Thankful for joyful Easter Sundays spent with the family, Easter egg hunts, uneventful drives home, and hugs from friends.
These last few days have been a whirl wind but I am incredibly thankful for God's goodness.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Day 89
Hallelujah!!!! I can't even type how incredibly thankful I am for today! Thankful for doctors willing to call on Saturdays, long walks with Dad, answered prayers, healing, small reminders of God's love, family time spent baking and decorating eggs, and happy tears!
The results of Dad's biopsy came in today and his cancer is a primary lung cancer. We will proceed with surgery as previously planned. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my family's shoulders and God is carrying it all. The journey is far from over but God is our navigator and will not lead us astray. Dad had a feeling from the beginning that this was the case but to have confirmation is such a relief. It seems crazy to be thankful for cancer but honestly the other paths were so scary. I know that God has used this entire journey to draw each member of my family closer to Himself. God's goodness cannot be expressed but the joy I felt in hearing that news will be a constant reminder of His mercy and love. He is a great Father!!
Dad, David and I went on a good walk this morning as well. Dad is improving every day and I pray for continued healing so his body will be ready for the next surgery.
God showed up in huge and small ways today and each one caused me to pause and praise His name. Baking sweet rolls with Mom, Easter egg decorating with my brothers and sister in law, talking to Dad about what he feels God is calling him to and what his mission is, and talking about Dad's favorite song and then having it play on the radio are just a few examples of ways God poured His love on me today. Days like today are what pull me through the dark days. God is so loving despite our wickedness. What could be a more beautiful reminder of such love than the cross? And on Easter weekend this symbol is so blatantly portrayed. Tomorrow we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the fact that we worship a living God!
Hallelujah! Amen!
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:9-12 NIV)
The results of Dad's biopsy came in today and his cancer is a primary lung cancer. We will proceed with surgery as previously planned. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my family's shoulders and God is carrying it all. The journey is far from over but God is our navigator and will not lead us astray. Dad had a feeling from the beginning that this was the case but to have confirmation is such a relief. It seems crazy to be thankful for cancer but honestly the other paths were so scary. I know that God has used this entire journey to draw each member of my family closer to Himself. God's goodness cannot be expressed but the joy I felt in hearing that news will be a constant reminder of His mercy and love. He is a great Father!!
Dad, David and I went on a good walk this morning as well. Dad is improving every day and I pray for continued healing so his body will be ready for the next surgery.
God showed up in huge and small ways today and each one caused me to pause and praise His name. Baking sweet rolls with Mom, Easter egg decorating with my brothers and sister in law, talking to Dad about what he feels God is calling him to and what his mission is, and talking about Dad's favorite song and then having it play on the radio are just a few examples of ways God poured His love on me today. Days like today are what pull me through the dark days. God is so loving despite our wickedness. What could be a more beautiful reminder of such love than the cross? And on Easter weekend this symbol is so blatantly portrayed. Tomorrow we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the fact that we worship a living God!
Hallelujah! Amen!
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:9-12 NIV)
Friday, March 29, 2013
Day 88
Thankful for lazy movie watching days, walks with Dad, family time and laughter.
Dad was discharged from the hospital this afternoon after having his chest tube removed. He said he instantly felt better and is definitely moving around better. We went for a walk around my brother's neighborhood and the PT part of me was very happy. We are still anxiously waiting the results of the biopsy. I am trusting that God will heal and will continue to show up. I am so thankful that we will be able to spend this weekend together as a family. What a joyous Easter this shall be.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35, 36 NLT)
Dad was discharged from the hospital this afternoon after having his chest tube removed. He said he instantly felt better and is definitely moving around better. We went for a walk around my brother's neighborhood and the PT part of me was very happy. We are still anxiously waiting the results of the biopsy. I am trusting that God will heal and will continue to show up. I am so thankful that we will be able to spend this weekend together as a family. What a joyous Easter this shall be.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35, 36 NLT)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Day 87
Thankful for amazing nurses, walks with Dad, family time and blackberry mojitos.
Dad was able to get up and walk around a bit today. He was having some difficulty with pain management but his doc is hoping to discharge him tomorrow. If that happens, he will come stay at my brothers house and wait for the results of the tissue stain biopsy. Doc said we may not hear till Monday...patience, patience, patience.
Prayers for pain control so Dad can start moving around and working on his breathing exercises to prevent complications. Prayers for patience as we wait the results of the biopsy. Prayers for primary lung cancer. Prayers for restful nights even while Dad is in the hospital.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Dad was able to get up and walk around a bit today. He was having some difficulty with pain management but his doc is hoping to discharge him tomorrow. If that happens, he will come stay at my brothers house and wait for the results of the tissue stain biopsy. Doc said we may not hear till Monday...patience, patience, patience.
Prayers for pain control so Dad can start moving around and working on his breathing exercises to prevent complications. Prayers for patience as we wait the results of the biopsy. Prayers for primary lung cancer. Prayers for restful nights even while Dad is in the hospital.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Day 86
Another emotional roller coaster of a day. But I am thankful for family, support from friends, careful doctors and my Dad.
Dad went in to the hospital around 8 am this morning. His first procedure was to place a radioactive dye inside the tumor so that his surgeon would easily be able to find the location. This procedure went flawlessly. He was then moved to a waiting room before heading up to wait some more in the OR. They started operating around 1:30. They easily located the tumor and removed it along with a perimeter of healthy cells to insure complete removal. They sent the specimen to pathology but the report was inconclusive. Rather than trying to make a rush decision the surgeon decided to post-pone the right upper lobectomy pending results.
So...where do we stand? We know that Dad's tumor is cancerous but we do not know if it is primary lung carcinoma or malignant melanoma that has metastasized. The issue is that treatment for the two cancers is very different. We are praying that it is a primary lung carcinoma and if so will proceed as originally planned by removing the entire lobe in which the tumor was found. If it is found to be malignant melanoma the treatment is chemotherapy. Due to the invasive nature of chemo, the doctor did not want to remove more lung than necessary to improve Dad's chances of fighting back.
All that being said we are PRAYING for a primary carcinoma. I don't know what else to say but that.
As for me I am struggling with patience and fear. I need to feel God close to me at this time.
Thank you for your continued prayers, they are what fuel me.
Dad went in to the hospital around 8 am this morning. His first procedure was to place a radioactive dye inside the tumor so that his surgeon would easily be able to find the location. This procedure went flawlessly. He was then moved to a waiting room before heading up to wait some more in the OR. They started operating around 1:30. They easily located the tumor and removed it along with a perimeter of healthy cells to insure complete removal. They sent the specimen to pathology but the report was inconclusive. Rather than trying to make a rush decision the surgeon decided to post-pone the right upper lobectomy pending results.
So...where do we stand? We know that Dad's tumor is cancerous but we do not know if it is primary lung carcinoma or malignant melanoma that has metastasized. The issue is that treatment for the two cancers is very different. We are praying that it is a primary lung carcinoma and if so will proceed as originally planned by removing the entire lobe in which the tumor was found. If it is found to be malignant melanoma the treatment is chemotherapy. Due to the invasive nature of chemo, the doctor did not want to remove more lung than necessary to improve Dad's chances of fighting back.
All that being said we are PRAYING for a primary carcinoma. I don't know what else to say but that.
As for me I am struggling with patience and fear. I need to feel God close to me at this time.
Thank you for your continued prayers, they are what fuel me.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Day 85
I type this upstairs in my brother's house while the rest of my family sleeps. I am listening to a Bon Iver album and friends, I am slowly crying. Not the heavy weep that leads to snotty sniffles or uncontrollable breathing but just a steady pouring of tears, of release. Today has been an emotional roller coaster. But I will begin, as I always do, by giving thanks. I am thankful for hugs from friends, handwritten notes that make you cry and laugh, understanding professors, worship music and family.
Tomorrow, if things go according to plan, my Dad will be having surgery to remove his right upper lobe. As you can imagine, it's kind of an emotional time for my family. There are many unknowns that can still arise and this is where I struggle. I like plans, clear and exact, even if they are difficult. But tomorrow is still in the air....potentially. My Dad feels ready to get things underway and does not want to hear that he needs to wait. He feels, understandably so, that he's been waiting for the last two months. But his doctor threw a curve ball today. If the tumor seems smaller than expected then he may suggest waiting. Waiting entails more scans and tests, but no surgery. But wait? Wouldn't that be a good thing? In some ways yes, but in others ways it would be like allowing a ticking time bomb to sit for a little longer. Talk about anxiety. So many question marks and blank spaces, but I was beautifully reminded of an absolutely incredible fact via a sweet friend's post: Jesus, my Savior, was human.
That's right. That's what I was reminded of. You see, I've been so focused on my great, powerful, all-encompassing God (which He is), that I forgot that He also became flesh. I forgot that Christ suffered. I mean He was CRUCIFIED. He knows fear and anxiety. He even cried out to His father to rescue Him! (Mark 14:36) He knows pain. He knows what it feels like to have your lungs pierced, your bones broken and your hands and feet nailed. He knows how excruciating that last, labored breath can be, BUT He also knows the glory of God and the majesty of resurrection. He trusted His Father, knowing that God's plan would lead to salvation for all, but don't forget that He was human. How incredible is that? What love!
As I stood wrapped in my Dad's arms before bedtime, I began to cry. The tough exterior that I have been attempting to maintain crumbled and there I was, a little girl, clinging to her Daddy. But in that moment my Dad said two beautiful things to me: 1) God has been telling me a lot through all of this and the medical exams have done nothing but prove Him right 2) I have a wedding to plan and I will be there. Of course, I made some comment about how he would have to hang around for another 30 years or so for that last one and he just laughed and hugged me tighter.
We may not understand all of God's reasonings but I know that God is using this situation for His glory. He is drawing my Dad closer to Himself and I have noticed a change in his heart. God is sovereign over all. So tonight, I will cry out to my Abba. I will cling to the cross. And I will rest in the arms of a merciful and understanding Savior. Amen!
He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:33-36 NIV)
Tomorrow, if things go according to plan, my Dad will be having surgery to remove his right upper lobe. As you can imagine, it's kind of an emotional time for my family. There are many unknowns that can still arise and this is where I struggle. I like plans, clear and exact, even if they are difficult. But tomorrow is still in the air....potentially. My Dad feels ready to get things underway and does not want to hear that he needs to wait. He feels, understandably so, that he's been waiting for the last two months. But his doctor threw a curve ball today. If the tumor seems smaller than expected then he may suggest waiting. Waiting entails more scans and tests, but no surgery. But wait? Wouldn't that be a good thing? In some ways yes, but in others ways it would be like allowing a ticking time bomb to sit for a little longer. Talk about anxiety. So many question marks and blank spaces, but I was beautifully reminded of an absolutely incredible fact via a sweet friend's post: Jesus, my Savior, was human.
That's right. That's what I was reminded of. You see, I've been so focused on my great, powerful, all-encompassing God (which He is), that I forgot that He also became flesh. I forgot that Christ suffered. I mean He was CRUCIFIED. He knows fear and anxiety. He even cried out to His father to rescue Him! (Mark 14:36) He knows pain. He knows what it feels like to have your lungs pierced, your bones broken and your hands and feet nailed. He knows how excruciating that last, labored breath can be, BUT He also knows the glory of God and the majesty of resurrection. He trusted His Father, knowing that God's plan would lead to salvation for all, but don't forget that He was human. How incredible is that? What love!
As I stood wrapped in my Dad's arms before bedtime, I began to cry. The tough exterior that I have been attempting to maintain crumbled and there I was, a little girl, clinging to her Daddy. But in that moment my Dad said two beautiful things to me: 1) God has been telling me a lot through all of this and the medical exams have done nothing but prove Him right 2) I have a wedding to plan and I will be there. Of course, I made some comment about how he would have to hang around for another 30 years or so for that last one and he just laughed and hugged me tighter.
We may not understand all of God's reasonings but I know that God is using this situation for His glory. He is drawing my Dad closer to Himself and I have noticed a change in his heart. God is sovereign over all. So tonight, I will cry out to my Abba. I will cling to the cross. And I will rest in the arms of a merciful and understanding Savior. Amen!
He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:33-36 NIV)
Monday, March 25, 2013
Day 84
Thankful for free mornings, sleeping till I wake up, coffee, and patient labs. I love little reminders from the Lord! Today in class we had a 17 year old patient who's goal was to "be awesome." YES! This is why I love the sassy teenage years.
Spoke to Dad this afternoon. Sounds like he has been cleared for surgery following a pulmonary function test, lung perfusion scan and a 6-minute walk test. He "passed" all of the exams by "leaps and bounds" according to him. haha! He also said that his pulmonary function test showed improvement as compared to the one he had in September pre-diagnosis. So thankful for God's healing hand and for His encouragement to make lifestyle changes. Dad sounds good and ready to start this process. Continued prayers for peace and rest over the next 36 hours. Dad will have a minor procedure at 9am on Wednesday to implant some radioactive isotopes. Then he will wait for the surgeon but is expected to have the lobectomy around 11am. Dad will be the second surgery of the day. So prayers for the patient and their family before and all those after as well. God is in control and He is a good Father!
2 Corintians 4: 16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Spoke to Dad this afternoon. Sounds like he has been cleared for surgery following a pulmonary function test, lung perfusion scan and a 6-minute walk test. He "passed" all of the exams by "leaps and bounds" according to him. haha! He also said that his pulmonary function test showed improvement as compared to the one he had in September pre-diagnosis. So thankful for God's healing hand and for His encouragement to make lifestyle changes. Dad sounds good and ready to start this process. Continued prayers for peace and rest over the next 36 hours. Dad will have a minor procedure at 9am on Wednesday to implant some radioactive isotopes. Then he will wait for the surgeon but is expected to have the lobectomy around 11am. Dad will be the second surgery of the day. So prayers for the patient and their family before and all those after as well. God is in control and He is a good Father!
2 Corintians 4: 16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Day 83
Thankful for free coffee, productive mornings, new workouts, open and honest worship, prayer partners, and hugs.
I am beginning to feel the stress of Dad's upcoming surgery. The anxiety that I expected to have much sooner has started to burrow in to my daily thoughts. I feel as though I am constantly forgetting something important or that I should be doing something but when I just stop and breathe I realize that everything is moving along normally. I know that God is sovereign in this but I am scared. I can only imagine how my Dad is feeling and my prayer is that God would lift him up with love, encouragement, peace, and hope. I ask for rest for my entire family. I seek peace. But above all I plead for healing.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:18, 19 NIV)
I am beginning to feel the stress of Dad's upcoming surgery. The anxiety that I expected to have much sooner has started to burrow in to my daily thoughts. I feel as though I am constantly forgetting something important or that I should be doing something but when I just stop and breathe I realize that everything is moving along normally. I know that God is sovereign in this but I am scared. I can only imagine how my Dad is feeling and my prayer is that God would lift him up with love, encouragement, peace, and hope. I ask for rest for my entire family. I seek peace. But above all I plead for healing.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:18, 19 NIV)
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Day 82
Thankful for amazing playlists which help me focus during studying, hazelnut lattes, food trucks, park adventures with Lindsey,and dinner and conversations with Ms.Alley! I love my friends!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Day 81
I hit a wall of emotions today. A mixture of so many things. I don't even know how to express. I am anxious about Dad's surgery, frustrated with my body, overwhelmed by loneliness and overall just sad today. I cried and prayed for about thirty minutes. I needed to feel close to God and to feel vulnerable at His feet. My heart tells me to rest in Christ, to rely on His strength and not my own, to not worry, and to have faith, but it's hard. I want to be the scheduler of my own life. My flesh wants to be in control. But my soul seeks a greater path and a deeper joy that can only be found through the cross and my Savior. So I'll cry today. I'll be renewed because My Father will not abandon me to fear and sadness.
I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. (Psalm 142:1-7 NIV)
I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. (Psalm 142:1-7 NIV)
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Day 80
I am EXHAUSTED so I'll update more tomorrow but I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful friendship circuit and for Adam Levine.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Day 79
Thankful for short class days, reunions with co-workers who always make me feel welcome, good workouts, my innate awkwardness, dinner with wonderful ladies, dance parties I. The kitchen, and double chocolate brownies which completely negate my workout. :]
I talked to my little brother for a bit today! Mom and Dad got him tickets to see Tim Tebow speak in CC. David was so excited. I am incredibly blessed by my brother. I cannot imagine our family without him. Even though I was 9 when he was born I have been given so many opportunities to bond with him and I am so thankful for that. Watching him grow into a young man is crazy but exciting. I pray that God would continue to draw David close to himself. I pray that David would never know a day away from God. I pray that he would always listen and choose God's path over the other trails that will lie before his feet. I pray that he grows into a solid Godly man who will be a loving brother, son, friend and one day dad.
I talked to my little brother for a bit today! Mom and Dad got him tickets to see Tim Tebow speak in CC. David was so excited. I am incredibly blessed by my brother. I cannot imagine our family without him. Even though I was 9 when he was born I have been given so many opportunities to bond with him and I am so thankful for that. Watching him grow into a young man is crazy but exciting. I pray that God would continue to draw David close to himself. I pray that David would never know a day away from God. I pray that he would always listen and choose God's path over the other trails that will lie before his feet. I pray that he grows into a solid Godly man who will be a loving brother, son, friend and one day dad.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Day 78
Thankful for a stress relieving work out, Starbucks coffee and making friends with neighbors at the gym. It's been an interesting day. Lots of random moments that I can't even begin to explain. That's life I suppose.
Dad's surgery is in a little over a week so my family is attempting to prepare and organize as best as we all can. Mom sounds stressed so I sent her a little "pick me up" card. Please continue to pray for God to remove the burden from her shoulders and to remind her that she is not alone. Hoping to talk to my little brother tomorrow seeing as it is his 15th birthday...WHAT?! I have no idea how that happened. I still remember going to the hospital to see him. I should probably blog about that kid tomorrow. :]
Dad's surgery is in a little over a week so my family is attempting to prepare and organize as best as we all can. Mom sounds stressed so I sent her a little "pick me up" card. Please continue to pray for God to remove the burden from her shoulders and to remind her that she is not alone. Hoping to talk to my little brother tomorrow seeing as it is his 15th birthday...WHAT?! I have no idea how that happened. I still remember going to the hospital to see him. I should probably blog about that kid tomorrow. :]
Monday, March 18, 2013
Day 77
Thankful for friends who understand me so well, catch up talks with the bestie, reminders of why I am single and okay with it, and my Momma for making me learn to cook.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Day 76
Today was an absolute blessing from The Lord! After a restless night, I was able to wake up and be productive so that I don't have a bunch of school work on my mind when I am spending time with the family in a little over a week! Then I spent the afternoon tidying up and organizing which, if you know me, always helps me to focus for the week and feel accomplished!
Then I was completely encouraged, rejuvenated and challenged by church. I love that our pastors actively seek God and His calling. Steve Hardin was praying before the service and felt the Lord telling him that the 7:15 service needed to be spent in prayer and worship, so he completely erased his planned sermon and just spent time leading us in prayer. I love that God works through man to bring His people closer to Himself. Steve wasn't even worried about all the work he had put into the sermon, instead he immediately followed God's command and hearts were opened. God is so GOOD. I cannot type that sentence enough. My challenge this week is to examine my own heart and to see where I am an oppressor and where I feel oppressed and then to ACTIVELY SEEK God's call for how to participate in the work He is doing right here in Dallas. I too often focus ahead and forget that I am where I am for God's glory and He has a purpose for my time here. I can only serve in the way He calls if I am willing to obediently pray and listen to His voice.
Praying for my Daddy this week as I am sure he will begin to feel anxious about his upcoming surgery. I love hearing how God is molding my Dad's heart. He is learning that through his stubbornness he has blocked out God and needs to listen to God even in the whispers. I pray that God would continue to drastically change my Dad and draw him near during this time of uncertainty.
Psalm 133: 1 "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
Then I was completely encouraged, rejuvenated and challenged by church. I love that our pastors actively seek God and His calling. Steve Hardin was praying before the service and felt the Lord telling him that the 7:15 service needed to be spent in prayer and worship, so he completely erased his planned sermon and just spent time leading us in prayer. I love that God works through man to bring His people closer to Himself. Steve wasn't even worried about all the work he had put into the sermon, instead he immediately followed God's command and hearts were opened. God is so GOOD. I cannot type that sentence enough. My challenge this week is to examine my own heart and to see where I am an oppressor and where I feel oppressed and then to ACTIVELY SEEK God's call for how to participate in the work He is doing right here in Dallas. I too often focus ahead and forget that I am where I am for God's glory and He has a purpose for my time here. I can only serve in the way He calls if I am willing to obediently pray and listen to His voice.
Praying for my Daddy this week as I am sure he will begin to feel anxious about his upcoming surgery. I love hearing how God is molding my Dad's heart. He is learning that through his stubbornness he has blocked out God and needs to listen to God even in the whispers. I pray that God would continue to drastically change my Dad and draw him near during this time of uncertainty.
Psalm 133: 1 "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Day 75
Thankful for amazing friends who are willing to act ridiculous with me! St. Patrick's Day parade was a success. You know it's good when a 6'2" leprechaun asks for your number. Haha! Not so good is the sunburn occurring on half of my body. Who decided to celebrate an "Irish" holiday outside in the blazing sun? Clearly that person is unaware of the pale, easily burned Irish skin. :]
Friday, March 15, 2013
Day 74
Thankful for new sandals for summer, tutu making evenings, fro-yo and lots of laughter with wonderful ladies!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Day 73
Thankful for 4 day school weeks, dinner with an amazing lady, and insane History channel shows!!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Day 72
Thankful for my professors who have been so understanding and flexible about my Dad's surgery. Thankful for serious and convicting sermons.
I have been desperately missing the community I found in my all girls home group. I have been choosing to live blindly to how hardened my heart becomes when I do not have loving yet tough accountability. As Chandler said in his sermon, "Instead of pretending to be Godly we need to pursue Godliness!" My prayers for myself include finding a group of women who are willing to honestly confess to one another our burdens, short comings, sins and heart breaks while rejoicing with one another about our blessings, gifts, and successes through Christ. I pray that God would give me an insatiable craving for His Word. And That He would provide me with quiet time to truly devote to Him, free of distractions, both tangible and mental.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:6-8 NIV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 NIV)
I have been desperately missing the community I found in my all girls home group. I have been choosing to live blindly to how hardened my heart becomes when I do not have loving yet tough accountability. As Chandler said in his sermon, "Instead of pretending to be Godly we need to pursue Godliness!" My prayers for myself include finding a group of women who are willing to honestly confess to one another our burdens, short comings, sins and heart breaks while rejoicing with one another about our blessings, gifts, and successes through Christ. I pray that God would give me an insatiable craving for His Word. And That He would provide me with quiet time to truly devote to Him, free of distractions, both tangible and mental.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:6-8 NIV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 NIV)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Day 71
Thankful for sweet emails from professors, ridiculous kinesio taping, lunch with besties, workouts, and phone rants with Bekah!
I know I say this a ton but I am incredibly blessed by my friends.
From my daily devotional: "Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful - and watch as your intimacy with God increases and as He pours out greater blessings than ever before."
This is really what this blog was intended for, to be a tool that continually draws me closer to my God and my Savior.
I know I say this a ton but I am incredibly blessed by my friends.
From my daily devotional: "Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful - and watch as your intimacy with God increases and as He pours out greater blessings than ever before."
This is really what this blog was intended for, to be a tool that continually draws me closer to my God and my Savior.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Day 70
Thankful for uneventful first days back to school,phone conversations with big brother and Dad, solid workouts and fantastic new music!
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4, 5 NIV)
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4, 5 NIV)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Day 69
Thankful for catch up days, Spring cleaning, Mommy's homecooking eve when I am away from home, ridiculous movies with good friends and fro yo!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Day 68
Thankful for safe drives home, music, friends who cook me dinner, laughter and kitty cuddles!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Day 67
Thankful for days spent with high school friends, for amazing kiddos, for family movie night and for relaxing nights at home. Last night in Rockport back to Dallas tomorrow and then back to the grind Monday...life of a grad student!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Day 66
Thankful for beautiful weather at the beach,loving puppy dogs, and relaxing days. Trying to soak up my last few days of spring break before I have to get back to the grind. Boo school.
Dad update: Dad's surgery is officially set for March 27th. Please pray for his surgeon. Pray for a quick and easy surgery. Pray for a fast recovery. Pray for healing. Pray for strength and encouragement for Dad and my whole family. Dad will have a pulmonary function test, a six minute walk test and a pulmonary quantitative perfusion test on Monday and Tuesday prior to his surgery. Things are beginning to move along. Prayers needed and appreciated!
Dad update: Dad's surgery is officially set for March 27th. Please pray for his surgeon. Pray for a quick and easy surgery. Pray for a fast recovery. Pray for healing. Pray for strength and encouragement for Dad and my whole family. Dad will have a pulmonary function test, a six minute walk test and a pulmonary quantitative perfusion test on Monday and Tuesday prior to his surgery. Things are beginning to move along. Prayers needed and appreciated!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Day 65
Thankful for beautiful weather, lunch date with a friend from 4th grade (Stubbs and Sullivan fo lyfe), family dinners and FaceTime rants with Megan .
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Day 64
Thankful for hometown coffee shops, Ford trucks, long term memory banks and lunch dates with Daddy.
I decided against going to the beach today because the wind was blowing at 25mph with 40+mph gusts. It was over cast and chilly. And just not a great beach day so I cuddled up with some coffee in my Dad's pickup and refreshed old ortho material. Then I met my Dad for lunch which was amazing. I love when you can just sit and have conversation. He sounds so much better than he did just a couple months ago and I thank God for being a continual source of strength and hope. I pray that God continues to use this situation for His glory and consistently pursues my Dad's heart.
I know that not everyone has a reliable and loving father figure. I am so blessed by my Dad. Even though I am "growing up" I still have days where I feel like a vulnerable little girl, I am so lucky to have a Dad who is always supportive and protective of me.
Trying my best to make the most of my few days in the hometown. Hoping to have dinner/lunch with a few friends from high school before I head back to Big D.
I decided against going to the beach today because the wind was blowing at 25mph with 40+mph gusts. It was over cast and chilly. And just not a great beach day so I cuddled up with some coffee in my Dad's pickup and refreshed old ortho material. Then I met my Dad for lunch which was amazing. I love when you can just sit and have conversation. He sounds so much better than he did just a couple months ago and I thank God for being a continual source of strength and hope. I pray that God continues to use this situation for His glory and consistently pursues my Dad's heart.
I know that not everyone has a reliable and loving father figure. I am so blessed by my Dad. Even though I am "growing up" I still have days where I feel like a vulnerable little girl, I am so lucky to have a Dad who is always supportive and protective of me.
Trying my best to make the most of my few days in the hometown. Hoping to have dinner/lunch with a few friends from high school before I head back to Big D.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Day 63
Hometowns are so weird. At least for me they are. In high school I couldn't wait to get out of this place and even during college I didn't really care about it all that much but now things are different. Maybe it's because I am growing up and missing the freedom of high school. Maybe it's because I am exhausted by the constant hustle and bustle of the big city. Maybe it's because I can finally spend time in this town without focusing on past mistakes. Maybe it's because I can finally completely forgive.
Whatever the reason today I spent cruising around Rockport. I rolled my windows down and drove the speed limit. I purposefully took Fulton Beach Rd instead of business 35. And I soaked in every thing. The sun, the breeze, the birds, and the waves. And I was overwhelmed by God's majesty and was completely rejuvenated.
Dad has a tentative surgery date for March 27th. I know he is ready to finally get things rolling. I am praying for healing and skillful hands. God is bigger.
Whatever the reason today I spent cruising around Rockport. I rolled my windows down and drove the speed limit. I purposefully took Fulton Beach Rd instead of business 35. And I soaked in every thing. The sun, the breeze, the birds, and the waves. And I was overwhelmed by God's majesty and was completely rejuvenated.
Dad has a tentative surgery date for March 27th. I know he is ready to finally get things rolling. I am praying for healing and skillful hands. God is bigger.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Day 61
Thankful for beautiful Texas skies, lunch dates with Bekah, a Dad with a sense of direction, hometowns, puppy dogs and family game nights!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Day 60
Wow...2 whole months of thankfulness has come and gone! And 8 weeks has flown by! I am officially done with my first clinical rotation and it's so bittersweet. Maybe I am biased because it was my first affiliation but I was absolutely blessed and encouraged by the staff and patients I spent my 8 weeks with. Today was a perfect wrap up day. I was able to discharge all my patients home (:]!!!) and say goodbye to my co-workers. One of my patients told me how proud she was of me and that if I hadn't told her she would have had no idea I was a student. It's moments like that where I know without a doubt that I am exactly where I am meant to be. God is SO GOOD! Saying goodbye is always hard for me but I know that what I've learned and experienced over these past weeks will only propel me as I move along. Only 9 months till graduation!!!! (AHH!!)
I packed up everything I own for a week vacation in the hometown! I am ready to see Dad and the family and to spend some time relaxing and hopefully soaking up some rays at the beach (even if the water is freezing). Every time I head to my little town on the coast I am more and more thankful for it. I didn't appreciate the beauty of it when I lived there but now that I live in a city I finally understand why people rush down to spend free moments there. Again, God is good!
Finished the evening with deliciousness for dinner and laughter over Taylor Swift with extra goats. Pretty marvelous day!!!
Ezekiel 11: 19 "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."
I packed up everything I own for a week vacation in the hometown! I am ready to see Dad and the family and to spend some time relaxing and hopefully soaking up some rays at the beach (even if the water is freezing). Every time I head to my little town on the coast I am more and more thankful for it. I didn't appreciate the beauty of it when I lived there but now that I live in a city I finally understand why people rush down to spend free moments there. Again, God is good!
Finished the evening with deliciousness for dinner and laughter over Taylor Swift with extra goats. Pretty marvelous day!!!
Ezekiel 11: 19 "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)