Let Go & Let God

On Thursday of this week, I will be headed to Emory for the first time in three months. The time has already come for my regular check-up with my oncologist.  Of course, I am already feeling anxious ... the thought of walking through the doors of Winship Cancer Center still overwhelms me.  So, I am constantly reminding myself that God has healed me ... and the He is complete control ...

This quote is a PERFECT reminder for me ... and brings me such peace each time I read it ...

"philosophy:  one of the best tools for longevity and good health is not just taking a walk outdoors but taking your walk while holding the hand of God.  when we walk in gratitude for each and every moment, we empower ourselves by empowering our spirits.  when we breathe in nature through our eyes, ears and lips, we become certain that not only are our souls eternal, but that God knows how to manage our lives, our troubles, our worries and our days better than we do.  so today and everyday 'let go and let God.'"

If you are familiar with Philosophy Skin Care, you already know about their great products and inspiring quotes.  This quote is on a bottle of Pure Grace given to me just a couple of weeks ago by my wonderful friend, Kathleen.  This week, especially, it is just what I need ...

Here's to letting go ... and letting God ...

Forever Friends

Almost 10 years ago, Kathleen and I met in the halls of Forest Hill Elementary in Noblesville, Indiana.  Scott and I had just recently relocated from Florida and I was set to begin the year as a kindergarten teacher.  Among the chaos of setting up my classroom and adjusting to a new school, Kathleen introduced herself and kindly offered her help. Obviously, Kathleen and I quickly became friends and a few short weeks later, our families met for the first time ...

For months, Tim, Kathleen, Abby, Scott, and I spent much of our time together ... always making great memories!  Since then, Maddie, Delaney, and Andrew were born and now our families share a friendship like no other ...

In 2006, after almost three years in Indiana, we returned to Georgia.  Although we were very excited to be home again and close to our families, it was a difficult move for us all! So, we made a promise ... we would never let our friendship fade and we would do our very best to see each other as often as possible ...

For the past six years, we have kept that promise ... seeing each other at least once a year ... and most years, two or three times!  Last week, the Martin family headed south for a FULL week of FUN ...

Delaney, Abby, Andrew, and Maddie ... enjoying the water!

Me & Kathleen ... soaking up the sunshine!

Tim, Kathleen, Me, and Scott ... waiting for the fireworks display on Lake Allatoona!

Abby & Maddie ... forever friends!

The Martin and McNeal Families ... GO BRAVES!

We are so blessed to have such special people in our lives.  In life, it is hard to find the kind of friends we have found in each other ... and I am so very thankful that God brought us all together!

Here's to forever friends ...

Donation Jar

As you know, these past few months have not only been focused on recovery, but also on fundraising ... and LOTS of it!  In a little more than three months, my team and I will be walking 60 miles ... after raising at least $32,200 ...

Well, this afternoon, I received a VERY special gift from a VERY special young man ...

Walker, the son of our close family friends, brought me a handmade box ...

Inside the box, I found $250 in cash and a $100 check from his mom and dad ...

Click to read ...

For about six months, Walker has been collecting donations ... in a jar ... for me.  I could not feel more blessed!  Walker is only 12 and he took it upon himself to place a donation jar at his parent's store ... watching over it, asking customers to make a contribution.  Honestly, I cannot think of a more kind and thoughtful thing for anyone to do ... 

Thank you, Walker, for being you ... and for all of your support!  You are the BEST!

Here's to Walker ...

Red Letter Prayers

For many years, Scott and I have been attending North Point Community Church (NPCC) and listening to Andy Stanley's amazing messages.  Recently, we have discovered Watermarke Church, an extension of NPCC, but much closer to home.  We still have the opportunity to be a part of the NPCC experience without the drive and the immense crowd ...

This morning, we headed to Watermarke Church for the first time in several weeks ... and, for me, it was one of the very BEST messages I've heard ...

If you have been keeping up with my blog, you know that I believe in prayer.  I believe that God hears our prayers.  But, many times, I have wondered if I am praying "right" ... so, this particular message was especially meaningful to me ...

  Red Letter Prayers

http://www.northpointonline.tv/

Usually, our prayers begin with giving thanks, but quickly shift to a request ... or two ... or three.  Now, I know NOT to start by asking, but to recognize that God is in complete control.  That He hears my prayers BEFORE I ever speak them.  And, when I DSA ... Declare God's greatness, Surrender my will, and Acknowledge my dependence for His provision, pardon, and protection, my prayers will be answered and I will be granted the GREATEST gift of all ... PEACE!  

Surprisingly, through my journey with cancer, I have learned to surrender my life to God. And, through prayer, I have found a sense of calm ... of peace ... and of happiness like nothing I have ever experienced.  And, now, I have an even better understanding of prayer ... for which I will be forever thankful!

Obviously, I am not Andy Stanley. And, I cannot possibly rewrite his words here.  So, I encourage you to check out a portion of the Red Letter Prayers message at the link above. And, when the entire series becomes available, PLEASE check it out ... I believe it will completely change the way you talk to God ...

Here's to Red Letter Prayers ...  

SNAP'd

This is a "Cuts for the Cure" UPDATE ...

We have been SNAP'd by SNAP Roswell ... please check out the article and photos at www.snaproswell.com and search "Cuts for the Cure" ...

Alisha, Chelsea, Justin, Me, Linda, Emily, Catherine, Heather, and Debbie

What a GREAT day it was ...

100 Hours

This weekend, we broke 100 hours on our boat ... 100 hours of GREAT fun and WONDERFUL memories!

As I reflect on the past year, I try to look beyond the dark days and remember all of the fun I've had ... the abundant blessings God has given to me ... many of which have taken place on the water with the very best of friends and our amazing family.

This weekend was no different.  We had the opportunity to share another beautiful day on Lake Allatoona with special friends ... and their kiddos ...

Kayla, Whitney, and Maddie

For many, many years, Scott and I shopped boats.  We knew that someday we would be boat owners ourselves ... and the timing could not have been better.  Our days on the water have helped me weather the storm ... and left a rainbow through the clouds  ... a true gift from God that has brought so much happiness into our lives ...

Here's to 100 hours ... and another 100,000 ...

Cuts for the Cure

Two weeks ago today, we had our first BIG fundraiser.  It was held at Nuance Salon in Roswell.  What an AMAZING day it was ...

It all began many months ago when one of my friends, Chelsea, contacted the salon owner ... just looking for a donation.  Instead, Linda offered to open her salon ... with several of her stylists ... for a GREAT day of FUN and fundraising.  On Monday, June 4th, we all met at the salon and put on an event to remember ... AND we raised $1399 for Team Princess Warriors ...

Linda (right) after providing one of many ADORABLE cuts!

Justin, Brooke & Me

The stylists at Nuance salon provided WONDERFUL haircuts and PERFECT service ... everyone involved, including my team, made Cuts for the Cure something I will always remember ... 

Jenny, Ella & Me

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every person that made this event happen.  Thank you to everyone that came out support this great cause.  And, thank you, thank you, thank you to Linda and Justin ... and everyone that opened their hearts at Nuance Salon ... you are a VERY special group of people and I feel blessed to have met you all ...

Here's to Linda ... to Justin ... and to my team ... 

The BEST Day Ever

What is the BEST day ever?

For some people, the very best day of each year falls on the day they were born ... an opportunity to celebrate life ... open gifts ... eat cake ...

For me, EVERY day is the BEST day ever.  Of course, it wasn't always that way.  Before cancer, I didn't  always recognize the beauty in each day.  Now, though, it doesn't take a birthday ... I know now that, with each passing day, I am blessed ... beyond measure ...

On this birthday, though, I did celebrate with my family ... and we did eat cake ...

This year, the cake was better than ever before!  It was a PERFECT symbol of the past year ... and everything that happened to me ... to us ...

It completely fell apart ... before we even had the chance to eat it!

Now, the cake is gone ... along with my cancer!  NO MORE falling apart ... it is time to continue to rebuild our lives ... BIGGER and BETTER than EVER!

So, GOODBYE 34 ... HELLO 35 ... 

Happy Birthday to ME!

Growing Up

As I look back through my blog and the entries I've written about my children, I realize how quickly they are growing up ... and how blessed I am to be here to be a part of their lives ...

Maddie will be nine at the end of this year and, each day, it seems that she grows even more.  In recent weeks, I have really noticed how "old" she seems ... how thoughtful she is ... how beautifully she smiles ... and how very proud I am of  her.  Maddie has handled these past several months with grace, with understanding, and with love ... and I could not be more honored to call myself her mom ...

Maddie & Me

Andrew will be starting school this fall and I really cannot believe that his kindergarten year is almost here.  He has grown into such a smart little guy ... one that makes me smile, makes me laugh, and never ceases to surprise me.  Each day, Andrew finds a special way of bringing joy into my life like no one else can ... and I love him to the moon and back ...

How can that face NOT make you smile?

Tonight, and always, I give thanks to God for my beautiful children ... and for all of the happiness they bring into my life ...

Medusa

This afternoon, I took my little guy to Target to spend his preschool graduation money.  Of course, at first glance, his selection is completely appropriate and totally expected ...

ANOTHER monster truck ... SHOCKER!  But, when you take a closer look, you will see why this monster truck is something special ...

MADUSA is an acronym for Making a Difference in the USA and this edition is covered in pink ribbons.  For our family, that ribbon will always have special meaning.  I was touched when Andrew told me, "It's a breast cancer truck ... I want it because of you."

Here's to Andrew ... and Madusa ...