Not So Different

Today’s a new day, as I continue to walk this crazy beautiful health journey, my body continues to decline and time is limited

but, a beautiful thing as happened along the way, 

These days, I truly see people for who they really are, 

just folks trying to make it in life like me,

Trying to live in peace, with hope and a chance to dream

In hospitals and waiting rooms, I meet strangers not by chance, but I believe by divine appointments, 

And though our stories differ, our hearts beat with the same dance

We’re all searching for hope, for healing and for peace

And in our shared humanity, our differences release

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams, 

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

But still we divide, we separate and we fight

Over opinions and beliefs, we draw lines in the sand,

We let our differences define us, we let them tear us apart

And in the process, we lose the beauty of the human heart

We forget that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same team

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to dream

We’re all just trying to make a way, to find our place in this world

And in our shared struggles, our hearts can expand 

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams,

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

So let’s sit down, let’s talk, let’s share our stories and our fears

Let’s find common ground, let’s wipe away our tears

Let’s look beyond our differences, let’s see the humanity in each other’s eyes

And let’s remember that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same side

We’re not Us versus Them, we’re just Us, trying to make our way

Through the ups and downs, through the darkness and the gray

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to be

And in our shared humanity, we can find unity.

My hope is that we can learn to see

Beyond the surface level, beyond you and me

My hope is that we can find a way

To come together, to seize the day

To put aside our differences, to lay down our pride

To look into each other’s eyes, and see the other side

To find the common ground, to find the love we share

And to live together, with hearts that truly care. ~OC

Cancel

How can you cancel someone

that God hasn’t canceled?

You judge with earthly eyes,

but His mercy is boundless.

He sees the heart, the soul,

the deepest, darkest night

and still He chooses love,

still He holds on tight.

Your opinion is but a whisper

in the winds of time

but His voice thunders loudly,

‘You are mine, you are mine.’

So let us not pretend

to be the righteous few

for we are all broken,

and He is still renewing.

How can you cancel someone

that God hasn’t canceled?

Let us love like He loves,

without condition, without fail. ~OC

A Crazy Beautiful Health Journey: Finding Intimacy With Jesus In The Midst of Suffering

Today’s a new day! I want to share the following with you. I may share some more in the future.

As I continue on this unpredictable, yet beautiful health journey, I’m compelled to share the incredible ways Jesus is revealing Himself to me. Despite the increasing challenges, I’ve never felt closer to Him. His love is surrounding me in ways I never thought possible, and His sovereignty is a constant reminder that He’s in control. The pain and suffering may be intensifying, but I’m experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a peace that’s hard to put into words, but it’s a peace that’s anchored in the hope of eternity.

In the midst of this journey, Jesus is teaching me to see people beyond their masks and facades. He’s opening my eyes to the beauty of Scripture in ways I never thought possible. He’s giving me the privilege of sharing the Gospel with thousands of people, and He’s allowing me to have meaningful conversations with loved ones. These moments are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Yes, there have been sleepless nights, hospital stays, and surgeries, but Jesus has been with me every step of the way. He’s never forsaken me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Him and others. If I’m honest, I wouldn’t want a “do over” in life. The moments Jesus has allowed me to experience have been too precious, and I’m confident that everything I’m enduring is temporary. I’ll continue to fight the good fight, serve Him, and push forward, trusting that He’ll allow me to encourage at least one more person along the way.

Dear Jesus…continue to use me in this journey. ~OC

Peace and Hope

Today’s a new day! I choose to hold space in my heart for those whose spirits are tired, whose thoughts feel foggy, whose hopes are whispering instead of loudly singing.

I pray for those walking through the quiet weight of sadness, for the ones who cannot explain what hurts, but carry it all the same while trying to make a positive impact in their part of the world.

May the gentle hand of God, find them where words fall short. May they be reminded that even in their valley moment, they are not alone, not forgotten, not beyond grace. Not beyond hope.

And may this day — however shaky it feels — place one small, steady breath of peace and hope back into their lungs, to help them keep moving forward. ~OC

A New Year

Today’s a new day! This new year arrived quietly for some, not with fireworks or fresh ambition, but with tired bones and a heart still heavy from all that was poured out in twenty-twenty-five. While the world seems busy reinventing itself, certain souls are simply trying to stand steady against the storms of life. Last year, left invisible footprints — of effort, of giving, of showing up, of holding everything together when it mattered most. And when the noise finally fades, what remains is often an exhaustion no New Year can reset or erase.

There is a kind of pressure in the air the first month of any new year. There is an unspoken demand to rise, improve, conquer, to shine. But not all of us begin from the same place. Some of us step into this new year carrying the weight of overextended emotions, stretched resources, and the quiet ache of having given more than we had. The body remembers. The heart remembers. And sometimes all it asks for is stillness. For a chance to rest.

As we start this new year, your spirit may feel low. That does not mean you are broken — it means you are human and deeply alive. Deeply loved.

Let yourself rest in the stillness for a while. Let the world rush ahead if it must. You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to heal quietly. You are allowed to face your mountain one small step at a time, or simply sit beside it and gather strength. You do not need to be anything more than you are in this moment.

And that is enough. ~OC

New Year’s Prayer

Dear God,

As we start a brand new year, we come before you with hearts full of hope and minds full of dreams. We pray for a world where love conquers fear, kindness triumphs over cruelty, and compassion heals the wounds of division.

May this year bring us closer to your vision of peace, justice, and harmony. May we strive to be the change we wish to see, to lift each other up, and to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

May our leaders be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to the common good. May our communities be strengthened by diversity, and a spirit of belonging.

May this year bring us joy, laughter, and adventure. May we find happiness in the simple things, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.

And when the road ahead seems uncertain, may we draw strength from your promise to be with us always. May we trust in your goodness, your mercy, and your love.

In the spirit of hope and renewal, we offer this prayer, dear God. May your will be done, and may your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven….Amen ~OC

The Week Ahead

Good morning family and friends.The next few weeks are busy.

Monday: Two Medical Appointments

Tuesday: Having a new port put in.

Thursday: Traveling to Plains, GA for my birthday celebration.

Thursday 12/11: Starting outpatient treatments.

Continuing to pray for each of you. ~OC

The Journey

Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC

The Journey

Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC

Seasons of Life

Today’s a new day! When I started this blog many years ago, I never realized the places that God would take me. The good times and the not so good times. The blessings and hard times that come to us in this journey called life. But over the years, I have learned that even in those difficult seasons of life, that God is always there. Always ready to listen. To lend a helping hand. To love us and comfort us. I have learned that yes, we can be thankful ….. even when our heart and mind tells us that there is no reason to be. I have leaned that in everything to be grateful. So as I continue to walk through these health challenges, I am blessed to have a bride that is willing to walk with me through this crazy beautiful health journey. It is my prayer that the Lord will use our journey to help encourage people and that they will find hope……. In Jesus. So I will continue to embrace new opportunities and be renewed by God’s Hope, Peace and His Word. I will continue to walk this journey with… a thankful and willing heart to serve. ~OC

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