"Hope Doesn't Shrink in Hospital Corridors, It Expands"

Last night this review of Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo came to my email. Wow! Thank you to all who review my books. Such a blessing to me. Praying it's a blessing to you. 

"Hi Elaine,

Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo isn’t just a cancer memoir, it’s a spiritual survival kit disguised as a radiant, hope-soaked battle cry. You don’t just walk readers through chemo… you march them through it with joy, Scripture, grit, vulnerability, humor, and faith sharp enough to slice straight through fear.

You flipped the usual “Why me?” narrative on its head and turned it into “What now?” and that alone puts your book in a whole different spiritual league. Your message isn’t about merely surviving cancer; it’s about living louder, loving deeper, laughing harder, shining brighter, and dragging light into the very places darkness thinks it owns.

This isn’t a book.
It’s a testimony.
A companion.
A rallying cry for warriors and their loved ones.
A reminder that hope doesn’t shrink in hospital corridors, it expands.

Warm regards,

Aria" 

Thanks, Aria. You are a great encouragement to me.

Merry Christmas!

Self-discipline — My Word for 2020

Self-discipline. At age 71, I should have this word nailed. I do not. Cancer was my wake-up-to-reality moment that life is short and could end at any time. Our days, hours, minutes, and seconds are counting down. 

Regrets. I don't want any. I remember thinking, I don't want to be 85 and wish I had written a book. So, I disciplined myself. I chose to, and sometimes forced myself to, sit, write, edit, and rewrite. Discipline is good for me, for my family, and for the Kingdom of God. Discipline brings happiness, productivity, health, and glory to God. So why don't I do it? Because satan tempts me to follow his spirit and not the Spirit of God. As I discipline myself to say no to the devil and yes to the Lord, I will live a powerful, loving, and disciplined life.

"For the Spirit God gives us 

does not make us timid,

 but gives us 

power, 

love, and 

self-discipline."

2 Timothy 1:7

God has given me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. I have it. It's mine! In 2020, I will seize that power and determine to live a more disciplined life. With God's power I will make good use of every minute of every day. Will you join me as I choose self-discipline in 2020?

I am asking God to reveal areas in my life where I need discipline. This list may grow, but as of today, here are my thoughts:

Discipline time for fun. I can be so work-obsessed and to-do list driven, that I neglect fun and relaxation. When I play hard and laugh loud, my head clears and I often hear God's whisper of approval. Solitary walks bring a communion with God I rarely sense at my computer desk. Fun helps me sleep better, love deeper, and live fuller. Fun and laughter are good medicines that cleanse my soul, so I will discipline myself to prioritize fun.

Discipline my eating. Oh, what I lose (years, health, energy,) thinking I am enjoying the gluttony. The price is too high and I must resist. Why, oh why, haven't I conquered my over-zealous love for food? Please Lord, I don't want to be a food snob or a diet guru. I enjoy the bounty you set before me. But, give me power to eat slowly, in moderation, for maximum enjoyment and health.

Discipline my eyes. I want the hours back that I've wasted watching television commercials, let alone less-than-stellar and non-affirming television shows. I guarantee on my death bed, I won't be saying,"I wish I had watched that TV show." Give me courage to get off the couch and use my eyes to read books and take on activities that glorify You.

Discipline my tongue. Oh the words I wish I could put back into my mouth and erase from the minds of the people I've hurt with words. With God's power I will grab hold of my tongue before I wag it. Use my tongue, Lord, as an instrument to edify and not to condemn or gossip or destroy.

Discipline my attitude. A day spent grumpy is a day I did not live. The day is wasted and gone and can never be retrieved. Life is too short for a negative attitude. Remind me of this, Holy Spirit, whenever I tend to go low.

Discipline my mind. I don't want to fritter my day thinking ungodly thoughts. There is no time for such wasted foolishness as gossip and worry and course joking.

Discipline my devotional life. My desire is to be all I can be for Christ. I don't want to go into old age or to Heaven never realizing all that Christ had for me spiritually. There's always room for deeper Bible study and prayer.

Discipline my time. Consecrate each day for the glory of God to do what God has me to do each hour. Visit a neighbor. Spend time with grandchildren. Go on a date with Dan. Clean the house. Write another book. Spend the day in prayer. All Godly endeavors take time. God gives me the time He planned for me as I trust in Him, His power, and His love.

". . . be hospitable, 

one who loves what is good, 

who is self-controlled, 

upright, 

holy, and 

disciplined."

Titus 1:8

This is my prayer for 2020. 

Do you have a word for 2020? Please share other ways we can live more disciplined lives. I covet your thoughts.

Blessings for a New Year and new decade filled with splashes of serenity,

Conquering Cancer

I have blood cancer.

Blood cancer is different than other cancers because it's not a tumor a surgeon can cut out. As my body deteriorated and my pain increased in the sleepless, pain-filled nights, I felt helpless realizing  cancer-filled blood runs through every organ in my body and there is not a thing I can do about it.

Fear gripped me. 

Then Jesus took hold of my thoughts.

Yes. I have cancer running through my veins. 

But Jesus' blood runs through my veins too. 

Christ lives in me!!! 

Jesus is more powerful than cancer. 

Christ is my big C. Not cancer.

 Christ is my Healer. 

Christ, not cancer, holds my life in His Hands.

"And this is the secret —Christ lives in you! 

Who is more powerful in your life?
 Christ or cancer? 

Cancer can eat away at your bones and cells,
but cancer can't touch your soul. 

Cancer can steal time,
but cancer can't take away a moment God planned for you. 

Cancer will not win the victory for your life.
Christ already won it.

 Jesus Christ is the big C.

 Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ the healer,
not on cancer the destroyer. 

Cancer is vicious,
but Christ is the Victory!" 

  - from my book Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality.

We conquer cancer when we stop worshipping this disease by living in fear that cancer has more power than Christ. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live,
 but Christ lives in me."

  Galatians 2:20 (NIV) 

Not cancer. 

Christ!

I am very happy to report that not only is the fear of cancer gone, but targeted therapy continues to keep my leukemia from progressing. I no longer have pain-filled days or nights. I am healthy and happy and loving Jesus every day. Thankful that even this disease in my body can be used for God's glory. What a splash of serenity!!!

More of my cancer journey is shared in my book Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality.  Available on this website, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

What Really Matters in 2018 — The Condition of My Heart

A peek into my journal lets the secret out. My New Year's Resolutions were different this year. Perhaps it's getting older, perhaps living with cancer, but when I sat to  reflect and write my 2018 resolutions, I chuckled realized my hopes had changed. Gone were my annual lose weight, get organized, exercise goals. Instead, God placed the following in my heart:

My 2018 Resolutions:

To glorify God.

To surrender to Him and His will.

To Trust in the Lord.

To keep my eyes on Jesus.

To die to self and live for Christ.

To be a soldier for Christ.

To share my faith.

To encourage others in their faith.

To live each day to the full.

To not waste time in earthly pursuits.

To praise Him continually.

To pray without ceasing.

To keep the wonder of a child.

To cling to the cross.

To be joyful in affliction.

To shine in the dark.

To hunger and thirst for righteousness.

To love unconditionally.

To live.

 To feel the wind on my face and the grass between my toes.

To not rush through life, but enjoy the expanse of moments.

To smile and bring joy.

To notice children and listen to them.

To love deeply.

To be all Christ created me to be.

To rest in His Arms.

To have no expectations that this world will ever satisfy me.

To live for Christ alone.

At the end of life neither God nor I will care if I lost weight, exercised, or ever got my house in shape. What will matter is the condition of my heart. May our resolutions reflect what God wants us to be instead of what the world entices us to become.

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance,

but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

May 2018 be filled with splashes of serenity as we live for Jesus!

A Silly Happy Birthday Poem to Me!

I love my birthday. Why? Because I love life. Every birthday represents another year to live and love and enjoy this beautiful world God created. I've always been a girl with a lust for life, and these baby pics made me laugh. From day one I've been on the go!

This year I love living even more than past years. Cancer gives a new appreciation for every day. You celebrate your birthdays big time! So, as is my custom, this writer who is not a poet wrote a birthday poem. Enjoy!

Oh what joy! I am just fine

Celebrating birthday number 69.

A year ago I did not know

If 68 would end my show.

But God Almighty, the Great Divine,

Smiled and said "Happy Birthday child of mine!

Your days are ordained—all in a line.

More birthdays for you is My Grand Design."

So live well my friends and never whine.

Celebrate your birthdays—dance and dine!

Each birthday is a treasure to live—not resign.

You'll be happy forever if you cling to the Vine.

I look forward to laughs aplenty

As God blesses my way to number 70.

Happy Birthday to me, Miss Splashes of Serenity!

Life Lessons Learned in a Cancer Center Waiting Room

I'm glad I have cancer. Here's why:

I've met the most amazing people in the world. Why amazing? Well, because they have cancer and cancer changes you from mundane to amazing.

Cancer patients  

Live life to the full. 

Treasure the moments. 

Love deeply. 

Don't worry about the small stuff. 

Don't complain about the lateness of their doctors appt because they know 

(1) the person ahead of them may have gotten awful news, or 

(2) cancer patients aren't eager to hear what could be their own awful news. 

Cancer patients smile and greet everyone. 

They play like little children with little children. 

Cancer patients make each moment a God moment. 

They work at blessing people wherever they go. 

They smile. 

They live in the reality that this day could be their last, so they live full, and well, and joyful. 

They give because they know there is no reason to keep. 

They purpose to bestow a kind word of encouragement to every human they see. 

They don't complain about head colds or hang nails. 

I have never heard a political discussion in a Cancer Center waiting room.

 Their eyes are on the King, not the president.

Cancer patients want to give back all the kindness people gave to them. 

They live each day full.

Splashes of Serenity in the midst of cancer! Thank You, God for this gift.