Worry

Mavs are playing and as I type it is Heat up 47 to 45 just before half. Go Mavs!

I am back to walking again.  I think that I have now walked a total of four times since October and I am in the worst shape that I can remember. There are a lot of hills in my neighborhood so needless to say I am sore. Walking is almost perfect at 5:45 in the morning, but the summer humidity just kills my hair!  

After my walk this morning, I had only a few minutes during my quiet time, but I read my devotion from Jesus Calling.  The subject was worry. "My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me.  Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry.  My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.  However, worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me. Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.  When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me.  Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me.  I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it.  In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me.  Luke 12:22-21; John 16:33.

Worry!  As I said before, it can consume me. I have no control over any situation, so why worry? I would rather trust God, who knows what is going to happen anyway. Why not leave it up to Him and walk the path he has designed? A path that could be hard or painful, but we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His good purpose. (Romans  8:28). It all makes perfect sense in my head until my heart gets involved.  

Tonight I received a phone call of a situation that could be a major hurdle for us.  Honestly, my first reaction was calmness.  I remembered what I read this morning.  I said, "Okay, Jesus, you said to give this to you. So, here it is.  I am handing it over, but trying not to take it back. Oh, it has been nagging me all night, but I just keep saying "Jesus, you are in control."

Pat has felt good during the days, but these past few nights he has really struggled with extreme exhaustion and has to go to bed by 9.  Oh how I pray that the Tarceva can be discontinued next week and we are cancer free.

Today was a sweet day for me as far as receiving several God hugs from some special girlfriends. God used them to whisper words of affirmation and encouragement that I need. We are so thankful for your cards, messages, texts, emails and phone calls. Many times you send them just when we need them. 

Sweet dreams!

xoxo 

God Is Big Enough

What a game last night Mavs!  Soooo close.  We will see what happens tomorrow night!

I call today the official first day of summer because I didn't have to wake up Garrett for school.  No more "Garrett, do you want biscuits or toaster strudel for breakfast?" because he is on his own in the summer time.  I do believe he starts workout camp next week so I am sure he will be wanting his mom to make him breakfast. Every time that I have to be gone overnight on a school night, Pat says, "Garrett, when you push start and open up the microwave there will not be any food in there and your milk will not be poured and waiting for you in the fridge."  I know there are a other moms out there who spoil their babies.  I have always made my kids their breakfast when they are school, but the two older ones have seem to have forgotten.

There is nothing more rewarding or harder than being parents.  They are such a blessing, but being a mom is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.  There is nothing worse than watching your child hurt.  My children have been through some tough times, and I have cried a lot of tears on their behalf.  I know that God uses their trials to mold them and build their own testimony, but knowing that doesn't make it hurt any less.  Now that two of my kids are young adults, I can tell you that is exactly what God did with my kids' hurts.  Looking back at the tough times they experienced, I can see where God used it to transform them.

In order to allow them to grow, we have to surrender them.  I truly know that has been my biggest challenge in my spiritual maturity and I have to pray about it every single day.  Some days I fail.  Whether their worries or big or small, I think I have to fix them or catch them.

I am the peacemaker in my family and I have been that way my whole life.  Recently, I was struggling with this journey and I saw a counselor at the Cancer Center, which was my first time to visit with one. (I am not counting the free sessions I get from my boss, who is a counselor!)  After we visited for awhile and she got to know me she said she thought she knew what was causing me to stress out.  You have seen people twirling plates on a pole and trying to keep them going without falling and breaking.  She said that was me. I am trying to fix everyone's hurts and anxieties and when I fail, I feel guilty.   I am not surrendering my family; therefore, I am not trusting God. 

This whole journey is about: trust, faith. perseverance and waiting. 

As I am wrapping this up, I am listening to the news and they are talking about a young man at JPS Hospital, a local hospital, with a fight of his own.  They showed his wrist.  He was wearing the same wrist band Pat and I are still wearing "God Is Big Enough".  He is.  This I know.

Sweet dreams!
xoxo

Remindingus all to pray for Pat to have cancer free scans on June 16th!

Happy Birthday, Kelton!

A big happy birthday to my nephew, Kelton!  Wish I could have been there tonight to eat cupcakes with you!  Since he is 15 today, he will be getting his learners permit soon!  Yikes!  Love ya, Kelton!

I told Pat earlier this afternoon that this was one of those days that I love and appreciate.  This morning after coffee I started cleaning out my office.  I cleaned every file, drawer, nooks and hiding places!  That felt so good that I headed to the laundry room, my bathroom and closet and I just kept on going like that silly bunny on TV.  It feels so good.  I get so overwhelmed with all that I have to do when my house feels disorganized. 

While I was inside, Pat was outside working on his trailer and finishing up mowing the yard.  He has really felt good these last few days.  Good days for him are priceless.

Remember a few days ago I told you about Baby Cooper.  He is doing exceptionally well.  If you want to read the sweetest letter that his Nana wrote him on the blog his Aunt Katy created for Cooper, click here.  This letter will warm your heart, but I must warn you to grab a tissue.   Please continue to pray for Baby Cooper and his Mom and Dad, Jason and Karen.

Christ may delay coming to us during our times of distress, but it is simply so our faith may be tested and strengthened. His purpose is also that our prayers will be more powerful, our desire for deliverance will be greater and when deliverance finally comes, we will appreciate it more fully.  "With Christ in my vessel, I smile at the storm."...Streams in the Desert.

Hugs!
xoxo

Reminder:   On June 16th, Pat will have a PET Scan and a CT.   Join me in praying for Pat to be cancer free!  

Beat the Heat! Go Mavs!

It has been a really good day today for all!  Pat realized tonight that he has another week off and that just thrilled him!  I do ask that you join me in praying for Pat now for his scans on June 16th.  How awesome it would be to for him to be cancer free!

Elizabeth started her new job today and really loved it!  It is so exciting to see how God has opened and shut the doors for her to find a job that suits her perfectly. 

Matt is really enjoying working for his dad installing windows.  I know he is enjoying being at home and Loco does too.  You should see Loco in his Mav's t-shirt.  I have attached a picture for your viewing pleasure!

Hope you have a great weekend!
Paige
xoxo

Happy Birthday Wendy!

Hello!  The picture I have attached is a picture of Wendy Stowe, Jeannie  Carlson and myself.  We celebrated Wendy's birthday last night along with Elizabeth (Jessica, we missed you!).  There are no words to express how much you are loved by this family, Wendy.  All three of my kids think of you as their second mom and they have spent many hours hanging with you and your family.  You and I have been friends since our girls were in the 7th grade and our friendship has grown closer each year.  The very first time I officially met Wendy, I picked up Elizabeth at her house after attending Jessica's birthday party and when I arrived, everyone had a slice of birthday cake and a nice big carrot on the plate!  Wow!  I knew then she really was from California!

Pat and I consider Wendy our nutritionist too and has been there every step of the way in this journey by beginning research immediately the day Pat was diagnosed.  She shops for us, makes sure we have the best supplements and stays on top of what is new in the naturepathic world for fighting cancer.  She has juiced so many vegetables and made ice cubes and make sure we have plenty on hand and not to mention the many Costco runs.  She has bought us groceries and cooked many meals for us.  I know that I am embarrassing her right now, but I just want you to know, Wendy, that you have taught me what it is to give.  You have a heart bigger than anyone I have ever met and there is no way we could repay you for all that you do for us daily.  We love and adore you.

Pat's 107 year-old grandma, "Gan Gan" passed away. She was spunky, cute and full Czech!  I know that she is dancing in Heaven right now and is reunited with her sweetheart, Robert Earl!  Please keep Pat's mom, Christine and all of the family in your prayers.

Two more days of school left for Garrett!  Woo hoo!  Also, he got his braces off yesterday and he is smiling pretty! 

Tonight I have a very special prayer request for a very little Cooper Grayson Chandler.  He was born premature Sunday at approximately 25 weeks with the weight of 1.5 and 12.5 inches long.  He is my pastor's grandson, but I am also good friends with Cooper's Aunt Katy.  Cooper's grandmother, Gala, was Matt's second grade teacher, so you see we are connected and love this family very much.  He is doing remarkably well and breathing on his own, but the doctors say that he has many hurdles ahead.  God is still in the miracle business and so far little Cooper has been given God's grace (which is where they got Cooper's middle name, Grayson) and he is being  prayed for from coast to coast.  Lord, go before this precious little boy and hold his mom and dad's hand tightly as they walk each day trusting in you.

Sweet dreams!
xoxo