"Grandchildren-Life's Greatest Joys"

I decided to re-do our front bedroom for the grand-kids so I am only putting pictures of them up on the walls.  I think it is going to be one of my favorite rooms when I am done.

Nothing can prepare you for what being a grandparent feels like.  We have 8 grand-kids and are blessed to have 2 of them to live in town with us.  I wish all 8 lived here.  Our time with them is precious.

 Hudson, 2 years of age and his little brother Rhett, 4 months old,  live in the same town with us and we are blessed to be around them.  Bryan and Jenna were able to get away for the weekend and took Rhett with them and we were able to keep Hudson Friday night and most of today.  He makes us so happy!  We took him to Orchard's Park for the Friday night concert series and had so much fun watching him dance and run around.  He thought the music was too loud and he kept saying it was his turn to play the drums.  He couldn't understand why he couldn't play the drums since he plays GPa's drums anytime he wants.

GPa & Hudson enjoying the music

He makes us sooooo happy!!!!

Across the road at Crystal Bridges

One of GPa's and Hudson's favorite things is to ride the "Dig".  Tony used to not enjoy yard work but now that Hudson is old enough to hang out with him on the mower, they mow together every week and GPa doesn't complain about mowing anymore.

GPa & "Iron Man" mowing the yard

Their other favorite thing to do is to walk over to Wal-mart.  It doesn't matter if they need anything, just a trip to Wal-mart with GPa always makes the grand-kids happy.

GPa &  Hudson coming back from Wal-mart

How blessed I am to have a husband that adores and loves me so much and also has so much love for his grand-kids.  He is an amazing GPa and I am so thankful to have him in our lives.  We are so blessed to see all 4 of our kids married to amazing spouses and now to be a part of our grandchildren's lives, it is one of life's greatest joys!

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"Time With A Young Family"

We took our junior high students that participated in the missions week to White Water in Branson today.  It was the hottest day we've had to experience so far and I am thankful for shade and the wind.  Chemo and heat/sun do not go together, but I survived the heat and thankful we made it there and back safely. 

Our friends, Jarrod and Rachel had us over for dinner tonight in the home they moved into at the beginning of the year.  It was such a blessing seeing how God has blessed their lives and shown them such favor with an amazing family and home.  David and Jordan were there as well and David became their boy's favorite new play mate.  Their oldest son told me he wished David could be their older brother.  He said they would wake up at 6:00am every morning and go outside and play. 

The Anderson Family

The boys wanted David and Jordan to spend the night but since they didn't bring their toothbrushes they had to go home.  The youngest one told his mom she could share her toothbrush.  The innocence of children and the beauty of a young Godly family is priceless.  Our babies grow up so fast and it is a treasure being a part of a young family's lives. 

So thankful for a full day of life and to have a home to come home to and rest.  May I never take for granted all the extra blessings God pours out over me everyday.  Air conditioned home and car to protect me from the heat outside.  A bed and pillow to rest in each night.  Running water to drink and shower with.  So many more things He gives me each day.  I am grateful I was able to enjoy life on earth today and that His blessings were upon me.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"He's Into Every Detail"

I am thankful to say all went well with chemo yesterday.  My blood levels were once again questionable but the fact that God's amazing grace continues to carry me and that I have been feeling good, the nurse went ahead and treated me.  My friend Susan Byrum took me.  There was not a lot of waiting and everything went very smooth and quick.

Thank you Susan for sitting with me.

God has shown me several times this past month, how He is into every detail over our lives.  He's probably shown me something everyday and I have failed to recognize what He is doing.  Our junior high students have been working in Fayetteville this week at "The Farm".  It is an organization that delivers produce to your front door and the money goes to feed the hungry.  I have not been able to go since I can't be in the heat or sun.  I decided to go today and take pictures.  I called my friend Theresa on the way instead of sending a text to see how her week has been going.  Her mother-in-law has Alzheimer and lives with them and the care giver is on vacation this week, so Theresa has been on full time duty.  She explained that they were about to take a road trip.  I knew a road trip with her MIL was not an easy task and they don't usually get out much with her.  I asked where they were going and she explained that a young lady that she had been ministering to from the Pregnancy Crisis Center had called and needed a ride to the ER.  I asked where the girl lived and she told me in Fayetteville.  I explained that I was on my way there and asked if maybe I could help out in anyway.  She was afraid it might be out of my way.  I told her the exit I had to take and it so happened that was the same exit this young lady lived.  In fact she lived within 2 miles of where I was going.  I am so thankful how God orchestrated every detail out today and it doesn't matter where we are, what our plans are, if we will be still, look and listen, He will direct our paths to others that have needs.  I felt I had missed an opportunity yesterday to pray with someone and feel God gave me another chance today to be His hands and feet.  That is my daily prayer that I can see and hear what He is trying to show me and be His hands and feet. 

Everyday is a new day to thank Him for His blessings.  I am thankful for my today and that His mercies are new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"Crazy Uncle Dave"

My brother and his wife, David & Traci, came for a visit for the weekend.  They arrived on Friday and left today.  David & I are 17 months apart in age and have always had a close relationship and enjoy spending time together.  We grew up with a lot of the same friends and I've always loved the bond we share together.  Traci is like the sister I never had.  She has been in our family for almost 30 years and I love the closeness we share too.  They have been on staff at their church in Denison, Texas for almost 27 years and David is the worship pastor at Southside Baptist Church.  He doesn't get many opportunities to be away on a Sunday, so this was an extra blessing to have them here for the weekend. 

David has always been the entertainer in our family.  There is never a dull moment when he's around.  He's always got a story to tell about something and it usually involves himself.  The funny thing is, he came in on Friday and the minute he saw Hudson, the terrorizing began.  A 51 year old man taking every chance he could to make sure Hudson knew who "Crazy Uncle David" is.  I never knew a 2 year old toddler and a 51 year old man could argue and be so crazy together. 

We originally had a trip to Hawaii planned together, then my health did not allow us to travel.  We considered going to Colorado for a long weekend, but those plans did not work out either.  We decided a weekend together was all we needed and it didn't matter where we were.  People travel from all over the United States and the world to Northwest Arkansas, so we knew this would be a perfect place and time for us to be together. 

Our fun with Crazy Uncle Dave & Hudson began on Friday night.  David & Traci did not know who Iron Man was, but now they do.  In Hudson's world, GPa (Tony) is Iron Man.  He knows Iron Man's name is Tony Starks but if you ask him what Iron Man's name is, he says "Tony Starks GPa".  We watched Ironman One on Saturday and the whole time during the movie he says "look GPa it's you , you are Iron Man". 

Big & Little Iron Man w/ Crazy Uncle Dave

David & Traci enjoying the Bentonville Farmer's Market (thank you for the flowers Traci)

 

 

 

We enjoyed time at the Crystal Bridges Museum.  

David & Traci

Hudson wasn't too fond of this guy!

Hudson didn't like this guy too much either.

Sweet Family time together!!

 

 

Hudson sharing GPa's "dig" with Uncle Dave

GPa & Hudson looking at the "big full moon" with binoculars

Terrorizing  Hudson at Black Hawk Grill in Pea Ridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Rhett & Aunt Doe

As you can see, we had a very fun, fulfilling weekend with the whole family.  I'm not sure a person can remember a lot when they were 2 year olds, but for some reason, I feel like Hudson will always remember his "Crazy Uncle Dave". 

I am so thankful that God gave me a great weekend with my family.  I felt great and will always cherish the bond I share with my family.  David & Traci, thank you for taking some time off to come hang out with our family.  We loved every minute of it and nothing can take the place of "time".  We love and appreciate you both very much.  We are grateful for the relationship we share with the two of you.  God has truly blessed our lives and families. 

Tomorrow I go in for another round of chemo.  Praying my numbers are good and that all continues to go well for the chemo to go into my body and kill every bad  cell that is not supposed to be in there.  I'm not saying  that I have the "C" word anymore but that I'm taking chemo and that "by His stripes, I have been healed!"  Thank you Jesus for saving and healing me!!

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"My Delight Is In You"

The words most women never want to hear from their husbands  "you look like you have put on some weight".  Those were the sweet words my husband spoke to me last night.  I was excited to weigh today.  When I stepped upon the scales, it showed I have gained 4 pounds in 3 weeks!!!!  What others call a curse, I call a blessing knowing that my appetite is good and that some meat is getting back on my bones.

My friend Theresa and I went in today and did our normal routine.  My nurse was in fast motion taking care of several patients and accessed my port without any issues.  The last few weeks we've had trouble getting blood return in my port, but not today, it flowed out immediately.  Thank you Jesus!  They normally show me my lab work before starting treatment, but that step was almost skipped  until I mentioned that everything must have looked good.  She quickly went to check, and my numbers were too low for her to treat me without the doctors consent.  I told her to let the doctor know that I felt great and that my numbers were low last week but after getting treatment everything went fine.  My doctor agreed to carry on with the chemo.  Everything went very smoothly and I was grateful to walk out of Highlands feeling so good.  I was able to go to Wal-mart and buy some flowers and spend some time in the yard this evening planting.  My heart is full of joy and gratitude.  I am so thankful that I was blessed with an amazing day and each day seems to be sweeter.  I'm not sure why things have to be so difficult for me to realize how many blessings the Lord bestows upon me on a daily basis.  In the midst of storms, there is still reason to praise Him!

Thank you Jesus for blessing me with life and health today.  Thank you for allowing me to see your creation and for being my Creator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZN7ie4PBJo

I pray others will find their delight in Him.  Jesus is the reason I find joy, peace, happiness and contentment in everyday life.  Without Him, I would have no Hope.   

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"He Is Faithful"

I sit here tonight thinking of God's goodness and that His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness, even when I am unfaithful.  Tony and I were able to get away for the weekend and took Hudson with us to be a part of a surprise party for my SIL's 50th birthday celebration.  We had a great weekend together.  We enjoyed special time with our family and I am thankful God gave me grace to feel good.  I met so many people that told me they read my blog and continue to pray for me.  I'm not sure where I would be today or would want to know where I would be if it weren't for God's goodness and grace in my life and that He continues to see me through each new day.  I was able to meet a lady that has sent me a card every week faithfully since I was first diagnosed.  I can always count on her card being in the mail on Mondays unless it is a holiday.  Thank you Carol for your faithfulness to Him.  I do not want to take for granted the blessing of sleeping so good at night and waking up to life each day.  I am thankful for not being in pain and I continue to praise and thank Him for healing me.  I'm still in the midst of this journey but I'm claiming His healing daily and trusting in His grace each day to praise Him for ALL the hope and peace I have in Him.

I go in tomorrow afternoon for another round of chemo.  Last week my levels were a little low but I was able to have treatment anyway.  I am praying my lab results will be where they need to be and that there will be no issues receiving treatment.  I will continue to wait and hope in the Lord and trust Him and His sovereignty over all my days.  He continues to walk with me, carry me and allows me to keep my focus on Him and not my circumstances.  Psalms 31:24 "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" 

I will remain in awe of His goodness and pray that my life reflects Him and not me.  To God be the glory, great things He continues to do.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"My God Will Come Through-Always"

What an amazing blessing to be a part of an incredible youth group.

Youth Camp 2013-Allaso Ranch

We arrived home late yesterday afternoon from camp.  On our way home I was asked what my favorite thing about camp was.  I can honestly say, it was the fact that I got to go to camp and was blessed to feel so good for all the days and nights I was there.  It was as if God gave me extra strength and energy to feel like a "normal" person and enjoy every moment of the camp.  I know camp is primarily geared toward students or that is the mind set of what going to camp is usually for, but I feel this camp was for me.  From the moment the first worship song was sung to the end of the camp, God showed me that He truly does care about every detail of my life and constantly puts reminders in my path to let me know He is in complete control of EVERYTHING!  Every worship service we sang the song "Always" and that was the very first song I heard when I was first diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  One of the first services we sang the song, I couldn't sing the lyrics but closed my eyes and felt God speaking to me that He was right there with me to remind me that I have nothing to fear.  Within moments, I felt hands being laid upon me and people praying over me.  I felt such a calmness and peace from the Lord.  What a God we serve and worship!!  Psalms 121 was read during one of our services.  This is the first chapter I read after being admitted into the hospital back in February 2012.  There are so many details that would take me pages to write and share how God was confirming His love for me.  His lover never fails or gives up on me and for that I am so grateful. 

I was thankful to be back in my own bed last night and to be home with Tony.  I was able to get a great nights rest and actually slept 12 hours and I am so grateful for that.  I had chemo this afternoon and they always do lab work first to make sure my counts are high enough before receiving treatment.  The news from the lab results showed very low platelets and the nurse had to wait to see if my doctor wanted to treat me today.  I told the nurse I had been at camp all week and felt great and didn't feel like the lab results reflected how I truly felt.  The doctor gave permission to treat and I am thankful everything went so smoothly.  I was just texting a friend and she made this comment "lab results comes from a machine and miracles come from our God." 

I did consider coming home after chemo and resting, but my heart wanted to be at youth tonight to hear students sharing about camp.  God continues to give me so much grace and strength and I know if I would have come home, I would have taken a nap and probably woken up not feeling so good.  I am thankful I chose to go to work this afternoon and stay for the youth share night.  My heart was blessed to see how God did amazing things in student's lives.  He is always faithful!! 

Here is the song we sang at every service during camp and it is God's reminder to me through out this whole past year and half that God will come through-Always.  I will continue to lift my eyes to the Lord, my help comes from Him!  Several ladies I know have recently been diagnosed with cancer and I pray this song will minister to them as it did to me a year and half ago and continues to every time I hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN7L3m9jIcc

"Today is the day the Lord has made,  I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"In Jesus Name"

What an amazing day of encouragement this has been from so many!!  My heart is full again of God's great love, faithfulness and goodness in my life.  I've had text, Facebook messages, blog comments, a free pedicure (thank you Elaine) and an unexpected financial blessing provided by many of my great friends.  I was able to spend an evening with my kids and grand-kids for dinner and at the end of the day a young lady from Sydney, Australia  took the time to send me a long encouraging email with a video link attached to the email.  She didn't know how to contact me, but was able to send me a message through Jenna (my DIL).  Thank you Emily for listening to God and sending me such an encouraging message.

Me & Hudson

There are so many out there that want to give up hope and not keep their eyes on Jesus during the difficult times of life. That's the time to allow Him to shine in and through you more than ever.  He has all our days numbered and it doesn't matter if a doctor gives you the worse diagnosis, only God knows the days He has ordained for you.  I want to encourage those that feel there is no hope left, don't give up!  In Jesus name we can overcome. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZmnbU4Lt5A

For those that are fighting cancer please watch the whole video, you will be blessed!

God is fighting for us,
God is on our side
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here
[x2]

Carrying our burdens,
Covering our shame
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here

I will live, I will not die
The resurrection power of Christ
Alive in me and I am free
In Jesus' Name

Carrying our burdens,
Covering our shame
He has overcome,
Yes He has overcome
We will not be shaken,
We will not be moved
Jesus You are here

I will live, I will not die
The resurrection power of Christ
Alive in me and I am free
In Jesus' Name
I will live, I will not die
I will declare and lift You high,
Christ revealed and I am healed
In Jesus' Name

God is fighting for us,
Pushing back the darkness
Lighting up the Kingdom
That cannot be shaken
In the Name of Jesus,
Enemy's defeated
And we will shout it out,
Shout it out
[repeat]

I will live, I will not die
The resurrection power of Christ
Alive in me and I am free
In Jesus' Name
I will live, I will not die
I will declare and lift You high,
Christ revealed and I am healed
In Jesus' Name, in Jesus' Name
In Jesus' Name, in Jesus' Name

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"Holding My World"

I was blessed to put in a very full day at work, and walk away still feeling good.  Before noon, I received a phone call from my oncologist, MD Anderson and Cancer Treatment Center.  I finally have a report from the CT scan done in Houston.  My doctor was pleased to tell me I am stable.  The CT shows that the lymph nodes in my abdomen have decreased and only one of them has slightly increased.  She was very pleased with the report and the treatment plan I am currently on seems to be benefiting me.  To God be the glory, great things He is doing!  Soon after my doctor's phone call, I heard from MD Anderson and I told him about seeing my oncologist yesterday and that for now I will be staying with my current treatment plan and he could remove me from the clinical trial study he was waiting for me to participate in.  I told him that I would call back at a later time if we felt that was the direction God was leading us.  He was very kind and understanding and said they would definitely keep me in their records for future trials.  Cancer Treatment Center called soon after and said the door has closed there with our insurance and there is nothing else they can do to get me into their facility.  I told him we were at peace with how things are working out and if it was God's plan for me to be at CTC, the door would open up.  I know our ways are not always God's ways, and I am so thankful I don't have to worry about my tomorrows, He already has everything figured out for me.   The following song is exactly how I feel at this time in my life.  I am grateful He's holding my world in His hands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJfGCKD9g_4

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"Waiting"

Tony went with me today to see the doctor and for chemo.  I wasn't sure if chemo would take place since it has only been 6 days from my last treatment.  My oncologist was pleased with my lab work and said she wanted to stay on the treatment plan.  We discussed MD Anderson and have decided right now that is not the place for me.  She thought staying in communication might be beneficial for future needs if necessary.  I took my CD in today of the scan from MD and she said the radiologist would have to be the one to compare the previous scans.  She said most of the time radiologist do not like to read other scans but she figured they would do it for her.  I am thankful for my oncologist and her nurse.  They seem to always have plenty of time to visit with me and never seem to be in a hurry.  I feel like I'm their only patient and they would stay in the exam room as long as I needed them.  I'm not sure if or when the results will come from the MD CT scan compared to previous ones.  At this point, I feel good, I'm eating well and that makes me "happy, happy, happy."  My phone rang while we were visiting with the doctor and it was the Cancer Treatment Center.  They left me a message stating the our insurance would not cover the cost for me to visit their facility.  I feel this is God's way of saying "wait upon Him".  I know when God has a plan, doors open up and you do not have to force things to happen.  Tony and I both have a peace that the direction we are going for now is God's plan and we will continue to rest in Him.  I had both chemo drugs today and everything went really well.  I am praying for no side effects and that I will continue to be able to work the rest of the week and travel on Friday to Youth camp.  My doctor gave me permission to go to camp. Thank you to all those that pray for me and for joining in the fight with me and my family.  We would not have peace in this journey if it weren't for my prayer warriors.  Blessings to all of you!!! Never forget how great our God is and we will wait upon Him and trust in His goodness and favor.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"His Plans"

Our plans are usually not God's plans or timing.  I thought by now I would know the results of my CT scan done at MD Anderson, but I don't.  My doctor was out at the end of last week and MD sent me the results on Friday. I was told that my oncologist needed to interpret the results.  I go in tomorrow afternoon for lab, doctor visit and praying chemo takes place.  I'm not sure my oncologist will know the results of my CT since she was gone the latter part of the week.  I'm trusting that God knows the results and the best care possible will take place for me.  MD Anderson and the Cancer Treatment Center have both been in contact with me through out the week.  I do not want to close any doors until I have a peace where God wants me to be.  Where better to be, than in His care and hands!  I know the prayers of many are keeping me in perfect peace and rest in Him.

I ended up with a sinus infection at the end of the week and took Saturday and Sunday to rest and recoup for this week. I'm thankful to have felt much better today and to put in a full day's work.  We have 3 days left to prepare for camp and as always, could use several more weeks.  Summer time in the youth ministry goes by so quickly and I'm praying that this summer, I can enjoy the trips with the students.  Both our camp and mission trip are in Texas this year.  I can say I live in Arkansas, but I will always be from Texas!!

No matter the struggles we face or the trials we go through, God is in control and I believe He wants us to live each day to it's fullest to honor and glorify Him.  I pray everyday that I will wake up and enjoy His blessings He pours out on me, that are undeserved.   Psalms 143:8 "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.  Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."