lola21st

It's been a few weeks since I was last on the site but I'm back and I wanted to give a praise report! I had my radiation treatment last week - the characteristics of the tumor that was removed and other factors made me a candidate for a more intense but shorter form of radiation that took one week instead of the standard six weeks. At the end of the week, the MDs confirmed what God had showed me all along - they let me know that I am now officially CANCER FREE!!!!! Thanks be to the Lord!! Thank You Father for Your healing, for Your grace, and for Your comfort through this trial!!! I will praise Your name forever and ever! You are great and greatly to be praised! Thanks everyone for your prayers and words of encouragment, I can't tell you how much they were really appreciated!

I agree with everyone! This is an issue near and dear to me as well because I'm in the midst of losing weight and have dealt with weight issues for most of my life whether at an appropriate weight or overweight. First, I completely agree with Connie - the foundation here is that God loves us no matter what our physical form so nobody should be judged because of their weight. Having said that I don't think that obesity is God's best for us, nor do I think that striving to be a size 0 when your body is meant to be a size 14 is God’s best either. The related health issues caused or exacerbated by obesity can't be overlooked, especially when we look at obesity rates in the US over the last 30 years. Society increasingly attempts to simplify the problem as one of overindulgence and not exercising. But this is a tangled web, obesity is a multi-faceted issue. Our diets have changed over time to include more processed foods than real/whole foods. Chemically derived ingredients, i.e., high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, GMO foods, etc. have increasingly become part of most baked goods, juices, sauces, cereals, etc. These chemicals wreak havoc on our metabolism (ultimately resulting in weight gain) and on our organs – liver, kidneys, heart, etc. The increase in weight then gives us an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, etc. Google high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats to get a better sense of the extent of the damage that these two ingredients alone do to the body or go to www.mercola.com and search these terms on the website. Activity wise, our lifestyles have become more sedentary. I remember when I was a kid we used to take the bus and walk a lot more, kids used to play outside, families used to go to the park. These days most of our days are spent commuting between home and work and we’re so overworked that we’re too tired to exercise and we drive to most places even when we really could walk. We have to kick our kids out of the house to play because they’d rather play on their video games or computers or ipads or phones so the rate of childhood obesity has increased. Society’s morals have declined over the years so that an increasing number of people grew up having experienced (or still experience) some sin that is committed against them – verbal/physical/sexual abuse, poor living conditions, non-supportive, isolated home environment, lived in a home where substance abuse was an issue, etc. – And the result is often that food is used as a coping mechanism. I can’t count the number of obese women I know who were sexually abused as a child and admittedly use food as a comforter and protector. Other times the dysfunctional behavior might not be as dire as what I just described but overeating is still used as a coping mechanism to deal with anger, frustration, stress, depression, etc., some people emotionally eat rather than address their emotions or handle them in an emotionally/physically more healthy manner. There are a myriad of reasons why people are overweight but the bottom line is that obesity is a far more complicated issue than just overeating and under-exercising and each individual’s story of how it is that they are or became obese is very different so that there’s no blanket solution. IMO, a sustained weight loss is based on a combination of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing as well as education about food and fitness, and a strong resolve/commitment (powered by the Holy Spirit) to develop and maintain healthy habits – this combination is going to differ from person to person. For me personally, I was overweight as a child, but slimmed down during high school and college. Interestingly, when I was in my 20’s I thought I was heavy based on what the scale said but I was a size 10 – I would love to be a size 10 now…. I gained weight after I quit smoking in 2000 and again after I had my second son (I gained 45 lbs during the pregnancy, had the baby and the scale didn’t notice even after 6 months of breastfeeding which is supposed to make you lose the baby weight…ha! ) and I have battled it ever since. I decided this year that I was going to deal with this once and for all and except for the last month or so I’ve been pretty successful in doing so. I was inspired by my cousin who lost 45 lbs in 4 months and, after learning more about the protocol that she did, I did the same and lost 25 lbs over a two month period. (This program isn’t for everyone but I’m leaving the website should anyone want to learn more: www.yourhcg.com and www.facebook.com/yourhcg . ) I developed a face of flint and had to face my diet demons in order to be successful and lose my excess weight. On the other hand, this diet worked for me because one fruit of the Spirit (patience) has a huge opportunity for growth in my life…. I’m not going to lie, seeing immediate and significant results made all of the difference in this being a success for me. My challenge isn’t that I don’t know what to do as far as nutrition and fitness goes, the challenge for me was losing weight at a pace that would keep me engaged. on previous diets, I'd stay on the diet, work out like nobody's business and then only lose .7 lbs for the week. The hcg protocol is strict and the only way that I could’ve made it was through the diet is with God’s grace, love, and encouragement. I found the following scriptures helped me a great deal as I faced temptations and needed a refreshing to get through the day. Matthew 6:25 (I know that this verse is about not worrying, but it also had meaning for me as one who is an emotional eater and the second part of the verse always pierces my spirit – my life shouldn’t revolve around food, food shouldn’t be an idol in my life….) Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (note: this scripture was specifically addressing sexual immorality but I personally think that excess eating is a sin against the body as well) 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Luke 22 (what I was reminded of in this passage is that we should always be prayed up when we know we’re entering a period of temptation – e.g., going to that party/gathering where there’ll be plenty of food that I have no business eating and certainly don’t have to overindulge in it if I do decide to eat) The Prayer in the Garden 39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[e] 45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. James 1:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. John 10:10 (for me, having my health is key to having an abundant life ) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Hi Jasmine - Trust God my sister, trust Him. What are next steps?

Amen, God knows the beginning from the end, let Him direct your path. Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Matthew 19:26 - But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” I will stand in agreement with you as well!

Good words, Cholette! I also want to encourage you by reminding you of how much God cares for you, you are NEVER a burden to Him! Psalm 27:10 - When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me. 1 Peter 5:7 - casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Ephesians 3:18-21 - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Hi Jasmine - Having just had a malignant tumor removed from my breast (lumpectomy) last week, I feel led to not only pray for your grandmother but to offer my testimony as encouragement. Within the span of a little over 3 weeks, I had a mammogram and several follow up screenings/exams that resulted in surgery to remove the malignant tumor. And praise God for His healing grace, they got all of the tumor! I will have to have radiation for the next few weeks and will also have to take a prescription over the long term but the bottom line is that this weapon that was formed against me really will not prosper, God said NO! Also, as I've moved through this experience, I've heard the stories of others who've been down this path. One woman who was told she had a tumor had surgery scheduled. The morning of the surgery the medical team typically does another pre-surgery exam to mark the tumor so that the surgeon knows where to operate. In this woman's case, when they did the pre-surgery screening, the tumor was GONE! They immediate did an MRI and there was no tumor!! I just remembered too that my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 64. In her case, she received treatment that culminated in a surgery that removed all of the tumor and she has been cancer free for 21 years. So I share all of this with you to show you the goodness of the God that we serve and also to let you know that He will choose the details of how your grandmother is healed so don't get discouraged if it turns out that the tumor is malignant, that means nothing - God can handle it! Father God, We lift Jasmine's grandmother up to you Father, for healing from this tumor because with You, all things are possible. We thank You Father, that Jesus bore our sins and our infirmities, give us yet another testimony that by His stripes, we are healed. We thank You that she is covered by the blood of Jesus. And in Jesus' name, we pray that Jasmine's grandmother is healed from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. We thank You that no weapons formed against her can prosper. We thank You that You are our Creator and that every thing, including that tumor, must submit to Your authority. Therefore, we command those cells to heal and function in the manner that they were designed to function in the name of Jesus. Father God, we can't begin to measure the love that you have for Jasmine's grandmother, we know that she is the apple of Your eye. We trust You completely in this situation and want Your Divine will to be carried out here because You know the beginning to the end, You know best. By faith, we are thanking You in advance for the wonderful healing that You will do and give You all the glory now and forever. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Hi Christina - I will pray for you too. Psalm 34 came up in my spirit regarding your situation, especially vv15-22...

Amen!

Wow, I missed this thread and am just catching up.... I LOVE hearing testimonies like this, love seeing Ephesians 3:20-21 play out: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. He has done just that and to Him be the glory! Congratulations, let us know when your website is up and running!!!

Thanks Ladies! Well, I had the surgery on Thursday and am recuperating now. I'll get the official word from the doctor on Tuesday regarding whether they feel that they removed all of the cancerous tissue. Once again, I have to give thanks to God that this was detected early! In the meantime, I have to rest completely (which is one reason I've been more active on the site) and I can't leave the house and my family won't let me do anything...not that I mind... I feel good, just tired and occasional headaches. Again, thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement! Will keep you updated...

Me too! How are things going so far?

Thank you sisters! Will let you know how things progress...

Hi Jazzy - Google screenwriting competitions or screenwriting contests and you'll find a bunch of them. Also check out the metro film festival websites as some of them sponsor competitions as well -e.g., NY, Chicago, LA, Austin, etc. Philadelphia has a film.org website that sponsors an annual competitiaion as well. Here's a link to film festivals - http://www.filmfestivals.com/index.shtml Praying God's best for you in this!

Thanks so much for your prayers! Please keep them coming because apparently this trial isn't over, my news is not good yet. There's high suspicion that the sample that they took is malignant so I referred to a surgeon who will remove the problem area and surrounding tissue (a lumpectomy). I will see the MD next Tuesday. God has shown me through my dreams that I will be fine. The latest dream was this morning where I dreamt that I had a baby girl who seemed like a few weeks old and I realized that I never nursed her. I felt a sense of urgency to make sure she nursed otherwise she might never breastfeed. I ended up breastfeeding her with my right breast which is the one under attack right now. I think there's more to the interpretation but one clear message is that my breast will be functional. Prayers in agreement are appreciated!

Thanks Sisters! God bless you all! The procedure was pretty straightforward and only took 20 minutes. The mammography was more painful than the biopsy part - clearly those machines were designed by men! I gotta tell you though, God is so good! The comforting thing is that God is with us as we move through our trials (Joshua 1:5-9). He reminded me of this fact the morning of the biopsy. I was getting ready for the appt and wanted to hear a Christian song that I really like to listen to when I'm worshipping the Lord but my ipod wasn 't charged so I was upset. When I got to the office and went to the intake desk, the intake coordinator has her music on (turns out she's a Christian) and the very same song by the very same artist and the same version of the song was playing. I started tearing up because I knew that God arranged it so that I would hear the song before the biopsy and that He was also letting me know that He was with me at that moment. What an awesome God we serve, I love His personal touch! :) Right now, I'm waiting for confirmation that there is no issue. Should hear from the doctor's office any moment (they said today or tomorrow). Will keep you posted.

and !!!

Amen, I'll stand in agreement that God would confirm this message. Don't ever feel bad about not being sure what you've heard is from God, it's better to move slowly seeking and receiving His confirmation than to move too fast thinking that you heard from Him when in fact you didn't. Read Judges 6 when Gideon asked God for confirmation several times - God was patience and faithful to give Gideon all of the confirmations that he needed before he took action. He will extend the same patience and faithfulness to you that He did to Gideon. And don't worry about your mom, if this is from God, He'll change her heart on the matter. Let us know how things progress, ok?

Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Thanks sisters! Well, looks like I have to have a biopsy on Monday. There's calcification in one breast and they want to make sure there are no issues. I'm believing God that when they're attempting to do the biopsy there will be nothing to biop... Your prayers are VERY much appreciated!

lol, I agree! I think God often does this as a way of guiding us to our place of blessing and destiny. It's such a blessing to get that Divine encouragement when we're feeling hurt. God is good!

Hello Saints - I haven't been active on the forums for the last few weeks because of a few projects that I've been working on but have missed you all! I had a mammogram yesterday and received a call a few hours later that I need to come in next week for a follow up. While not worried since I don't know why they want me to come in, I am concerned - my thinking is that if it were urgent, they'd have requested that I come in sooner. In any event, I also know the power of prayer to protect, heal, and change and seal things. So I would appreciate it if you all would please join me in praying for a good report! Thanks & Blessings, Lurdys

Praise God, that's wonderful news!!

i agree with SisterinChrist, I think God does this to show us that just as these "smaller" events came to pass, so shall the bigger things that we've dreamt come to pass. Also, sometimes the dreams seem like they're markers like D said...like their manifestation now sets a number of other things into action...