THANKSGIVING IN OCTOBER

THANKSGIVING IN OCTOBER
Sunday, October 7, 2018 by Leona Choy

On OCTOBER 8 each year I observe a special THANKGIVING day. Today I celebrate 28 years as a cancer survivor.

Missing a third of my lungs, I live under the slight handicap of not being able to parachute out of airplanes, go scuba diving, or run marathons. I am living into my 93rd year with other serious “earth suit” disorders and limitations, but praise God without a lung cancer recurrence.

In a prayer service during the early years of the charismatic renewal, hands of blessing were laid on me and words spoken over me to the effect that “your latter days of life and ministry will be even more blessed and fruitful than the former.” However, it didn't look like that was going to happen.

My life could have ended with that surgery. Since lung cancer has a greater likelihood than other cancers to recur, I asked my Christian surgeon what changes I could make in my lifestyle so it wouldn't recur. “Continue living in the present with God. If He has plans for you to live and keep serving Him, you will make it to the five year survival mark—perhaps beyond.” I have been living in that wonderful “beyond” for more than a quarter centuryalready!

Two years after my recovery I would suffer the loss of my husband Ted and walk the rest of the way without his companionship. Of course, God already knew that when He planned my life agenda and was working it out step by step.

So I have pressed forward day by day, year after year trying to walk according to His leading, obeying what I believed to be His will, at times stumbling and falling short—but learning to leave my tomorrows in His loving hands. If the prophetic words spoken over me have become reality, and I have produced any spiritual fruit during these generous bonus years (I call them my “renewed eagle years”), I offer it all to Him.

God is good all the time! I have lived with joy the experience of Psalm 103:1-5. “Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

Had my life on earth ended with cancer 28 years ago, I wouldn't have had the joy of seeing ten grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, nor enjoying our four sons in adulthood, nor publishing most of the 45 plus books that I have been privileged to write, nor been able to use the technology at my disposal to produce them or to reach out in witness through cyberspace. Nor would I have had the opportunity to travel repeatedly to my parents' Czech heritage homeland, as I had the privilege of going to China innumerable times in ministry. Nor had the opportunity to be involved in Christian broadcasting. Nor would I have had the satisfaction of growing older with the wisdom that I hope has accompanied it.....

What of the rest of the way Home? My life journey rests in God's hands and I gladly trust Him with it. Just in case I haven't finished God's agenda for my life, I continue to make plans, set goals, live for Jesus in the present moment, and press on to new opportunities to serve Him. I take as my watchword James 4:13-15, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.”

Each year when I celebrate this October 8 milestone, I give the Lord a special “thank offering,” something to advance His Kingdom and bless His people. Today I launch three newly formatted books just off the press to help folks whose “earth suits” are disordered by illness, disease, accident, pain or other trauma.

Watch for the details this week on this website.

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Comments

Fay Goddard From Lancaster At 10/10/2018 10:29:17 AM

I see you have caught wind of my autobiography. You shall have a copy, but I need your current address. My data base has been corrupted and unusable.

Reply by: Leona Choy

And you shall have a copy of my latest.

Clarice Orr From Lincoln, NE At 10/9/2018 3:51:34 PM

I too am thankful for you, Leona, for your long ministry. I think I met you about 25 years ago, and your thoughts continue to "renew my spirit" and encourage my writings.

Dick Felter From Cedar Rapids,Iowa At 10/9/2018 11:52:32 AM

Your life and "ministry" over the years has been very inspiring to me. I, too, am proud of my Czech heritage. My relatives from Podebrady. 45 minutes from Prague. Been there 3 times. Praising the Lord for the "live extension" He has granted you!! Both Heusinkvelds w Lord. Roger Dauchy In wheel c

susan kimler From o.p. kansas At 10/9/2018 12:02:15 AM

I had difficulty with breast cancer 31 years ago. I understand your celebration, and I celebrate with you.

vonnie From CA At 10/8/2018 11:56:39 PM

Your words expressed in your publications are clearly from the heart. This is why I am able to indentify with your works.

Dorothy Daniels From West Virginia At 10/8/2018 8:25:58 PM

I am so grateful to have had the chance to know you. Thank you for spending time with me and inspiring me. You are such a blessing to me!

Wilaura Sue Bradshaw From Oregon At 10/8/2018 6:00:10 PM

It's quite obvious, my dear friend, that God is not through with either of us yet----in spite of our cancers! We're both quite eager to get on with the rest of our eternal life, up there with Jesus, but He has more souls for us to reach while we are earthbound, and in our earth suits! We will co