Oh Happy Day!!!

How you feel when your oncologist agrees that it's time to 'take a break' from cancer treatments!!! 

Praise be to God! Now, Lord, how can I use this time for you? 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.    Psalm 19:14

Be strong! Be courageous! For the Lord your God...is on your side!

Early this morning I'm outside, sipping coffee, and praying. It's chilly, the skies are grey and so is my mood, Today I'll attend the funeral Mass for a friend's husband who lost his battle with cancer.

I feel sad. I feel lonely...but God won't leave me there...

My phone dings.

A text pops up.

It's welcoming words from a dear friend. A holy friend. A just-what-I -needed friend! 

My heart jumps. A smile spreads across my face as I realize it's another 

gentle reminder: We may feel alone, but we are never alone.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9.

Making the Most of Now...

Just before Thanksgiving, I completed the latest rounds of ongoing cancer treatments.There were some rough days, but soon afterwards, things got better again. 

The best way to describe my health is to say it feels like an unpredictable wild animal lives inside me. On the worst of days, it's attacking; debilitating. On better days, it's simply crouched nearby, growling. At best...it's lying in the corner....quietly making its presence known...it's there...it's always there...ready to pounce...

I've learned to listen to its cues. I've learned to modify my life. I've learned what's important and what's not.

And I've got a dream. As crazy as it sounds, my book, My Emmaus Walk; True Stories of Faith, Hope and Inspiration, is calling me back into life. 

Recently, (with exceptions) I've been able to make a simple plan and that simple plan has been to speak to groups about the book's message...the glorious reality of the presence and the love of God in our everyday lives...because He's here, you know. .the good Lord is with us...here and now. ..always and everywhere...

Isn't that something worth shouting about? 

It's my passion. It's my life. It's my reason for being.

So, dear Larann Wilson, Steward for Children and Family Ministries at St. Mary Magdalen parish - a heartfelt "thank you" for the opportunity to speak to parents of the religious education classes earlier this month! What amazing work you're doing! What an engaging group they are! What a joy it was!

And to Oakmonte Village Assisted Living Facility in Lake Mary, for allowing me the privilege of reading excerpts from my book to a group of residents who gathered for the stories...thank you! thank you! How wonderful was that?!

And to the woman who bought a book for her daughter who was having a 'hard time' and she thought the book would encourage her. Aren't you thoughtful? 

And to the nurses in the infusion lab at the Cancer Institute who wanted copies of my book...what a blessing! Thank you! You are instruments in the hands of God in more ways than one. I pray the words in those pages bless all who read it.

I'm thankful for so much...for this stage of life, and for all it took to get me here. I'm thankful for my dear husband, Joe, and his unshakable support. I'm thankful for my daughters and my sons-in-law. I'm thankful for my grandchildren. I'm thankful for the blessing of my extended family. I'm thankful for my faith. I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for my coworkers (yes, I still consider you that!) I'm thankful for the good times and even the struggles. 

And today, as I inch forward, I'm thankful for the dreams planted deep within. So, Josie, I look forward to speaking to your group next week. 

May God bless us all, as we fix our gaze on him.


And the God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.   1 Peter 5:10

More cancer treatments and an unexpected remedy (not the crackers)

Sandra, my cleaning lady, is richer than me. 

And I don't mean monetarily.

As these latest rounds of cancer treatments take their toll, I am debilitated once again. Except this time, I'm frustrated. I expected to be feeling better than this.

Sandra could see it in my countenance. Her advice? 

"Read your bible," Sandra said. She leaned on her mop.

"Your spirit will lead the body...

Body, mind, spirit...Live in the spirit."

So, frustrated with my aching body, I took her advice. Lying on the sofa, I randomly flipped open my Bible...My gaze fell onto a page, and I began reading:

• For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down, when we die and leave these bodies,  we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore..(In my suffering, this was actually a freeing thought!)

• How weary we grow of our present bodies. (Yep, I felt weary!) That is why we look eagerly to the day when we shall have heavenly bodies which we shall put on like new clothes. ..(Please, can I do that now?)

• These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh (no kidding - was the Gospel writer living in my home? Could he hear?) but we wouldn't want to think of dying and having no bodies at all.  

• We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life. (In my agony, this actually was a hopeful thought!) 

• This is what God has prepared for us, and, as a guarantee, he has given us his Holy Spirit.  (Is that what made me open my bible to this particular passage?)  (Cor 5:1-5)

Sandra was right. Reading my bible sent my spirit soaring above my aching body. 

Frustration departs. Hope prevails.

The picture above is my view in the infusion lab. Cheez Its are my favorite snack to ward off nausea. And there's always a little light reading.

This song is my gift to you today.  Click here for I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin. It says it all.

New life! A cause for celebration!

Have you ever witnessed a birth before? I mean, besides your own. Have you ever been present to the gift of new life coming into this world?

I haven't...until last week. That's when our newest granddaughter was born.

Here's a picture of her being weighed for the very first time...about an hour or so after birth...about an hour or so after I watched her little head begin to emerge. I was freakishly calm, yet utterly convinced this looked impossible...I mean, really, how does that happen?

And yet, within moments, as you see, the impossible became possible...

Words can't describe our joy.  We stand in awe. She's beautiful, born into the loving arms of her holy family.

And, along with that blessed newborn, a divine message was delivered. It's one we can hold in our hearts forever. She's living proof...and so are you.

With God, all things are possible.  Mark 10:27

Are You Looking for A Good Read? True Stories That'll Leave You Inspired?

Five reasons to purchase My Emmaus Walk, True Stories of Faith, Hope and Inspiration:

1. It'll remind you how much God loves you
2. It'll inspire you
3. It'll make you smile
4. You'll make my day!
5. You'll make someone else's day when you gift it to them

Okay, that was hard to do. 

Really, I'd much rather write than promote. 

But, now that the book is done, the publisher flipped the promotion switch into high gear. My head is spinning. Whaaat??? I have to do whaaat?  Promote the book?  Time stands still for no one, and the wheels are turning so fast, that if I stand still, I'd fall down!

So here I am...shamelessly promoting!

And it's okay...

Because I believe this book was written for you...I believe God has something to tell you in these pages... and, for whatever reason, I believe this is His timing...

My Emmaus Walk is now available for purchase at AuthorHouse, Amazon, and bookstores in paperback, Kindle and most e-readers. Please tell your friends and family! Think birthdays! Think Christmas!

But, additionally, let's create a little more fanfare!  Let's make it a little more fun! 

My thinking cap is on...stay tuned! 




If you have any fun ideas, please email me at dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.  Oh, how I appreciate you!

Drum Roll...Please Stay Tuned...

I always knew I'd write a book...I never knew it would be now...but God had a plan!

Stay tuned!   The grand launch is coming soon!  Amazon...Kindle...

You matter...and I'm so excited to share this with you!   





For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord..  Jeremiah 29:11

By The Grace of God, Who Gets This?

I thought I’d easily find a home for our spare bed. But God had another plan. 

Nobody in my family needed a double bed. The neighborhood gatekeepers declined. The local furniture bank didn't return my calls. The Vietnam Vets truck only accepts small furniture...no beds.

Finally, reluctantly, I posted a Facebook Marketplace ad. Good condition. $50. 

Then I waited.

Someone messaged me. Before sharing my contact information, I visited her Facebook page...and found off-color jokes and condemning statements. My gut said to pass.

Someone else sent four abrupt messages, "Is this still available?" "Send me the address" "I coming" "Hello" (Guess I didn't respond quick enough in the 60 seconds it took to send the first three bullets.) Her Facebook page?  Well...let's not go there.

Then Dina* contacted me: "Mi interesa este articula."  "Is full?"

"Yes," I responded. "Si." 

Dina's Facebook page revealed a smiling mom with two young children. Although everything was in Spanish, I was able to translate some posts, which were kind and inspiring. 

Between her broken English and my limited Spanish, we agreed she'd come the following day.  I provided my cellphone number, asking her to text first.  I waited to share my address.

I spoke with my husband. "Let’s give the bed away free to the right person," I said. "I think Dina is the right person." He agreed.

The next day when I didn't hear from Dina, I felt discouraged.

I should have admitted I'd reduce the price, I should have emphasized it was in great condition.  

I prayed.  God, please send the right person our way. Someone who needs your help.

Later, Dina texted me. That afternoon, I met her, her mother and her two young children. I greeted them with hugs. We were like old friends right from the start.

I learned they are refugees from Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico last fall. Immediately Dina got a job here teaching Spanish.  Since the electricity was recently restored in Puerto Rico, Dina’s mom is returning to join her husband in salvaging their home. Dina will stay here and work.

Dina’s mom cringed, knowing parting would be difficult. “I’m thankful for my daughter’s opportunity though,” she said.  The things I take for granted...

They wanted the mattress. "I have linens for it," I said. "They’re in excellent condition."

"Gracias," Dina’s mom said. "I think maybe we can’t afford that...how much is the bed? Fifty dollars, right?"

I raised my hands. "We'll give it to you free," I said.

Her jaw dropped. What?

"Yes," I nodded. "I mean...if you want it...it's yours."

"Oh," she said, tears forming. "We want it. We need it. I don't know what to say." 

She turned to Dina, jabbering in Spanish. As she listened, Dina’s face lit up. She looked at me, extended her arms, delivered a big hug, and said, “Thank you!”

"Don't thank me," I said, pointing skyward. "Thank God."

They could hardly contain their joy. Me neither.

Because that, my friend, is just how God works. 

Whatever your situation, never fear. God is in the details. He's always in the details.

Click here for Casting Crowns' "Until the Whole World Hears'   Thanks for reading!   

* not her real name

Ding! Ding! This round of cancer treatments ended...but Keep the Boxing Gloves On!

Last week's oncology appointment delivered good news!  My numbers are better than ever! 

And I felt pretty good that day!   

Sure, along with the recent rounds of treatments there have been bouts of agonizing symptoms...sure, good days are totally unpredictable...but...

I high-fived my PA..."Wait until next time you see me," I said. "I'll be a new person...someone you've never seen before!"

We laughed.

Admittedly, the ongoing treatments present challenges. 

"It's like having a wild animal living in your system," I told the oncologist. "Sometimes it attacks with force. Sometimes it's in the corner, growling.  Sometimes it's just there...in the room...making a presence..."

I described the agonizing flu-like symptoms. 

"It’s like someone took my skeleton, poured gasoline on it, and lit it on fire..." 

Dr. D. nodded. "That's what the drug is supposed to do," he said. "That's normal." 

Since ongoing treatment targets cancer cells and destroys them, it causes the flu-like response. Although they can't get this cancer into remission, we're fortunate that the drugs, despite their side effects, are keeping it at bay.

So...hooray...it's working! I was elated!

But the very next day, I awoke in agony...the familiar screaming bone pain, nausea, muscle aches, headaches...it all returned...full steam...

That evening, I felt discouraged. My day, spent wrapped in blankets, felt so useless. What's the point of this existence? Is this worth the fight?  

I saw my prayer book on the counter, untouched all day. 

But I left it there. I didn't whisper a prayer. I didn't turn my thoughts to God. I just didn't.

Instead, I whined. I complained. I felt grouchy.  

I knew I was making a poor choice, but I allowed it. I knew better.

Today I awoke, still racked with pain. I recognized the voice of frustration rising within...No way, I thought.  I remembered my prayer book on the counter...Today has to be different. 

I got the book. I can't say I was enthusiastic. I can't say I was invested. I just chose not to repeat yesterday's frustration, so I started reading. I'm not even sure I’d call it praying. I just started reading.

Here's some of what I read:

Dear Lord, make haste to help me. 

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to make music to your name, O Most High,

to proclaim your love in the morning

and your truth in the watches of the night.  (Psalm 92) 

Let us listen to the voice of God, let us enter into his rest.

As I read, something beautiful began to happen. 

That conflicted spirit within me seemed to rise above the tortured body. I kept reading: Extol the greatness of our God.  (Psalm 145:1)

My spirit seemed to soar, to free itself from this suffering body, to free itself to surrender to the will of God, and, finally, to rest with the One who holds my life lovingly in His hands. 

Outwardly, today resembles yesterday. I've been laying around. I don't feel well. I haven't accomplished anything.

But today's different. I don't feel useless. I don’t consider it a waste. I'm not grouchy.

I gave this day to the Lord, allowing him to take over and place value on it.

And all is well.

When I'm out of strength, music is another beautiful way for me to pray. Click here to listen to Shout to the Lord by Hillsong, and thanks for being here!

Thursday's Thoughts - What's Your Mission?

 

Lately I've had some good days! They're unpredictable, but that's okay! On those days, I feel like I have a virus instead of the full-blown flu! It's a big difference! It appears the latest changes in those cancer treatments gave me two giant leaps forward! 

Hoooooray!

I always thought I'd recover from this cancer journey and jump back into my old life. But it's not like that. Time didn't stand still while I was huddled under the covers. Things have changed. I've changed. My priorities have changed. 

And while we naturally resist change, change is good.

For instance, now I have a laser focus. One thing this cancer has taught me is that here's nothing more important than following the will of God...which can mean stretching out of our comfort zones...or lying in a bed suffering.

The other obvious lesson? Time is limited.

So with that thought in mind, please allow me to share the following excerpt from Henri J Nouwen's book, Bread for the Journey:

Fulfilling a Mission by Henri J Nouwen:

"When we live our lives as missions, we become aware that there is a home from which we are sent and to which we have to return. We start thinking about ourselves as people who are in a faraway country to bring a message or work on a project, but only for a certain amount of time. When the message has been delivered and the project is finished, we want to return home to give an account of our mission and to rest from our labors.

One of the most important spiritual disciplines is to develop the knowledge that the years of our lives are years 'on a mission'. "


Now, with the help of God, let's get on with our day, right? 

Sharing the Art of a Message

I'm sure God puts us in the shoes we are in for a reason, and that reason is to help others who are walking that same path, right?  So, with that thought in mind, I've attended a few cancer group support meetings at Florida Hospital. 

The poster pictured above, dated December 2016, is something I made at one of those meetings. 

While most meetings feature guest speakers or open discussions, this one was different. We were invited to choose images from magazines, glue them to poster board, and, if we wanted to, share its meaning. (I wanted to...Of course.) 

Here's what I said:

"I chose "Make a Difference" because that's what we are here to do in life...Make a Positive Difference in the lives entrusted to our care and all those we encounter in the course of our days; family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, store clerks, strangers.

I added flowers because they represent there's so much beauty in life. 

I added the girl climbing a rock wall and the boy flying in his superhero costume because in order to make a difference...we must  take risks...take a leap in faith...we must talk to the stranger, welcome the lost, give just a little bit more...we must get our of our comfort zones.

The clock represents that time is limited. We must do it - and do it now! We don't have forever.

And the girl on the horse at the beach? Again, there's such beauty in nature.  I find beauty and regrowth in solitude. 

Feed your spirit."

Here's a song that'll feed your spirit...click here for Steve Angrisano's Go, Make a Difference!