No Prissy Shoes

No Prissy Shoes No Prissy Shoes is a 31-day devotional for women walking the breast cancer road. Linda Grabeman shares experiences, practical tips and Bible verses to encourage on topics that include, faith, fear, God's love, comfort, confidence, trust, forgiveness, and perseverance. http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com <![CDATA[THE GIFT]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/12/49547/the-gift    To each of us as members of this pink sisterhood, He provides all that we need for this difficult journey. He promises shoes that won't wear out for our wilderness wanderings (Deut. 29:5), and when we need it, even promises to carry us (Deut. 1:31) when the road gets too steep.
   We have just celebrated Him as the Wonderful Counselor; the Mighty God; the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). But do we rely on Him to be these things for us as we walk our breast cancer journey? I want to.
   Let's see...Wonderful Counselor...That means I can take my decision-making and choices to Him and prayerfully ask for His wisdom.
   Mighty God...That means He is bigger than anything that happens in me or around me. He is mightier, so I don't need to be overwhelmed. I can really trust that He is my refuge and strength, a very present Help in trouble. Emmanuel. God with me.
     How about Everlasting Father? You long to show me Your tenderness, Your compassion, Your mercy. Help me, help us experience that anew in 2012.
     Prince of Peace. I want to know You as the Giver of my peace, Lord. In breast cancer, as in life, many things try to rob us of our peace.
     My prayer for this new year is that as we submit to God's greatest Gift, and His work in us, that His Peace, which passes understanding, will dwell in our hearts, regardless of our circumstances. Every day of our lives, for the rest of our lives, let us proclaim, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" II Corinthians 9:15

     This will be my last blog post, but I would love to hear from you at any time! Please follow me on my Facebook page for No Prissy Shoes.

     Blessings, pink sisters!
     Linda
]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:16:40 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/12/49547/the-gift <![CDATA[O.K....but How?]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/08/43093/okbut-how
I wish I could be a little more like Job in my responses, though. I wonder about God's choices and doubt His love sometimes. Not Job. He had some horrific days, and his reaction was to worship God! How could he do that?

I'll tell you how. He was steadfastly grounded in two immutable truths - that God is sovereign, and that God is good. All the time. Period. In his mind, those facts were indisputable - regardless of life's circumstances. His security was not shattered because his foundation was firm.

That is an enviable position, but not an unattainable one. Because just like breast cancer, it is a journey. A process from distorted views of who we are and who God is, to real keep-you-standing-when-the-rug-is-pulled-out truth. And the best part is that God just loves to walk us from one level of trust to the next, by being faithful in each ordeal!

Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in your current distress and He will.

THOUGHT:
God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness.
Anonymous

THANKSGIVING:
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."
Job 23:10

TIP:
Chemo is very hard on eyebrows! A powder brush-on brow pencil (like Clinique) works the best on "bald" foreheads.

]]> Tue, 2 Aug 2011 17:51:42 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/08/43093/okbut-how <![CDATA[Real life]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/08/43086/real-life
So let's talk about the realities of this life. The down-and-dirty facts of our existence...namely, that we got cancer. How do you deal with that theologically? Does it rock your world that a loving Father allowed this to happen to you?

It shouldn't. We live under the misconception that God is our celestial problem-solver, need-fulfiller and wish-granter. He can and does intervene to help us, provide for us, and give us deep and abiding joy. But He does it with a greater, larger lens than we could ever imagine.

Everything He does is predicated on His "big picture" vision, and His long-range, comprehensive view. Allowing us to endure cancer had eternal potential for bringing Him glory and drawing not only us, but others into a closer walk with Him.

The question now is, will we trust Him to lovingly walk us through this hard journey? Will we fulfill that calling to praise and honor Him, even in the hard real life? Will we get over being mad at Him?

Be real with God. He knows what you are feeling anyway. Let Him comfort and strengthen you as you walk this difficult journey. He longs to do that.

THOUGHT:
"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away your ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer."
Corrie ten Boom

THANKSGIVING:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

TIP:
Ask your doctor about "magic mouthwash" if you have mouth sores from chemo. It helps!

]]> Tue, 2 Aug 2011 15:49:13 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/08/43086/real-life <![CDATA[Bosom Buddies]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38991/bosom-buddies Praying for Strangers. She talked about a new year's resolution she had made - to pray for a stranger every day - and the book that was birthed from that daily decision.

It reminded me of a remark said to me early in my breast cancer diagnosis. I told a dear friend about my cancer, and she replied, "It's not all about YOU, Linda." It's not all about you.

It is very natural and easy to get rather self-absorbed as we walk this difficult pink journey. But God's perspective is so much bigger than ours. Our lives intersect so many other lives, and His plan is to use each of us to comfort others with the comfort which He has given us.

So as you are able, spend some time visiting with the other ladies as you wait for your chemotherapy, radiation, or yet another mammogram. Make some Bosom Buddies.

Or talk to the technicians or nurses - they each have stories and worries, burdens they are carrying. Be like River Jordan and ask a stranger how you can pray for them. Regardless of how you feel, being a blessing to someone else will raise your spirits, too! So try it - it will brighten your day!
Oh - and after you have read No Prissy Shoes, buy Praying for Strangers - and tell River that I suggested it!

THOUGHT:
"The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."
F.B. Meyer, quoted in Praying for Strangers

THANKSGIVING:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
II Corinthians 1:3,4

TIP:
Ask your nurse about taking Claritin the night before your Neulasta shot, to help relieve your achiness.

]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:20:23 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38991/bosom-buddies <![CDATA[Laundry rooms]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38984/laundry-rooms
It was early 2007, and I had just finished chemotherapy, so I had a bald head.
Actually, I had a bald body, and I looked and felt like an alien. I was recuperating at home when I was startled by footsteps at my front door, and the ring of the doorbell. So I hid – in the closest room where no one would see me – the laundry room. I didn’t want to be seen without my wig. I felt naked and vulnerable and ashamed.

Sometimes I hide in God’s spiritual laundry room, too. I don’t like to admit my brokenness to Him. I try to pretend that my natural clothes aren’t tattered and threadbare. But He longs to tenderly cleanse my shame and replace my filthy apparel with glistening white garments.

I want Him to do that for me this Advent. No more posturing. It’s time to be real.
So, in that obedience, I’m going to kneel before Him, and ask that He cleanse me and dress me in His sanctified-Sunday-best so that I will be arrayed to meet my new King this Easter, unashamed.

Because He is coming, and I am expected to be ready.

THOUGHT:
"There is no condemnation in My Presence, for I view you robed in My righteousness. Savor the delightfulness of your guilt-free existence in Me." Sarah Young

THANKSGIVING:
"Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life."
Psalm 52:7, 10 (The Message)

TIP:
When storing your wig at night, turn it inside out!

]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:55:25 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38984/laundry-rooms <![CDATA[VICTORS!]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38977/victors
Honestly, I would love it if I could wear my "prissy" shoes for my whole life's journey. But those shoes require sunny days and smoothly paved roads - no stones, cracks or muddy places to manuever.

Real life is rarely like that, as you have found out. Right now, your life-road includes some type of trecherous uphill climb, and a few hairpin turns which are hard to navigate. You feel like you are in a wilderness.

The good news is found in Deuteronomy 29:5, which says:
"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet."

When life throws us a detour, we must trust God to take off our prissy shoes (no matter how rugged they may be), and replace them with His strong, spiritual shoes which won't wear out on us. He has always been good at doing that.

But here is the very best part about these choice shoes - they are overcoming, victorious shoes. And guess what the Greek translation of the words "overcomer, victorious, and victory" is....n-i-k-e, or a version of it! (See italicized words in verse below).

So don't forget your spiritual hightops on your wilderness roads. Shod in His "nikes", we will have the overcoming victory every step of the way!

THOUGHT:
Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different." Sarah Young

THANKSGIVING:
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in and relies on that fact?} (Amplified Bible)
I John 5:4,5

]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:36:25 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38977/victors <![CDATA[WHOSE shoulders?]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38970/whose-shoulders
The fact that I have been so remiss with this has stressed me out. So... let's talk about stress. Everyone carries it in different ways. We try to fool ourselves into believing that we are calm, that we lug around no baggage, but our bodies reveal the truth. I carry my stress in my neck and shoulders (just ask my chiropractor).

A very familiar verse has taken on new meaning as I feel my to-do list piling unwanted bricks on my back. The verse is Isaiah 9:6, which says, "and the government will be upon His shoulder". HIS shoulders...NOT mine! The government of what? The government of the world, of each of our lives, of....Me!

He thinks he is in control of my life...and that means that I am not. My shoulders do not have to be burdened and tense as I travel my day-to-day road. He wants to take my stress on His shoulders. What a relief! And it is a truth that can be received over and over again - whenever it is needed.

So, whatever your burdens are today - biopsies, radiation, surgery...give them to Jesus. His shoulders are so much broader than ours, and capable of handling our weary loads. Doesn't that feel better?

THOUGHT:
"Trust is like a staff you can lean on as you journey uphill with Me. If you trust in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed."
Sarah Young

THANKSGIVING:
"In my distress I called to the Lord and He answered me."
Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

TIP:
Wear a sweater or bed jacket to bed. Cold shoulders also can get tense and tight.

]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:00:22 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2011/04/38970/whose-shoulders <![CDATA[Keep your SPOT!]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/12/34014/keep-your-spot
What was true in ballet is even more apparent in my everyday life. I can get weak-in-the-knees from my whirling around (especially this time of year!) because I forget to keep my eyes focused on one location. That "spot" is God's Presence.

Oh yes, I start out my day concentrated on Him, but I develop Attention Deficit Disorder as my sunrise-to-sunset progresses! It is only when I am totally woozy from over-activity that I reflect and remember my Center.

So, if your day is quickly spinning out of control, and you have entirely lost your balance, return your eyes to the Lord - your Focal Point for stability. HE will help you catch your breath, re-orient your eyes and regain your footing. He'll never get tired of restoring your equilibrium.

Just set your sights on Him again and again. He'll keep you from falling even when your world is frantically spinning around you! And remember - "practice makes perfect!" Don't give up! The more you do it, the more natural it will become!

"Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God - soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God."
Psalm 42:5
The Message

"People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on GOD and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing."
Isaiah 26:3,4
The Message

THOUGHT:
How awesome to have an Unchanging God when our life and mood can change so quickly!

THANKSGIVING:
"They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for 'God is with us')."
Matthew 1:23
The Message (italics mine)

TIP:
Take breaks in your day, even for just 15 minutes. Relax with your feet up and thoughts up - to JESUS! Then find how refreshed you feel!

]]> Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:34:31 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/12/34014/keep-your-spot <![CDATA[HE CARES]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/11/33076/he-cares      It feels like nothing in your life is the same, but you are wrong, for God hasn't changed one iota. He remains constant, when all else is falling apart.
     He has seen His people in trouble before, and He sees you now. But even better, He longs to help you. He has infinite power, irrepressible peace and miraculous wonders He would love to do in your life, if you will only trust Him to be the God of your breast cancer journey.
     Even in the midst of your hard circumstances, He wants you to know that He is with you, and he is not empty-handed.
     It is His character to bring blessings during the hard times, and He is just waiting to do that for you. He sees your plight; He hears your cries; He knows your fears, and He has come down to help you. As He has always been, He remains - Immanuel, God-with-us.
     So let Him comfort, counsel and guide you as you travel this sometimes steep road called the breast cancer journey. He cares more that you will ever know.

THOUGHT:
The same God who made the desert also brings deliverance from it.

THANKSGIVING:

And the Lord said,"I have surely seen the affliction of (your name) in (your location), and I have heard your cry because of (your particular breast cancer); for I know your sorrows and sufferings and trials. And I have come down to deliver you out of the hand and power of (your breast cancer) and to bring you up out of that land to a land good and large, a land of plenty."
Exodus 3: 7, 8 Amplified Bible
(paraphrase mine)

TIP:
Take small snacks with you when you go for your chemotherapy treatments, (peanut butter crackers, yogurt, orange quarters). You never know when something salty or sweet will taste good to you!

]]> Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:09:11 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/11/33076/he-cares <![CDATA[NO MATTER WHAT]]> http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/10/31683/no-matter-what you are that one woman.
Your world is shaken since your diagnosis. Despair is the overwhelming emotion you are feeling right now.
The reports from doctors are breaking like waves over your head and you can't catch your breath. You feel alone and abandoned even as you rush for mammograms or biopsies; chemotherapy or radiation.
But you are not alone. God knows right where you are, and He longs to accompany you on this hard journey.
So run for your very life to God! Traverse all the emotions of this difficult journey holding on to the hand of the One who knows how life can change in a day.
Trust your journey to the One who knows its beginning and end. He'll guide you over every steep cliff and slippery ravine, and He'll give you just the shoes you need for that day's trek.
No matter what.

THOUGHT:
The question is not if God will prove Himself faithful to you, but how.

THANKSGIVING:

"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us."
Hebrews 6:19, 20 (The Message)

"Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
Hebrews 4:14-16 (The Message)

TIP:
The first few days of each chemotherapy, let friends bring you easily digested, comfort food to calm your queasy stomach.

]]> Tue, 5 Oct 2010 08:45:58 PST http://lindagrabeman.authorweblog.com/articles/2010/10/31683/no-matter-what