Tanya, thank you for your transparent ministry to “those of us who wait”. I’ve always valued pastors who preach and teach out of their own experiences. And that’s what we get from you; it’s both/and, ie while you wait, consider this. You (and God) acknowledge both disappointment and gratitude in the moment, season, years, etc. That’s where I find truth and meaning, in the paradox of it all. Even if the waiting takes a long time and the disappointments add up.
Thank you so much, Cathy. I love the way you express this - and yes to the paradoxes, where messy truth can be found. Thanks for seeing this in my work.
Hi Tanya, On a much smaller scale to you, this year in fighting breast cancer I am busy awaiting appointments and treatments and so we haven't made any real holiday plans. I usually so look forward to making a plan to go somewhere for a week or two to get a proper break, but so far nothing is booked as I await radiotherapy. I say on a much smaller scale as we do have a few weekend family celebrations to look forward to. I guess I am still very blessed. Thanks for the reminder xx PS Hope you have something to look forward to soon that does work out.
I’m so sorry to hear that you have breast cancer - hoping for your full recovery. I’m really sorry you can’t plan to get away and that everything is up in the air. It’s bad enough having cancer - and going through brutal cancer treatment - without missing out on holidays too. (Holidays are really important to me, too!) And it’s that whole thing of the double unfairness - that you’re going through something awful so you need a treat or a getaway more than ever. I totally get that. Much love to you.
Thank you. We do have some special events to look forward to this year, which is great and we need to centre on those. Also, I am very fortunate in that the cancer was caught early and I only have to have 5 days of radiotherapy. Praise God, it could have been so much worse. Much love to you. I do hope you are are to have some special breaks this year.
Hi Tanya I won’t bore you with details but thank you so much, so very relevant, that has helped me so much in my current situation. Much love and best wishes
Thank you for talking about what living with a chronic illness is really like. My health seems to flare near my husbands birthday and especially big ones. Which is so not fair as he is also my carer. And I want there to be times where is not about me and my illness. We have had to cancel a lot this year. But we manage a trip away and an evening out at the local art centre hearing a spoken word poet. It’s was made sweeter as this the 1st time we did this in16 years and it was one of the only lovely thing we didn’t have to cancel. I always enjoy your writing.
Tanya, I am well aware of your ministry and your issues since we were on FB together and I am glad that you remain an active witness in the world. Keep in keepin' on
Thank you Tanya, as always I find your words very helpful. I have always tried to find the positive, being a regular 'Pollyanna' about things, probably upsetting people on the way with my words. As I have got older, a lot older, I am trying to accept and allow my feelings of sadness, unhappiness, even anger surface and not bury them, which I think was how I learned to behave as a child, so as not to be in trouble or told off. No matter what the issue, and especially illness, people will have disappointments, concerns, fear even, and it does not help to be told that other people have it worse and to look for the blessings. I still do this I know, especially for myself. I have used many of the ways of looking at things that you mention and as you say, feel guilt also. I too, have found my preaching was received well as I talk from a personal point of view, which I believe is a Blessing from God.
Thanks so much for sharing a little of yourself here. Self-awareness is such a gift - to ourselves and to the world - and it’s wonderful that you have this. Praying blessings on your preaching ministry!
Tanya, thank you for your transparent ministry to “those of us who wait”. I’ve always valued pastors who preach and teach out of their own experiences. And that’s what we get from you; it’s both/and, ie while you wait, consider this. You (and God) acknowledge both disappointment and gratitude in the moment, season, years, etc. That’s where I find truth and meaning, in the paradox of it all. Even if the waiting takes a long time and the disappointments add up.
Thank you so much, Cathy. I love the way you express this - and yes to the paradoxes, where messy truth can be found. Thanks for seeing this in my work.
"The small disappointment may have long roots." I love the way you put this, and it is certainly true!
Thanks, lovely Rebecka! I hope you are well
Hi Tanya, On a much smaller scale to you, this year in fighting breast cancer I am busy awaiting appointments and treatments and so we haven't made any real holiday plans. I usually so look forward to making a plan to go somewhere for a week or two to get a proper break, but so far nothing is booked as I await radiotherapy. I say on a much smaller scale as we do have a few weekend family celebrations to look forward to. I guess I am still very blessed. Thanks for the reminder xx PS Hope you have something to look forward to soon that does work out.
I’m so sorry to hear that you have breast cancer - hoping for your full recovery. I’m really sorry you can’t plan to get away and that everything is up in the air. It’s bad enough having cancer - and going through brutal cancer treatment - without missing out on holidays too. (Holidays are really important to me, too!) And it’s that whole thing of the double unfairness - that you’re going through something awful so you need a treat or a getaway more than ever. I totally get that. Much love to you.
Thank you. We do have some special events to look forward to this year, which is great and we need to centre on those. Also, I am very fortunate in that the cancer was caught early and I only have to have 5 days of radiotherapy. Praise God, it could have been so much worse. Much love to you. I do hope you are are to have some special breaks this year.
Hi Tanya I won’t bore you with details but thank you so much, so very relevant, that has helped me so much in my current situation. Much love and best wishes
Kim x
Thanks so much for taking the time to encourage me
This is wonderful and just what I needed to hear, thank you
Thanks for taking the time to tell me how this impacted you
This is so good. I am in awe of your insight and your writing, as always.
x
Thanks for this lovely compliment, Svenja!
Thank you for talking about what living with a chronic illness is really like. My health seems to flare near my husbands birthday and especially big ones. Which is so not fair as he is also my carer. And I want there to be times where is not about me and my illness. We have had to cancel a lot this year. But we manage a trip away and an evening out at the local art centre hearing a spoken word poet. It’s was made sweeter as this the 1st time we did this in16 years and it was one of the only lovely thing we didn’t have to cancel. I always enjoy your writing.
Tanya, I am well aware of your ministry and your issues since we were on FB together and I am glad that you remain an active witness in the world. Keep in keepin' on
Thanks, Andrea!
Thank you Tanya, as always I find your words very helpful. I have always tried to find the positive, being a regular 'Pollyanna' about things, probably upsetting people on the way with my words. As I have got older, a lot older, I am trying to accept and allow my feelings of sadness, unhappiness, even anger surface and not bury them, which I think was how I learned to behave as a child, so as not to be in trouble or told off. No matter what the issue, and especially illness, people will have disappointments, concerns, fear even, and it does not help to be told that other people have it worse and to look for the blessings. I still do this I know, especially for myself. I have used many of the ways of looking at things that you mention and as you say, feel guilt also. I too, have found my preaching was received well as I talk from a personal point of view, which I believe is a Blessing from God.
Thanks so much for sharing a little of yourself here. Self-awareness is such a gift - to ourselves and to the world - and it’s wonderful that you have this. Praying blessings on your preaching ministry!
Thank you