May 9 was the one-year anniversary of my cancer surgery. To be honest, I can hardly believe it’s only been a year. Already it seems like a dim memory; and glory to God, it feels like I’ve been pretty much “back to normal” for quite a while. (As my husband reminded me and the pictures I’ve included show, I’ve changed a lot from the beginning of this journey until now–partly because of cataract surgery! The featured picture is me now, the next one is me before surgery at our grandson’s graduation, and the last one, me in my wig phase.)

I remember when I first discovered I’d need to have treatment (chemo and then Targeted Treatment) for almost a year. I was sure it would seem like granddaughter, Sarah, used to say, “This is taking foreva!” I’m so very grateful that it hasn’t seemed like it was taking foreva. (I will be finished with the Targeted Treatment on May 28.) I woke up this morning (May 10) to these songs on our dream machine Counting My Blessings, The Goodness of God, and The Answer. As I listened to the words, my heart overflowed with gratitude. I want to share some of the words with you.

Counting My Blessings

It’s like it was yesterday
I was praying for a miracle
Scared to have a little hope
And now, looking back today
Seeing all the things You’ve done
I can’t even add them up

[Pre-Chorus]
One, two, three
Up to infinity
I’d run out of numbers
Before I could  thank You for everything

[Chorus]
God, I’m still counting my blessings
All that You’ve done in my life
The more that I look in the details
The more of Your goodness I find
Father, on this side of Heaven
I know that I’ll run out of time
But I will keep counting my blessings
Knowing I can’t count that high

[Verse 2]
And I know that seasons
Never last forever
So, God, I will remember
All of the reasons
My heart has to be grateful
All the times You’ve been faithful to me

Pre Chorus

[Chorus]
 (By Seph Schlueter)

The Goodness of God

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Chorus

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of GodI love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)

Chorus

Bridge

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything

(Songwriters: Jason David Ingram, Brian Johnson, Edmond Martin Cash, Benjamin David Fielding, Jenn Johnson.)

The Answer

I used to wonder
If I would ever
Find what I was searching for
Getting lost and
Forever chasin’
Always wantin’ something more

[Pre-Chorus]
The questions I was fightin’
But You were never hidin’
Just needed some remindin’

[Chorus]
Who is gonna love me all my life
Who is gonna never leave my side
Who is gonna be the heartbeat of everything I do
The answer is always You
Always You

It’s been a wild ride
And for a while, I’ve
Had my share of highs and lows, no doubt
But You’re the calm when
The storm is ragin’
Oh, God, you never let me go, oh no

Pre-Chorus

Chorus

Bridge]
You hold my future, whatever comes
You hold me together, in Your arms
You waited patiently for me
And now I know

Chorus

(By Chris Tomlin)

I wept tears of gratitude as I listened to these songs this morning (May 10). These words are truly my testimony. God has carried me every step of the way, providing my faithful husband, family and church family, as well as wonderful doctors and nurses, to give me so much support. I’ve been able to continue writing blogs throughout which chronicle my journey and give glory to Jesus. Truly His grace has been amazing.

I also want to thank every one of you who have upheld us in your prayers through every step of this journey. I am overwhelmed by your faithfulness, love, and support. When I’m Counting My Blessings, you all are near the top!