"Summer Is Ending"

Our summer has quickly come to an end for us that work with the youth at our church.  We have summer interns every year that come in at the beginning of summer and spend 10 weeks working with us and the youth.  I always feel like the minute they arrive, the summer is almost over because it goes by so quickly.  I am always thankful to meet new college students that have a desire to invest in junior and senior high student's lives.  Below is our team that worked together planning mission trips, camp, bible studies, swim nights, lunches and hang out times for students.  Thank you guys for a great summer!

Hutch, Jordan,Hannah Raye, Heather, Me, Hannah, Cody & Keith

Tony and I took Hudson hiking late Sunday night to see the waterfall in Bella Vista.  We knew from all the rain that the water would be flowing heavy.  The minute Hudson got out of the car, he ran most of the hiking time other than a short time on GPa's shoulder.  We didn't go until almost 8pm and there was no one around except for the 3 of us and someone smoking something in the brush close by.  Hudson smelled the smoke and held his nose and said "something stinks".  We didn't plan on Hudson spending the night, but since it was so late getting home we decided he should.  He was sick Friday night and Saturday with a stomach virus so we figured it would be good to give Bryan and Jenna a night off.  Around 1:00am this morning he was crying and I walked into his room and he had thrown up all over his bed.  All he could say was "GPa, I want my GPa, GPa, GPa".   As sad as he was, this was music to Tony's ears.  When most kids get sick, all they want is their mommies.  GPa and Hudson have stolen each other's hearts and it is a precious sight to see them together.  I've never seen such a bond in my life and I am so thankful that Tony has these moments to cherish.  Even though this past year has been challenging with my health issues, Hudson has been the balance that has kept Tony's sanity, and for that I am so grateful.

Today I had an unusual day at Highlands Oncology.  Instead of going in to see the doctor, have blood work or chemo, I was able to get a massage.  What a nice change.  I've decided that insurance should cover massages for chemo patients.  It was such a blessing and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I could see this being a weekly appointment before my scheduled chemo.

Tomorrow I will go in for chemo and for some reason I don't dread my appointments anymore.  It just seems like part of my life and for that I am grateful that I have been able to go about my daily routine.  I couldn't say those words at the beginning of this journey, but with God I truly find rest in Him and the plan He has for my life.  He will never fail me.  He already defeated the grave and in His name I have overcome. 

Psalms 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

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