"This is a time that calls for strength. Do what makes you strong." - Jack R. Cavalcant, MD, oncology

I heard these words in 2000 when I was about to start chemotherapy treatments for advanced lymphoma. I was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma for which there was no cure.

I took my oncologist's words to heart. I put his advice into practice, doing many things that stirred my strength. I learned how things that roused my strength also stirred my hope and faith. Six months later, all tests reported "No evidence of cancer."

Consider this: Isn't is always a good time for us to call upon strength and "do what makes us strong?" Isn't it always a good time to stir all of our natural gifts?

I have a new strength-stirring activity now. It's gardening. No matter how tired, achey, sweaty, stinky, muddy I get working in my garden, I feel empowered by it. I feel joyful, loving, reverent, and hopeful too. I'm grateful for the beauty I perceive.

What stirs and builds your strength?

Let's "do what makes us strong" now. Let's do what makes us grateful, joyful, loving, and hopeful too, with all of life's gifts flowing through us.

Always,
Charlene

THE FIRST GIFT IS STRENGTH. 
May you believe.  
from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
Celebrating 20 Years