Busy raising three children, working hard to open her own brinks-and-mortar business in her hometown, managing her third marriage, totally burning the candle at both ends…
Complete chaos! Can you relate to any of this?
My guest today, Carmen James, was so busy working hard at trying to achieve success according to the world’s definition, that she forgot a crucial piece enabling her to enjoy the fruits of her labor: self-care and stress management.
Now can you relate?
But a dramatic and unexpected cancer diagnosis was followed by a three-month-long wait to see a specialist, a time which Carmen described as “the scariest, darkest, most horrific experience ever,” proved life-changing in ways she never expected.
Listen to her riveting story and be encouraged. But also be warned: God loves you enough to do far-reaching things to bring you to Himself!
How God showed up
Fortunately, an appointment showed up earlier than the initial appointment, but even so, by the time they put the chemo port in, Carmen realized that all the years of her nominal Christianity were not going to be enough to get her through this experience.
After her first chemo shot, she had an encounter with the Lord that changed her life forever - one that was even more revealing than cancer itself. She began to strengthen her spiritual life: digging into the Word, spending time in prayer, re-prioritizing her life, rooting out bitterness and unforgiveness.
She came to understand that the cancer was indeed a wake-up call. And watched in amazement how God displayed His faithfulness in oh-so-many ways.
God Continues to Provide
Between cancer and Covid, Carmen learned to back off a bit from her Type A personality. Her story - and God’s story - is absolutely incredible and wide-reaching.
Pour yourself a cuppa, get comfortable, and listen to every word of her testimony.
Carmen’s word of encouragement
If you’re struggling right now and realizing that things have to change in your life, start small. Look for the low-hanging fruit first and try simple things to start. Take your eyes off of the big prize, and make sure you’re building on solid ground. Right tools + right community + right tribe…and it will happen.
EAT READ LOVE
Carmen is eating… all things vegan! Snacking on flavored pistachios (her favorite is chili-roasted)
Carmen is reading… Secrets of the Happy Soul, by Katie Orr
Carmen is loving… being at her condo in Naples, FL through the winter
To connect with Carmen, go to:
http://carmenjamesfitness.com
Reach out to her on Instagram @carmenjamesfitness
And on Facebook, Desperately Seeking Healthy and Happy