Susan G. Komen

Susan is on the right her sister
Nancy Brinkman is on the left

SUSAN GOODMAN KOMEN

Birth:	Oct. 31, 1943 Peoria, Illinois
Death:	Aug. 4, 1980 Peoria, Illinois
Medical Figure. A victim of breast cancer, she lost her battle with the disease in 1980. Near the end of her life she asked her sister Nancy Brinker to help find a cure for the disease. Nancy founded the Susan G. Komen Breast cancer foundation in her sisters memory in 1982. It has since became a nationally renown foundation with the annual Race for the Cure.   Fulfilling the Promise Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Susan G. Komen is the boldest community fueling the best science and making the biggest impact in the fight against breast cancer. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested almost $2 billion to fulfill our promise, working to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries.   Progress in the Fight Against Breast Cancer Since 1982, Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer – transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. We are proud of our contribution to some real victories: More early detection and effective treatment– Currently, about 70 percent of women 40 and older receive regular mammograms, the single most effective screening tool to find breast cancer early. Since 1990, early detection and effective treatment have resulted in a 33 percent decline in breast cancer mortality in the U.S. More hope – In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent. More research – The federal government now devotes more than $850 million each year to breast cancer research, treatment and prevention (compared to $30 million in 1982). More survivors – Currently, there are about 3 million breast cancers survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.

Spirit

James 2:26  As the body without the spirit is dead, 
so faith without deeds is dead.

Press On!

I have to share one of my favorite songs "Press On" by Selah! It is inspirational and uplifting.

Here are the lyrics and the 'You Tube' viewing and listening link below.

SONG - Press On

When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall

When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all

Chorus:
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on

In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
To press on

Please view and listen to the song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuaQggluF5I  it is beautiful!

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

My Therapy Dog Deacon

Most of you know about my special Therapy Dog Deacon (Labradoodle)! A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations, such as disaster areas.

Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. A good therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes clumsily.

A therapy dog's primary job is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it and to enjoy that contact. Children in particular enjoy hugging animals; adults usually enjoy simply petting the dog. The dog might need to be lifted onto, or climb onto, an individual's lap or bed and sit or lie comfortably there. In hospice environments, therapy dogs can play a role in palliative care by reducing death anxiety.

Deacon is a tremendous blessing to me and it is my goal for him to be a blessing to others. Currently, he volunteers at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in the emergency room and on the private floors in patient rooms. He also volunteers at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital as well as nursing homes, schools and libraries.

Deacon will surely offer me comfort in the days ahead. He will be my constant companion and friend!

2 Kings 8:13

Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.

Martina McBride

 Grammy winning recording artist Martina McBride joins TODAY’s Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb to promote breast cancer awareness and her emotional new song about the disease “I’m going to love you through it.”
http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49568842#49568842
When I worked on my song “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” I got to meet a bunch of cancer survivors and their families, friends and supporters. It really had an impact on me and I made a connection and just wanted to do something to give back and make a difference. Then this opportunity came up with General Mills, and I had worked with them before, so I thought it was a great, simple way to give back.

So you’re now involved with this campaign that fights cancer, and your song has really become an anthem for those battling cancer. Is this a cause that’s close to you?

I think it’s a really important cause and it affects so many people. I didn’t write the song myself, but when I first heard it, I felt really moved by it and it wasn’t like anything I had ever heard before. I felt like it was really inspiring and that’s what I try to do with my music. I felt like this could inspire at least one person. 

Here is the link to hear the song!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iyU4S7yHFo

 

 

Jeremiah 30:17

And I shall restore you to health, says the Lord and I will heal ALL your wounds.

 

Laughter is the Breast Medicine

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

 

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

FIGHT BACK WITH HUMOR AND LAUGH YOURSELF WELL!

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/18abfffe53/the-booby-scare-featuring-alyson-hannigan-emily-deschanel-kat-mcphee-minka-kelly-and-jaime-king?rel=player

 

Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones.

Pandora Internet Radio

In 2 Chronicles 20, the story is told of Jehoshaphat and multiple armies that are on their way to attack Judah. It is a battle that is impossible to win. There are too many on the opposing armies.

Jehoshaphat calls all the men, women and children of Judah together and a young man named Jahaziel stands before them and says something like: "Hey everybody, don't worry about this....God has it. We don't understand or know how, but tomorrow I want you to march out, take your places, and then stand STILL and watch what the Lord will do."

The next day, the people gather and Jehoshaphat makes the decision that will be the catalyst for my update today....He consults the people and then he says "pick a bunch of singers and musicians and put them on the front line."

WHAT? In verse 21, he literally says "pick a bunch of people who can sing and play and put them in the front of the army. Here's what I want them to say: 'Give thanks to the Lord, His love endures forever.' "

And then an AWESOME thing happens. As they go into battle, God sets ambushes all over the battlefield. The army of Judah wins the battle! Not one of the enemy escapes. The Bible says that God gave Jehoshaphat peace on every side. That's what I would like!

Today, I set my laptop to Pandora and made sure that praise music is playing in my house. I have done it all along, but I will sing praises day in and day out. They are soothing to my soul. I set my iphone to Pandora and have it in my pocket as I take Deacon for his daily walks. It is played everywhere.

Choose Hillsong, Paul Baloche, Matt Redman, Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin (his new song The God of Angel Armies), Third Day, Amy Grant, Casting Crowns, Selah, Sandi Patty, Jeremy Camp, Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, 4Him and many others.

I will play praise music. I will put it on the front line. I will be shameless about it when there are others around me. I will stand and see the salvation of the one who created me in the first place. He will set the ambush....on this disease process and on the sickness. And he will give me peace on all sides.

As the next few weeks slowly roll by until the anticipated surgery date of February 20, I encourage you to set your electronic devices to Pandora and make sure the praise music is playing. I have Pandora on my work computer every day (it is free), but wish for everyone to be more vigilant about it. Please join me today in putting praise music on in every home, car, office, class and gathering. Put it on the front line. Sing it yourself. It's the shield that the army of Judah used....I figure it will work for me!
www.pandora.com

God Bless!