HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS:

So many of us have much to be thankful for as we reflect back over our lives. You may have had some setbacks, upsets and turn-a-rounds, but God is still God. As we count our blessings surely we can give God praise for today. As my family visited Dallas Dream Center Sunday night the question was asked all of those in attendance: "do you have a roof over your head", "do you have food to eat", "is your family well", "do you have a job"? These are some very basic questions that were asked to the folks who gathered from the inner-city of Dallas. They shouted: "YES, YES,YES,YES" I thought how blessed I am!

My dear friend, sent me her Thanksgiving Praise to God and I will share it with you to ponder over this special holiday.

It has been 10 weeks since my second surgery, which was Stage 1 reconstruction. I'm feeling more energized every week. My hair is really beginning to grow in thick. It won't be long and I will be sporting a short new hairstyle. The results of my CT-No sign of any cancer in any of the major organs. Praise God! This Wednesday, Nov. 21st I will undergo Phase 2 of reconstruction surgery @ Medical Center of Plano. Surgery begins at 9:00am and will be complete by 12 noon. I'm told that I will be able to go home later that afternoon. As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday this week, I know that many of you will set aside time to reflect on the blessings that God has bestowed on you through the year and give him thanks. Did you know that we are to give God thanks in ALL things, which include trials & tribulation? You may ask, how can we have thankful hearts when the circumstances in our lives are not what we had planned and they are outside our control or power to change? God's word tells us that God is sovereign; He is in control. Romans 8:28 - "We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. This verse tells us that God is working out his purposes through the events in our lives so that we may be conformed to his image. This Thanksgiving season, my heart is grateful for the trial I have experienced the past 10 months. My diagnosis of Breast Cancer has tested my faith, built my character, given me endurance and has filled me with compassion. I've come to know that it is in the struggle that we find our strength. Without the resistance of air, an eagle can not soar. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 I'm truly blessed to know you, Rhonda

Love,

Sharon

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME!

Relationships seem to very challenging for many, whether it is with their spouse, children, in-laws, friends, neighbors or even those we don’t like! If you are at all interested in correcting a situation that you are presently dealing with, or to make a long, overdue correction, read ahead.

1. GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO BE RIGHT. Most of us want to be right, and will fight for it in spite of damaging a relationship. Just once try to “give up the right to be right”. If you start this process, you will find relationships will flourish.
2. REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE TIMES IN LOVE RELATIONSHIPS WHEN YOU CAN BE RIGHT OR YOU CAN BE HAPPY, BUT NOT BOTH. Just decide which is more important: the issue,who is right, who is wrong, or the relationship?
3. SAVE THE HOSTILE DEBATES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. If you are a debater and love to discuss issues, just leave the hostility out.
4. NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN, AN ARGUMENT GROWS OUT OF SOME UNMET EMOTIONAL NEED. Identify the emotional need that is not getting met, and there will be no need for conflict Most likely someone else cannot meet your need, you are on your own. This is where God fills in those vacuums; just allow Him to meet that need.
5. ENTERTAIN THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAUSE OF THE DISAGREEMENT MIGHT BE YOUR FAULT. Just try asking this question and answer it honestly: “What might be my part in all of this mess?”
6. TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE CONTENT OF WHAT IS BEING SAID AND FOCUS INSTEAD ON THE HEART OF WHAT IS BEING SAID. Focusing on the content sets you up to be tempted and to refute what the other person is saying. Getting off of the subject causes temptation of bringing up back issues that may or may not relate. Stay focused, stay calm, stay current, and remember words can never be taken back.
7. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS.

'I'm too tired'
Dear Friends: My daughter sent me this "handy little chart", which will give you hope when you need hope. God's Word is more powerful then a two edged sword! Read His Word, Meditate on His Word, Practice His Word, and your day will go well.

I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30
'Nobody really loves me'
I love you
John 3:1 6 & John 3:34
'I can't go on'
My grace is sufficient
II Corinthians 12:9 , Psalm 91:15
'I can't figure things out'
I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5- 6
'I can't do it'
You can do all things
Philippians 4:13
'I'm not able'
I am able
II Corinthians 9:8
'It's not worth it'
It will be worth it
Roman 8:28
'I can't forgive myself'
I Forgive you
I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1
'I can't manage'
I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19
'I'm afraid'
I have not given you a spirit of fear
II Timothy 1:7
'I'm always worried and frustrated'
Cast all your cares on ME
I Peter 5:7
'I'm not smart enough'
I give you wisdom
I Corinthians 1:30
'I feel all alone'
I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5