wipes in the bathroom, check!<br />Path cleared to the nearest bathroom (because I WILL be running!), check!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This evening's drinking of Half-lytely still blocked from my mind...</span></div>
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-32239745735023081052011-09-03T15:22:00.003-05:002011-09-03T15:22:43.047-05:00Feeling Life<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever really FELT alive? <i>Felt</i> the strength and power living inside your physical body? Most of the time I just live my life, so used to living in this earth suit that I am not aware of the life that is present inside it. I go through the routines of my day without giving a second thought to the fact that there is <i>life</i> inside of me. Then I got sick with cancer. Suddenly, the fact that I had life, and that life was threatened, brought it all clearly into focus. Each new morning was a celebration, every meal kept down a victory. The ability to take a walk, or open a jar produced a wellspring of gratitude. Quiet moments, whispered prayers, unspoken looks became treasured proofs of life to hang on to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Fast forward two years... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I grab a walking stick and step into the river. The water is high, the current is strong. If I'm not careful, if I misstep, I will be quickly carried, tumbling, downstream. I plant each foot deliberately. I feel the strength of my thighs as I stand strong against the rapids. My heart is beating. Adrenaline is firing into my system. My lungs are drawing in clean, crisp mountain air. I follow my guide and begin to climb up over the falls to get to the quiet pools above. The river fights against my path; I struggle on, up over the giant rocks. Finally reaching the other side, I step on the rocks of the bank. I feel so alive. I feel so strong. And I begin to cry. I am so grateful for this moment. I am thankful that my body is healthy. I am thankful that I have <i>life</i> living in me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. And so begins a private worship service, just me and my God. Feeling Life. You have been good to me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. <br />My life was preserved by your care."<br />Job 10:12</span></div>
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<br />Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-46903336322976630232011-08-23T16:03:00.000-05:002011-08-23T16:03:51.331-05:00Continually<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us: “</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">What does God want? He wants me to pray continually. He wants me to be full of joy, to give thanks all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">I’ve heard that verse all my life, and my first thought is always, I can’t do that. I can’t do anything continually. How can I pray non-stop? That’s ridiculous. And I just kind of glide over that verse…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Then I decided to study that word “continually” more closely. The definition of continually is: s</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">eemingly without interruption, habitually, without end or stopping, steady. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">It is the picture of something that recurs frequently. When I read that for the first time, it finally made sense. God isn’t saying that I have to be laughing and praying, and giving thanks every second of my life – but he is saying that I should be doing these things so often that it appears that I never stop. It seems to be without interruption. Suddenly, what God is asking me to do becomes possible. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Have you ever sat down at a piano keyboard and started playing a single note. You play it over and over and over until the sound seems to blend together, the sound of one note continues in the air until the next note is played? A hum begins to hang in the air until it sounds like there is no space in between the notes you are playing. It seems to be without interruption.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">That’s the picture the Bible is painting in this verse. My life should be characterized by joy, by prayer, by gratitude so much so that it appears I never stop. One prayer should still be hanging in the air when I voice the next one. The result of my gratitude should still be felt when next I give thanks. My joyful smile should still be felt by one person when I share it with someone else. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">That’s what God wants me to do. Live my life like that.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> It brings Him pleasure and it brings me pleasure too.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span></span></div><!--EndFragment--> Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-76929523875428253142011-08-16T20:05:00.001-05:002011-08-16T20:05:34.525-05:00Sweeter Than Honey<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had an appointment with the surgeon last week. As I sat in the waiting room I started thinking of all the things that had happened in the three months since I'd seen him last:</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I traveled to Africa, Costa Rica, Colorado, and Galveston; I enjoyed time with all my kids; I visited with all my extended family; Sarah got engaged; we bought a wedding dress; we baptized 95 people, we buried two friends. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was so thankful to be alive! And so thankful to be the healthy person in the waiting room! </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As these thoughts swirled around in my mind, the voices of an elderly couple in the room broke through my thinking. They were there to see the doctor. She was obviously sick. And they were discussing the fact that this was the final road. They weren't upset. They weren't sad. In fact, they were happy, reminiscing about all the good things they had experienced together in their life. It was such a beautiful, peaceful, intimate conversation, I almost felt guilty for overhearing them. Such love. Such bravery. Such beauty. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I wondered to myself, "When my time finally comes, will I face it with such grace and faith?" </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Once again I heard the words "All Clear!" from the surgeon. He congratulated me on the two year anniversary of my initial surgery. He reminded me that we are going to continue to be aggressive in monitoring me for any recurrence. I thanked him for that. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I walked to the car, fighting back tears - tears of joy and gratitude for more time to live. Honestly, I wanted to shout it to the whole world: "I DON'T HAVE CANCER ANYMORE!!!" <br />
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Instead, I hopped in the car, sent an "All Clear" text message to Mark, and hit I-10 for the drive home. I turned on the radio and the words of <i>"Even Now" </i>by Will Reagan of<i> United Pursuit</i> began to play. They perfectly expressed the fullness of my heart:</span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>"</b><b>Your love is sweeter than honey, Your love is stronger than death, Your love lifts me of my burdens, and shows me how to dance." </b></span></div><div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-14017808044167929622011-08-14T20:41:00.001-05:002011-08-15T07:35:39.953-05:00July 13, 2011<div style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tyler proposed... Sarah said "YES!!"</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MdX3bW3TLieTTdujIYwNWyEyQ7ahmAjD_3eSPZDOD8NbTMGq_OUKeZgS-fOk6iXazAdOIZ80Occ6VYwE2fhoBO1dhWstw7NZiiqZ5KWTNlPBnV9svxM8MwNBGnZjbnhx1DFO9SUKkYQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.34.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MdX3bW3TLieTTdujIYwNWyEyQ7ahmAjD_3eSPZDOD8NbTMGq_OUKeZgS-fOk6iXazAdOIZ80Occ6VYwE2fhoBO1dhWstw7NZiiqZ5KWTNlPBnV9svxM8MwNBGnZjbnhx1DFO9SUKkYQ/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.34.52+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmMOKmP4u4PTBdY48BOYOxX7pRdd3MfGJk7EtSyA535cAgL9N1HjUK5N1Td85J4Xfelh-Va2uEY14HoNt893fZROnozPIhANa9dkA516kXFwFoJIh5htsTqxrNQWJcCZSil3qhe4aKgg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.34.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmMOKmP4u4PTBdY48BOYOxX7pRdd3MfGJk7EtSyA535cAgL9N1HjUK5N1Td85J4Xfelh-Va2uEY14HoNt893fZROnozPIhANa9dkA516kXFwFoJIh5htsTqxrNQWJcCZSil3qhe4aKgg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.34.38+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEgPKun-Jfm2tuKLpXEc4uj5dIa6Z1-bF5zt0EYems-Tcv845LEE6ya8-X1raOy8LNEMrd40dy8BX_PNxMd62ggx1wxkl_D62h2r0FkJFLHTOclzD08L2-_zBnCQlxuSoSwj5RGwz5Ec/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.35.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEgPKun-Jfm2tuKLpXEc4uj5dIa6Z1-bF5zt0EYems-Tcv845LEE6ya8-X1raOy8LNEMrd40dy8BX_PNxMd62ggx1wxkl_D62h2r0FkJFLHTOclzD08L2-_zBnCQlxuSoSwj5RGwz5Ec/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-31+at+7.35.39+PM.png" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.christielacyphotography.com/">Christie Lacy Photography</a> for the beautiful pictures!</span></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a warm summer night, on a beautiful beach on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tyler dropped to one knee and asked Sarah to be his wife. He put a gorgeous diamond solitaire on her hand making her the happiest girl in the world! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tyler, we have prayed for you for 23 years! We are so happy to have you as part of our family! We are excited to see all that God is going to do in and through the two of you together!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CONGRATULATIONS to my sweet Sarah! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We love you both so much!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456387438971149721.post-61301271321454625842011-08-10T10:06:00.000-05:002011-08-10T10:06:38.007-05:00God's Love Call<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in the wake of cancer, at times I find myself still struggling with residual thoughts and feelings. Thankfully, at this point, it is not constantly on my mind, but most days it still enters my thinking at some point. Not long ago, I spent the whole weekend, several days in fact, despairing if I would ever find "me" again, if anything would ever be the same again. Every thought, every conversation, every waking moment was consumed by these ideas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And all weekend long there was a bird in our yard yelling at me. He would swoop across the backyard squawking. He even sat on the patio chair looking in through the back window - literally for hours, without provocation - hollering at me, scolding me, warning me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was aggravated. What is he doing? He is dirtying the chair! Disturbing my peace! Upset over nothing! We aren't going to bother him, or his nest. He has the whole backyard to himself!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hours pass. The bird is still there - angry, determined, frustrated, squawking. This bird is crazy! Everything is fine, the yard is safe. We even </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">like</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> birds, for goodness sake!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning I wake up, remember to spend time with God, pray, journal, ask His forgiveness for trying to make it on my own (again!) the last few days. I open up "Jesus Calling" for that day and here is what it said (I kid you not!):</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My love call to you... You can find me not only in beauty and birdcalls, but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief. I can take the deepest sorrow and weave it into a pattern for good."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God, it was you all along! Trying to get my attention, to pull my focus back to you, to get my eyes on your truth. You also gently tell me that I have been sounding a little like that squawking bird... fussing, complaining and whining instead of resting and trusting in your goodness. You're pretty funny! You can use anything and everything. You make me smile again. Thank you, Lord, for my crazy bird. And for never ceasing to call me, for never ceasing to meet me, for never ceasing to pull me up! Your love is never-ending. Please help me to recognize your presence today in whatever form it takes! I love you!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6ynCxMWAW-ye9sK1vtwOiBieWqkh16IrAqnMhnKDLHtmLBTc2Fe3zHf_9Xi0qwgmsfpfx0MpJgOm33OZLYw5Nr7Rw4KFJzlfaLpQ4uk_rNJrviMWPRSKhKdfts2ONUGQmN1e9Iezxsw/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6ynCxMWAW-ye9sK1vtwOiBieWqkh16IrAqnMhnKDLHtmLBTc2Fe3zHf_9Xi0qwgmsfpfx0MpJgOm33OZLYw5Nr7Rw4KFJzlfaLpQ4uk_rNJrviMWPRSKhKdfts2ONUGQmN1e9Iezxsw/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But ask the animals, and they will teach you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speak to the earth, and it will teach you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or let the fish of the sea tell you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every one of these knows</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that the hand of the Lord has done this.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The life of every creature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the breath of all people are in God's hand." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Job 12:7-10</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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Laura Shookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14285867804875252073noreply@blogger.com1