Confronting Cancer with Faith

A New Year, A New Focus
Posted by Karen on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:18pm
In remembrance of Him . . .
I'm not that big on New Year's resolutions but the past few year's I have started something new that I think warrants the effort. Rather than creating resolutions that I may or may not keep, I have instead decided to have a spiritual resolution, something that will enhance and/or challenge me spiritually in some way. Each year I also find a verse that either complements my spiritual goal or serves as the impetus to developing my spiritual resolution. Since I'm on my third year, I'll share with you what I mean. 2010 With the release of my book, I wanted to think "out of the box" to market my book globally especially since I would be attending my first International Christian Retail Show. My scripture was (and I add it with every book I sign): "Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." Psalm 96:3 2011 I took on a personal challenge to read the Bible through in one year. And yes, I am proud to say I did it! My scripture was: "I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure." Psalm 119:162 2012 As a result of a vision to receive "power" (I have no idea in what form or fashion it will be manifested), I vowed to use it to the glory of God. My scripture: "May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." II Thessalonians 1:11b There. I've revealed some "personal secret stuff" to challenge you to do something similar. I'd love to hear your comments if you decide to take on or modify something that fits your spiritual well-being in the coming year. Each year for me has been so rewarding. I know it can be for you, too.
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Cancer researcher and survivor meet
Posted by Karen on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:52pm
I wanted to share a link with you regarding an article that was written in the newspaper where I work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I loved the Q & A format. The article describes my viewpoint as a cancer researcher AND a cancer survivor. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.uab.edu/news/reporter/people/item/1904-cancer-researcher-shares-how-to-confront-cancer-with-faith Cancer Conversations (General)
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God is up to something good!
Posted by Karen on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 4:28pm
My Mom and I went on a New England-Canada cruise
More than once my mother has told me what an interesting life I lead! I have to agree. I love feeling as if I am smack-dab in the middle of God's mission for my life. He is expanding my territory beyond borders of wildest dreams. Just since my last blog, I have written three magazine articles, two of which are being published in "Christian Living" in the Cayman Islands; enlisted two additional stores to carry my book; met with a cancer support group; submitted my book to a large Christian business chain; was featured on a widely distributed neighborhood newspaper; kicked-off my Bible study with a small group of local cancer survivors and shared in the joy of a large group studying my book at a church in Illinois. In each instance, I see God's blessing not only in my life but in the lives of many others impacted by my book. Yep, God is up to something good and I am thrilled, thankful and especially humbled to be a part of it. What is God doing good in your life? If you can't find anything, let me help you search for something.
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So what are people saying?
Posted by Karen on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 9:46pm
Sharing at my hometown church, First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL
Over the past year, I have seen my book turn up in places I couldn't imagine including Brazil, Mexico, Slovakia, and Thailand as well as all across the United States. It is making an impact on others fulfilling the promise God made me that He would bless it. Each time I hear from a reader I am humbled again and again knowing that I was used to touch their life. So what are these people saying about "Confronting Cancer with Faith?" Here are a few of the remarks: "I just received a copy of the book you sent me. As I began reading the first chapter, it feels like this book is going to inspire me to make something useful out of my cancer experience." "Thank you, thank you, thank you for being so vulnerable in what you wrote. There is no doubt in my mind that God intended you to write this study for everyone's benefit. I especially liked the allegory about the City of Hope." "This book is a devotional/journal type book that also has places where the reader may write down their own thoughts and happenings as they too face the "C" that has entered their life. I believe the author did an awesome job putting together this book. Allen helps the reader find hope through brokenness." (Excerpt from a book review) "Karen's book has touched me in ways that made me feel like she knew how I felt." "We are using your book for a group of women at our church. We have one woman who has pancreatic cancer. She came to the Lord and was saved along with her husband through your study. Thank you so very much for writing this wonderful book. We will be using it again." "I didn't know anyone else felt that way!"
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It's not just about cancer
Posted by Karen on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 11:38pm
Beth and I at a church event promoting India missions
"Confronting Cancer (and other life's crises) with Faith" - That's the title that was used in my church newsletter to advertise a 6-week study correlating with my book. I didn't want to exclude anyone who felt they couldn't come if they didn't have cancer or know someone who did so I broadened the title to appeal to a larger audience. Besides God is the same regardless of disease or disaster. I held my first class, most of which was composed of individuals impacted by cancer, but there was one young woman who showed up week after week who did not have cancer or know anyone with cancer. As it turned out Beth was battling a chronic autoimmune disease. My study had interested her as she desired to not only strenghten her faith but learn how she could channel her suffering to encourage and minister to others. God's timing was awesome as I walked with Beth through the weeks of my Bible study that correlated to the timing of her confirmed diagnosis with myasthenia gravis. We quickly developed a beautiful friendship. Today Beth gave her testimony in church of how she is thankful for her illness and how it has drawn her closer to the Lord. I was pleased to join her in a testimony in song as we both proclaimed that we were willing to be just exactly what God wanted us to be. I shared this story because I want you to know that my book does not have to be only about cancer; it can relate to any kind of life crisis. When we reach out, God is there. "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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