Gotta love upswing day!

Happy January 2nd, everyone! I feel like I am coming out of a fog today...days 5 and 6 are definitely my hardest, but then day 7 seems to be the 'upswing'.  I still feel a little nauseous off and on and tired, but not the defeated, 'can't do anything at all' feeling. Got out to Walmart all alone, (had help with the heavy stuff), went to Sheetz, came home and started some stew. Had a lovely surprise visit from some camp friends and it was a treat! Then, rested, napped and still feel pretty good. It helps to know that there are days like this in between treatments. There will still be some down days this week, but more 'semi-normal' ones, too.

Speaking of normal, I received a letter from a friend of mine. It's an interesting friendship, having been formed through "Angel Tree" ministries around 20 years ago. Briefly, Angel Tree is a ministry that helps those in prison give their children at home a 'Christmas' on their behalf. 20+ years ago, we did that at our church in NJ. I wrote to tell the mom in prison what we did and she wrote back, asking if we could be penpals. What a blessing this relationship has been! I have met her 2 or 3 times, but she is still incarcerated. She is also an incredible example of patience and faith under fire. (She became a believer about 3 weeks after her arrest) Such difficult circumstances...I can't begin to tell you. SHE is worried about ME, wishing she could help me, wishing she could do more than pray for my current circumstances! SHE is offering me Scripture and encouragement to make it through. Talk about humbling! Anyway, in my response to her, I was letting her know I'm fine, etc. and have every hope of being absolutely fine. "Normal" is the word I used, and then I thought...I want to be healthy, yes. Normal? With all the Lord is teaching me, I would like to never be 'normal' again.

Thankful thoughts:

• Energy to do more today.
• Nail decals  :)
• Doing some things to serve my family for a change.
• Friends for my kids.
• Visits from precious people. I love the Laconis family.
• Funny cards!

I hope and pray you  are already finding things in this New Year for which to be thankful! They're there...

God bless,
Andi

Psalm 71:14-16

 ¹⁴ But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.
¹⁵ I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.
¹⁶ I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 71:15 Or though I cannot count it.