"Praying For You This Ash Wednesday" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

Praying for you and your loved ones this Ash Wednesday...


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Dear Ones:

     On this Ash Wednesday, we remember that 'it is dust from which we came....and that it is to dust we shall return.'

     On this Holy day, let us each remember the somber truth of our very existence-in-Christ.

God Bless You,

Rev. Barbara Sexton

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"  O

"Happy 'Rare Disease Day' To All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

 courtesy http://christ-image-jesus.blogspot.com/

Dear Ones:

     It's not 'fun' and it's not 'popular'.  But here I am to tell you about 'Rare Disease Day 29 February 2012'.

     Yes, this is the day where 'the powers that be' turn their attentions to 'orphan' diseases...and to those conditions which can make life miserable, but which affect only the 'few' and thus receive scant attention:
LINK: http://www.rarediseaseday.org/country/us/united-states 
LINK: http://rarediseaseday.us/ 
LINK: http://www.rarediseaseday.org/country/us/united-states 

     This is a 'global effort', as it should be for the kind of things that affect ALL humans, regardless of where they happen to be on the globe.
     Can there be any doubt that ALL peoples of 'good faith' wish nothing but the 'best' and 'the best of care' for those in need?
     Certainly not!

     So, if you are suffering from (or are the love one of) a 'rare disease', you are keenly aware of what this 'leap year day' of February 29, 2012 means.

     It means that you are not forgotten.  It means that you can rest assured there are those who care.  You can know that there definitely ARE researchers and others who have your interests at heart.

     And, most of all, it means you have HOPE for a cure, and if not cure, for a treatment..and if not a treatment, then the hope of a 'prevention'.

     In this spirit of communal compassion, I ask that each of you reading this takes the time to realize that, truly, 'there but for the grace of God, go each of ourselves and our loved ones'.

     Today is a day to appreciate the gains of modern science, while understanding and being grateful for our Creator who loves us so much.

     God made us His magnificent creation!  Let us remember--today and all days--to never take His gift of life to us for granted.

     And never let us forget that, as Christians, when we pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ...

     ALL things are possible!

In Christ's Name, 

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"God Has A Plan" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

above courtesy of www.GospelGifs.com

God Bless You Jim Sutton & thank you for your ever-faithful testimony!  Love, Rev. Barb

"Stamford RESIDENTS & Their PETS Saturday UPDATE For Hurricane Irene: Shelter(s), Preparation, Assistance & Warnings For You" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

 

courtesy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stamford,_Connecticut

 Dear Ones:
     Today, Mayor Michael Pavia has declared a 'state of emergency' for Stamford, CT:
"Mayor Michael Pavia is declaring a state of emergency effective at 8:00 a.m. Saturday
August 27th, 2011. This state of emergency will be in effect until further notice. The City recommends that residents in low-lying areas evacuate and seek shelter on higher ground. Evacuation should be complete by no later than 7:00 p.m. on Saturday August 27th. To determine if your home will likely be affected please review the maps included in
this briefing. Residents should make arrangements with family, friends or other accommodations immediately. If none of those options are available, the City is opening a shelter at Stamford High School on 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue at 5:00 PM. We are prepared to open additional shelters if necessary. Emergency workers at Stamford High School will direct evacuees to additional shelters if necessary.  Shelters are pet-friendly, but all animals must be crated. Please bring food and any medicines for your animals to the shelters. Please bring food and any medicines for your animals to the shelters. The Mayor has temporarily suspended all parking meter rules beginning at 12:00 p.m. today so that residents in low-lying areas with multiple vehicles can move their vehicles to higher ground. All city parking garages are open and free. Please routinely check you local news outlets for up to date information. The City will issue further information as it becomes available on its website and via Twitter, WSTC -1400AM and News 12 CT.
For further information on storm preparedness visit the American Red Cross website www.redcross.org , and the federal government www.ready.gov for pointers on personal readiness. During the emergency the City will use the Reverse 911 system to send a recorded message to each resident that has a published number.
EMERGENCY HELPLINES – UTILITIES 
Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678 
Northeast Utilities (203) 386-2000
Yankee Gas 1-800989-0900
LOCAL NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
City of Stamford Citizen Services (203) 977-8840
City of Stamford Police Department non-emergency (203)-977-4444
Stamford Hospital (203) 279-1000
Connecticut Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
STAMFORD GOVERNMENT CENTER
888 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
P.O. BOX 10152
STAMFORD, CT 06904-2152
Phone: (203) 977-4150
FAX: (203) 977-5845
Email: mpavia@ci.stamford.ct.us
Mayor
MICHAEL A. PAVIA"

Read Mayor's Press Release Here: 

LINK: www.cityofstamford.org/filestorage/25/50/IrenePosting_Update.pdf/

      We are blessed to have 'shelter arrangements' in Stamford that will allow our beloved companion animals to be with us when the 'worst' hits.

     May I remind you that many shelters across the country do NOT allow pets into (human) emergency shelters, leaving their poor owners to either abandon them or to risk 'life and limb' in order to stay with their animals!

     In any case, if you find that you WILL need to evacuate your residence, please do so in a timely manner and do it sooner-than-later, in order to avoid very dangerous driving conditons.

     Don't forget that we will likely encounter downed trees and powerlines, dangerous winds and flying projectiles and flooding, as well as fellow travelers in distress if we wait too long to seek the safety of one of Stamford's emergency shelters.

     So, please be responsible and act wisely and decisively.  As we all monitor the 'news' today, of course we pray for those who deliberately put themselves in peril saving others.

     Please, dear God, put your Protective Hands over those who put themselves at great risk in service to others, as they travel to and fro, on missions of assistance and rescue.

     Please, Lord, watch over all of us who will be affected by the power of this storm, that we be not afraid, but safe and secure under You.

     We pray these things in our individual traditions, which for Christians is in the Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

AMEN. 

     And one more thing: I am truly surprised by some of the comments being made about Stamford's city public safety director Bobby Valentine 'being out of town'.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Valentine-out-of-town-during-Hurricane-Irene-2143505.php
http://www.sbnation.com/2011/8/27/2388012/hurricane-irene-bobby-valentine-public-safety-director  
     In this day and age of computer and smart-phone communication, 'mileage' is often irrelevant.  Are people complaining because they wish Bobby Valentine to 'be here to share the experience'?
     Exactly what will that accomplish, considering all emergency personnel know what their roles are and are on 'alert' and ready to roll?

     In fact, 'emergency preparations and training' are done WELL in advance of any actual emergencies.  

     And when an actual emergency is imminent, a more emergent time schedule is developed and news disseminated as in the 'news release' above.

     You can believe that busy Bobby has been putting in his fair share of work.  I'd think that Stamford would be THANKFUL to have someone like Bobby who is essentially a well-qualified VOLUNTEER (who has saved the city around 100K, to boot!)

     I call his willingness to serve 'REALLY stepping up to the plate'!

     But...."no good deed will go unpunished" and Bobby V. is being 'blessed' by those who are griping about him at this time.

     Emergencies/deaths/funerals/grave illnesses ALWAYS bring out both the very BEST and the very WORST in each and every one of us, every single time...no doubt about it.
God Bless Us All
Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com/

Member Medical Reserve Corps. 

"To Family, Friends & Comrades Of Our American Special Forces Heroes Shot Down Over Afghanistan On August 6, 2011:Rest In Peace" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'"

courtesy www.grottographics.com

To the beloved Family, Friends & Comrades of those whose lives were lost while flying so far away in Afghanistan~

All of America grieves with you. 

all dividers courtesy www.free-animations.co.uk

courtesy www.grottographics.com

We are sorry for the loss of our heroes, who so willingly laid down their lives for us~

We are grateful & thank God for our United States Navy SEALs.

And we give thanks for our United States Army Rangers and their 'kith and kin'~

This day and always, we will remember their sacrifice!

WE THANK ALL BRANCHES OF OUR U.S. MILITARY--

USAF, US ARMY, USMC, USCG, US NAVY & SUPPORT STAFF

Man's words are insufficient to console us~

But those of God suffice to assure us at times such as this.

Let us pray:

Holy God of all good reason and all good things,

Come to our rescue right now.

In this world of war and evil and cruelty, many suffer, 

But those who are faithful receive assurance that Your Plan for us is greater than we can ever imagine.

We pray now through our tears...with the hope that they will cease in time.

We ask for your ever-present reminders as those whose lives have been torn-asunder attempt to resume their day-to-day activities, without their loved ones on earth.

Bless and protect ALL U.S. MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS & SUPPORT STAFF and their families and friends.

Let them know how much this grateful nation loves them all!

Please be the steady guide of the grieving wife as she explains to her children why 'Dad won't be coming home'.

And have mercy on these children, Lord...for all the days of their lives.

Console, O Lord, the grief-struck parents who miss their sons, the weeping siblings, the aunts and uncles and all cousins and nieces and nephews and friends.

Show mercy and fortify dear Grandparents that they may bear up under the strain of grandsons lost and let them draw upon the wisdom of their lives' experience.

And Lord-please give strength and comfort to sweethearts, to 'buddies', to pets who grieve, to co-workers and especially to comrades-in-arms, 

That they may contend with the totally incomprehensible loss of  loved ones in the service of our fine country.

Remind us all, Heavenly Father, that our fallen heroes have given  great glory to YOU!

For they so embody the very preciousness of the life You give us!

May we see reflected in the loss of these Special Operation Forces members lives, the very essence of self-sacrifice, as supremely exemplified by your Precious Son Jesus, Himself.

When we remember this, Heavenly Father, we can come to terms with our grief.

And tell us again, Lord, about 'your mansion with many rooms', 

And we will be content to know that our American sons lost in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011 are in a very fine place, indeed...safe now and secure with You!

These heroes are at peace now...mission served...and mission so brilliantly accomplished.

We pray these things in our individual traditions, 

Which for Christians is in the Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit

AMEN

God Bless You & God Bless America

Rev. Barb Sexton (USARevBarb)

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

Dear Ones:

     Please read this...if you can do so through your tears...to get some insight into what and whom we have 'lost'.

     It needs to be read.

Love, 

Rev. Barb

Family, Friends Remember Fallen as Heroes

August 08, 2011

Associated Press

One relied on his deep faith. Another was planning a marriage proposal. And yet another would shoot baskets with his mom when they had something serious to discuss.
But the brothers, fathers, sons and uncles who died when a U.S. military helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan all had something in common: a love of family and country, according to friends and family members. Those who knew them said the soldiers were aware of the dangers they faced but were dedicated to their mission - even if it meant giving their lives.
Here are the stories of some of the fallen:
LINK: http://www.military.com/news/article/family-friends-remember-fallen-as-heroes.html?col=1186032310810#community

 courtesy www.grottographics.com 

"A Prayer For All Who Suffer Loss & Mourn In Norway" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy www.Watton.org

 

courtesy www.free-animations.co.uk 

Please, pray with me now for family and friends and all affected by the recent explosion and shootings in Norway on July 22, 2011:

Dear Father, we know that you are Lord of all...believers and non-believers, alike. 

Some of us have faith now...and others are yet to be 'gifted' with it.  And sometimes it takes a tragedy like this for us to even begin to contemplate the frailty of our existence.

And so we turn to you in our grief over the Oslo explosion and the Utoya shootings.

We pray that you will help us to accept the unacceptable.

We pray that you will strengthen us to forbear at this time, to render help, to uplift and support those whose loved ones have fallen.

And we ask that you teach each of us, dear God, to be globally compassionate in a way which honors the innocence of the precious lives just taken.

Chasten us to realize how precious life, itself, is...and how, like a candle, it can be snuffed out in a moment.

Teach us discernment, so that we may detect and protect ourselves against those who wish us harm, yet live in harmony despite humanity's many differences.

And, finally we beseech you for peace of heart, for the realization that though the body will decay, the spirit carries on, so that we may learn to make our lives have value and meaning for the short time we walk this earth.

Remind us relentlessly, Father, that love is eternal and that to love we must always turn, no matter the circumstances--

And, so, comfort grieving mothers and fathers and sons and daughters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, extended family, friends and even...pets...left behind at this time in the aftermath of these terrible tragedies.

Surely the world you made for us is big enough that we might all live in harmony!

Do grant us these things, we do humbly pray, O Lord, with tears and fears and trembling hearts as we petition YOU in our individual and universal traditions...

which for Christians is in the Name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit

AMEN

Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"PRAYER REQUEST: Calling All Believers To Please Join In Prayer" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

  courtesy www.Watton.org

From Rev. Barb's email

"Would you please pray for my aunt who has breast cancer, my friend Mia who is brokenhearted, my friend Adam, my friend Mira who is suffering from inner demons and depression, my grandmother's friend for an upcoming surgery, for my dad who is under a lot of stress, for the world and nature people, and also for God to grant favor on my very own miracle request(God knows what I am searching for). I'm in a great relationship with a man named A.P. He's an amazing guy and I could see myself having a lifetime with him. Happy together. And I believe in it because it seems so real to me. Its all I ever truly want. I repent of all my sins and will do anything to retrieve that wish/ this miracle. Eventually falling in love, marriage, kids, and just being each other's best friends and lovers to the end. To be patient with each other, genuinely care and compassionate for each other, be the best for each other(effort)respect each other, grow to be good people with the help of each other, never take advantage of each other, take each other for granted(never), forgive each other and resolve (our) problems, comfort each other, laugh with each other, be open to each other, honesty, trust, trustworthy, to have our potential love to grow and nurture, our interest in each other to prosper and nurture, faithful to each other, to have an open hearted and opened minded relationship, to accept/ understand each other, and to have a bond and connection that is emotional, mental, and physical. I believe in this and have faith. I promise to serve with God forever if this is granted. Read the bible. Be involved with the church and our kids to be involved. Be more outgoing and understand and accept my fellow man. Forgive me for all my sins. I don't deserve this much happiness. Do many people are suffering. Please, please always pray for them. Always. No one should be forgotten or alone. To take things slowly and get to know each other. To for each other and of each other. Amen :) Please give us strength in this relationship, that we get stronger and more loving. We communicate more with each other, just spend more time. :) Amen! I believe! Please pray for us that we will get stronger in our feelings for each other. I feel we could be soul-mates ^^ please let it be. Amen For now I just want to get closer to him. Appreciate each other. Make time for each other. Communicate more. Connect always. Just become a great couple by knowing each other and having our relationship, love, trust, openness, faithfulness, interest, and other virtues to grow. Be open in mind and heart always (connect). And it seems God has brought favor on us. Its amazing, each time I doubt something happens to make me believe in it. :) Thank you so much and God bless.P.S. I repent all my sins and I ask for forgiveness. I abide by him always, and I truly love him. I'm eternally grateful. Please pray he will grant favor. God bless. World peace always. Pastor may you gain what you seek as well."

My dear one: I will pray that the faith and hope of your beloved--in God and all His Goodness--BE AS STRONG AS YOUR OWN! Then the greatest of all things, which is LOVE, will surely follow the both of you. I will humbly pray for you...and what you ask for...each day. God Bless & Keep You-Rev. Barb 

Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com 

  ^"9 Two are better than one,    because they have a good return for their labor: ¹⁰ If either of them falls down,    one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls    and has no one to help them up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.    But how can one keep warm alone? ¹² Though one may be overpowered,    two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12  (NIV)   LINK: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+4&version=NIV 

"Greenwich Stamford TEA PARTY PATRIOTS 7-9 PM Meeting Tonight" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

WATCH THIS ON YOUTUBE: http://youtu.be/KBqtyvn7OVw
Dear Readers:

     Here's the announcement you've been waiting for-the date of the next TEA PARTY PATRIOTS meeting!

     It's tonight at SBC Restaurant & Brewery 7-9 pm for all who are interested in attending.

     (See the announcement below.)

     Please come and share you opinions, ideas, your 'gripes', your thoughts and, most of all your HOPES for your children and grandchildren!

     We have been side-lined and exploited.
     We are taxed to death and then used as slaves to support programs and philosophies which impact our spirits and consciences grievously.
     We watch as the truly needy continue to suffer, as is always the case.  One wonders how many non-profit directors have 'spared themselves' even as they assure that their own salaries and benefits remain 'intact'?
     But we moderates and conservatives have rights.  We are strong and will use all peaceful and lawful methods to create a better place for our children and grandchildren...especially as we VOTE!
     Truly, 2012 is around the corner and it's time to get active.
     In the mean time, please make a point to donate to your local reputable food-pantry (Person-to-Person, for instance), for they are STARVING for donations.
     So many taxes, foreclosures and a climbing unemployment rate are taking it's toll on Connecticut tax-payers and more and more 'donors' need the food they used to donate for their own families' mouths.
     So while we are all suffering financially, we must not forget to feed those with even less than we have.
     Jesus said, ^"11 The poor you will always have with you,^[a] but you will not always have me."   Matthew 26:11  (NIV)
LINK: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A11&version=NIV
     Jesus is telling us to put God first, others second and ourselves last, of course.  And one way to 'help the poor' is to feed them!
     On this day when the world is fixated on the shenanigans of one of the Progressive Liberal Democrats at the root of our problems-- Representative Anthony Weiner--I suggest we focus on something GOOD!
     Even if it's but a 'widow's mite', please help stock food pantries bled dry by the policies of liberals like 'Weiner gone-wild', who use politics in order to satisfy their base urges.
     And consider joining the Tea Party Patriots, while you're at it, so that those who suffer and hunger will finally find relief after 2012!

May God Bless Us & God Bless America

Reverend Barbara Sexton

PROUD TEA PARTY PATRIOT

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

    GREENWICH STAMFORD TEA PARTY PATRIOTS

JUNE 6, 2011

Southport Brewing Co., 131 Summer St., 7-9 pm – Tonight!

AGENDA

Pledge and Opening Prayer

Overview for the Meeting

Discussion of Current Events

Review of the BOE Meeting Last Week

PROJECT DO

The Oath Project

The Education Project

"And The Rockets' Red Glare: Memorial Day Gratitude To Our Heroes" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 courtesy  Memorial Day Animations

 Dear Ones:
     We stand solemnly...hands over our hearts (well, most of us, anyway)...as we sing our beloved National Anthem 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
     It is Memorial Day and we honor military service members who have died for our country.  
     Nary a dry eye will be found amongst  'those who truly care' about the United States of America and let those who feel otherwise while enjoying the benefits of America be but 'objects of their own shame'.
     For this is a time of reflection and communion for the rest of us. 
     It is a time to cling to the good and pray for those who loved liberty enough to have died for it.
     It is a time to memorialize those who fought for us so that we may live in freedom and thus we pray:
"Heavenly Father, hear our prayers:
We pray for those who have fought and died for us.
Is it possible that You might let them know just how grateful we are?
We remember their sacrifice and we are humbled.
We pray that we are worthy of enjoying the liberty and freedom they have presented to us.
Instill in us right-minded hearts and make us 'deserving', Lord.
Lead us to similar service for the betterment of others,
Known to care and ever-caring, 
We put our trust in You, our one and only God.
For you love us...and care for us...and know that you bless America.
We pray these things with hearts overflowing with thanks in the name of your Precious Son Jesus Christ."
AMEN

     Did you know that 'The Star-Spangled Banner' has four stanzas?

     Although usually only the first stanza is sung, our National Motto "In God We Trust" is derived from the line 'In God is our Trust' in the fourth stanza, which was adopted in 1956...

    And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

LINK:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

 The Star-Spangled Banner

O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

’Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,

A home and a country, should leave us no more?

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war’s desolation.

Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!^[12]

^{GOD BLESS AMERICA}

^{Reverend Barbara Sexton}

^{"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"}

^{www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
wavy dividers courtesy www.free-animations.co.uk}

 

"Blogger Ken Dixon's Cancer Disclosure Article " By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 Ken Dixon  http://blog.ctnews.com/dixon/

Dear Ones: 
     There are times in life where many of the usual rules no longer apply.
     And such is the case when cancer strikes.  
     C-a-n-c-e-r...this most feared of medical conditions, strikes the entire circle of loved ones of the person affected.
     Make no mistake; cancer is very much a family disease, sparing neither the very youngest, nor those rich in age.
     It likewise strikes the 'known', as well as the 'unknown', and the 'good', as well as the 'bad'...whatever that happens to mean.
     Of course the words I use here are mere human qualifiers, for who can tell who truly is GOOD or not so good, on any given day or at any given time?
     Indeed the best that humankind can truly expect to 'agree upon' are judgement calls where truly horrendous actions prevail whereupon most sentient human beings can agree that 'evil is afoot'.
     Through the ages, a singular theory has been floated that 'cancer is a punishment reserved for those who need chastening'.
     RUBBISH, I say, to that!  I do not believe that our Lord allows for such as this, especially in view of the fact that innocent babes contract cancer all the time.
     Consider also the concept of a 'cancer personality', meaning that a category of human exists which is particularly vulnerable to developing cancer.
     I've studied this theory for a life-time now and can say that if there is anything 'approaching' a bona fide 'cancer personality', it is one where stress rules and medical care neglect reigns in a person's life.
     These are qualifiers particularly difficult to discern second-hand, and, so, I am prone to debunk the theory of 'a cancer personality', as I do the concept of cancer being used as 'God's punishment'.
     But here are some things I DO know about cancer: 
     --A person's entire life changes when cancer is diagnosed, as does that of the patient's family.
     --Some prefer to share their saga publicly, while others do not.  It is a personal choice.  Just be aware that once a person's cancer is 'made public', there's no taking it back.
     --Once people 'know' of someone's cancer, everyone's reaction will change towards this person, be it family, friends, employers, employees, 'readers', fans and everyone else whose life has been touched by the cancer patient.  In some places, even today, a 'cancer diagnosis' is perceived to be a thing of shame.  This is borne of ignorance.
     --There may be some merit to keeping one's own counsel when it comes to sharing one's cancer diagnosis with the world.  Only in this way can a cancer patient avoid the inevitable 'false niceness' that arises when people learn that one has cancer.  This 'niceness' can be grievous, indeed, since it is so flagrantly evident and it always seems to arise from the most unexpected of persons.
     --Most patients and their families turn to their faith life, or lack thereof, in a fresh way, for better or for worse.  Some turn to God for love and support, and other believers 'hate Him'.  Atheists and agnostics have no one to blame, except...perhaps... some hapless health care provider.  So they will turn their wrath elsewhere unless and until they can accept their diagnosis and lose their anger.
     --There will be those who completely 'drop out' of a cancer patient's life, rather than face the prospect of having to deal with cancer 'face-to-face'.  Try not to be too hard on those who stay away, for they will know well what they have done or not done.
     --People 'there' for the cancer patient in the beginning will 'drop away' over time for any number of reasons.  Remember that people have their own troubles and one can never know who, themselves, has cancer or is struggling to live with the cancer diagnosis and treatment of a loved one.  You just never know!
     --Everything changes when one has cancer, even the little things.  Perception of day-to-day matters, for instance, take on greater or lesser importance, dependent upon the severity of the cancer diagnosis and all else related to it.
     --Money matters take center stage as medical costs escalate for the family, sometimes bankrupting them completely.  It is best not to have overly-high expectations for help if it is not readily apparent that it is available.
     --Eventually the patient (and his or her 'advocate' if they are lucky enough to have one) stands alone in the face of the never-ending options presented as part of their cancer care.
     --Any and all emotional reactions are influenced by the many drugs (including anaesthesia), treatments, surgeries, radiations, etc a cancer patient is likely to be subject to, so it is good to 'expect the unexpected'.  Therapeutic 'steroids' can induce a rage like no other after extended treatment, for instance, as can some of the psychotropic drugs used for anxiety and depression control.
     --And finally, at the end of the day, a person with cancer will learn beyond a shadow of a doubt who their 'true friends' are and who really, truly cares about them.
     There are many other 'changes' attendant to dealing with cancer and the patient has a choice: he/she can either choose to be alternately dying from/suffering with/living with/fighting against/struggling with/gaining over/beating/triumphing over this dread condition.
     The head and the heart determine many a cancer outcome.
     Rest assured, your choice of reaction and mind-set (or 'free will' as we believers would say) is about the only thing the cancer patient can truly control to even the slightest degree.  It takes time, but eventually a good number of cancer patients figure this out for themselves.
      And this brings us to the very public disclosure by 'Blog-O-Rama' Ken Dixon's recent disclosure that he has bladder cancer.
     In fact, it is a rather lengthy piece intended to send out a very good lesson, which I will even repeat here: 'If there's blood in your urine-even absent other signs and symptoms-get thee to a doctor immediately'!
     Good advice, that.  Dixon's syndicated newspaper column also contained an attempt at humor ('bladder ball'?) to be taken with a grain of salt, the overall message being one of a person with cancer 'reaching out' to all in his time of need--a most human response to a devastating diagnosis.
      It would be no surprise if Ken picks up where he left off in the blogosphere and/or on Facebook with a detailed blow-by-blow description of the ordeal he is going through, albeit for a much smaller, specialized 'audience' than the one he reaches through newspaper syndication.
     Forums and blogs abound on every medical subject under the sun.  Such endeavors are educational and cathartic, indeed, and it is always good to share information and inspiration with others, as one can.
     But poor Ken has a problem with inspiration, which he reveals as openly as his bladder cancer diagnosis:

"This whole bladder business dates back to mid-February when I finally admitted that those were traces of blood in my urine. That was the only symptom. No pain, just a few drops of blood at the end of a urination.

From there the CAT scan showed some sort of polyp activity on the inside. My first urologist initially played his cards close to his chest, but said that if it was the worst, if it was cancer, I could always pray.

Praying is not a medical option for an atheist."

LINK: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Spring-beauty-more-vivid-in-cancer-s-face-1388779.php

      I can understand Dixon's need to dig his heels in and assert his life's paradigm of atheism.
      As I said above,   "Most patients and their families turn to their faith life, or lack thereof, in a fresh way, for better or for worse".
     But I have good news for Ken here.  HE need not believe himself, for the prayers of others to be effective for him!
     Numerous studies have proven that even those with no faith, for atheists and for the agnostic doubters amongst us, intercessory and substitutionary prayer works!
     So Ken's in good hands spiritually, so long as believers do what they should and pray for someone and their family who are suffering.
God grant Ken and his loved ones the strength, fortitude and discernment they need at this time in their struggle with his bladder cancer.
And may God Bless the hands and hearts of health care providers, especially those who pray and who counsel their patients to do like-wise.

With Love in Christ

Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com 
Ken Dixon's Capitol View appears Sundays in the Hearst Connecticut Newspapers. You may reach him in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or via e-mail at kdixon@ctpost.com. On Twitter, he is KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is http://www.facebook.com/kendixonct.hearst. Dixon's Web log, Connecticut Blog-o-rama, can be seen athttp://blog.ctnews.com/dixon/ 

    

"Regina Perry Prayer Request-Cancer" Posted By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

"I have a personal reason for asking if everyone could please put this as their status for 1 hour. I know the ones who will!! Think of the ones you know or love who has or had cancer. My wish is that in 2011 a cure will be found. Will you post it for 1 hour? Do it for all. I'm doing it for my aunt who is fighting cancer for many years now and it has spread throughout her body." 

From Regina Perry http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=701845190   

dividers courtesy www.bluebell.webpage66.com

Please, all who read this in the world, let us pray not just today, but always, for a cure for cancer.

With Love in Christ,

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"I Just Like This One" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

Glitter Graphics

courtesy  www.GraphicsGrotto.com

Thanks for a moment of 'refreshment', GraphicsGrotto.com
Blessings-Rev. Barb
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com 

"Continuing Prayers For Dennis Segrue" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 Christian MySpace Graphics
Dear Ones:
     I don't know why he keeps popping up in my head today, but will you please--all of you all over the world--please pray with me for Dennis Segrue and his family.
     Something is happening, though I don't know what exactly it is.
     Dennis, whom we've been praying for, has been bravely fighting a difficult form of brain cancer:
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2009/11/dennis-weve-been-praying-for.html
     I am not ashamed of the Gospel, and I have not been afraid in the past to ask you to join me in praying for a miracle for this fine 'trooper' of a patient, his loved ones and for his health care providers.
    I ask you this day, also, to plead Dennis' case to our Dear Father.... that His will for Dennis be done here on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Yours in Christ,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com 
Send your prayer requests to: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com