Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Daily Joy

Do you remember Kevin's sister, Janet?

Her last chemotherapy treatment is September 14th. She weighs seventy pounds, and has lost all of her hair; to embrace her is to feel as if you might break the frail bones in her back. Her smile is still just as beautiful, though, and when she sees her brother, the light in her eyes fills the room. A joy, for sure.

We rejoice in the gift of her life, that she has been sustained thus far. We pray daily for Janet, for her body and soul.

Today, the locks that fall to my hips were cut ten inches shorter, and donated to those whose courage far exceeds my own.

It was a joy.

Can you see it in our faces?

Today's delight and exhortation, offered to me ever so gently in the quiet of the early morn:

I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)

22 fellow travelers shared:

Inspiration Station said...

Elise,
I just noticed you've been posting daily joys! What a great idea to find the joy in each day. You are so kind and good to donate your beautiful locks to someone in need. You look so cute in your braids. I hope your sister in law's chemo goes well and her body can become stronger. What courage!
I hope you are enjoying your new place in Utah. We will have to meet up! :)
Mindy

Stacy said...

Those are sure two pretty girls in that photo! :)

And yes, of course I remember Janet. Thank you for an update.

I did Locks of Love a couple of years ago, too.... :)

~Stacy

Christine said...

What a beautiful act. I will pray again for Janet. You look wonderful in your picture with that little cherub on your hip!

Love you!

Anonymous said...

Those verses in Lamentations really speak to me right now, Elise. When my desires are for Him alone, then my heart is undivided and it is easy to wait. But when I am so impatient (with the children especially), this is a sign that my portion is elsewhere. And it is so *not* satisfying. Today I sat on my hands for awhile at breakfast cleanup to try to stop my constant activity long enough to allow the kids to actually accomplish their jobs...I am such a doer!

I am also thinking of other verses that I have made into a song (maybe someone else remembers where they are)..."Whom have I in heaven but You. And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion - forever." If I die a death which will allow me to ponder I'm sure I will sing that one oft. I will say a prayer for Janet.

Your hair is still beautiful Elise :-).

Anonymous said...

Elise, you look beautiful as always! What an honorable thing to do. I also just noticed your "daily joy" posts - it's easy to think of something to write, yes!? Lots to be joyful about. Miss seeing you, sister!

A said...

It amazes me that your hair is still so long! Beautiful!

A

Amy... said...

You look really cute with your hair short! Someone is going to get some pretty hair:)

That Lamentations passage is so powerful. Saying a prayer for your SIL. love, Amy

randi said...

I will keep Janet in my prayers.

You and your little one are so pretty! What an adorable pair!

Liberty said...

I LOVE that scripture! Don't you just love God's word? :)

Martha said...

I have been praying for you! It is good to hear from you. Your hair looks wonderful - and I am inspired by your generous donation!

Have a wonderful day!
Jane

Melissa Stover said...

you look wonderful! and what a great thing to do.

Anonymous said...

You bless me.

(((Elise)))

Praying for Janet.

Tracy said...

Praying for Kevin's sister. Lord willing, the chemo is working.

Your new haircut is cute. Still long, but easier, I imagine. AND a lovely gift you gave. My girls and I have all donated our hair too!

Shannon said...

My prayers go out to Janet today.

Andrea said...

I love it. It looks fantastic. Someone's gonna have a fine wig. :)

That verse you wrote is a personal mantra of mine. *smile*

Beverly said...

I love your new haircut -- even more so because of the love that went into the shearing. What a lovely picture of you and Eliana! Praying for Janet. You are bringing joy into my heart by posting these daily joys ... thank you Elise.

Beka said...

Oh Elise, I was so touched by this. What a sweet gesture. And such a lovely picture of you and your little girl. She looks so much like you!!

We will continue to pray for Janet.

Thank you so much for posting these "daily joys." Your joy is contagious :-)

And those verses you posted are very, very dear to my heart. The Bible version I use reads "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him" in verse 25, and I find so much comfort in that.

Queenheroical said...

I love the new "DO" especially the braids and your gift is as gorgeous as the little girl admiring her momma in your photo.

I will add, that I too, am enjoying your daily joy posts, they are beautiful, and challenge me to look again to the good in everyday.

I also wanted to thank you for all your kind comments on my blog -- you always seem to put a smile on my face, both because you are an encouragement for me and because I admire your ability with words and your amazing ability to radiate your care out to others. (I'm not certain that encapsulates it all precisely but it is close). Thank you Elise, for your honest heartfelt words.

-Krina

Cosette said...

I love that passage in Lamentations. It's kind of like a surprise bit of encouragement tucked in where you least expect it.
And that picture of you and Eliana is so sweet :)

Maxine said...

The daily joys are so nice. We all need them--the Lord gives us so much to be thankful for. I love what you did with your hair and the way it looks now. What a wonderful way to give.
Praying for Janet also.

Alycia said...

I am so thankful to have a few moments to catch up on your daily joys...what a wonderful blessing for me. I loved seeing your new haircut and sweet pictures of Eliana. I have been thinking of you and praying for your comfort during this time. I remember the pain of miscarriage still all too clearly. One thing we did to help our family was to release balloons with written messages to our babies in Heaven. It was beautiful and at first we did it each month, and now each year on their "birthday in Heaven." Blessings to you Elise.

Anonymous said...

Oh Elise, you and Eliana are beautiful! I'm continuing to pray for Janet...
I love you all!
Kake

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