Janet Denison

Denison Forum on Truth and Culture

No jelly beans for Janet
Written by Janet Denison
Thursday, 16 February 2012 07:45
Jelly Belly jelly beans (Credit: Brandon Dilbeck via en.wikipedia.org)It only took WalMart one night to put all of the candy hearts in a half-price basket and transform the aisle marked "seasonal" into an abundant array of jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow eggs.  I love the Easter season.  Easter represents the end of winter and the beginning of Spring.  The season is a celebration of the fact that Jesus has provided salvation to everyone who will receive it.  But I think this year will be my favorite Easter ever, because of the days that will lead up to it.  I have never participated in Lent, a time of reflection and a time to give up something in order to focus on Jesus' sacrifice at the cross. This year I won't be spending any money on that seasonal aisle in WalMart because I'm giving up sweets for Lent.  I want to use the Lenten season to focus on Jesus and to pray for my family.  We have some serious days ahead - but Sunday's coming.

My oldest son, Ryan, is headed to M.D. Anderson in Houston today to line up his radiation appointments.  The doctors want to do everything necessary to make sure his cancer is gone.  Ryan and Candice are facing a lot for a young couple, married just last June.  I will focus on praying for his healing and God's strength for both of them during this season of Lent.   My youngest son, Craig, is making plans for his June wedding to Rachel.  I will pray for them and their future together.  And I will pray that Jim and I will have God's wisdom, peace and perfect words for our kids and for our ministries.  Ash Wednesday is February 22nd and Easter Sunday is April 8th.  When we attend church this Easter Sunday, Ryan will be done with his treatments, Craig will have made his plans, Jim and I will have continued our ministries - and we will rejoice together in our Savior's resurrection.  Now you know why I'm looking forward to Easter Sunday 2012.

My theme for the next several weeks is "No Jelly Beans For Janet."  I love jelly beans - but I love my family and my Lord so much more.  Every time I want to eat something sweet (and trust me that will be OFTEN!) I will refuse what I want and pray for what I need.  I'm not sure which church I will attend on Ash Wednesday, but I will find one.  I hope it is okay for this Baptist to slip into a spot on that pew.  I don't know much about the observance, so I will have to study.  I have an awful memory from my college years about reaching up to wipe the smudge off a co-worker's face.  She panicked and ran out of the toy store where we worked and I didn't know what I had done.  I didn't understand I was wiping off the "ashes."  i have a lot to learn before next Wednesday!

I am writing this blog to let you know my plans, in case any of you might care to join me.  Maybe you have a specific reason to focus your prayers as this winter gives way to Spring.  You have about a week to decide.  I'm glad I made this decision now.  I have a small box of Valentines candy to eat before next Wednesday.  (Jim read my last blog post!)  Ryan will have six weeks of radiation, but Easter Sunday is coming - and it will be a great day.  My son will have reached the end of a tough road, my other son will be looking forward to the beginning of a new road, and all of us will know more about the love and provision of God than we did before. 

Thank you for praying.  Please continue.  And if you see me next Wednesday, don't wipe the smudge off my forehead.  (I'm not going to be Baptist that day.)  And don't offer me any jelly beans during the Lenten season because I will have to say "no."  Tony Campolo has a famous Easter sermon called "It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming."  Our "Friday" will be a long, several weeks.  But Sunday's Coming.  And when it does, I'm going to rejoice in the Lord and eat some jelly beans!
< Prev   Next >
 

Comments  

 
0 # Marilyn Jones 2012-02-16 09:31
Our dear friend returned from MD Anderson last October after receiving six weeks of radiation treatments for a tumor in the neck area. The doctors and caretakers there were so caring and proficient in every way. When he returned for his six weeks check up, the cancer was gone and that is what I am praying for Ryan. Although radiation is no picnic, it is an effective means of treatment. I just wanted to let you know that, just as I prayed for my friend during his treatment, I will keep your son in my prayers as well. I know that I am one of many who are praying but I always feel better about situations when I know that the problem is bathed in prayer from every direction.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
-1 # linda sharp warren 2012-02-16 10:58
janet, i thought of you and jim and the kids this morning as i read 2 cor. 1:10-11. on him we have set our hope, and i believe that many will give thanks on your behalf for the gracious favor God will grant you in answer to the prayers of many!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Brad Holcomb 2012-02-16 11:22
I had a dear friend that worked at MD Anderson in Houston, and she was so proud to be on the Team that was fighting cancer - even though her job was not in medicine, per se. That's what they do there, fight cancer, because the Lord has guided them to do just that. Ryan will be cured, because that is what they do there. And the Lord's hand is guiding them.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+1 # Leah Adams 2012-02-16 11:27
I just finished a meat and dessert fast. Whew! I do not like to fast, but it was the hammer that broke a 'funk' I had been in...a stronghold of sorts. I wrote about it today over at my site.

http://www.leahadams.org/consider-the-messenger/

So praise God. Will be praying for Ryan and your family. Love that you will be visiting another part of the body of Christ for Ash Wednesday. I'm a huge fan of interdenominationl ministry!1God bless you.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Wanda Hirsch 2012-02-16 11:47
Just felt led to tell you what an inspiration you are to me and how much I enjoy your blog every time you write. I had heard your husband preach at Park Cities when you were there (I addended with my daughter and her family) but just knew you through your blog. GOD bless you and I pray for you and your family daily too. Good luck with your fasting and know GOD will bless you.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Molly Barnthouse 2012-02-16 11:47
Janet, I will be praying daily for your son. My Dad is on his 6th week of radiation and has one more week to go. 8 weeks ago he had cancer surgery to remove a tumor on his neck and a couple surrounding cells. My Dad has been amazingly strong throughout everything and has yet to start taking narcotics for the pain. God will bring Ryan the strength to hang in there too.
I was touched by your desire to celebrate Lent this year especially because each year I give up sweets. Every time I want one I will offer it up so that the Lord may cure both their cancers and stop them from coming back. The power of prayer is amazing. And if you're still looking for a mass to go to on Ash Wednesday - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Oaklawn Ave at 8am. God Bless.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Carole Mather 2012-02-16 11:53
Janet,
Find any Episcopal Church in the DFW area. There you can receive your Ashes on Ash Wednesday, no questions asked! Welcome to the fold! My grandson has also had lymphoma & was treated at MDACC with 19 radiation treatments. He has been in remission for over 6 months. Ryan is in our prayers and will be for the course of his treatment. God will be with you during this time. I can promise you that. Your son is in very good hands at MDACC. No other place could be better for him. Thank you for allowing us to walk this journey with you and your family. May God bless all of you.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Gail Thompson 2012-02-16 12:43
Janet, I've been going straight to Jim's email each morning to see the results. We rejoice that God is working. I just received a text a few moments ago from a dear friend about a dear friend. She had been going through several surgeries for months and a long healing process that wasn't going well. Today, a surprised doctor came out of surgery to tell her husband she was healed. As I started to text back "prayer works" God spoke to me and said, "Prayer allows ME to work". Working He is in and through the Denison family.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Jeter Sorrells 2012-02-16 13:38
How wonderful that Ryan lives in Houston. We all know that Atlanta folks head that direction immediately with their cancer concerns. I have a friend from high school who has been going to MDA for a year now every 3 weeks. She has a Care Page and sends us pictures with her doctor and nurses. Ruth has even gotten to know the guy who drives the shuttle bus. I am sure the Denison family will make their mark on MDA just as my friend has. Prayers continue to flow from these North Georgia mountains. I wrote in response to Jim's devotional for him to please continue sharing about Ryan. We all are so blessed as both of you share what is in your hearts. Love, Jeter
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Elaine 2012-02-16 14:22
Janet,
We enjoyed Jim's preaching at the Bloys Camp meeting two years ago. His sermons were wonderful. I hope the Lord leads him back out there soon. We will be praying for Ryan. My husband has had cancer and is in remission so I know what you are going through. I also know that because the Lord gave me the song "Be strong in the Lord" that I am stronger. Hard news at first but now I have peace that all is well. Is so wonderful to be a Christian and know that God cares. Love your family.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Jerry & Tricia 2012-02-16 14:47
I will be giving up chocolate again this year for Lent
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Mary Gurley 2012-02-17 08:17
Janet, You won't be the only Baptist doing Ash Wednesday. My Baptist church has been doing Ash Wednesday services and a lent program for several years. Praying for Ryan. Mary
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Kathy 2012-02-17 08:20
Mrs. Janet,
I just had to say "thank you" for starting to write your "blogs"! As does your husband you just have a way of putting things in perspective that makes TOTAL sense! And you make me laugh! Our God is such a GREAT God! Thank you again! Praying, praying for Ryan! Blessings to ALL the Denison's!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Margaret Carter 2012-02-17 09:16
It has occurred to me God has given us a blessing and a charge - - an opportunity to serve Him by providing a chance "to give back" to two people that give us so much guidance and inspiration everyday! By joining hands with you, Janet, in observing Lent as a Baptist, a day will not go by that we fail to pray for you and your precious family, placing you back in God's blessed arms where you belong.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Janet Denison 2012-02-17 10:04
My "readers" have been such a blessing to me during these days. Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. Ryan, Candice and all of us are doing well and we know it is because God is honoring the prayers of his people. Blessings to each of you!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Jacky 2012-02-17 10:44
Thanknyou for you and your family being such an inspiration to us. We will continuentompray for Ryan , and I love it- Sunday's coming!!!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Becky Gast 2012-02-17 13:39
I met brother Jim when he came to Lubbock and he shared about losing his Mother. I had recently lost my mother so I went down to the front and I told him and he was so awesome and he prayed with me & he told me hi knew just how I felt. I have also gone through radiation for a brain tumor and it has been 8 years now, & I truly believe that God has let me live this long so I can be a witness of his Power. I will certainly be praying for Ryan, and all the rest of your family. Love to you all
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Eula Miller 2012-02-18 12:07
I am a member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation and if you go to the website it includes the schedule for Ash Wed. We have mutual friends and I will continue to pray for Ryan and your family!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Emily Seeber 2012-02-20 12:39
I am a Baptist turned Methodist turned back to Baptist,all of this through marriage.The lenten service became my favorite during my 37 years as a Methodist. It beautifully introduces a season of introspection and self denial. Easter Sunday doesn't seem to slip up on you while observing Lent. You are so ready to rejoice on Easter Sunday. A side note - my daughter is a nurse at "MD" as we call it and your son is in wonderful, caring hands at that hospital.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Susan Turner 2012-02-22 08:45
Janet, a friend sent me the link to your blog. Thank you for sharing your heart as you enter this lenten season. I, too, am beginning a time of prayer and fasting. However, I must say that my heart attitude was not quite right until I read your blog this morning (Ash Wednesday). My heart if now full of joy and anticipation of God's abundant grace. Thank you for sharing.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 

Add comment

We welcome your thoughts, but please do not use profanity, obscenities, abusive language, or otherwise off-topic/ objectionable content. Remember, this is a public forum. Do not post personal information including phone numbers, email and mailing addresses in the body of your comment. All comments are subject to moderation and may be removed. Repeat offenders may lose commenting privileges.


Security code
Refresh

17304 Preston Rd | Suite 1060 | Dallas | TX | 75252-5618 | 214-705-3710
© 2009-2011 Copyright, Janet Denison. All rights reserved.