Celebrate Life

This week one of the men I work with was celebrating his 65th birthday. I wished him a happy birthday and asked if he had any special plans. He said, "Oh, at this age we don't celebrate birthdays anymore." I said, “At this age means you should be celebrating.” I have to say that I used to be someone who didn’t care if my birthday was celebrated. Not anymore. I promise myself I will celebrate each and every year I get another year older.

I was thinking this morning about Easter. I believe Easter is all about celebrating life – something like birthdays. Easter means so much to me – sacrifice, forgiveness, conquering death, and providing a relationship. Now, these are just my thoughts, I’m sure any Pastor reading with all their theology degrees, would be cringing at my explanations. My first thought this morning was that Jesus conquered death. I don’t just celebrate that through His sacrifice I have forgiveness of sins. I celebrate that because of that sacrifice I do not need to fear death. I don’t need to celebrate my birthdays just because I’m alive, but because as each year I get older I know there is something more when I’m no longer on this earth.

My favorite part of thinking about Good Friday is as soon as Christ said, “It is finished!” the veil in the temple that separated the people from the presence of God was torn in two from the top to the bottom, as if God Himself ripped it apart. I comprehend it as if He said it’s no longer about tradition it’s about relationship. As soon as Christ rose from the dead and before He ascended into heaven, his time on earth was all about relationships.

I didn’t really understand what Easter met before I was 16. It was just my favorite time of the year to hang out with family at our yearly family picnic. Once I gave my heart and life to God and received the forgiveness He provided, Easter became so different to me. I will never forget my first Sunrise service. It was a celebration of the new life Christ gave me. I try not to just celebrate once a year, but every day of my life.

My life changed because of my faith in Him. I celebrate everything He shows me through His Word. I celebrate as I sing in worship to Him, as I pray with others, and live in the peace only He can provide.

I pray this Easter you will take the time to Celebrate Life!

I can’t believe it has been 10 days since I’ve blogged. Where did time go? Last weekend I continued to rest, and Jim was really sick, so I felt I had the first opportunity to care for him (nothing like he has done for me). I returned to work on Monday. I loved being there but I do struggle with being so tired in the evenings. I had a lot of difficulty sleeping this week so it made it even harder.

I began talking to friends and doing research on the Predizone. I already had some red flags talking to my surgeon at UCLA and my surgeon here in Corona. I thank everyone who has sent me emails or calls with their concerns. I’m glad I was already concerned before talking to them. It didn’t take me by surprise. I’m not sure what will be decided. A medication that can help a lot could also hurt so much more. I understand that theory better since going through chemotherapy. This time I’m not sure my body can handle another “treatment.” I’m too weak and my immune system is still vunerable.

Next week I meet with my Oncologist (Tuesday) and my Pulmonologist (Wednesday) in Riverside. The two of them will work with me to decide what should be my treatment. I’m confident they will help me to make the best decision for me and my health issues. If anyone understands my complications it’s my Oncologist. I’m grateful she cares so much.

I have another week and a half before my next surgery. I think it’s the first surgery I can say I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to get this expander removed. I’m sure the night before and day of will be a different story and I will be extremely nervous. This week the one thing my plastic surgeon warned me about and told me to expect finally happened. The tissue and skin around my implant has hardened. He says it’s because of the radiation. I kept hoping it wouldn’t happen to me. I just wanted something good to come out of all these surgeries. Once again I’m just thankful to have a doctor that was truthful with me. The last time I saw him I was encouraged that it hadn’t happened, yet he was honest and told me that it usually happens six months after radiation. Bummer! I’m at five months – right on schedule.

When I think of little things like this, and I get frustrated, I remember there are others going through much harder things than myself. This week was difficult for a couple of my friends. One who lost her father, and the other who found a lump. I love these two women so much. One I grieve with, and the other I’m holding up with words of encouragement. Both I’ve shed tears for and I’m constantly praying for them.

Today’s devotional from Insight for Living by Chuck Swindoll offers amazing encouragement. It ties in with Easter and the things in life we struggle through.

Insight for Living (Insight.for.Living@insight.org) April 3, 2010
A Hope Transfusion
by Charles R. Swindoll
Job 19:25-26

Easter and hope are synonymous. That special day never arrives without its refreshing reminder that there is life beyond this one. True life. Eternal life. Glorious life. Those who live on what we might call "the outskirts of hope" need a transfusion. Easter gives it.

I think of all those who are battling the dread disease of cancer. Talk about people living on "the outskirts." They fight the gallant battle, endure the horrible reactions of chemotherapy, and anxiously await the results of the next checkup.

And then there are those who still grieve over the loss of a mate, a child, a parent, or a friend. Death has come like a ruthless thief, snatching away a treasured presence, leaving only memories. What is missing?

Hope. Hope has died. There is nothing like Easter to bring hope back to life. Easter has its own anthems. Easter has its own scriptures. And Easter has its own proclamation: "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6).

When Christians gather in houses of worship and lift their voices in praise to the risen Redeemer, the demonic hosts of hell and their damnable prince of darkness are temporarily paralyzed.

When pastors stand and declare the unshakable, undeniable facts of Jesus' bodily resurrection and the assurance of ours as well, the empty message of skeptics and cynics is momentarily silenced.

Our illnesses don't seem nearly so final. Our fears fade and lose their grip. Our grief over those who have gone on is diminished. Our desire to press on in spite of the obstacles is rejuvenated. Our identity as Christians is strengthened as we stand in the lengthening shadows of saints down through the centuries, who have always answered back in antiphonal voice: "He is risen, indeed!"

A hope transfusion awaits us. It happens every year on Easter Sunday. Alleluia!

Jesus lives and so shall we! Death, where is your victory?

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

He can say it so much better than I can.

My prayer is that your life will be filled with celebration and hope.