INSPIRATION
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Throughout my journey, it was critical to guard my heart. Emotions struck like lightning at times. The mud thickened and I often felt myself getting sucked down into the muck. The enemy expertly aimed his arsenal of fear arrows as soon as a speck of vulnerability was exposed.
Reflecting back on this journey, I see practices that I rehearsed that became sharp, refined and unquestionably effective.
BEHOLDING
My phone is rarely out of reach, so I used Google Keep to document the minute to massive ways I was being blessed, protected or cared for. Science has proven that making a daily gratitude list can effectively lift one’s mood and alter perspective. I can attest to this fact: IT WORKS. My eyes were lifted, aware, wide open as I desperately needed positivity and hope, often moment by moment. In my normally fast-paced, busy and productive life, I HAD MISSED SO MUCH. Slowing down has put down roots deep inside me and my desire is to continue to walk at this pace.
MUSIC
I LOVE to sing, dance and make music. Always have. Music helps me to experience the very real, tangible presence of God. I can imagine myself reaching up for His hand. I can feel His arms around me. I sense his prompting and guiding when I surrender my good plans for HIS BEST plans. At times these songs reminded me of the majesty and power of my Father. Other times I bowed in adoration, sank to my knees, and begged for relief. Many days I simply praised Him for his goodness to me. These songs provided a safe place for me to cry, hope, worship, submit or simply REST.
TRUTH
I have an inner critic. Her name is Gertrude. She comes around and pesters me when I’m knocked down, self flagellating, weary or worn. I have found the absolute, hands down potent antidote to fight her lies: TRUTH.
These are all the iPhone wallpapers that I created during my cancer journey. They showed me truth and hope each time I opened my phone and kept my focus right where it needed to be. Feel free to download and use.
(Fox 📸: daughter A.)
