"This is my prayer . . . that my story might serve as a soothing balm to your suffering season. That you would feel less alone in your struggle and that you, like me, would allow God to use your pain to shape the souls of the generation that sits beneath your influence.
"Your story in God’s hands advances his kingdom. Write it, speak it, feel it, and, most importantly, live your story forward. The best is yet to be! With Jesus, the best is always yet to be."
- F. Elaine Olsen
...all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
before one of them came to be.
- Psalm 139:16b
Inside each of our hearts is a life story waiting to be written... told... painted... or sung.
Not just one story, but a series of mini-stories that make up the chapters of our individual books.
Each of our life is a masterpiece in the making. Breath-taking. Extraordinary.
Heaven is that eternal, forever place where we will sit with unveiled faces before one another and watch all these stories played out and come to life before our eyes.
But until then, God allows us a glimpse into one another's lives, in the here and now.
Elaine Olsen has a beautiful story to share.
It has been my privilege to meet her and become one of her friends on blog world.
She is one such masterpiece, and she shares her life with us in her latest book, Beyond Cancer's Scars.
Elaine is an overcomer. She refused to give up, she refused to give in.
Against all odds, she held on... persevered... and overcame.
I invite you to buy a copy of her book, and read for yourself Elaine's journey to hope and transformation.
Beyond Cancer's Scars: Laying Claim to a Stronger Spirit - book release
12 comments:
Dear Lidia,
On my mother's side we were 15 cousins. 2 are dead because of cancer, 5 others are living after long cancer treatments.Among them my only brother who survived the most feared pancreatic cancer.
Living with death so closely has made us all aware of life's values, and that none have the right to health or long life.
I think the happiest on our recent gathering were those who had learned to love through illness.
Even though I don't reckon illness as a blessing, so many of my loved ones have had their lives turned upside down during severe illness, I admit it brings us closer to God.
Most of us, that is.
Others experience their marriages to shipwreck, severe economic losses and reduced qualities of life.
It is not a homogeneous group, or a homogeneous outfall.
For those who says "thy will be done", and fight with God on their team, I have seen both life and our common last fiend death are easier to face.
God is there, all the way, that is for certain. "Never will I leave nor forsake you," is his daily promise.
My experience has always been, the more prayers participating, the stronger and clearer the answers will be.
"When I am weak, then I am strong," Paul says.
I thank you, Lidia, for your many prayers. They certainly have made me feel strong in my weakest moments.
Your advices "Hope is an open door into the provisions of God for your family, I will pray. You speak life and hope everyday to x. Command her spirit to be joyful. The joy of the Lord will be her strength."
It is working. We are looking for hope and joy and we shall not be moved.
Yours felisol
Thank you for sharing this...Cancer...Even now, there is no found cure. To be able to see the road with hope, despite the illness, and be able to share to encourage others, that is true courage. Especially if it's that kind of hope that never perishes. The kind that Jesus alone gives.
Such truth...all of us have a story..His working in our lives...and by grace we get a glimpse into what God has done /is doing in each others' lives.
Thanks for this inspirational post sis Lidia. God bless your heart. I think we are sharing our stories through blogging too and I hope that maybe someone can be inspired:)
Yes, we all have a grace-story worth sharing with others. My book isn't just for cancer patients, but for anyone who's known the painful ache of a sacred obedience. I like to think of this book as a guide to helping the wounded to do the important heart work of soul-survivorship. We all have "something" in our lives (chapter 4 from the book), and I hope you'll receive encouragement from its pages.
Thank you, sweet friend, for linking arms with me in my survivorship and introducing me to your readers.
peace~elaine
PS: International orders will be handled on an individual basis. Feel free to contact me via my website. Shalom!
We can never have to much hope...thank you for making me aware of this book.
Oh! Lidia, I should be here every day and see what beauty you bestow to my/our spirit.
Cancer I also know, in remission 4 years now. It hangs in there, but I give it nothing to eat, so it does not grow. It's become my little pet--who hates me--grin!
God's will in the end is assured for us all. People say, "Put God in your life!"
He's already present there
all I need is "be aware"...
Thank you for your visit, Lidia. We met here at the same time tonight.
LOVE and PEACE, Dear Lady.
Steve
Hi my sister in Christ,
Isn't it exciting that Elaine has written a second book? I can't wait to purchase my copy. I have a post scheduled to hit tomorrow on my blog as well to help her to get the word out.
Thank you for your visit earlier and for your warm words and prayers for Donovan.
Blessings to you and to your family!
Hi Lidj -
Thank you for sharing this. I like the expression, "Laying Claim to a Stronger Spirit." Yes, that stirs hearts.
Note: Our Lord shared with me to share with you to go to my blog at www.lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com to read my most recent post, "Guard Your Heart." Of course, seek our Lord for confirmation.
Sis Lidj,
Thanks for always leaving such loving encouragements in my blog.
Elaine Olsen will be on my book list. Good that you have made us aware of this.
And for the sharing glimmers of each other's lives is what the blogosphere is all about. I thank God for all the Christian brothers and sisters creating this community. And mostly I am grateful to our Father for making us meet here.
Hello Lidia, What a powerful witness and also what courage to write this and be reminded of the pain. This lady, in her own agony has reached out to love, encourage and bless others. God says "No greater love has any man, than to lay down his life for his brothers." And this is what this lady has done. I hope it comes in Kindle, as I look forward to reading it. Blessings Crystal xxx
We have experienced cancer personally this year in our family and friends. Thank you for highlighting this story that touches so many.
Post a Comment