Surprise Blessing

The past few months have been a challenge for many different reasons! Obviously, finding out that I had cancer was devastating in itself. Then, there has been the emotions of dealing with surgeries, treatment, and physical changes.

Although I'm very thankful for our insurance, there have been so many added expenses with deductibles, co-payments each time you darken the door of a doctors office, medications, etc. The added expenses mixed with my lack of income during this time, has caused a financial strain, as well. Art and I remain confident that God will supply our needs and we're grateful for the side jobs He has provided for Art during this time.

Last week, I had a visit from Connie, a friend from work and church. I couldn't believe it when she handed me a card filled with warm wishes from Realtors, staff members, and affiliates, some I don't even know personally. Tucked inside the envelope were donations to help with some of my expenses! WOW...what a surprise...I was speechless! It was awkward for me because I would much rather be on the giving end rather than the receiving end but it was such a surprise blessing!

I continue to trust God each day for our needs! I have a few homes for sale and keep praying that one of them will sell. It would be a double blessing...for me and for my clients! The way the market is right now, it might even be considered a miracle! I am confident that God is watching out for us and will continue to provide for our needs!

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~Philipians 4:19

Praise You In This Storm!

The week after chemo has proven to be a challenge each time. The first few days aren't too bad and then I have several days of not feeling so good. I'm just ending that week, which found me back at the doc with nasty side effects from the chemo, more lab work and medication. On top of that, it appears that I have an issue that is going to require another outpatient surgery! Ugh...I'm sure you can imagine that I wasn't thrilled when I heard that news!

My friend, Beth, gave me a CD recently, that included one of my favorite songs, Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns. This week, that song has played over and over in my head. The nurse already called to try and schedule me for surgery. When I told Art my frustration, he broke out in the chorus of this same song! It's awesome how God blesses us with music to encourage and lift our spirits.

My goal is to continue to lift my hands and praise Him in this storm and I'm reminded that every tear I cry, He holds in His hands and He never leaves my side! (Words from the song...you can listen at the above link.)

I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth! ~Psalm 121:1-2

Climb to Conquer Cancer

My nephew, Johnny, is participating in the National Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer! This will be his 4th consecutive year to participate and as he says, the first year his life has been directly impacted by the disease. I'm so touched that he is passionate about this cause! This isn't just for breast cancer but all forms of cancer!

Please check out Johnny's invitation to support him on his climb or receive more information about the event, February 23 at South Mountain Park. Even the smallest donation will help him reach his goal for this worthy cause and your donation is tax deductible.

Thank you Johnny...I love your heart for God and others!

Chemo...3 Down & 1 To Go!

'NUFF SAID!

A New Recipe

All this "down time" has found me watching more TV shows than ever before. Normally I don't watch much TV, other than my favorite, Law & Order, and a good movie now and then. Lately, I've had way too much time to flip channels and get familiar with what's on TV. One of the things I have enjoyed is watching cooking shows. So, I decided if I'm going to watch them, I should try out some of the recipes. I got a "thumbs up" from the big guy on this one!

I get so tired of fixing the same old stuff! So if you're like me and you're looking for a new recipe, you should give this one a try...White Bean Chicken Chili. I love a good soup (or chili) on a cold evening and this one is a winner! It's a bit spicy, so beware and you might want to lighten up on the spices if you're not a huge fan of hot and spicy things or if you have little kids. It's super easy to prepare (especially if you buy a rotisserie chicken) and very filling! I used more chicken broth than it called for but I think I used more chicken, too (the big guy loves meat). You might want to experiment and see what you like.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Big Boys and Their Toys

Just like a kid, I caught my hubby in the backyard this morning with his new toy.

The girls never know what to buy him for Christmas and birthdays so they both decided to give him gift cards for Cabelas...the big boy's toy store! Earlier this week, we stopped by Cabelas for him to make his selection. When we walk thru the doors, he's kind of like a kid in a candy store! There are so many cool things to look at and so little time! This time, he had already decided what his purchase would be.

He's not one for big game hunting, although he would enjoy it if he had the opportunity. Usually, he gets in a couple of mornings hunting during dove or quail season and on occasion has gone squirrel hunting, to satisfy the hunter in him.

Fortunately, he's almost as happy with his new pellet gun, doing target practice in the backyard! He's worked his tail end off, doing some side jobs to help with finances recently, so I enjoyed seeing him having a little fun this morning! One of the things I love about him is that he enjoys such simple things in life!

Friendly Stranger

Last Friday night, Art, Sherry, and I stopped by Walmart to grab a couple of things and while we were shopping, I noticed a stranger staring at us. She was on her cell phone with her back to us and yet I kept noticing her turning around to look at us. I've grown accustom to stares because when Sherry and I are together people are staring at her in the wheelchair and now staring at me with my scarf. I smiled at her and tried to ignore the glances but it was just so obvious.

Art and Sherry were finished with their selection in the electronics department so we turned to walk away when suddenly the woman spoke to us. She asked if she could give me a hug and before I could respond, she wrapped her arms around me in a HUGE hug. She went on to tell us that her sister in California, who she had just been talking to on the cell phone, was battling breast cancer right now. She said she saw my scarf and the pink ribbon on my purse and knew I was fighting my own battle and just wanted to give me a hug!

I was so touched that this friendly stranger was bold enough to embrace me and encourage me! I was caught off guard and my emotions swelled. I wonder...would I have been able to reach out to a stranger with such compassion before my diagnosis? Struggling with anxiety and fear of rejection, I'm not so sure! My recent journey has changed my life and perspective in so many ways! I pray, that given the opportunity in the future, I will be bold enough to share God's love and compassion with complete strangers.

Strange Stuff

This chemo is strange stuff! In fact, if I stop and think about it too much, I'll probably get freaked out about it! Seriously, if it's potent enough to make my hair fall out...what else is it doing? I know, that's what it's supposed to do in order to kill off any cancerous cells that could be rapidly dividing in my body...still it's strange to think about!

Did I mention falling flat of my back in JC Penney's? Yep, I tried to squat down for something and just kept on going. Are you getting visuals? It was funny! I hope no one saw me! Stacey was around the corner and didn't see me and Sherry was in a different store. It was quite comical as they scolded each other for "not watching mom"! Then when they told Art, he said the same thing! Like I'm a kid that needs to be watched! They are way too protective!

The past couple of days found me in the "chemo fog", feeling pretty sick to my stomach and with mouth sores. It kind of caught me off guard because I had done so good the first couple of days...then WHAM! I slept most of New Years day, but I guess that's what my body needed. Sometimes, it's hard not to get discouraged and yesterday was one of those days! I'm thankful that my hubby is sensitive and gave me a little pep talk.

I keep reminding myself how fortunate I am. The outcome of my breast cancer could have been so much worse. Since my diagnosis, I've met people and read stories of others who were not so fortunate. God's hand was on me and I know it and I'm so thankful!! I just get impatient when I think of all the things I could be doing. I know...there will be plenty of time. God's timing is perfect!!

Today I'm feeling better. I saw the plastic surgeon and finally got the rest of the stitches out this afternoon! I still can't believe he could leave them in for 2 months!