Prom Queen

Four of us are pooped after working in the yard and moving dirt!  Matt and Garrett were troopers in helping their dad and I out in the yard.  Our yard is looking good!

Pat is feeling much better today.  It is just weird how the pain is here one day and gone the next.  Thank you for praying.

I made the train reservations tonight and we will be departing on Tuesday afternoon.  We have to go a day earlier this week in order to meet with a particular doctor.  Praying that those markers are coming down, down, down!

My niece, Brianna, went to the prom tonight!  She is so beautiful on the inside and out.  She just makes me so proud.  The girl is smart, sweet and she loves the Lord with all of her heart.  I love you, Brianna! 

Tomorrow is my favorite day, Sunday!  Looking forward to worship in the morning!

Hugs!
xoxo

The Wedding

I was just watching the highlights of the Royal Wedding.  This morning at 5 AM Denise turned on the TV just in time to watch Kate walk down the isle and they said their vows.  I watched the exchanging of the vows and went back to sleep.  What a beautiful wedding and couple.

The retreat was fun last night and I really enjoyed the time with the girls.  Thank you again, ministers, for the great gift!  After breakfast we met again with a morning devotion and then shopped around the square in Granbury.  I have attached a photo of us near the lake.

I got home about 2:30.  Unfortunately, Pat had notified me mid morning that his back pain was severe, so he was heading home.  I am stumped about his pain and not quite sure what is causing it.  I just want him to feel good and we are always thankful for his good days.

Hope that you have a great weekend.  I am loving the sunshine!

Hugs!
xoxo

Lady Revelle Tiny-Buckholt

Hello from Granbury! I am being treated to an R&R as a gift from the ministers along with six others. We got away from the church an hour later than planned due to the last minute, but important duties that had to be done in order for Church to happen on Sunday!

All seven of us were laughing the minute we locked the door behind us as we left the church and have not stopped yet. What a great bunch of girls that I love and adore. Tonight we had a devotional leader from Truett Theological Seminary who was inspiring and very gifted. She was so refreshing.

It is late and my roomie, Denise, has to get up at 3 AM to watch that wedding. (I asked Pat to record it and he asked "what wedding"?) I will not be joining her!

As I close I am going to share my royal wedding guest name should I have been invited. How did I come up with my name? The game on FB was choose Lady plus my grandmother's name
plus my first dog's name plus the street name I lived on as a child.

Cordially,

Lady Revelle Tiny-Buckholt 

Think About it

Did you know that it is Administrative Professionals Day?  The staff at my office did and are so good in rewarding and showing their appreciation!  Today we were surprised with a a reception and a send off.  Tomorrow after work, all of the support staff at my church will be driving to an R & R overnight retreat and get the day off on Friday.  That is such an awesome gift of pampering and time away.  It will be fun!

I wanted to share with you the devotional from Purpose Driven Life that I read this morning: A lot of people are afraid to trust Jesus with their lives because they think that means he will narrow it. He’ll cramp their style and make their life smaller with a lot of rules and restrictions. When Christ comes into your life, the exact opposite happens. Instead of making your life more religious, he makes it more alive. He makes you more fully human and able to experience the life you were meant to live. He expands your horizons and gives you the ability to see things you’ve never seen before. You may be living a good life now, but God wants to offer you a better life. The Bible says, “He brings me out into a spacious place; he rescues me because he delights in me!” (Psalm 18:19). God expands the possibilities on your life because he delights in you. He doesn’t just love you; he finds joy in you!

It is so true!  God makes my life so alive and He constantly reveals more of Himself as I seek Him.  Have you thought that before?  If you accept Jesus as your Savior, life won't be any fun?  It is just the opposite.  I will never comprehend how much he loves me and the only way I can wrap my brain around that is by comparing His love for me to the love I have for my children.  Isn't that hard to believe?  He loves my kids more than I do. Wow!

When I am chatting with my friends there is one thing that I want them to know.  Life is precious and it can change in a split second. My heart is heavy this week along with a lot of others here in my home town.  An acquaintance of mine lost her husband Friday night in a motorcycle accident and he was killed instantly.  He had just left their place of business, had dinner with his wife and took off on his bike to go to the car races.  In just a matter of few minutes he was gone.   Today as I was leaving for work, one of my dearest friend's son-in-law had seizures the first of the week, hospitalized, in a coma and they were told this afternoon there is no brain activity.  He hasn't even been married a year to her daughter.  Heartbreaking. 

No one thinks it will happen to them.  We all dream, hope and plan to....grow happily ever after, hold those grandkids, marry--just fill in the blank with your dreams. 

He got my attention. I get it.  I was telling my niece today that I am stingy now with my time and how I spend it.  I also say I love you every chance I get.

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.  James 4:13-14

Please pray for these two families who are hurting.  God knows their names.

Thankful,
xoxo

Praying For A Good Day

Days when Pat feels good are most important to me and today was not.  I feel so helpless when I can't do anything to make him feel better.  Today has been of the roughest ones he has had in a long time. He says he can't describe it although he has been nauseous which is really unusual.  I ask that you pray with me for Pat to feel better tomorrow.  

Matt and Garrett had a church basketball game tonight, but I wanted to stay home with Pat.  They got beat by three!  Now Matt and Sam are driving back to Waco and there are storms and tornado warnings in that area, so Pat and I are watching the radar for them.

Pat and I watched Slumdog Millionaire tonight...I know, we are a little behind.  It was a good movie though and very unusual.  Oh, Miss Elizabeth went to the Ranger game!

Praying for my guys tonight!

Go Mavs!

It is half time for the Mavs and they are up one!  Go Mavs!

It was a good Monday.  Pat felt so much better and he is staying busy with America's Best Choice (remember, we changed our business name). Now that we have changed dealerships, we now have Dallas exclusively, so needless to say there is more area to cover.  Pat and I are both happy about the change and we can't wait to see what God has in store for ABC!

It is TAKS week at school.  Only thing that really requires of me is to make sure Garrett gets a good breakfast.  Well, I do that usually anyway, but I feel obligated to cook the "big" breakfast! You know, with eggs, bacon and biscuits.  Seriously, those tests are stressful for the students and the teachers. 

Today I was thinking about my day and what it held. I walk into my office this morning and the flowers that Matt and Missy gave me for my birthday have bloomed from their small buds. My day was simple at work as I didn't have any deadlines to meet in quite awhile. My heart skipped a beat when I got a text from Pat and he ended his message with "I love you."  The simple fact that there was leftover lasagna in the fridge and I didn't have to cook tonight made me sigh with relief.  Oh, and the Mav game tonight!  I am learning to appreciate and love each day.  Each day holds some valuable gifts. Usually the smaller the sweeter.    

While watching the Mav game, I am surfing and I go to Priscilla Shirer's blog and I read "In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content..." Phil 4:12.  The scripture put my thoughts into words...I have learned to be content.  It hasn't been easy, but this journey has made me appreciate what is really important and God has shown me what it is to have joy.  You would laugh at me if I listed the things in my life that bring me joy.   There is nothing like it!

Well, now it is the third quarter and the Mavs are up by 9.  I am going to finish watching the game (although Pat keeps asking me what the score is because he knows I am not "really" watching it) and maybe I will yell at the TV like Garrett and Pat are doing!

Goodnight!
xoxo

Happy Easter from the Easterlings!

Happy Easter! 

Easter is all about Jesus, but the "Easter"ling bunny did remember to come this morning.  He is not very consistent on his visits for some reason.

As we were all getting ready for church this morning, I was remembering those Easter Sunday mornings in the past when the kids were little.  Most of the time there was a good argument with the clothes that I bought them the day or two before. There was definitely a fit or two  because they didn't like what I chose for them to wear and of course the children's clothes had to match!  Then there were the mornings that you bought short sleeve spring clothes and you wake up to winter weather!   I couldn't help but wonder how many kids threw a good fit this morning because they didn't like their clothes!

My kids have been so good to help out or think ahead about what needs to be done around the house.  Pat had gotten a load of dirt yesterday and Matt and Garrett helped their dad out by spreading it for a few hours. Dinner tonight was Combs lasagna (named after my sweet friend, Yolanda) and salad for dinner. 

Keep Pat in your prayers tonight.  He is really feeling the effects of the chemo and his body aches are extreme.  I am thankful he felt like going to church, but that is about all of the energy he has today.

As you know it is the end of April and that means May is coming.  I am reminded after talking to my sister how busy and stressful the month of May is when you have a senior graduating.  I remember that like yesterday.  I don't have a senior this year, but my calendar is getting full.  Just Friday night I was worrying about some dates that are conflicting in May and then I open my Jesus Calling Devotional and this is what I read:  "Walk with me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans.  I died to set you free, and that includes from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear my voice.  A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control."  Then I read today on the 24th even more on planning.  "Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning."  Okay, Jesus, I hear ya....I need to quit worrying and trying to be a control freak.  What clear instruction!   Well, as I start a Monday tomorrow, I want to be mindful of that as a new to-do list begins.

Another Easter is almost gone, but we are reminded what this precious holiday is all about... Jesus' death on the cross because of His love and sacrifice for us. All of His pain and suffering were for you and me!

Have a great week!
Paige
xoxo

 

Easter Is All About Jesus

We Are Home!

It is so nice to be home.  The train ride was so relaxing and we think it is perfect for us traveling back and forth to Tulsa. 

We got home about 2:30 and have been lazy this evening.  Pat's body aches started in the middle of the night, so he hasn't felt very good.  Hopefully, he will feel a lot better by Sunday for Easter.  We watched a movie that was pretty good tonight called "The Way Back" with Ed Harris. 

Headed to bed and looking forward to my own pillow!

Easter is all about Jesus and His sacrifice for you and me! Sunday is coming!

Sweet dreams,
Paige
xoxo

Great News!

Howdy!  We just finished chemo and about to head back to Yukon to spend the night with my sister and family and return her car.  It was so nice getting up this morning leisurely, visiting with her and then driving to Tulsa which was exactly an hour and forty-five minutes. 

We have good news again! Pat's tumor markers are down from 158 to 116.  We are elated and so very thankful.  We will return in two weeks and we plan to ride the train again.  It is the way to travel.  I have heard several people that work here at the Center say that they are still talking about the train coming from OKC to Tulsa.  That would be ideal for us.

I am about to leave for OKC, so I am making this short.  Please join us in giving God the glory and praise for our excellent news! 

Thankful,
xoxo

All Aboard

All aboard! Hey! I'm on the train to OKC! What a way to travel. You get at the train station about 30 minutes before your departure so you can park and get your tickets. You get to pick your seat and just sit back. It is certainly not crowded and you can plug in your phone, and use it. Napping is what Pat is enjoying at this time. I'm too cold!

Today was busy for both of us to get out of town but a good one. We are looking forward to seeing Brian, Kelly, Brianna and Kelton. If this trip via train works we will see them often.

Going to read my book now!

Have a great night!
Paige
Xoxo

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wow!  My heart is so full because of all of my birthday wishes today. It has been a amazing and one of the sweetest days I will always remember.  This girl loves her birthday and this year was extra special. It it takes a journey to remind us what one year can deliver and what it can hold. Life is precious when you have friends and family like I have. I loved every text, email, pies, phone calls, facebook messages, sweet notes, brownies, froggies, lunch, cards, gifts, strawberry cake, and God hugs that I received all day.  Thank you so much for making me feel so special! At the end of the evening all five of us were together and that is a perfect ending of a perfect day!  Pat and the kids always make my birthdays special!  I love you guys! (did you notice the desserts I listed above that were served to me today....yum!)

Tomorrow afternoon Pat and I take the train to Oklahoma City and then on to Tulsa Thursday.  Sweet sis is picking us up and loaning us her car for the day on Thursday!  Michele reminded me tonight that it will be a "slow ride" on the train and I am looking forward to just sitting back and going on a new adventure! Michele, the song "Slow Ride" is playing in my head and I am sure it will be present when I board tomorrow night!

Elizabeth made it home safely from California!  So glad she had such a good time.  Matt and Loco came in tonight for his basketball game, so I was able to see him.  Garrett had two spring league games at the school and Pat had an appointment tonight! Pat had another good day and is good and exhausted at bedtime.

Elizabeth introduced me to a song that has been my favorite in the past month or so. Want to share it.  I have been wearing it out listening to it in my car each day.   Read the lyrics sung by Shawn McDonald.   

Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
‘Cause I cannot do it all on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na
Without You I'm so alone
I am weak but You are strong
You pick me up when I'm falling down
And I am crying
Out to You inside of my heart
I need You, Lord, oh so, for the part
I want You to have my life, Jesus
I fall to my knees
And I'm begging You, please, oh, Lord
Won't You change me
Make me new from the inside out
I want to shout out Your name,

click here  to hear the song

Smilin big!
xoxo

Sweet Days

I just love days that are sweet.  You wake up happy.  You hear a song on the radio that just brings tears to your eyes because you are thankful.   It is one of those days that you just feel something exciting is just around the corner and you get a few glimpses during your day.  What is crazy is that you can feel joy and peace when in reality, you shouldn't....but I do! 

I just got a text and a picture of a new baby girl, Wren Kirspel, 8.4 lbs and precious.  Proud parents are  Jodi Beth and Rob and grandparents, Toni and Marvin Givens!  New life still amazes me.  Congratulations!

Tomorrow a busy day!  Work, basketball and the arrival of Elizabeth from California. 

Pat has felt good today and has been busy with work.  It is a new and exciting time at the window company!  We are now announcing our new name, America's Best Choice. Same great company, quality and service, just a name change.  I am so excited for Pat and his team and the great opportunity ahead!  I have a t-shirt that I wear that says "My Husband Rocks" and I love wearing it because it says it all perfectly!  Pat, I am so proud of you!

Your crisis is your greatest opportunity to see God's glory and goodness revealed--and to have the high honor of revealing him to others~Steven Furtick.  I read this during my quiet time this morning. I put it on my Facebook wall because it grabbed my attention and I want to grab yours.  During this journey we have seen His goodness revealed and personally seen His glory.

I encourage you to think about this too.  Either you are currently in a crisis, just got out of one, or headed there soon. God's presence and his love has been shown the most during my trials and when I hurt the most.  Nobody wants the pain that can come from them, but I honestly would not trade those days in the valley as that is where I have come to know and love Jesus more and more.

Looking up,
Paige
xoxo

Champions!

Sunday!  My favorite day!  I wasn't in church and I truly missed it.  I did enjoy watching Garrett and the team play ball today and win the tournament.  We lost one game this weekend and it was tied until the last few seconds of the game. 

We just got home from Life Group! We started a new study on the book of James by Bill Hybels called "Live Wisely".  The first chapter was Developing Perseverance, James 1:1-4.  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds".  That scripture is hard to swallow, much less understand.   How do you feel joy in the midst of tragedy, heartache and pain?  That is what we discussed tonight. 

Here is one question that was asked:  "How can trials and difficult times develop perseverance in a follower of Christ?"  My answer was that I have learned that it is not all about me and my selfish ways and I have found how faithful God is in all things.

Just a couple of days ago I was thinking about His faithfulness and I was in awe.  You know, I know that God is faithful.  His word tells me that, but most importantly He has shown me that time and time again. You would think I could grasp this by now.   I get through a trial or have a major prayer request and God has always been faithful.  But, I don't just pray, trust and wait. No, I worry, doubt and repeat.   His ways are not my ways, so why would I possibly think God might  think like me?  My first thought is I am undeserving.  Sometimes I think God would just like to punish me.  This is not how our Heavenly Father thinks.  Yes, he disciplines, but he does it lovingly just as we discipline our own kids. 

How has God been growing perseverance in my life in the past year?  You want my quick answer or my long one?  My first answer is reading His word and secondly, praying.   I find through my quiet times while praying and reading, I find peace and joy that I crave during this journey.  As I have said many times before, I need your peace, Lord and I will need it every minute of each day.... 

Hope you have a great Monday.  Busy week ahead for us, but that is good.  Each day I cherish the little things and I am reminded that God is in control and I am not!  (That is a good thing because if Ms. A.D.D., as Pat calls me, were in charge, it wouldn't be pretty!)

In His Grip,

Paige

xoxo

Battle Scar!

Hello!  It has been a day of basketball in West, Texas and here at the house watching the Mavericks.  Garrett is playing with a new select team this year and all of them are from his high school, so they are the Spartans.  They played good today in their first tournament and won both games.  The score was not pretty and the second game was wild.  I would have to say that this game is probably one of the worst games I have witnessed such disrespect from coaches, kids and sadly their parents from the other team. The last quarter was getting rough and Garrett came home with a scratch down the left side of his face with a touch of a black eye.  He said somehow he got punched and scratched at the same time.   We return tomorrow to finish the tournament. I have attached a picture of his battle scar!

Pat didn't get to go to the game today because he had an appointment for work and at the last minute he went to Hico to mow.  When he got home tonight he was really tired and weak.   He is such a trooper! 

Tonight I had dinner with Matt and Missy and while driving home I was listening to the song "No Matter What".  I hear this song over and over, but as it was playing I was listening for a message.  Maybe a word from God through this song that he might have for me.  The second verse is:
When I'm stuck and there's nothing else by myself, I'm just sitting in silence, there's no way I can make it without Your help, I wont even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you will be my strength... No Matter What, I going to love you, no matter what!

That pretty much describes it for me ... "I will keep believing, Lord and no matter what, I am going to love you"

Hugs!
xoxo

TGIF!

TGIF!  It has been a good one!  Since I now have Fridays off, I went into the office with Pat and did some work there.  I am trying to poke my head in the office when I can so that I can learn more about the business.  Pat and I are so grateful for our wonderful team at Clear Choice.

Well, we will be going to Tulsa next week, so I booked the train to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. We leave in the afternoon about 5:30 PM and arrive in the city at 9:30.   Unfortunately, the train does not go all of the way to Tulsa, so we will be staying with my sister and then driving to Tulsa on Thursday. We will return on Friday to Fort Worth at 12:30 pm.  It will be interesting and I can't wait as I believe the only time I ever rode on a train was as a bluebird in the first or second grade. 

This morning I got a Facebook message from my cousin, Shaunda, who told me that she saw my dad on TV last night.  So, I googled and found him.  Click here to view the video coverage.  The damage was much worse than I expected after seeing the photos.  I am so thankful that he and Michele were okay.  I understand that Michele called dad at home and told him a storm was coming, so he went into town.  I am so glad he was not there in the barn and was safe and sound in town.  Remember, he is dangerous in his barn!

Basketball tournament tomorrow!  Garrett plays  in West, so I am looking forward to that. 

Well, I am dozing as I write this, but I am waiting on Garrett to get home so I can go to sleep.

Hugs!
xoxo

KTEN.com - Madill Man's Property Suffers a Third Time from Tornado Damage

Here is a clip from the KTEN news in which my dad and Michele were featured. The tornado went through his property and they caught footage his place So thankful they are safe and sound.

KTEN.com - Madill Man's Property Suffers a Third Time from Tornado Damage

They Are Safe and Sound!

Hello! 

It has been a good Thursday.  Pat went to work today and is feeling good, but tired tonight.  I took Elizabeth to the airport tonight so that she can visit her BFF in California and when I came home tonight I was able to help Garrett type a paper! 

I am certainly thankful that my dad and mom in Oklahoma are okay after the tornado and storms.  Dad said that the roof of his barn is gone and that two of his vehicles were damaged.  There is also electric poles down around him.  Fortunately, he was in town when the storm came through. 

Elizabeth and I were driving through DFW Airport when the phone rang and it was my mom.  She said "It is your mom.  Just want you to know that I am going to Mary's to the cellar and I have my dogs with me and I have called your sister".  "Okay, Mom, call me when you get out of the cellar."  She did and nothing was harmed at her place.  Elizabeth and I try to picture her driving down the road with her animals and then taking them down into the cement hole!  Mom, we are glad that you are alright, but forgive us for grinning!

It was so nice to come into a clean, sparkling house tonight!  The buyer said the master bedroom and closets  were not big enough.  Oh well!  At least I have a clean house and needed that motivation to get it "spring cleaned".  My house is still for sale if any takers out there! 

It is 10 PM and it is still early, so I am headed to bed!

Have a great weekend! 

Hugs!
xoxo

Oops!

Whew what a day!  First of all though I want to say thank you prayer warriors for praying for Pat.  He felt good this morning and worked all day. 

I got a call today around lunch time from my friend/realtor, Lagatha, who asked me if I wanted to show my house tomorrow?  My first reaction was "your kidding right? " She wasn't and I had a decision to make.  Was I up to the cleaning it would take to show it the next day?  I called Pat and he said he would help me (poor guy).  Seven hours later, I am done.  I made him quit just in time for us to watch Modern Family.  We had our house on the market for a year because we would like to down size.  We would like to sell it now,  but it is too stressful to list it and keep it clean for showings at a momen't notice.    It wasn't God's will for us to sell it, so we took it off the market in August of 2010.  Of course, I can look back and see why.  The timing might not be now either, but I'll give it a chance and it is certainly a good way to get your house clean in a hurry. 

There was enough dust on my furniture that I could write my address, seriously!  My closet was in the worst disarray I have ever seen.  So, I started in the back of the house and worked over and up!  By the time it was time to go upstairs, Mr. Garrett came home from church, so he helped me.  The picture you see was taken by my concerned daughter.  I was carrying trash down the stairs and somehow slipped and fell a few steps with the trash strewn everywhere.  I let out a yelp and she hears me.  She did ask me if I was okay, but to hold it right there because she wanted a picture.  I hurt my elbow a bit and then proceeded to hit my head on the weight bench five minutes later and then hit my hip on the corner of the bed just after that.  Geez! 

Well, I am pooped and going to bed.  I use to not be a night owl and was in bed by 10 and now it seems I am getting to bed later and later...not good for this girl who loves her sleep!

I hope you have a good day tomorrow!

Hugs!

xoxo

God Hugs

Purple!

Hello!  We watched some basketball tonight.  Garrett had two games at the high school which they won, and we made the last few minutes of Matt's game at the church.   I never get tired of basketball.

Pat had a rough day today with body aches and fatigue.  He says he is actually feeling better now.  I have asked my prayer warriors to join me in praying for Pat to have strength and endurance tomorrow as he has a lot of work to do. 

After Pat was diagnosed in October, we made contact with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network which supports patients and creates hope for anyone affected by pancreatic cancer. They will connect you with survivors in their network if you ask.   Tonight Pat got a call from Roger Stump.  He is the gentlemen on the Cancer Treatment Center commercials who is a seven year survivor of pancreatic cancer. He actually goes tot he center in  Zion, Illinois.   Roger took the time to give his testimony and tell of his journey.  Roger spoke of his chemo treatment as well as his naturopathic supplements.  He gives God all of the glory for his healing and believes that his positive attitude, good nutrition and using the supplements was key in his healing.  He stressed to Pat that he never quit dreaming and thinking about his future while he was battling the cancer.  I think Pat getting that call from Roger would be considered a God hug wouldn't you? 

This morning just as I finished getting ready for work, I just felt compelled to get on my knees and pray.  The first words out of my mouth was "thank you".  I find the first thought I have after I lay my head on my pillow at night is "thank you, Lord".  It is amazing to me that I am so blessed and grateful in the midst of this storm.  His presence is comforting and God's love is truly intimate. 

This morning I did ask the Lord to give all five of us a God hug.  I didn't ask the kids specifically if they received one today, but Pat and  I did.  Just as I walked out of the back door and was getting into my car I got a text from a friend of mine.  She and I have known each other for a long time, but our paths do not cross often.  I know that she is a prayer warrior and we have prayed for each other in the past many times.   When I looked down at my phone to see who was texting me, I saw her name and thought I wonder what that could be about.  I should have known because she was sending me encouragement and telling me that she heard a song that brought me to her mind.  She said she prays for us often and she loved me.  Receiving a text from her is not surprising, but the timing and the person God used to text me is what made tears of thankfulness run down my face.  I had just gotten off my knees five minutes before the text and I felt God was saying, "Paige, I heard you.  You are precious to me." 

As I said earlier this week, our sermon on Sunday was about the Holy Spirit and how we have to be still to hear God's still, soft voice.  If we are constantly busy, we can't hear Him.  We have to take time out of our day to stop and listen.  On my knees this morning I was still and I heard His voice, and He actually gave me an instruction.  After I understood the instruction, he told me He loved me.  He loves you too!

Sweet dreams,
xoxo

Basketball Again!

How was your Monday?  Mine was much better than Pat's.  I wish I could trade places with him.  These side effects from the ablasion are brutal and he just told me that he needs a good day tomorrow!  That is what I will pray for.

I worked today as I am now back to work in the office, but I have cut my hours to Monday through Thursday.  It is a busy job and one that I love.  As you have heard me say before, the staff at FBC are the best!

Following work I was able to go to Keeno and since I have missed the past three months, it was nice to see all of my girlfriends.  I was on a roll tonight and won five times!  Thank you for hosting, Angie!

Tomorrow we get to enjoy basketball again.  Matt and Garrett have been playing on the men's basketball church league on Tuesday nights and now Garrett is playing spring league with the high school on Tuesdays and will play this weekend in a tournament in West.  I am ready! 

Matt texted me this afternoon.  "Hey Mom, I got a God hug today!  I will call you after work."  I love the fact that he recognizes them.  He said one of his favorite elderly women drove through the drive through window at the bank.  As she was finishing her transaction she quietly quoted a scripture for Matt.  She drove away and he said it just stayed with him the rest of the day and when I talked to him after 6 tonight I could tell he was still smiling. 

I close tonight with the devotion I read this morning.  "Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the author of your circumstances.  The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank me for them.  The act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it."

Good night! Sleep tight!
xoxo

Praising Him on the Mountain Top!

What a great Sunday!  It was just a sweet day all of the way round!  When went to church this morning, and then we did some  cleaning and we ended the evening with Life Group.

It is a major "ta-da" in our huge cleaning project .  We got the pantry cleaned!  It is a joke now amongst my friends when I talk about my pantry, but now no more talking...it is done.  Pat helped me and he just took charge.  When I got in the car today after church to come home he said "Well, are you ready?".  I said,  "Yes, but are we talking about the pantry?"  He then said, "Well I hope I won't be too dominating".  I just smiled and said "Go for it, honey!" 

Pat felt pretty good yesterday and most of the day.  I think the ablation side effects were kicking in as we left life group tonight as his whole body was hurting.

I am so thankful that Pat felt like going to church today!  Let me tell you that this is one service I am glad I did not miss as God's presence was felt this morning.  The music and the message about the Holy Spirit will a memorable one for me.

Many mornings in the past few months when I go to church it is just hard for me emotionally as my heart is heavy and the tears just flow.   I love to go to church to worship, sing and hear His word, but some mornings I am there because I just need Jesus and I just desire be in His presence. This is the valley.  The valley is when you are depending solely upon God to carry you and you ask Him to help you get through each day one moment at a time.

Oh, but when I am on the mountain top it is an amazing high.  It is exhilarating and humbling at the same time.  Now, I want God to know that I give Him all of the glory.  I am thankful.  Yes, I am on the mountain top after the good report we got in Tulsa last week. I would love to remain here.

In One in a Million, Priscilla Shirer talks about the wilderness.  "God puts His people in situations where they could know Him by experience, where they could witness the range of His power in the context of His faithfulness.  Part of the reason the wilderness makes spiritual sense is because it enables us to know Him more intimately than we would if left to our own desires and devices."

My ultimate desire is to have an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father.  "His the one whose purpose in drawing me is to give me the opportunity to know---really know--this One who made me, wants me, and loves me." (Shirer)  Job 42:5 says  "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you."  Yes, I have truly seen Him.

It is a Monday tomorrow and I hope it is a good one!  Lord, we do need the rain though, so please rain down on us those refreshing water drops, but also your Holy presence in each of us.

Sweet dreams!
xoxo

Pure Bliss

We are so glad to be home! We cooked steaks and all of us five plus one, Missy, hung out and watched a movie! Pure bliss!

Hugs!
Paige
Xoxo

Headed Home Tomorrow

We are ready to sleep in our own beds, hugs our kids and play with Cash!  In the morning we fly home and we are excited!  Pat had his chemo this afternoon about 4:30 and after we returned to the room we ordered some Mazzio sandwiches.  When you have been here four days you are ready for some outside food!    Pat is now sleeping soundly.  We begin his chemo pill in the morning.  He is a little anxious about the side effects, so we are praying for minimal.  He didn't have to have a Neulasta shot so we are so glad he doesn't have to deal with bone pain in the days to come. 

We are still reeling from the good news and when I shared our good report with the nurses in Infusion tonight, they just confirmed how wonderful it is because they see this nasty cancer everyday. 

Thank you for celebrating and rejoicing with us!  We are truly touched by you and God's infinite grace! 

I love you, Lord!
xoxo

A Great Report! Praise God

Hey guys!  I couldn't wait to write on Caringbridge tonight as I have awesome news!  We met with Dr. Shrestha early this morning and she gave us a report of the bone scan.  Originally there were two spots on the bone, one on the right humerus and one in the back at T3.  The spot on the humerus is gone!  I also asked about the tumor in the bile duct or pancreas and that is not active as well as the second tumor on his liver.  They did the microwave ablation today at 3 PM.  It took about an hour and half before I saw Pat in recovery.  Dr. Pasqual said that the ablation went well and that he got a good burn.  (Sounds bad uh?) 

We are elated with smiles all over our face!  When I woke up this morning I felt such peace and I told Pat that it didn't occur to me to worry or fret about any bad news today. 

Dr. Shrestha is adding a new drug to Pat's chemotherapy called Tarceva which is an oral chemo drug that he will take everyday.  She feels that the cancer may be resisting the current Gemzar, so she is adding this drug.  When Pat is discharged tomorrow afternoon, he will get his chemotherapy.

After discussing Pat's back pain with Dr. Shrestha, she said that it could be possible that the pain could be coming from a degenerative disk that has been diagnosed in the past.  They wanted to do a MRI or x-ray to try to determine this, but we are going to wait and take a non-steroidal medication to see if that helps his pain. 

Our care manager nurse, Adelaine, was visiting with Pat and I after Dr. Shrestha left.  Pat was asking about her background.  She is from India.  While in India as a student she starting meeting with a group that was doing a Bible study and she accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior.  A group of them left India to come to the States where she attended a Bible School.  She is married to a Professor at Oral Roberts and they have their own ministry and travel around the world.  After she shared her testimony she was talking to us about Dr. Shrestha, who did her medical training in New Delhi, India.  She is a very compassionate person and is currently battling Bells Palsy, and in fact has paralysis of her face at this time.  Adelaine shared with us that all of Dr. Shrestha's team are all Christians and that they pray every morning before they start their day.  She said that Dr. Shrestha said that she noticed how much better her days are after praying and now insists upon them.  One day Dr. S asked Adelaine where these words were coming from that they were praying.  They told her the Bible and she has requested one just recently.  Someone asked her if she is close to becoming a Christian and she said she is almost there. As Adelaine was telling this story, tears flowed from her eyes. Before Adelaine said goodbye she went to get a teammate named Susan, who she introduced as a prayer warrior.  The four of us joined hands and prayed.  These two women prayed for Pat and I, the ablation, and for healing of his body.  Beautiful scripture was spoken over us and I have no doubt God was present with us.  As I heard these prayers, tears just rolled down my face.  How humbled Pat and I felt to be standing in this facility with believers of doctors and nurses who actually pray for you.  On top of that, Pat and I hear this great news of Pat's healing.  I am in awe of God and His current miracles that He has given us and that He would allow Pat and I to experience a place such as this Cancer treatment, which is a ministry in itself! 

Pat finished his grill cheese and potato chips a bit ago.  He currently has pain where they did the ablation, but the pain medication has kicked in and currently he is comfortable.

Murray and Misty were here to keep us company, and I am so tickled that they are here in Tulsa when we are.  They have helped Pat and I keep the smiles on our faces these past two days as well as keep my stomach full!

As I look over at Pat in his cute hospital gown, I see a courageous, handsome man that I adore and I am so proud of.  The kids and I call him our hero!  He is so diligent in taking his medications, rolling  with the changes and doing what the doctors ask of him without complaint.  He does this day in and day out and tries to be as independent as possible while trying to keep our lives as normal as it can be.  I would not wish this nasty cancer on anyone, but the five of us have seen firsthand the many gifts and blessings that have been bestowed upon us and we are forever grateful.   We are so thankful for our friends and family who reach out to us, love us, and pray for us through this long journey. 

Before you go to sleep tonight, I ask that you give God all the praise and glory for this great news! 

Hugs from room 237,
Paige & Pat
xoxo

Miss you Elizabeth, Matt & Garrett! 

Tulsa Update

Hello from Tulsa!  Our first appointment began at 8 AM this morning with registration and preop for tomorrow's procedure.  Following that we met with radiology to set the bone scan in process which was at 2 PM today.  The scan went well and I hope that we get those results tomorrow. 

This afternoon we met with the radiologist doctor, Dr. Pasqual, so that he could explain the microwave ablation procedure.  Pat will be completely under while doing the procedure.  They will insert a probe that will burn the tumor.  It will actually kill the good cells and bad cells and the goal is to get completely around the tumor so that none of the bad cells are left.  They will only be burning one tumor.  The second tumor he said looks inactive.  He said that was to our advantage that there was only one tumor.  Dr. Pasqual also said that he has had good results from this procedure and has been doing it for about five years.   The side effects will be flu like symptoms for a week as the body fights the burnt tissue.  Please pray for Dr. Pasqual has he discerns the situation and that the Lord will guide his hands.  After recovery, Pat will be hospitalized for 23 hours and we pray that his symptoms will be minimal. 

He was really a nice, young doctor.  For those of you who Know Arty Moto, he looked just like him and had the same mannerisms.  I texted Arty today and told him we met his twin.  Arty and Matt have been friends since grade school. 

The best part of the day was when my dearest friend, Misty, from the good old college days came to the center to hang with Pat and I.  Her husband, Murray, has a meeting here in Tulsa for three days.  The four of us went out tonight to the Cheesecake Factory.   Oh my gosh, we are stuffed.  I had a hard time choosing which cheesecake I wanted, but Pat and I shared the strawberry!  Yum! I believe I will have the rest of it tomorrow morning with my coffee!

That is just like God to arrange this visit.  She and I have been close all of these years and to be with her and Murray has blessed me so much today. If there was one friend that I think mirrors me, it would be Misty.  We laughed and laughed today.  Do any of you remember my children's plastercraft party shop, Kids Paint Too that I had in the late 90's?  She is the one who help me start my business.  Misty is celebrating 18 years since she opened her store, the Paint 'n Station.  What a blessing you are, Misty!   Thank you God, for your huge hug!

Tomorrow's appointment begins at 8:30 with our oncologist, Dr. Stresthda and then many appointments before Pat goes for the ablation at 2 PM. 

Thank you for praying and for your encouraging support and love.  I know that many of you are praying as I feel God's peace and that is such a gift to me. His presence and His peace is what I crave.   I keep saying "gift" and I have all week, but God has been amazing in providing and showing His love for our family. 

It is time to get ready for bed!  We love you, Elizabeth, Matt, & Garrett!

Hugs!
xoxo

Hello Tulsa!

Hello from Touristy Tulsa!  We are settled in at the Hilton across the street from the Center.  They are the same low rate of $40 either place.  This King bed is nice and comfy and quite a bit more plush!

Tomorrow Pat will have the bone scan and will begin the process of the procedure at 8 in the morning with the scan being after lunch. 

My boys said they won their game by 20 in their church league!  Good job!  I am sorry I wasn't there to cheer for you.

Elizabeth, thank you for the calm and uneventful ride to the airport.  We appreciate you very much!

I hope you have a good night...

Hugs!
xoxo

Nothing Like Home Videos!

Hello!  We just watched two home videos.  Our friend, Jordan Fanning, just brought down to home videos that were taken while we were on vacation with them at Lake Texoma in 1996 I believe and then in Colorado in 1998.  It is so cool to see when you kids were little.  In 1996, Garrett was in diapers playing baseball saying batta-batta.  Matt had a sweet speech impediment and Elizabeth was just cute!  Those two vacations were truly the most memorable.  Elizabeth was making fun of my high-wasted shorts that I wore with my hiking boots when we were in Colorado.  She also said, "Gosh, Mom you looked so young without any wrinkles"!  Yes Sis, about 15 years ago I had few wrinkles. 

Well, I am going to make this short tonight as I have to go pack.  Stephanie, the devotion I was referring to last night was Jesus Calling!  It is so good.

Have a great Tuesday and I will be checking in with you from Tulsa tomorrow night!

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

Trust Him

It is Sunday night and we are hanging out on the couch.  We didn't get to go to Life Group tonight because Pat was in pain.  He is feeling better now. 

We got up this morning leisurely, which was so nice. It was beautiful weather today in Hico.  Oh were those mama cows bellowing this morning because they were separated from their babies!

When I got home I transplanted the purple iris that I found on the side of the road yesterday.  I have attached a picture, but it is a deeper purple than what the picture shows.  I am so excited to have them in my flower beds.

It is going to be a short week for Pat and I here in Burleson.  Tuesday evening we fly to Tulsa and will be gone until Saturday. We have our usual appointments and two other tests.  On Wednesday he will have a bone scan and Thursday he will have a procedure called Microwave Ablation. (MWA) is a treatment that delivers electrical energy similar to microwaves to your tumor, destroying the cancerous cells.  Cancer cells are vulnerable to heat.  With MWA, microwaves agitate water molecules in the tissue producing friction and heat to destroy the cancer cells.  An Interventional Radiologist inserts a special probe into the tumor that allows the heat from the electromagnetic microwaves to pinpoint the cancer cells.  Following the procedure he will be hospitalized for observation for 23 hours. 

A new procedure such as this gives us hope, although scary.  I asked that you begin praying for Pat to have peace and that the tumors will respond to the MWA.

This morning I didn't have my Jesus Calling devotional, but I was fortunate to have it on my Iphone because I have it on DVD!  This is what I heard:  In Me you have everything.  In Me you are complete.  Your capacity to experience Me is increasing, through My removal of debris add clutter from your heart.  As your yearning for Me increases, other desires are gradually lessening. Since I am infinite and abundantly accessible to you, desiring Me above all else is the best way to live. 

When I heard "as your yearning for Me increases, other desires are gradually lessening."  This caused my head to nod a yes.  I have specifically experienced this in my life, particularly in the last two years.  It hasn't been easy by any means and I would have not chosen the path it took me to realize this.  All through the Bible, we are told that there will be pains and trials.  Just a thought of another trial around the corner makes me cringe, but Jesus is faithful and He is all I desire.  I wish I could tell you in words what it is to be His and to know that He loves me and that He goes before me.  Looking back at each and every trial of my life, He has never let me down....never. If only I could have trust Him more. Now, I desire less in the way of things and now even my dreams are....simple.  Pat and I are dreamers and have been since the day we were married.  We plan this and then we plan that.  What if we do this, then we can do that, etc.  Now, my most cherished dream is to be with Pat for many years to come and for my kids to grow to to love the Lord and trust Him as they live their lives. 

I pray the same prayer for you...to love the Lord and trust Him!  Hope your Monday is a good one!  We thank God for you!
Paige
xoxo

Go Rangers

Hey! As I type, Rangers hit a grand slam! It is hard to believe it is baseball season again. look forward to wearing my cute ranger t-shirt Brian and Lecia bought me for the world series last year!

We actually just got back from their house here in Hico after enjoying some fajitas. The weather is beautiful tonight. As I was eating my brownie I was gazing at Lake Pat from their house. I just felt God's presence and peace today. We got the calves sorted which was pretty easy. But before we did that Pat sent me to town for some creep feed for the calves. While in town I stopped at the square to view the Billy the Kid festival booths. I found a few treasures and visited one of my favorite stores. It is exciting to be able to find some cute clothes in Hico. What a great little town.

Pat and I discovered a patch of deep purple Irises across from the house on the county road. Pat noticed them about the same time I did. I went over to take a picture and it just made me smile. I have never seen purple ones before and I felt that discovery was just a hug from God. I then went to open a gate in the pasture and I looked around and all I see are purple wild flowers everywhere. I whispered a prayer. "Thank you, Lord! Thank you for providing me a reminder that you are near. My love for purple is growing more each day as I see it on my arm band and now in the nature you created around me."

Well I'll say goodnight and finish watching the game with Pat.

Hico! Hubby! Happy! Hugs!
Paige

The Ultimate Blog Party

 

Welcome to Petals by Paige and the Ultimate Blog Party!  This is my first year to participate and I am excited about meeting new blogger friends and visiting their blogs!  If you haven’t heard about it yet, The Ultimate Blog Party is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. It is a great opportunity to visit new blogs, make new friends, and win some wonderful prizes.

I am so glad that you stopped by.  Blogging has been an important part of my life for many years.  In 2007 I created this blog just for fun and it took me over 18 hours to get it where it was readable and presentable!  Little did I know that this blog would lead me to be a website owner, web designer and now webmaster for my church.  This blog first began as a hobby, and somewhat of a teaching tool, but it is now my haven.  It is now where I share our second journey of cancer. After surviving esophageal cancer in 2008, my husband, Pat, was diagnosed in October 2010 of stage IV pancreatic cancer.  We are in the fight of our life, but held firmly in His Grip. 

I am a Texas born, Oklahoma-raised gal who married the love of her life and moved back to Texas. Pat and I have been married 26 years and have three beautiful children that we  adore. In my spare time, I love creating silk and dried floral arrangements and five years ago turned my passion into a part-time business called Petals by Paige.

The best part of blogging is the friendships and the camaraderie.  Many of my dearest friends have been met here.  They encourage me, pray for me and even send me texts.  Just today I got a card in the mail from a blogger friend, Teresa, who I barely know, telling us that she is praying for our family.  Blogger friends are faithful and love you from afar!  

So glad you stopped by and I hope we meet along the way.  Join the UBP and meet some new friends!  You will be glad you did!

The Giver of Gifts

Hi there! It has been a long day that began at 4 AM as the alarm clock went off so that Pat could catch a plane today and return tonight.  It was window business related and the poor guy isn't back yet and it is 11:31 PM.  I have been praying all day for his strength and stamina.

I love gifts, but I love the giver of gifts the most.  This week has been such a blessing with others touching our lives.  I am amazed of God's sovereignty and his perfect timing.  Thank you, Lord!

Well, I am waiting up for Pat and dozing off, so I will say goodnight!

Hugs,
xoxo