Tag Archives: health

Apr19

A Lot Can Happen In A Year

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If the truth is known, I have no idea even where to start. I came to realize it has been a long time since I have shared here on this page. Too long. Over a year. As such, I also know it’s not wisdom to make some promise to write every day, or heck – even every week.  Though I might do that, I reserve the right to also say that I might not.  What I do know is that I have missed sharing life with you.  So, as such, I want to share where things are right now. This may not be a very long post today.

For those of you unaware, my life and my family’s lives were thrown upside down about this same time, three years ago. We were notified that our little Janet (then 4 years old) had an aggressive brain tumor.  Three years ago, our lives changed. For three years, she courageously fought a disease that would eventually claim her life.  Yes, her life. At 7 years old, my little girl breathed her last breath this side of Heaven. She passed away February 13, 2016 – just over two short but excruciating long months ago.

Truth be told, much of the previous year was dedicated to fighting childhood cancer alongside her. Now that she is gone, that fight is far from over. I proudly stand with others who are fighting, rejoice with those who have finished treatment and live to share their stories, remember the heroes who have their ultimate and eternal healing, and pray for all who stand beside them. None who walk this path are alone. This is a fight that I continue to fight – not just because my daughter died – but also to help ensure other families do not have to walk this same heartbreak.

If you have played a part in our journey – whether small or huge – know that you are greatly appreciated. Please continue to share your love and support – your thoughts and your prayers. They sincerely mean so much.

 

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Mar11

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Uneventful ER Trip

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This afternoon / evening, I was in the emergency room with one of my children. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking when they have pain and when we can’t do anything about it. However, while the ER trip wasn’t able to pinpoint what was actually going on, it was able to rule out anything more serious. All in all, I’m thankful because it was a pretty uneventful trip.

I am grateful to believe in and serve a God larger than life. Our God is Healer.

Feb13

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Peace

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I’m thankful for peace in and through a variety of situations. Today, I am thankful for the ability to smile and remain at peace when I walked up to the “patient registration” counter to pre-register – only to be told that my appointment wasn’t today, it was tomorrow instead. Evidently they rescheduled it (I had the paper they sent me with the “right” date/time in hand) and forgot to tell me! That said, I just smiled, thanked him, and called the doctor’s office directly. Yes, there had been a mis-communication. I seem to have a knack at being on the receiving end of those. But, truth be told, I’m not complaining. I am not actually looking forward to tomorrow’s appointment, as much as I AM looking forward to it getting over with.

All in all, though, I really am grateful to God – as, I am learning peace in such a special way through all of this. That, and thankful that He is helping me see the need for grace in so many areas, and in so many places.

Jan23

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Open MRIs And Christian Radio

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This morning, I had an MRI of the brain with contrast dye. In short, a brain scan. This is the test that will teach you if you’re claustrophobic or not. Even if you had no idea before hand, you might just very well learn how not fond of small contained spaces you are!

As I was preparing for the test, I was actually okay. There was music on in the background, but I really wanted “my” music. The technician asked if there was anything else I needed. I asked about listening to different music. She told me she’d be happy to change the radio station. I asked her to change it to our local Christian radio station. To my delight, she did. Such enormous peace in the room. As I continued to prepare, and was then rolled into the machine, I had a moment of panic. I wasn’t okay in that moment. I didn’t freak out, and actually didn’t say anything. Instead, I remembered a very powerful word: prayer! So, in that instant, I prayed. I asked God to help me have peace. I told Him something I know He already knew. I told him that I wasn’t going to make it if He didn’t help me. I kept repeating the word peace over and over in my head.

In that very instant, total and complete peace filled the room. I just closed my eyes and began to really enjoy the music. I was relaxed and at peace for the duration of the testing. It is with much gratitude that I say thank you to God for prayer and for the calming Christian music.

Jan21

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Thieves!

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For those of you unfamiliar with Young Living oils, this title might throw you for a loop! Let me explain…

In recent weeks, my eyes have been opened to the world of therapeutic grade essential oils. I’ve known, or at least heard about them for many years now – almost a decade. However, like much of humanity, I was skeptical. I had no idea how something – an oil – could really make a difference. As time progresses, I will share personal testimonials about how these oils have made a difference in my life. Today, I’ll share a brief, but powerful story.

There is a little oil that packs a big punch – Thieves. From Young Living’s Website:

Thieves was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health.

So, let me rewind and tell you a little story.

This past Thursday, I started the day with a slight headache. It went from a slight headache to a really annoying headache by lunch time. I took my daughter to lunch, and sat there, waiting on my food. As our waiter was conversing, he asked if I was okay. I told him that I was, but just had a really bad headache. I figured I must need food, since I hadn’t had much that day yet. That wasn’t the case. Nothing, not food, ibuprofen, peppermint oils, NOTHING was working. I went home and it progressively got worse. Finally, with the aid of prayer, more peppermint oil and some good rest, the headache was gone. It was replaced later that evening with a tickle in the back of my throat. This did NOT make me happy!

The next morning, I woke up with the same tickle, just worse. I used my “normal” oils, but nothing targeted to help in this case. Fast forward a day.

I wake up Saturday morning (and several times through the night) to a really sore throat. At this point, I’m an unhappy camper. I did a bit of research, and learned that Thieves would be an excellent choice to help my body fight off whatever was ailing it. So, I put two drops on my tongue. Then I put a swallow of water in my mouth and gargled with it. After gargling for a bit, I slowly swallowed. I could, literally, feel it working. I did that three times spread out throughout the day. It felt so much better by evening.

Sunday morning, and I’m not kidding, it was gone. It was completely gone. It was, again, a combination of prayer and definitely oils that helped the duration be so short. I’m grateful to God for what I’ve now deemed is (one of many of) His gifts to humanity! It’s up to us to take hold and use them!

Jan16

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Weight Loss Accountability

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I am thankful for accountability – in whatever form or shape it takes. With regards to weight loss, I find that I do much better with the accountability factor. I think it’s like that for most people.

This month, I have started in a local weight loss challenge: Winter 2013 Biggest Loser. For the next eight weeks, I will continue the path I have already chosen. I am eating healthier, drinking mostly water, and being more active. It will go beyond the eight weeks, but for the scope of the challenge, I’m just sharing my thoughts on right now.

Even if I don’t win (which obviously I hope I do – there is a monetary prize) the accountability alone will continue to be worth it’s weight in gold.

If you are struggling with weight loss, I urge you to find someone (or a group) to be accountable to. It does make a difference. I will try and update each week on how my Biggest Loser challenge is going. Along with finding an accountability partner, I suggest you take small steps. You need to make better / healthier decisions. You don’t have to starve yourself to be healthy. You can cut certain things (caffeine, carbonation, excess sweets, etc) and those alone will make an enormous difference. Give it a try? You’ve got nothing (except weight) to lose!

I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to comment below, or send me a message via my “contact me” page.

Jan14

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Good Results

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Today was my appointment to go over the results of the tumor removal, as well as to have the stitches removed.

First, I cannot tell you how happy I was to have those removed. To hear I didn’t heal properly, and that my body clearly didn’t like sutures wasn’t awesome, but paled in comparison to the news that came next.

It was good, no make that great news. Though there was concern, it was a benign / non-cancerous tumor – officially noted to be a lipoma.

I could go on and on – but sums it all up to just say I’m grateful to a God larger than life for having me (and my health) in the palm of His hand – and for me to be able to hear the good report from my doctor this morning.

I will restate something I’ve said before, and will likely say again. God is faithful 100% of the time – it’s just whether or not we choose to believe that!

Jan12

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Hot Water

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As silly as it may sound, I’m tremendously thankful for hot water. Truth be told, I’m thankful for any kind of water. However, there is something healing and soothing on aches and pains / sore muscles that hot water makes feel so much better.

Yesterday, I went back to the YMCA (first time since the tumor removal) and took it easy. I did not want to pull out the stitches or otherwise cause damage/pain. Taking it easy or not, my muscles are letting me know I made them work! It’s the kind of pain that feels good – knowing you’ve done something! Even still, I love the soothing feeling of nice, hot water!

Jan3

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For My Doctor

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It is with a thankful heart that I’d like to share gratitude for my doctor today. This man is a proactive doctor who believes in not leaving stones un-turned, and getting to the bottom of whatever medical situation that arises. He instills confidence in his patients.

In about an hour, I will be having a minor surgery, and I’m grateful to be in good hands.

(For those of you who have been following my blog for any length of time, you know I’ve been facing some uncertain health concerns. The prayer is that this surgery will yield benign / good results. I will, of course, update afterwards. Thanks for continuing to stand with me in faith and prayer!)

*******EDITED TO ADD*******
On the same note, still grateful for my doctor. He was calm and reassuring, even as he explained the complexity of the issue. What made the procedure more peaceful still was that, when read to begin the procedure, his assistant turned on the radio. It was set to a local Christian radio station. I cannot explain the calm and peaceful atmosphere. The doctor was very good at what he did, and was able to successfully remove one of the masses. It is being sent to pathology now, and we should have results within 7-10 days — at which time I’ll go in for both results, and to have stitches removed. All in all, it was a good appointment – if there is such a thing in this situation. It is now that we just continue to stand in faith, believing for that good report (benign / no cancer) in a week or so. I’ll update accordingly! Thanks again for continued prayers! I appreciate each and every one of you.
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Dec13

Trusting God Right Where You Are

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I wanted to share something that I thought you’d appreciate. Lately has been pretty difficult for me. No question there. However, I’m learning so many things — one is to be grateful for today. With that said, I am. Today was the first day in a while that I can honestly say that I’ve had a really good day. As such, I’m remembering to thank God for just giving me today – and especially being grateful for it being a really good day.

There is something beautiful in surrender – and trusting God in the midst of a storm. This situation is clearly beyond my control. Period. However, my new answer when people have been asking how I am is that “I’m doing okay…I don’t actually fear a diagnosis..and I serve a God larger than life…and I KNOW that he knows exactly how to take care of me.” Which is usually then followed by a “but of course I want to know…and I’m tired of not knowing, etc.” And, when I say people – I don’t limit my “God” replies to just church people or other Christians. It has become a unique opportunity to share His love with whoever, wherever…medical staff, friends, family, etc. I can tell you this. It has prompted some pretty interesting conversations.

I have been praying for God’s heart for people. To love them as He loves them…and to have a level of boldness to take His love into this community and beyond it. The thing I’m coming to realize is I’ve always been a voice of hope and “you’re not alone” etc to other people…but rarely have I ever allowed or reached out and asked others to be that same thing for me — as if I’m somehow not worthy of the same things I firmly believe for others….but I am. And so are you.

Along the lines of living life — I’ve also come to realize that life is just too short to be skin deep in our relationships. No matter what the situation, there is always capacity to love God, love people, and to make a difference. I was recently thinking about life and death. God forbid, if I were to die tomorrow – I would hope to be remembered by how I lived, and thus how I LOVED.

No matter the situation, no matter the storm, KNOW that God’s got this. His hands are holding you, and in Him you are safe. Reach out. You ARE worth it! Always remember that when times are dark, and you have trouble seeing the sun glistening through the rain, the storm is temporary. No matter how dark it looks now, there is a promise of brighter times ahead. Live life intentionally! Love God, love people, and make a difference!!