November 2008 - Janelle's Blog

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Most of you are celebrating with family and friends, eating delicious food, and enjoying the beginning of a long, holiday season. But, if you are alone, I encourage you to make yourself available to the friendship of others even if you have to go to the shopping mall to get around other people. Then, settle in around your computer and go to MyNBCF to meet others who may be facing some of the same experiences.

A Blessing From Someone on Our Online Community

One of the most beautiful online posts from our online community reads, "Nothing will separate us from God's love. Hair loss can't. Chemotherapy can't. Radiation can't. A bad diagnosis can't. Our mouth sores today, our nausea tomorrow and even the frustration of late lab results can't keep God's love away. Whether our blood counts are high or low, nothing in our cancer experience will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that has been revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Do you feel far from God's love? He's right beside you. Ask Him to help you feel the full depth of His love."

We are all concerned about the economy and are hopeful that a new president will turn things around, but the truth is that no one knows how things will go. The stock market rises and falls every day. Banking systems are failing around us. And, about the time you try to put on a smile in hopes that the depressing news of our economy does not cause you personal depression, something unexpected gives you a lift.

Take it From a Five-Year Old

My five-year old granddaughter overheard her dad talking about his finances one day. He was discussing what to do with his stocks since our economic times are so rocky. Little Ellie popped up with the answer to our investment dilemma.

"Dad, you need to hang on to your socks, 'cause your feet might get cold."

Well spoken. Folks, hang onto your socks. Whether it is a financial crisis or a health crisis in your life, let's look at how to hang onto our socks.

Many of you may be trying to handle grief over the loss of one you love who has died of breast cancer. This is a difficult time you are facing, but there is comfort in knowing others have gone down your path before.

The loss of a loved one is painful. A few days ago my mother-in-law died. She was also a dear friend of mine and one of the best people that ever lived on this earth. I will miss her, as you will miss your loved one.

Life Goes Into Fast Forward

Trying to live life while grieving doesn't even sound natural, but it can be done. The morning after Mom died, my husband and I reacted with an urgency to get to the family quickly. We made our plans to leave that morning for a 3 ½ hour drive to Abilene, Texas. I had been grieving for almost three weeks over her impending death until I thought my heart would break. Then, when it really happened, I wanted to stop the world for a little while. Instead, life sped up all around me.