The Sexton Story
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Mom -- One year later
Monday, July 29, 2013
Two weeks; Two chairs
It's been 2 weeks since you left this earth for your Heavenly Home. Wondering what you might say if we could talk right now. Someone today said, wouldn't it be great if we could just get a phone call letting us hear their voice one more time saying "I'm OK!"? It would be great, but then wouldn't we want just one more call or one more day?
I'm sure you'd tell me that you are OK, and so is Mom. I'm sure you'd tell me to get the thank you notes finished up and sent out:) (we don't want people waiting too long sis). You'd tell me that you're proud of me for getting through the work day today when all I really wanted to do was just stay home--but that's not the way you raised us. Maybe you'd tell me you were with me yesterday...because it sure felt like you and Mom were there pointing out important parts of the sermon that I got to hear 2 times yesterday.
Yesterday at church we heard a sermon about forgiveness...and it struck a chord, but not likely the way that it did for some. But I was thinking, I'm not really looking to forgive any ONE for everything that has happened...basically because there's no ONE that can be blamed and no ONE that DID this to you or Mom. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't just LOVE to yell at someone about this and really take it out on someone....but again, that's not really how you raised us. Anyhow, in an illustration of forgiveness, Matt used 2 chairs...one of judgement and anger and one of grace and forgiveness and I thought about which chair would I choose to sit in during these past 4 months (and past 2.5 years)?? What was so striking to me is that I quickly realized that there's no way I could choose to sit anywhere but the grace & forgiveness chair. Which made me think, what if these 2 chairs were also used to illustrate where I could choose to sit during this mourning. It was a poignant realization that I really have 2 choices about how to handle this grief and sorrow that I'm going through as I try to navigate how to get by in this world without you and Mom. I could choose to sit in the chair of sorrow and become jaded and cold to the world around me or I could choose to sit in the chair of blessings and start recognizing the good that does exist. I know that I can look to so many books of The Bible to see how people through history have gone through horrible trials and have had a prayer answered--even if it took 15 years or more. I know that even in all of my trials there are blessings--a close family (emotionally and in proximity), a great group of friends, & the opportunity to share my faith with so many people. Before all of this happened, I was quietly faithful. Now, when someone asks "how are you getting through all of this?" I know my answer is FAITH. I am so thankful for a loving and just God, who, because of my salvation through Jesus Christ is able to forgive me of my sins and will welcome me to my Heavenly Home one day.
So, as I look for answers as to "WHY??" or "How am I going to get through this??", I'm trusting in a God that is going to use my trials to point others to HIM. I'm trusting in a God who loves me SO much that He sent His son to die for MY sins. I'm trusting in a God who is ready to forgive ALL of US for everytime we hurt Him. I pray that maybe my story will be the light to someone else whose story looks even more dark.
I know that I'm not the only one missing Mom & you, Dad. I know that for a fact...but my prayer is that while we are all missing you, we'll all grow closer together and to God so that we can all see you again someday.
I LOVE YOU and I MISS YOU!!!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Timelines
Timelines have an interesting impact on people don't they? Our family was dealt a timeline that's had an interesting effect on our family and really makes you stop and think about life. Dad certainly didn't begin dying when he got that phone call, but that phone call was a wake up to our perspectives and priorities. Family dinners became more important, more photos have been taken, impromptu get-togethers occurred more frequently...you get the idea. So often in my career I've wondered, why would that doctor give a family a timeline when no one can truly know how long someone has on this earth? Who can possibly predict that? And how many people have you heard were given some kind of timeline of maybe a few months and that was years ago?? But what I've realized is that sometimes that timeline is a gift. Timelines, even though they seem final, still allow families to hope and pray. See in our case, what Dad's timeline did for our family was eliminate the need for Mom's timeline. Mom would not have handled her timeline well--maybe it's a woman thing or a sentimental time thing, but most of you know how Mom did NOT like to talk about death...so in some ways Dad's timeline kept Mom from having to fret over hers--Dad always has a way to take care of Mom:) Dr. Cripe knew that Mom was going to fight as long as she could and he didn't have to take that from her by giving her a timeline, because our family was already living on that timeline. He knew that Mom and Dad were doing what they wanted to, having important conversations and making important decisions, & getting quality time with family, friends, and each other. I don't think it's any coincidence that after he told her there was no more to fight for and that it was time for hospice that she didn't even live one week....and since Mom didn't have to face her own timeline then she could fight for that much longer and we had months of good times with Mom after her final relapse and no chance at a stem cell transplant.
The other funny thing about a timeline is that it is the fastest and slowest time ever. It seems like time has been standing still since the Cancer has struck our family, but in the same sense, it feels like it has raced by. So much has happened in our lives since the diagnoses....some good, some bad, and then the extremely devastating time of losing my Mom. It's been only 6 weeks since Mom's passing and I'm still not sure that she's gone some days...I just know she's going to call any day now...but I know that's never going to happen again :(
There has been a lot that happened in that year since "the timeline"...the highs and lows that I could go on and on about. During this timeline, our family has always trusted in our faith...believing that our time on this earth might not always be wonderful, but trusting that eternal life would reunite all of us again when we wouldn't have to worry about the lows and rejoice in the highs! But even in some of the lows, there are highs that could be found. Interestingly enough, Dad did not see or speak to Dr. Kwo again until Mom was admitted to the hospital in January of this year...and they just happened to ride in the elevator together and Dad had to re-introduce himself. The next day Dr. Kwo was seeing the patient next door to Mom and told Dad that if he wanted to make another appointment with him, that he'd look at bloodwork and scans. Dad has seen him a few times in the last couple months and Dr. Kwo even did his endoscopy on Monday, but there still isn't a curative treatment that he can offer. Dad will continue to get follow up with Dr. Kwo and Dr. Cripe (who is managing the palliative care aspects of Dad's care--which is more symptom management than curative treatments). We will continue to pray for more time, for more highs, and for a miracle that Dad might be cured of this tumor and liver disease.
One thought to leave you with...what's your timeline? What motivates your decisions and perspectives? Are you doing what is REALLY important? Don't wait for someone to give you a timeline, start now.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
A Reason to have Peace...
"Blessings"
Laura Story
Although my "reason" series was going to go through December, it seemed that life had a different plan. Between sicknesses (mine and Steven's...but mostly Steven's), Christmas planning and get togethers, work, and family--the blog posts took a bit of a back seat. However, I have a lot of other songs and lot of other reasons to share, so I'll keep sharing as long I have something to share:)
This song is so perfect as we look at starting a new year. 2011 definitely wouldn't seem like a year that I would want to re-live--but then stop to consider that many of the bad things that happened this year were closely followed by really great things. Most significantly, my mom nearly died in October, but by the middle of December she was shopping, celebrating Christmas, playing Minute to Win It, WALKING, and even visiting the nurses and staff that took care of her this year. I can't think of a bigger blessing--but would all of those things seemed so significant if she hadn't been diagnosed with AML and later coded in the ICU? Probably not. Not that I would wish any of that to happen ever again, but when we come out on the other side of "bad" things, the good things seem a little better and little quicker to come. That's why I think this song speaks to me--what if our blessings come through raindrops? And if our healing comes through tears---well I'm good at healing then, because I've cried millions of tears this year. And to remember that those friends and family that we've lost this year (and the years before) are waiting for us when we begin our eternal life? Well, sometimes we need that reminder for just a little bit of peace.
I was listening to KLOVE this week (if you don't know the station, consider tuning it...it's a national station, and it's available online at klove.com)....anyhow, when listening to KLOVE they mentioned that we could start 2012 with PEACE and one of the ways they were going to 'do' something to get there was by writing down all the things that you wanted to get past on a piece of paper and then shredding it. Wouldn't that be symbolic? Maybe you don't need a symbol, but if you do, that's a way to start. I think I might make a list of things that I want to shred, but I think that I may also make a list of all the blessings that I want to remember too. Just something to consider for the new year.
Laura Story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
Monday, December 5, 2011
A Reason to Surrender
Chris Tomlin is one of my absolute favorite artists--Steven's too. In fact, we didn't attend many concerts this year, but we made sure to go to Chris Tomlin a few weeks ago when he was in town with Louie Giglio. If you ever have the opportunity to worship with Chris Tomlin--DO IT! You will thank God for the gift He has blessed Chris with!! So, now that you know I Heart Chris Tomlin, let's share a little about this song.
I think this year has been one of doing a little more than lifting up my hands. Sometimes I just felt like I was throwing up my hands and asking God...."what next?!?" It was this song that kept me thinking "You are faithful God, forever". If God is faithful FOREVER then shouldn't I surrender to Him? Lift my hands to Him and know that if I give up what I think I want and rely on Him to provide what I need then I can find comfort.
Easier said than done, right? How does someone just surrender to God. I think that each person would answer that in a unique way, and that is the amazing thing about our relationship with God...He is OK that we are all unique in how we relate to Him. You can go to God on your best day or at your worst and He will treat you the same--with unconditional Love. Don't you wish you could do that to everyone? Oh sure, we try to, but sometimes... well, you know what I mean.
I Lift My Hands lyrics
Songwriters: Christopher Tomlin,Matt Maher,Louie Giglio
Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are fortress for the weak
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me
Let faith arise
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
And I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Reason to Remember...
This is the Stuff
Francesca Battistelli
I love this song, it's my phone ringtone...yes, I actually paid for it! It's so loud, I actually jump a little when my phone rings, but I can't bear to change it.
This songs speaks to me on so many levels...it's that everyday stuff that seems to happen that sometimes gets irritating ...but this song reminds me that it's all for a reason. That if I keep looking for the reason for some things happening, I'll realize that maybe the initial frustration isn't so I will be irritated, but so that I will realize that it's something that doesn't TRULY matter. So this song reminds me that I need to remember that it's not all about the choices I make, but maybe it's about the reason I made the choice I did or maybe I was presented with this situation because God needed to get my attention.
I think some people would think of it as "don't sweat the small stuff"...which is a nice idea, but sometimes you gotta "sweat it and forget it". Learn the lesson and move on.
"so break me of impatience, conquer my frustrations, I gotta new appreciation...it's not the end of the world" If there is one part of the song that I sing over and over again as a reminder, it's this section. Sometimes that is my prayer. Lord help me realize that whatever "this" is that seems big at the time is not that big. Lord, help me REMEMBER that no matter what, "You got this!"
"Someone save me"--Lord, that is You, because, ultimately, doesn't God have our back? I mean, He sacrificed His Son, Jesus, for US! FOR ME! Thank God for that!!! Isn't it great to remember that even when these little things start to frustrate you or make you impatient that you can ask the Lord to forgive--AND HE WILL!!
The lyrics to "This is the Stuff":
(Written by Francesca Battistelli, Ian Eskelin, & Tony Wood)
I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Reason to Feel Weak...
Natalie Grant (Written by Christa Wells)
Now this song is one that I have loved for several years, but has recently been popping up in some crazy places...like "Stir Crazy", the restaurant in Greenwood.
The lyrics to the song along with verses that have helped me while I'm feeling broken and in need.
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:11
Psalm 23
Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.
Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.