thread for middle age to older Christian women.

One of my photos appeared on the Forest Preserve Instagram site this weekend. They said something like the time they were in deep conversation. For all of you turtle lovers out there.

I got this shot a few days ago on the way to visit my Mom. This is a great blue heron.

Melody, I am glad your other sister was understanding. I am glad you are finding relaxation and enjoyment in your writing. I feel the same about my photography. It is therapy for me so I can relate to that. Thank you for your nice comments on my photos. Remember to not let the enemy allow you to second guess your decision. Just because you can't see your family now doesn't mean you won't be able to at a later date. Keep writing and allowing yourself to heal. I know I have to be patient with myself and God's timing because I want to be healed yesterday! The thing that I have to remind myself of is that God has allowed these trials for both of us for a reason. He is perfecting us as only He can and we have to allow the potter to have His way with the clay...........that being us. The fiery furnace is not pleasant for anyone but it is essential in the process.

God Bless you and I pray you feel stronger and more relaxed each day.

Love,

Nancy

Hello all! My name is Victoria and I turned 67 in April. I am divorced, with three wonderful children, six precious grandchildren, and a precocious parrotlet named Romeo. I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in my right breast last Thursday. There are two cancerous masses, with the smaller one being metastatic in my sentinel lymph node. I see an oncologist this Wednesday, and the radiologist who did the biopsy said a mastectomy will be required. I am doing okay for the most part. I love the Lord so much and trust that He's the blessed controller of all things, including this cancer and its outcome. My two daughters are accompanying me to every appointment, so I will be well taken care of in that regard.

I retired in 2017 from being an addictions therapist at a treatment center/homeless shelter. I love to travel, and had planned on purchasing a van and traveling the US now that I'm retired. That journey will be delayed for awhile. I also love photography and attempted to post a couple of my photos, but keep getting an error message saying "You are not allowed to post links at this time." I attempted to insert an image, not a link, so not sure why that is happening? Anyone else have that problem?

I'm so happy to have found this forum, with women my age who are facing this struggle. May God bless us, every one!

Nancy, Your photography is beautiful and I'm glad you find it soothing. I take some photos, but I've never learned to do it well – mainly point and shoot type photos, so I really appreciate your talent. (I tried to post a photo of a woodpecker I saw, but as Serenevictoria65 mentioned below, I'm not allowed to post pictures yet so will try at another time.)

My writing and sewing are very healing. I appreciate your reminder not to let the enemy second guess my decision. Thank you! As you say, "God has allowed these trials for us for a reason. He is perfecting us as only He can..." It is not pleasant, but essential. I read today that as we allow God to take control and we choose to walk in His obedience, we will become more and more like him. That makes me smile.

God bless you too, my friend.

Hersheykiss, Thank you for the welcome, I sincerely appreciate. Packing all the essentials is much easier if I drive. I was worrying about how to get everything into 100ml bottles and two little carry-on bags to board a plane. It makes sense to postpone my trip to when my husband can drive. I will pray that your mom continues to settle in.

Serenevictoria, Hello! I am new here (and haven't been allowed to post pictures yet either). It's nice to meet you. I'm 61, married, never had children. I'm sorry you were diagnosed with cancer. It's a bit of a hassle, but having faith makes the journey much easier. I was 52 when I was diagnosed and though I've had a relationship with God all my life, since the cancer diagnosis, the relationship has deepened. That is wonderful your daughters will go with you to appointments. After a couple bad experiences, I decided never to go alone. Congratulations on your retirement. I hope your treatment won't delay your US travel for too long.

IntoLight, Thank you for your understanding and for adding me to your prayer list. I hope your Big Bear plans work out, as well as Colorado. Pine pollen and high altitude can be difficult. Take care of yourself.

I hope everyone is having a good day.

You are all in my prayers.

Thank you, Nancy! This is reduced to 400. It is a woodpecker I saw last January.

Peace be to all.

Okay. I am back but running pretty much on empty. My very last trip to get my LAST cancer drug refill never happened and after going to Walgreens three times I finally gave up. I couldn't figure out what the hold up was and then I found out they reduced their pharmacy hours dramatically and this store is the only one open late and people were coming from surrounding towns. Oh well.

Hershey, I can so relate to putting your Mom in an assisted living facility. My Mom was so confused and I stayed the first night with her and got NO sleep at all because she was up a gazillion times and couldn't find the bathroom etc. The next morning she was all dressed very, very early and said I am ready to go home now. I really thought this would be the end of her for sure as she didn't want to leave her home but here a year and a half later she has adjusted. I pray that your Mom will as well. Because I am living in her house when I visit we have not been in a big rush to sell yet. I sure hope you and your brother can quickly get the house ready to sell. I can certainly appreciate all the work you have in front of you. My sister and I have cleared out alot but we are no where near ready to sell as so much needs to be done inside. One thing with this VA pension I am seeking for my Mom is they do not require us to sell the house.

Chris, I sure hope your granddaughter can get by without being too lonesome for her Mom. Visiting near your daughter sounds like a good plan. I have already prayed for your upcoming trip to CO and I sure hope you don't have all the issues you did last year.

Victoria, welcome again. I must say that you seem very at peace with this difficult news you have received. I pray that as you move forward in this new journey that things will go smoothly for you and that all pieces will fall into place for you so that you can eventually get that Van and travel. Your daughters sound very supportive so it looks like you will be well cared for. Please feel free to post anytime and let us know how you are doing and when you will have your surgery so we can be sure and pray for you.

Melody, those point and shoot cameras actually can do a great job and your beautiful winter pic proves that. I have only been into photography for about five years and it was totally a silver lining to my breast cancer. I won't go into the whole story now but I did post about it some time this year I think. I have taken several classes and I have become very passionate about it. Because it is such great therapy and I love it and can get totally lost in the moment it is really healing for me as your writing and sewing are for you.

Well dear sisters, this ole gal is signing off for now because I am done in and done for the day. Have a good night.

Love,

Nancy

Ade, I can only imagine how difficult that is. When I think of dealing with Cammies room that she used as her litter box I have no place to put all the heavy stuff to even tear out the carpeting. God grant you supernatural strength as you go through this process. When you do move I will miss your glorious sunset pics from TX. So beautiful.

I have two things that make me smile today. Cammie has used her litter box for ALL business since returning from my Mom's house where she has always faithfully used that box there. Can she sustain this??? Also I just put my hummingbird feeder up late yesterday and one little girl has found it already and was at the feeder today. Those little things God gives us are sometimes the things that sustain us in the big trials we face.

Have a great day dear ladies. You know my love affair with swans has many meanings for me so I thought I would share a swan banner today.

Love,

Nancy

I wish I had more time to post replies to you all on here today..but it's a roller coaster ride for my family and I as first, Youngest had the baby Sunday morning..Everything went perfectly, praising the Lord! But then last night we got a call from our (7 months pregnant) daughter who lives in another state that they were sending her to the ER for a blood transfusion, and she is to have a test similar to a modified colonoscopy (less invasive) tomorrow..She is admitted in the hospital until afterwards..She's had severe rectal bleeding/large clots since November, and they are just now taking it seriously and only because her blood counts dropped seriously low. There is risk of all of this inducing labor, so please pray! And as if that isn't enough...We got a call this afternoon that our oldest daughter was in the hospital and has (by now) had an appendectomy! She is in recovery. The last time she had surgery over a year ago, she had a hard time waking from the anesthesia..So we are praying!

My bags have been packed since yesterday..but now I don't even know which direction to go in! Also, my cell phone just died today. I had my infusion yesterday, and fighting off some side effects, even though my MO will not admit that they cause any side effects other than the diarhia from Perjeta..which I do not have anyways, at least not ever very bad.

My family needs all the prayers we can get as it seems the enemy wants to fight us.

God's word says: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper,...(Isaiah 54:17 ..)

Lisa, praying for you and your daughters. Life often times is a combination of great blessing and great trials all at the same time. Praising God for your new grand baby and praying for recovery for your daughter who had surgery and we pray for protection for your other daughter and her baby she is carrying. May God lead you where you need to go.

Love,

Nancy

Victoria, this must seem very overwhelming to you right now. We surely understand! I pray for accurate diagnosis, that the nodes are NOT cancerous, and for God's peace to surround you as a shield. I had the option of lumpectomy (1/3rd of my breast) with radiation/chemo to follow - or mastectomy followed by oral meds. I chose the latter with mastectomy of the unaffected breast as a prophylactic measure to give me more peace, since both breasts were fibrocystic for years anyway. I am perfectly fine being 'breastless' and I LOVE not wearing a bra! I did not choose reconstruction and am fine being who I am. I was self-conscious at first but not now. I am not advocating that you do the same, but you asked and I just shared my experience. Do whatever gives you peace. May the Lord grant you and your doctor HIS wisdom.

Nancy - YAAAY FOR CAMMIE!!! Keep it up, kitty girl, and give your mama a break (which she needs)!!!! >^..^< It's bee a while since we saw a pic of Cammie )

Joanne, no problems here. Maybe your phone???

Lisa, bless your heart, you have a lot on your plate right now too! Congratulations on the new grandbaby - one prayer answered! I pray for God's healing hand upon the other 2 daughters and that the unborn baby will not be affected or come early. May the Lord bring calm to your heart and work out every situation you are dealing with. Often when we're in a crisis mode and everything seems to attack at once we forget that He is already working on it all, we just can't see it yet. Hold on, and see His mighty hand move mountains!

I am not supposed to lift with my left arm as to not incur lymphedema. I also Have lumbar arthritis. But DH is having me lift some awfully heavy things (he's a nurse and knows why I shouldn't) and now my back really hurts and I have SOOO much to do everyday. Pray he will understand why I just can't do these things anymore and that he won't then try to do them alone. Thank you! (men!)

Prayers and hugs for all,

Ade

Dear Ladies,

Thank you for being here. I have been praying for you. Yesterday was the 23 anniversary of my mother passing. I miss her. I'm so happy I stayed home with my husband. I'm still a little on the anxious side, but doing better knowing I'm staying in my routine.

Today I opened my bible to Psalm 13, Prayer in Time of Illness. It was a perfect place for me to be and I wanted to share verse 6:

I trust in your faithfulness.

Grant my heart joy in your help,

That I may sing of the Lord,

"How good our God has been to me!"

Wishing you all a blessed day!

Joanne, I am sorry you are having such difficulty with email notifications. I wonder if it is something simple that no on is noticing. I am not quite sure when you say you see the numbers in your favorites. Maybe the mods will be able to figure it out this time.

Melody, I am sorry for your Mom's loss. Going through those anniversaries are hard. You must have been pretty young when she passed away. I am glad that you are doing better and that the Scriptures are encouraging your heart. May God grant your heart Joy.

Jean, how are you doing?

I have really been pushing myself in my yard this past week but it is coming together quickly because I am feeling so much pressure to start on the VA application for my Mom. I have not heard from her Home Health Care owner which we used to have for her and that is disappointing because she could hopefully provide a needed pieced of this financial puzzle.

It is time to go to bed. Have a good night dear sisters.

Love,

Nancy

"HE gives strength to the weary & increases the power of the weak... Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run & not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:29, 31.

Blessings upon your Monday,

Ade

Hi, Nancy & Ade - I can't tell you how much I enjoy your beautiful pictures. They're simply stunning & I appreciate you sharing them with all of us. Many blessings to you all - FaithFilled

Thank you Faithfilled! ) Nancy, thank you for the lovely flowers - how nice to see those this morning. I'm sorry some of your plants were mown. That's disappointing. We planted a whole row of maples on year along our long farm lane and someone mowed all of them down as he mowed our field. He mowed as a favor so we didn't say anything. Last spring we planted 8 burgundy lilac bushes along the front of the house. They were supposed to be zone hardy and we watered, but only 2 survived. This spring we planted Russian Sage...so far so good!

Yesterday we were supposed to get carpet laid in the master bedroom. We were up until one the night before getting the room cleared out (BIG BIG job!) then up at 6 to finish cleaning etc. They didn't show up until nearly noon. (Typical for here!) Then yesterday they laid tack strips & pad but not carpet because it was raining and they didn't want to get it wet carrying it in from their pick up truck! (Really?) They used some kind of STRONG solvent that horribly permeated the entire house. It was AWFUL! We opened the windows & ran fans all last evening & night, afraid we were burning brain cells. First of all they should not USE that stuff inside - whatever it was. Second - what are they doing to THEIR health! They were supposed to come back an hour ago - but there is a cloud in the sky - haha! Hopefully it will get done today.

Tomorrow is Maggie's eyelid surgery. I noticed that the growth is now tunneling further back inside her eyelid - not just on the inside rim as before so I'm concerned they will have to take a BIG wedge from her eyelid. Prayers for God's hand to guide the vet and grant wisdom - and healing for Maggie please.

This is what yesterday looked like (outside my office window). A little rain makes the greens come out quickly here. The bushes are Cat Claw & the stickers are shaped like a cat's claw. They grab you if you get near & won't let go - so are also called Wait-A-Minute bushes!

Blessings on your day,

Ade