car problems become an opportunity

This last week has been a bit crazy but also very joyful. My car broke down on my way to an appointment, and I found out that it was probably my fault that the engine was no longer good (forgot to get a timely oil change - whooops!). Even though this type of situation just a couple years ago would have propelled me into major stress and some self-deprecating thoughts (I'm so stupid! How could I let this happen?!?), I found myself being grateful. Really. I was so thankful that I was able to exit the freeway immediately to pull over safely when smoke started to pour out of the front of my car. I didn't endanger any other vehicles. I knew exactly what to do - to call my car insurance to request a tow truck. I was in complete peace and noticed God in so many of the details that followed. The insurance company contracted "Almighty Towing" whose logo included an angel named "Towby," haha. This reminded me that He was in control and that everything would work out. The tow truck driver even offered to give me a ride home from the car shop where we left the car. (I almost forgot to mention that I was able to quickly find and buy another great used vehicle, having just enough money set aside in an account, leftover from a fundraiser that a friend had for me several years back. Thanks, God!)

This experience made me realize that I've "grown up" quite a bit in the last several years. "Practice gratitude" has become more than a mantra or saying - it has become my way of life, and He has given me so much more peace through this. This is a good reminder that we become what we practice. If we want to be close to God, we must practice being close in His Word and in prayer. Yes, it takes discipline and doing it even when we're not feeling like it.

Many of you have asked me for updates with my health. At this point, I'm only getting MRIs and following up with my oncologist every four months. I will continue to send updates on my health when I have them. All of my scans up to this point have been "stable," meaning that there are no visible changes or signs of cancer recurrence in the brain. I often get the question of when I'll be considered in remission, which I don't like to answer because it usually makes the other person uncomfortable. The medical community still hasn't found a "cure" for the type of brain cancer that I had, so these patients never get the satisfaction of knowing that they are in remission. So this requires more faith on my end to truly depend on Him and to believe that I've been healed (in Jesus' name!).