Living a Blessed Life

Happy Saturday, my friends! It is rainy and mild outside today, yet a beautiful day to celebrate two dear friends as they marry one another and join families. I love weddings, and am especially humbled that Between Two Gardens was given the opportunity to provide wedding favors for this beautiful event. Our entire mission is to Spread Hope and Spread Joy, and what better event than a wedding to do just that. I’m seriously excited!!! EEEEEE!!!!!! This comes on the heels of a full, uncomfortable week of procedures. On Thursday I had my annual colonoscopy, which turned out just great! We have progressed from Year 1 - Colon Cancer, to Year 2 - 2 polyps removed, to Year 3 - ZERO polyps or causes for concern!! Praise The Lord!!! Again, this is a testament to the numerous dietary changes I have made over the course of the past 2 years. Unfortunately, I get to do this yet again next year! (This is me - jumping for joy - - Haha!) Most people my age have not gone through this process and I h...

This week has greeted me with all of the emotions, thoughts, and anxieties I don’t want to have. I am overwhelmed (in a good way) by all of the kindness and love that our families, friends, and greater community have shown to our family. I will admit that asking for and receiving help is a tremendous challenge for me. I really prefer to be the giver and server! I read this quote yesterday, and it spoke volumes to me: “God never sends you into a situation alone. He goes before you, stands beside you, and walks behind you. Walk in Victory!” - She Rises I will walk in victory. Even when it’s hard, and everything within me is trying to hold it all together so I don’t lose it (for the 3rd time today), I will remember the truth. I will remember God’s promises. I will stand on those promises and allow Him to be my source and my comfort in the storm. As the title of this post suggests, I believe that miracles are happening every day. If you have been following my journey you may recall tha...

Happy Saturday, friends! It is currently 62 degrees outside and it feels glorious!! That may not seem warm, but for those of us living in this frozen tundra, otherwise known as Minnesota, it is very welcome. We know it’s only for a day, but we will take it, and do ALL of the things outside that are possible between thunderstorms. Haha! Signs of Spring are all around! Yesterday Darek and I met with a surgeon at the Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis. He is a surgical oncologist which gives him a greater understanding of the entire picture and course of care with cancer patients. He did a great job setting us at ease. He explained ALL of our options, answered ALL of our (let’s be real - Darek’s) questions, and found common ground talking Twins baseball with us. We even had a brief Sauna pronunciation discussion (this one’s for you, Michael ) as he is from New York and pronounces it like us, but has a friend who adamantly pronounces it Saw-oo-na. Nonetheless, it provided some humor ...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’” (Philippians 4:6-7) First of all, I need to acknowledge each of you - and the many prayers you have prayed for me, and encouraging messages you have sent my direction. I am grateful for each one and for each of YOU! I know that the confidence I have through this battle and the peace I am experiencing is because of you. I will detail out the results we have been presented with, but please know that right now I am okay. I am going to fight through this and come out stronger and ultimately healthier than before. Now, for the information breakdown: Darek & I met with an oncologist (Dr. L.) on Wednesday and have gained a better understanding of our next steps along this journey. She was absolutely a gem, and I believe God has his hand in this...

Happy Holy Week! The is the good I find in this week, during this season of life. The truth of Jesus dying so that I could have life eternally is the most amazing gift I could ever receive. Darek reminded us during our small group meeting this week that even Jesus asked God to take this cup from him, if it was part of God’s will. He did not want to endure the pain and suffering that he knew was coming. I do not intend to compare myself to Jesus, as I know nothing in my life comes close to all he endured. I do, however, understand not wanting the hardships of life to be part of my story. It is challenging to see the path ahead, and continue to count it all joy. We find ourselves back in the scheduling flurry of appointments, tests, and a lot of ‘hurry up and wait’ moments. Currently, I have all of my necessary appointments on the calendar. If you think of it, please take a moment to pray specifically on these days. Prayers for peace of mind would be great! April 13th - COVID test (p...

“In the middle of the pain you didn’t cause, the change you didn’t want, or the reality you didn’t know was coming… your life can still be beautiful.” - Lysa Terkeurst This is the post I never wanted to write, all the while willing my body to stay in a state that would not require it. I will begin by saying that it is well with my soul. I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions, thoughts, (dare I say) doubts, fears, disappointments this past week. I notice the sunshine (FINALLY) this morning, and am so thankful for the simple joy that brings. The white bark of the birch trees out our back windows shines beautifully, and even though I am completely over the snow, it sure lays a beautiful blanket over the dormant grass and plants. I sit here writing with tears streaming down my cheeks once again. Thankful for a restful night last night with actual sleep, I feel better equipped to process my thoughts and emotions this morning. I will share a bit of information because it is my intenti...

A common theme running through my thoughts has been Faith over Fear. I love how Lacrae says it, “pain strengthens, and fear drives faith.” I realize I have written about Faith many times, but right now that is the one thing I cling to, and I want to encourage you to do the same. Not for me, but for you and your family / friends. We live in a fallen world and no matter how much we try, we cannot escape that reality. People NEED to know that there is always HOPE ! They need to hear it. They need to see it in action through kindness, love, and support. No one is immune to the battles this life brings, so let’s extend grace to others, not knowing their struggles. I’m not sure what your Faith challenge is, but we all have moments or seasons when we HAVE to choose how we will stand. Your struggle may not be physical health. Maybe it’s a relationship. Possibly a struggle with mental health. Or, it could be all encompassing. At the end of the day, there are really only two options. FAIT...