3 days off!

What a beautiful, hot, humid day! The heat and I are not friends right now, but it is lovely. Some of our spring flowers are beginning to fade away, but the roses are starting to bloom and the annuals I planted are adding some amazing color, plus the hanging baskets on the front porch...so pretty.


Kristen is on day 7 in China, and we are hearing some amazing stories about her trip coming through some emails. What a wonderful experience for her! I hope she comes home!


Radiation is going pretty well...more fatigue each week and some redness/itching but nothing at all unusual. More uncomfortable, but again, just what is expected. So, as has been my life for the last many months, I do what I can when I can - otherwise I rest. And wait.


Songs this week...an old one by Carman. Anyone know him!?


Step of Faith
Above the noise I hear the voice of God givin' the choice for me to say
I do believe and will receive within the heart of me the seed of faith
He does accept a baby step as long as I have kept His word inside
But Jesus knows that I must grow and tells me I must go ahead and try
Well all right, okay, I guess it's up, up and away

Chorus 
I'm takin' a step, takin' a step of faith, Walkin' out on the promises God made
Takin' a giant leap in the air, Steppin' out on nothin' and findin' somethin' there
Tellin' the doubt to wait, wait, wait, wait
I'm takin' a step of faith

It turns me out to think I'd doubt someone with so much clout from up above
And yet I see the way that He can work with me and do it all in love
The past is gone, the future's long and I need someone strong to help me through
I'm ready now to take the vow and see just what the power of God can do
Well all right, okay, I guess it's up, up and away

Walking with the Lord, stepping in the light
Living by faith and not by sight...


I do love my music. Such a variety! This one has a funky beat and sticks with me.


From Jesus Calling:
Approach each new day with desire to find me. Before you get out of bed, I have already been working to prepare the path that will get you through this day...Search for deep treasure as you go through this day. You will find Me all along the way.

Colossians 2:2-3

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Isaiah 33:6

  He will be the sure foundation for your times,  a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;   the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.


These verses are precious to me. The Lord knows that there are days I need to be encouraged in my heart, and that I want complete understanding. He is teaching me so much, and is truly my sure foundation.


Thankful thoughts:

• A weekend with Bobby home, and Brit here too!
• Ice cubes...so nice on a hot head!
• Friendly people in a very crowded Walmart. That could have been a stressful trip! 
• Summer flowers. 
• BBQ ribs (never made them!) and shrimp on the grill...hope it's good!
• Air conditioning. Definitely necessary these days...

Have a great weekend, wherever you are. Just a brief word of very genuine thanks to all who have served or do serve in our military. This is what the weekend is all about and we have more than we know to be thankful for. I am blessed to know and pray for someone is each branch of our military (more than one in several branches), and I count it a privilege to hold you in prayer. Matt, Patrick, Dan, Ricky, Jessie, and so many others...you are a blessing to us.


Love to all,
Andi

Number 18 today...feeling it!

I can certainly say that, for the most part, what docs have told me has been pretty consistent...when I feel sick, or better, or needing time, or feeling fatigue, etc. They know what they are talking about, even though there are so many variables for each person. I have treatment #18 this morning, week 4. Even though it seems forever day to day, it is going very quickly in the whole scheme of things. So much easier in many ways than chemo was, but not without its issues. Time-consuming, fatiguing (but not til this week, really), and some minor skin issues starting. Again, they are taking good care of me and all the techs/nurses and Dr. Curry are delightful. I have been able to share in the 'ringing of the bell' with several ladies before or after my appointment, signifying the end of their treatments and that is such a simple pleasure! June 11th, I will be doing the same!


As you can tell by my lack of entries, I am getting busier as well as often too weary to write when I do have the time. And I sometimes feel as though I say the same things over and over, so I just don't always want to bore you! The Lord is reinforcing many lessons learned - primarily those about pacing myself, choosing priorities, and being comfortable with where I am right now. Trusting in His timing in restoring my energy and abilities, along with my physical healing. Still have so much to learn!


Songs I have been enjoying on my travels...

Every Time I Breathe (by Big Daddy Weave)

I am sure all of heaven's heard me cry 
As I tell You all the reasons why 
This life is just too hard 
But day by day, without fail 
I'm finding everything I need 
And everything that You are to me 

Chorus: 
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer 
I never want to leave, I want to stay in Your warm embrace 
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face 
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart 
I realize it's true that You are so marvelous God 
And I am so in love with You 

Now how could I after knowing One so great 
Respond to You in any way that's less than all I have to give 
But by Your grace I want to love You not with what I say 
But everyday in a way that my life is lived 

Depth of Mercy (by Selah)

Depth of mercy, can there be mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear? Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

Heaven find me on my knees
Hear my soul’s impassioned plea
Depth of mercy can there be
Mercy still reserved for me


There are others, but I'll save them for another day!


Thankful thoughts:

• The beauty of spring flowers! Planting flowers, seeing the riot of color as blooming is at its height...just LOVE it!
• Opening our pool...yay!
• Email - I can still keep in touch with Kristen while she is away! (China - huge trip!)
• Ceiling fans - hot flashes are intense these days...don't know where I would be without it!
• Days of energy - they are very encouraging!

I leave you with this verse.
I Peter 5:6-7:  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.


He is so capable and willing. Love to you all.
Andi

One of the few times I enjoy shopping...

I am not your typical mall-chick. Never have been, never will be. There's nothing wrong with being one. I'm just not! However, I do enjoy shopping with my girls. Yesterday, after radiation, Kristen and I hit the outlets for some shopping therapy for her upcoming trip to China, had lunch with Buddy and got home in time to get some much-needed rest and work done. All in all, one of the very few times I thorougly enjoy shopping - that and Christmas!


Even though treatments are only about 7-8 minutes long, I keep my eyes closed and sing to myself...no shock there, if you know me well!  The following song has been running through my mind. Specifically, Selah's version of it...they have a great, upbeat medley of this with 'Leaning on the Everlasting Arms' and 'Washed in the Blood', for those of you who know old hymns.


Standing on the promises

1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
   Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
   Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
   Standing on the promises of God.
   • Refrain:
     Standing, standing,
     Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
     Standing, standing,
     I’m standing on the promises of God.
2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
   When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
   By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
   Standing on the promises of God.
3. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
   List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
   Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
   Standing on the promises of God.

When driving there by myself, I sing this at the top of my lungs along with several others. I think through some of His promises to me...

• He will never leave me. (Hebrews 13:5)
• I cannot be separated from His love (Romans 8:35)
• I am welcome in His presence (Ephesians 3:12)
• I do not need to stay in darkness (John 12:46)
• He is a great source of comfort. (John 16:33, Matthew 11:28)
• I am His child (John 1:12, Isaiah 43:1)
• He is faithful and loves me (Isaiah 54:10)
• He provides guidance when I don't know where to go. (Isaiah 42:16)

That last one means a great deal - 

Isaiah 42:16 

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

So many times I'm waiting, unsure of next steps...so thankful for His promises.

Thankful thoughts:

• Seeing Kristen's face light up when she finds something she likes...
• Agreeing with her!
• A successful shopping trip!
• An afternoon at home and unexpected naps
• A husband who is happy with leftovers or cereal for dinner
• Surprise lunches with him!
• Fitting several pieces into the puzzle in the waiting room - got 5 yesterday!
• First sip of coffee in the morning...never get tired of it!
• A sister who is so generous with her time and knowledge - caring for Dad (and Mom) through this stage of their lives. We are all helping...but her knowledge is invaluable, along with her compassion. 

Have a wonderful day!

Andi

Week 2 underway...

My irises are beginning to bloom and the peonies are JUST about to pop. I love it! Just a beautiful time of year. I have purple/white, yellow, yellow/purple and blue irises and they are lovely. I will try to have some pictures up soon of these beauties. We, or more correctly, my family spent a good part of Friday night and Saturday planting more plants and mulching our gardens. Yucky smell, but beautiful outcome! I am thankful for the hard work they all put in, including one of Kristen's friends even when Kristen was working! What a blessing!

Radiation is going okay. I am having quite a bit of swelling on that side with some redness on my scar. While they said it is a normal reaction, it is early to have one at all. So they are watching it and checking every day. I still have some of my side effects but they are diminishing little by little, thankfully!

I'm not always sure what to say to folks when they ask how I am. Realistically, I won't be GREAT til this is done and over with, stuff is out of my system, and I am beyond the fatigue. That will be months. And I don't want to explain that to everyone all the time. But, when I step back and  consider my situation, I am better in a lot of ways because the Lord sustains me when I can't see my way through a dark moment, encourages me when I am tired, and reminds me that I am valuable to Him simply because He loves me. That is something I don't understand! This has been a high-maintenance time of life and I have learned so much...patience in waiting, priorities, etc. But, mostly, I have learned the value of time with the Lord, and that I am truly better than I deserve.

From Jesus Calling, May 2:

Living in dependence on Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. 

I am definitely more aware of His presence in everything...and I am thankful.

Thankful thoughts:

• The beautiful ride down to Paoli - Rt. 401 holds many lovely sights...flowers, trees, homes, even a longhorn farm with the cutest little baby steer!
• My lovely techs that serve me every day. And the nurse I am quickly growing to like so much. 
• The wisdom and gentleness of Dr. Curry.
• Funny movies that make an audience laugh out loud!  (We saw the "Avengers" this past weekend)
• Marge, one of the other patients who has been an encouragement to me. Wednesday is her last day! She gets to 'ring the bell'.
• The beautiful puzzle that is being worked on in the waiting room. But, they are so quick, I have only gotten to fit in one piece!

Proverbs 16:16

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

Love you all!
Andi

3 down...27 to go...

Well, the radiation has begun...Kristen is 'convinced' that I will come out of the next 6 weeks with super powers! So far, it is no big deal but just weird. Literally, it takes 10 minutes. I get a little nauseous afterward and have very little appetite. Others have said the same thing, though the techs say I shouldn't be nauseous with where they are treating. So, we will see. Maybe I am more anxious than I realize! I usually lay there and recite song lyrics or verses for those few minutes. One of the songs going through my mind is one by Selah, called "All of Me". The lyrics are below...the first verse is not as applicable, but the whole song is precious and runs through my mind a great deal.

All of Me by Selah

Holy father, love me still

I have fallen from your will

I am broken, Hear my humble cry, My cry

Take my life and make it yours, Lord 

Fill me with your love 

You are all I need 

I surrender all of me

I have wandered for so long

Tired and weary on my own

In your arms I know I’m home, O God, My God

Take my life and make it yours, Lord 

Fill me with your love 

You are all I need 

I surrender, I surrender, I surrender all of me

Seems appropriate as I lay there, very vulnerable, and at the mercy of this machine rotating around me. Such comfort in knowing Whose hands truly hold me and where I rest. 


Thankful thoughts:

• ALMOST blooming flowers...iris, lilac, peonies - can't wait. They hold such promise!
• New friends at radiation - the lady before me, and the lady after me. Lovely ladies.
• My friend, Joy...that is what she brings me! JOY!
• The gift of prayer - what a great week of prayer in our church. Special meetings, special people, wonderful promises.
• Funny commercials - I know, weird but some make me laugh...La Quinta commercials, and others..

Have a blessed, albeit rainy day!
Andi