Happiness is...

When I was little I loved going to my Granny's house and sitting behind my Opa's chair with a book. (One of four locations in this world that I have done my deepest soul searching.) I remember one book titled, "Happiness is a Warm Puppy." It had a Peanut's character on each page with a different "happiness is" message - I loved that little book because it intrigued me that someone might actually find happiness in something that I didn't think was so great.

Happiness is a sketch book and markers. Happiness is a heated purple hippo. Ok, maybe… but during chemotherapy? Yup. Araella finds happiness even in the midst of a situation that isn't so great…

Her platelets and her hemoglobin are low, but she finds happiness in Vitamin C infusions and in doctors who give us good advice, like cooking with sesame oil. Her port is uncomfortable sometimes, but she finds happiness in being complimented by nurses on how incredibly well it has healed in such a short time (thanks frankincense and prayers!) She has a tight strap under her chin for 8 hours during chemotherapy, but she finds happiness in the heating and massage functions of the chair (massage function just discovered during round 3 - not sure why she didn't try that button before?! LOL). She cut sugar from her diet two months ago, but she finds happiness in frozen organic bananas and carob powder (thanks Yonana!) 

She was diagnosed with the big C, but Araella has found that happiness truly is trusting everything to an even bigger "C" because even though she is walking through a dark valley, Christ is with her, He is comforting her, and He has filled her cup with happiness that is overflowing (thanks Jesus!)

Now a vintage item on ebay - filled with "happiness is"
messages that I now completely understand (thanks Sukee!) 

Hope

Packing for Round 3...

Over the past two weeks, I have spent time researching and reading and shopping and cooking and cleaning and THINKING... It has been challenging to find words that summarize all of the things that are buzzing around in my mind for a blog. It has also been difficult to find words when I pray. I have been working on not asking for anything when I pray. Don't get me wrong, I HOPE for many things and I BELIEVE that He can do all things! It just seems that many times when I have a "great idea," God has a completely different plan.  So, my prayers have been less about my words and more about listening for His.  It is when I am still, that the buzzing in my mind subsides and I know that God knows exactly what I am thinking (even when I don't!). When it is quiet and I stop trying so hard to find the words, He reminds me of His promises in a still small voice.

Initially, I had titled this post, "Packing for Round 3 of Chemotherapy."  But that is not at all what I am packing for.  My hope is not in the doctors or medicine or the dietary changes that we have made.  My hope is in the powerful Spirit of the Living God who is alive in me - and in Araella. Romans 8:11

I will write again soon because we are blessed to have so many of you covering us in intercessory prayer. But for now, I need to get packed for Round 3 of Walking in Faith <3

Schedule:
10/17 blood work, meeting with team, chiropractor, vitamin C infusion
10/18 chemotherapy and dignicap treatment

Mic Drop!

Wow! Araella and I have been waiting for Mike Donehey's video journal about the song, "I Have This Hope" ever since the lyrics and melody inspired us a few weeks ago… We had no idea it was actually written for someone in the same situation as Araella! Emmanuel is with each and every one of us in every situation ♡

Araella's reaction, "That was solid."

Chewbacca and Kombucha

Today is day 5 following Araella's second chemotherapy treatment and I am happy to report that she has fewer side effects!!! (no nausea, no eye trouble, less fatigue) The vitamin C infusion and your prayers worked! Praise reports make the enemy tremble. Even though the port surgery has caused her to be uncomfortable, we are claiming Round 2 as a victory and ask for prayers that the discomfort and irritation from the port will cease quickly.

One of the bracelets that Araella is wearing reads, YOU'RE FIGHTING MY BATTLES. These lyrics were our battle song this time around: My fear like an enemy army, is marching again, but I'm making a stand, you surround me on every side, your love is my armor... so I won't be afraid… You're fighting my battles!!!  (Here is the link to the song Battles by The Afters.)

Our battle against the weather: Since we arrived home, it has been dreary outside… Even Sukee has been avoiding the outdoors choosing instead to burrow under fuzzy blankets.  We decided that we had to get outside.  So today, armed with a Petco gift certificate, we set out for a little retail therapy. Our outing was only an hour long, however it was a successful mission. Sukee carefully considered a myriad of stuffed toys before deciding on Chewbacca while Araella and I chose a few sweaters for her.  At one time we vowed never to be "those" pet owners - however we now completely embrace sweater weather for all three of us.  On the drive home, we also picked up some kombucha (probiotics for Rae) with GoFundMe money. Thank you <3

 

I know this blog isn't about Sukee, but her smile is so cute in this one!
And, it goes with the title =]