Five years ago I was diagnosed with Melanoma Skin Cancer.  It was a shock and fortunately a very observant primary care doctor strongly encouraged me to get a questionable mole checked.  When I returned for a check up six months later and had not gone to have it checked, she once again urged me STRONGLY to get to the dermatologist.  I just kind of half-heartedly promised to get it checked thinking she was just being a little dramatic.  Thank God for her insistence.

I went to the dermatologist and he immediately removed the mole and assured me that it was very important that it be done.  He sent it for a biopsy.

About a week to 10 days later, I got the phone call that it was cancer.  Melanoma.  Until that day, I had not ever looked up or considered skin cancer being a part of my life.  I knew that God was in control and was mostly unafraid with the exception of one day when I thought about, what if it was more advanced than they thought.  I was scheduled for the surgery to remove the area of the mole and around it.

I prayed and trusted God and fortunately, He is Always Faithful.  He answered.  My Melanoma was Stage 1 when we caught it.  Very Early.  However, after learning about Melanoma, I realized that the check ups were very important.  I am now to able to go once a year.  Today was my yearly appointment and I am happy to say I am 5 years out from Melanoma and still Cancer Free!!!!  I thank God for this every appointment I go to and there is nothing new.

Please review the above picture that shows what to look for in a mole for signs of skin cancer.  If you find a mole or spot you are not sure about, please make an appointment and have it checked.  Early detection is the answer to overcoming Melanoma.

Thank God for the blessing of LIFE.  I pray He uses me in some way to help those around me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share the Hope of Healing.

Psalm 118:17  “I will not die, but live, and declare the Work of the Lord!!!

God bless and be a beacon of light to all those around you!!

Source: Trusting in God’s Protection

How many times have you prayed for God’s protection?  For yourself, your family, your friends or even your country?  It is often times a prayer that, thankfully, seems unnecessary.  Sometimes we pray the prayer and only halfheartedly believe in what we are praying.  It is probably one of the most important prayers we pray.  As a mom, it IS vitally important that we pray protection over our children when we send them into situations that we have no control over.

I got a call this morning from my daughter, Erica, that as I was sleeping last night, she and Alana were driving home from a visit with relatives around the Washington, DC area.  Shawn is gone right now so they had gone to visit family.  On the way home, outside of Williamsburg, Erica has a tire blow out while going 70 mph on a highway.  She decided to go to the next exit and get off into a place that was more populated and find a station.  It was getting pretty late and so she drove very slowly on the shoulder of the highway until she got to a Williamsburg exit.  All the stations were closed but he pulled into one anyway to decide what to do.  She got out of the car to look at the tire and there was a small fire, so she got Alana out of the car and used their drinks to extinguish the fire.

There was a McDonald’s close by that was closing so she got a cup of water in case the fire came back and went back to the car.  She was able to get on the phone with Shawn and he helped walk her through what to do next.  She has roadside service on her insurance and eventually was able to get the car towed and a ride home with the tow truck.  She was fine this morning and called to fill me in.  Praise God for protecting them!

What’s the saying, “All’s well that ends well” ?  I guess that is true.  I slept and didn’t know anything about it.  However, I know that God was their protector last night.  He sent the right person to tow the vehicle and to get Erica and Alana safely back home to Virginia Beach.  He protected them and gave Erica the ability to think what to do and Shawn the knowledge to lead her through those steps.  God kept them safe when the tire blew and helped Erica to control the car.  God was in control and when He is in control, all is well!!!

Having your kids and spouse out of your sight can be a cause of anxiety and fear.  Knowing God’s promises and His word is a cause of faith and hope that He is protecting them.  Luke 4:10, “For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee”.  It’s that simple.  He is constantly protecting and watching over those you love.  I recommend each day that you begin with a prayer over your loved ones that God will put a hedge of protection around them.

I know that God is in control so I can TRUST IN GOD’S PROTECTION!

Be a Beacon of Light and Hope to those around you today.  God Bless You All.