I've Re-named You Barnabas

Thrilled is a mild word to tell you how I feel this morning!

For the last 13 days, it's been hard to focus, very often having to consciously direct my thoughts back to Christ and away from the fear always trying to creep into my heart.

So, SO many of you were upholding me in prayer and I cannot begin to thank you enough!  Every. single. day. I was receiving text messages, emails or facebook messages with words of encouragement...whether it was words from an uplifting song or verses from Scripture, it was always a blessing.

The Bible tells us of a man who was known for encouraging others, so much so that his friends began calling him "Barnabas."  Barnabas literally meant "encourager." At the time the believers in Jesus Christ were being persecuted and Barnabas was there for them, even befriending the newly saved Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) when everybody else doubted and was afraid. 

Obviously, my situation was much different, but you, dear friends, have been my "Barnabas."  You have encouraged my heart!  I was telling someone earlier this week what an incredible thing it is to be a part of the family of God.  People have "come out of the woodwork" so to speak to show their support, love and to talk to their Heavenly Father...about me.  It is extremely humbling to say the least.

Many of you have asked, "So...what was the mass that was found?"

Well, in short, it was something, but nothing.  A something-nothing. =)

It was not a cyst and didn't feel like one, which is why my doctor was concerned initially.  Also, it was not in a region that one would typically find a benign mass, which again led to the concern about what it could possibly be.  {At first I thought the oncologist said it was a cyst, but my husband corrected me after I told someone that...that's why it's good to have someone else with you at appointments like this.  It's much easier to listen when you're not the one being poked and prodded!  =) }

The ultrasound findings showed that it was just a mass of tissue and cells and that's it.  No fluid or anything.  The ultrasound pictures were nice and clear and showed absolutely no signs of cancer or anything else bad.

When she was finished with the ultrasound the doctor said, "Well, that was easy.  I like easy.  I love when I can tell someone 'You're fine!' and send them home."

Yep, me too!!

I am supposed to keep an eye on this area and if it grows, I will need to go back.  But we were told that it actually might just go away, and that many times they do.  

We were so relieved and excited!  Hubby took me on a celebratory trip to Hobby Lobby!  =)

After my appointment I was letting friends know how it went, and my sweet friend, who is also a pastor's wife, sent me a message and said exactly what I was thinking:

"I truly believe He uses these circumstances in our lives to draw us close to Him.  And that we will totally trust Him with the results so He may get the glory.  AND so you can be a blessing to someone else who may go through this."

So wise and true!  Nothing is ever without purpose, but is always for our good and God's glory.

Well, friends, the sun is coming up and I've got to end this post because life and motherhood are calling for my undivided attention...and I'm happy to give it!  What a blessing to begin the day knowing I'm healthy and well.

There is so much more I could say in this post, but again, may I just say "Thank You" for your kindness?  You all have been a true blessing!  Thank you for being my "Barnabas!"