Blessings

Just a quick update on my health stuff. I go in the week of Jan 12th, 2014 to prepare for my body scan, which will be on January 17th, 2014. I am nervous, but I am going into this thing a little more prepared and a little more positive than I probably was 6 months ago, because I am prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers during that time that I get good results a couple of weeks after that! It has been a long journey, but I know God is protecting me and I will get through it, regardless of the results.

I am surrounded by so many blessings in my life: good health (aside from the Thyroid Cancer situation currently). Wes & I have grown closer as a couple together in this process emotionally I believe. I have so much support and so many people who are praying and wishing me the best through this time in my life. I am well taken care of in all aspects of my life currently. My family, and in particular, Chive “family” (who aren’t blood related, but they have been there for me SO much in the past couple of months) and my other friends have been so amazing & supportive & proud of me throughout these months. I feel so absolutely blessed to have so many people that I know I can count on for just about anything, and it’s an amazing feeling. As strange as it sounds, I feel blessed that some friendships ran their course before I had to put the spotlight on myself for a period of time, to make sure I was taking care of myself and that my needs were being met. I know I keep mentioning my Chive family, but they have been probably the biggest blessing in my life this year. They bring out a part of me that I am happy to have back. I am excited to be able to finally give back to people because I want to and they would do the same for me if needed. The Chive has actually made my marriage have more meaning to it. I love that he and I share the same desire to pay forward what we can to others, because God has blessed our lives so much. I finally have the means to do things for people that I wasn’t able to before and I’m so thankful for that. It’s a blessing to be close to so many people who want to help make the world a better place and it is an infectious thing. Paying it forward and helping other people has always been a part of my life, but it used to feel like it was solely out of feeling like it was being asked of me or an obligation that might make or break a friendship if I couldn’t follow through. Now, it is helping to grow relationships with people, which is an amazing feeling!

I can’t even say how thankful I am that God has blessed Wes & I so much that instead of giving each other presents for our anniversary that we probably won’t remember next year, we were able to contribute to the Thyroid Cancer Benefit, by paying our artists who were willing to play for the event for free. Also, for Christmas, we don’t have a WANT or a NEED for anything this year, so we made our Christmas budget lower, which has allowed us share our blessings with others who are in need & help provide for them. That is the best feeling in the world to me. I hope that it helps others want to do the same!

I feel blessed beyond measure knowing that the Thyroid Cancer Benefit helped raise over $2,500 & received over $1,400 in value in donated items. The event surpassed my expectations and knowing I had so much support to make that night possible is an amazing feeling! I know that God had a hand in that, because I prayed and prayed and prayed that He would know my heart was in the right place in doing this event and allow everything to fall into place and He did! It’s amazing that even if you don’t have total faith in yourself, if you put your faith in God, he will take care of you, your needs and your worries. I put my faith in Him and He showed me that everything would work out. I prayed for the that the event would help at least one person. That one person might have just been me and helping me get through my healing process, but either way, I fully believe it served its purpose! I even made some connections. I met a retired Thyroid Cancer doctor and I also met a Thyroid Cancer survivor. I believe having her in my life will help me get through this process even more. It was so wonderful to see so many people coming out and giving to support the cause in some way. I feel like this is one thing that I’ve done in my life that I can be truly proud of, which in and of itself is a blessing!

This year has been so life-changing and truly has put life into perspective. I am by no means on the brink of death, but when faced with things like poor health, it really makes you appreciate the time you do have and the people you spend that time with.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas & remember that life is short. Remember what Christmas is all about & what Christ did for us. Make your life one that is worth living. Make someone else’s day with even just a small gesture. Make some memories! You won’t regret it!

Proverbs 19:17-“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. “
Romans 15:2-“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
Luke 6:31-“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”