Hey there! How are YOU doing?? How’s life? What are you grateful for today and what is your hard for today?

It has been a bit since I have posted an update… I have had treatments #4 and #5. Everything went smoothly with getting each treatment. Side effects are roughly the same. A lot of body pain esp in my legs is the most prominent and difficult side effect to manage still. I had a low fever and felt like I was sick for a couple of days after #5 amongst the other side effects I mentioned previously in my treatment #3 update. Treatment #6 is this Tuesday and my next set of scans is scheduled for mid November.

We attempted to manage the body pain with Prednisone. And while the Prednisone did help with the pain, it made me an emotional mess and I felt horrible in other ways physically. After trying a few dosage changes and not improving, we decided to go off of the Prednisone. I have been trying Aleve, but I am not seeing much benefit with that. It helps some, but I am questioning if it is worth taking (and risking upsetting my tummy ulcers – I am on a medicine to help protect my tummy, but….) because it just isn’t doing a ton for me. So we are still working through a solution for this.

We went on vacation to celebrate Kevin’s 40th bday (next month) and also to fulfill a dream and desire he has had for quite some time. We bareboat chartered a boat in the BVI and it was fantastic. I want to leave you with some thoughts I had and shared with some friends while seeing the most beautiful water and rainbows I have ever seen and spending such an amazing time with my most favorite people in the whole world (missing one, my Jenna Bean)…

God’s creation just leaves me in awe so often. This goodness, joy, and fullness [I am feeling] is a glimpse of Heaven. This is what He intended for us… I’m looking forward to the day He removes all the brokenness once and for all. And it’s in these moments I’m reminded that He’s good. Sometimes the darkness and hurt can blind me to His goodness and His character. I’m grateful for this reminder.

— Sarah Paxton

When your hard is too hard, take a moment to see something glorious – a sunset or sunrise; or close your eyes and listen to the leaves singing to our great King as the wind passes through them; or look out over the water as the breeze cools your face; or look at your beautiful children or grandchildren; or look at your beloved animal; or enjoy a wonderful meal; whatever causes you pause and to feel a fullness in your heart like no other – that is a glimpse of Heaven and our Yahweh’s goodness. I was thinking how small I am next to the island. How powerful the sea is. Yet in the plane flying in, the islands looked so small… I was convicted – who am I to question the God who created these things. The God who created me?! And yet, He welcomes me coming to Him with my questions, concerns, hopes, tears, and ignorance. How amazing He is. How grateful I am.

If you don’t know Jesus – the Way, Truth, and Life. I urge you – don’t waste another minute. Life is too short. Don’t buy the lie that you have tomorrow. Don’t buy the lie that you are your own god. Don’t buy the lie that you don’t need Him. With Him, and Him alone, we find our purpose, our joy, our hope, our salvation, and the fullness of life.

You are loved and you are chosen my friend. ❤