I had written something yesterday and published it here on FB. I am going to try this so you know I did something and can scroll down on my Hope Warrior page to read yesterdays. I’m not tech savvy and I’ve had people ask why they can’t read it….ha!
Category: Nicole Inman Posts
It’s January…Soccer Soccer
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. ” Romans 1:20
Isn’t God good? To see His design and how He can move color and light is amazing. I have really learned to love and experience God’s creation more and more every year. We have the opportunity to just thank Him and worship Him in these moments. What a blessing!!! Can we really look at this sunset and not wonder – who made it, how did He do it and what does He want from my life? So often we are running around so much, that we miss the BIG signs that God is here with us.
I’ve been crazy busy and I’ll admit a bit tired (I’m living life around here!) but, God has been good to keep my focused and give me the opportunity to spend with Him and worship Him. I am thankful…so thankful for these moments.
I had to pretty much finish training these girls this season. We were supposed to play in a college showcase and that got rained out. All of them will play for their High School teams and so we are unable to do both at the same time. These ladies and their families have been a blessing to me and I am honored to have them play for me and to know they have prayed for me and with me. Can’t always experience that in school ball as much, but when it’s club…there’s no line and I love it! Love you girls!
Abbey and Ashton have enjoyed time with their friends. We’ve gone to a few basketball games this year which has been fun. It’s been different not having the girls play, but also so much more relaxing…I guess for me I have kids on all these teams so I’m into every game I go to anymore. Too many kids that don’t have parents there that I know or they are in my class and some call me “mom” but, I am blessed to get to watch them play.
I have to admit, I love seeing the girls talk and share time together. They have such a good “twin” relationship and for that I’m thankful. They don’t have to be around each other, but they get along fine and as far as I know have never been in a “fight.” So thankful for that.
Nathan has been busy. He is loving music right now. He’s been to two piano lessons which he loves. We had to do lessons on Wednesdays which stinks, but we are hoping that we can change it in fall. He likes to practice and he loves to sing. So we shall see what the Lord is leading him to.
I put a bunch of pics below. Just great blessings the last couple weeks. Was blessed to get some more oils to help me in my treatment. Very thankful and I smell good! My high school soccer girls are working hard and desire to get better. I am blessed to be helped by them in so many ways. We got SNOW! I love just sitting and watching the snow come down. It was so nice to just sit and watch it come down hard and heavy. It didn’t leave any on the ground, but it was beautiful.
Scott and I went out to dinner with the Funks (our friends) and while we were there we got to see Alan and Pam (some friends from our old church) and then we got to see some other friends Angie and Scott before we walked out the door. So great! We ended up having to get a new washer and dryer after we had water all over the place. But what a blessing to get some and I love watching them do their work! Thank you Lord. The last picture….I know I look crazy as a fireman. But I loved and was blessed to go to Rick’s retirement party. Thank you for your service all these years.
I was sent this card and necklace from my friend Robyn. What a great reminder for me everyday that we are in a battle. An enemy that desires to kill, steal and destroy and I am thankful everyday for the army of angels that surround me and my Savior who stands in front of me and besides me to help me with all of my needs.
Thank you everyone for the prayers. I know the Lord is hearing them and giving me the energy and ability to do what He’s called me to do. I am thankful. I am blessed and I know that God is working and moving through this. I finished my 6th treatment so I am thankful for that. Praying for the Lord to provide my every need and for Him to live in and through me every day. He has a plan and will use THIS situation to bring glory to Himself and tell others, “listen up! Look at Me, Find Me.” I desire to be like that sunset and I know that He will show up and out BIG! Thank you FATHER!
Be Blessed! #hopewarrior
Christmas Time … is Here
Making the drive up to MN, there’s always two things you are watching: for the snow and the temp drop. We saw no snow in Missouri and really didn’t see any in Iowa on the way up. We had to get into MN to be able to see a bit of snow. This snow slopes I’m showing is a place you can go and ski/snowboard. I always went there at least once a year. Lot’s of fun. While we were heading up to Mn there wasn’t a bunch of snow in the forecast, so I was a little bummed. There wasn’t much snow on the ground either. But, the Lord brought us some snow while we were there and it was coming down hard. Lot’s of fun to see.
For Christmas Eve services we went to my parents church. Had a great time in worship and a huge blessing to see my best friend from high school, Stephanie Erickson(Foster). I haven’t seen her for years so seeing her was a special gift to me. She and I would spend hours laughing and training and playing soccer together. Thanks Steph for waiting for me so we could get a hug in!
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I couldn’t believe how much time Nathan spent outside in the little bit of snow we had the first day. He was outside forever. The girls were the ones pulling the cousins around in the snow. They claimed their running counted as team running…LOL! Goodness the little cousins loved having older cousins to pull them around.
After being outside for a long time, it was time to come in and cuddle with the kids and help out with inside games. Garrett led the 1000 piece puzzle making. He (and some helpers) finished it in 3-4 hours. That’s the picture of us putting last piece in. We enjoyed learning some new games with the aunts and uncles. There are so many cool games out there and unfortunately we don’t play them enough. Too much going on that we don’t carve it in to do it. Going to try to do better.
These ladies are my aunts. My mom is in the middle and these are her sisters. It’s always a blessing to see them. They did a lot for me growing up and my early married years. Very blessed.
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One of the days we went on a sleigh ride with a couple of horses back in the woods. It was so pretty with snow all over the trees. Not going to lie, it was cold. But, with blankets and coats…. you just get used to it and it’s not bad. Scott even survived. Loved watching the kids running down the hills with the snow everywhere and just enjoying watching their little cousins enjoying the moments.
We had fun at the Mall of America. However, it was very busy. So even if you want to eat at 1:45pm for lunch, there’s going to be a wait. We went to the Aquarium there and grabbed a couple cousins and my brother to go through it. Had a good time. It’s amazing to me how much they add on to the mall as time goes on. That thing was built when I was in high school. Pretty and fun at Christmas, as long as you aren’t in a hurry.
It was a huge blessing to have two of my brothers living closer to my parents now. They were able to host a lot of what we did to give my parents a break. Plus gave us a place to stay. The kids were loud. Not going to pretend they weren’t! It was a race all the time around the houses. Garrett found that the kids loved him a bunch! He’s really great with kids and loved the hugs and chases, ha! Ashton and Abbey were always carrying a kid around and playing with the kids. They enjoyed their baby time and babysitting so my siblings and our spouses could go to dinner. Nathan grew up this time. He did a better job being the “older” person instead of wanting to be the youngest! With 18 cousins, so far, and 14 of them are under 7….it’s a crazy time!
Abbey made those verses for each of my siblings. Did I mention that I have twin nieces now? What a sweet blessing for my sister to share with me. Such sweet girls. I pray….I pray that my nieces and nephews will love Jesus as much as I have been able to. When I was giving my little nieces and nephews a hug before we left…. I almost just broke down. We have no guarantee for tomorrow no matter what we are going through. But, I never spent a lot of time thinking about “my end”, until now with my diagnosis. I don’t think about it a lot, but it occurred to me, that I may never see my little nieces and nephews grow up. But, with cancer or not, that is that case for all of us. Each day, each hug, each smile, each moment is a gift and could be the last one. How would you want that to be? How would you want to be remembered? Life is short. It is. We spend too much time complaining and looking at how “bad” things are when we should be thankful and living the blessed life we’ve been given. I pray you take time to really live this way….You will be blessed. After all of this… we said goodbye to my family and headed home…..
When we got home we went to Stuttgart to visit and have Christmas with Scott’s parents. And we got to see our only living grandparent for Scott and I – Nanny. She loves Jesus so much. I am thankful for that. I feel so blessed that she prays for me and has all of the people she knows praying for me. She’s never thinking about herself at 97. Thankful she will be spending eternity with me. That sunset….was so beautiful and such a blessing. It was a picture of joy, hope and love just all wrapped up. When we left, Nathan, Scott and I went to the house to celebrate New Year’s Eve and the older teens went to have fun with friends.
It was nice getting back to town and back to some routine. Saw some of my girls a couple times at the school. Getting ourselves ready for the soccer season. We start100% when we get back Monday! Please pray against injury for these girls and for the girls to develop as hard as they work.
I”m reading through the Bible with some ladies. I’m using a different Bible this year and using a couple of books to help me think through some things. As I was reading about Noah today, I was really reminded about how so often, we allow what’s going on around us direct us and lead us to places that we don’t need to be. Noah walked with God. No matter what was going on around him, he chose to follow the Lord. Even when he was told to build the ark, which took 120 years, he did everything God commanded of him. I’m sure his neighbors wondered and laughed at what he was doing, yet that didn’t keep him from following what God had told him. As the world around him chose to live a different way, he chose to follow what God said, no matter what happened around him. How often do we give in to others or our circumstances instead of fully relying on and depending on the Lord? Our natural self, will do what we want and what is “good for us”. And we will miss out on what the Lord has set up for us. Don’t allow your circumstances to bring you away from the Lord. Trust Him and Follow Him each and every day. Many Blessings to all of you…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Prayer Requests:
- That I may feel prepared and ready to really get going on soccer and school stuff on Monday. I feel more behind this year.
- Pray that my energy level is high and my focus remains where the Lord has me
- For the Lord to continue healing my body and killing the cancer cells
- For us to help Garrett in his final college decisions and helping the girls as they choose where they may want to go and where they would want to play soccer.
I am With You Nicole…Do NOT Fear!
“Count it all joy, my brothers (and sisters), when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3
Wow Lord, Wow!!! What a day and crazy couple weeks. Just a quick update here at the beginning of this. Today I had my doctor appointment which started at 7:00am. Now, I was thankful to be able to done and leaving by 11:30am, but I’ve never had a dr appt that early before! Scott drove me and I got my blood draw and then waited on my MRI. Here’s what I realized: don’t drink coffee before you have to get your MRI. I didn’t have to use the bathroom in the middle of it, but I was ready to get up and move around not lay still!
Anyway, being in those machines is unexplainable if you’ve never been in there. You have to decide early that you are doing it and that you can do it….I remind the Lord to hold my hand and help me relax and think of things to think about. When they have your head locked in and you are about 4-5 inches from the top of the cylinder as you lay down, you gotta not be claustrophobic. I’m usually ok, but with a body ready to move today, I admit it was more a struggle today. But, the Lord is so good. We prayed for people, sang songs in my head, ran through Bible verses and thought about things. It’s hard to stay too focused because of the loud booms and noises that go on. After a while they come on over the loud speaker to tell me they are going to send the chemicals into my veins to be able to see what’s happening. You feel a cold drain run up your arm and into your shoulder and then it runs into the rest of your body. They continue to take loud images and then stop everything and pull you out. They told me I was in there for 40 minutes. Longest time….long time.
I am thankful that I didn’t have to push the emergency button to get out and that the Lord gave me what I needed to handle where I was at. When we finished we went up to meet with the nurse and doctor. I was told that my platelet counts were good but my white blood cell count was low but not low enough for them to change plans. As we looked at the two tumor areas…one of the areas was smaller than before (unexpected) and neither area showed activity, which is good. Dr. Ong was pleased with where we are and also told me she and her husband pray for her patients overnight by name. Isn’t that a blessing?! I also got to see one of my soccer player’s grandmas (Mammi), because she works at UAMS. Kate Duncan she was a sweet blessing today to me!
We also had a special special visit from Betty Phillips, from south Arkansas. She came to see me in the waiting room and bring dinner for tonight! All while taking her husband in for a doctor appt. We know her son and family. Listen, when people live in a belief that God doesn’t exist or there’s no way to believe it. I’ve believed, I’ve had faith, I’ve known…. but God has been so good to remind me that He is here and He is lifting me up and holding me. He has filled me with His Hope – which is real and lasts and pulls you through difficulties. I don’t know what He is doing in and through this, but I’ve seen Him do too much that He brings me to tears almost everyday. The calls, text messages, conversations, cards, letters….God touches people and to see Him do it, well it’s AMAZING.
Chemo pills will resume tomorrow night and go for 5 nights. Please pray that I don’t have issues, since it’s Christmas and we are traveling. I also have been told I need to gain about 5 -1o pounds. I feel like I eat all the time already! May have to eat popcorn again every night!
It’s been a good couple of weeks. The kids have enjoyed a lot of the ugly sweater themed things. Sort of funny… Girls have had parties with friends and we will do a party with the high school team tomorrow.
Girls have enjoyed club soccer and with a bit of a break and the start of high school…it’s new things going on. I am very blessed to have such great ladies to train and to be an influence over. Tuesday I got to stop a fight in the Parking lot, while loving on a girl that hit a car. Didn’t know any of the teens, but God is so good to just be given a chance to love on kids. Was very happy too. Also got to see one of my BSF gals – Mary Kate Arrington, who was brining me some veggies and a sweet HOPE ornament and beautiful cross – she got to relive high school life!
Nathan had his Christmas program and he enjoyed himself. He’s going to start piano after Christmas. He’s really enjoying singing and writing. He’s been writing a “novel” about the kids in his class and the made up stuff they do. I think he’s on chapter 8 or 9. Ha! He loves his teacher and looks forward to seeing what he gets to do each day.
Garrett had his last Christmas Band Concert last night. So amazing to see and hear how much better these kids have become over the years. Loved their sweaters and songs. Garrett found out he had gotten a 33 on his last ACT so he is pretty set for college. He was very happy and I know he trusted the Lord to lead him through it.
We are getting ready to leave for Minnesota for part of the Christmas break. We are ready to be cold…maybe not…. but see snow!!!!! We will get to see the 14 cousins who are all under 7! Our kids will be busy…and aunt and uncle will be too!
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:
Good sleep
Time to work on some exercises I need to be doing for my hip
To gain some weight
For the Lord to continue to clear up my tumor and make them gone!
Thank you for the prayers and blessings!
He reminds me “Fear Not, Nicole, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, Nicole, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Christmas Time…Be Ready to Share His Hope
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian HOPE, always be ready to explain it.”
1 Peter 3:15
I’ve not written in a bit. I could name a few reasons that seem “ok” reasons, but, honestly I’ve been busy with so much stuff. Which is good but, also CRAZY! I am thankful for the many ways the Lord has reminded me of His Hope and sent me others to LIVE His Hope and encourage me with it!
We are slowing down our club soccer stuff and transitioning slowly into high school soccer. It’s so amazing to believe that after Christmas we go full out with high school expecting season to begin the end of February. We will have games to play in the winter weekends for league and college showcases. It’s amazing to think we are at the time where girls are deciding whether they really want to commit to soccer in college or whether playing now is all they really care about. It’s a huge deal and takes time for players and parents…. and I guess coaches! My high school girls joined me for a Thanksgiving party and we were able to do some shopping for kids in need and do a scavenger hunt at Walmart. Thanks Walmart! They were nice and gave us some coupons to help us out.
One of the exciting things that happened around here lately, was that our football team won state! This was huge. First time ever and obviously Garrett and the girls have friends that play so that makes the games even more thrilling. Fun for me to look out there and know that I coached some of the boys in soccer and then they chose football. It’s been great getting to know these guys again and also to get to know new players that I didn’t know last year. The guys had some good leaders and I enjoyed player game day chats and doing what I can to pour into their lives with their classmates.
One of the many blessings I thank God for is that students tell me prayer requests they have and really get deep when they have things they need to talk about. They want to hear what I have to say and I am a counselor that has been given a classroom….at least that’s how it feels most days! But I am thankful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to minister to so many students. There are so many that are hurting and dealing with so much that it’s heartbreaking. This picture below is from our pep rally before one of the last football games. Garrett is in the back somewhere with the band.
Scott has been busy last weekend and will be this weekend doing the TV broadcast of the football finals. He’s enjoyed it and was a treat to have our own school in the finals. It’s been a while since he has done TV football play by play but, he was born to do it easily so it sounded great.
One of the things we have enjoyed the past couple weeks is our fire pit. I loved being able to sit outside with Scott and the kids that were around and just enjoy the outside. The weather is definitely cooling down around here and making it feel like winter is close. Living without much hair has made the cold, feel colder! I’m always in a hat keeping this head warm.
We are still being blessed by people who come by here to drop off a meal or text me to just remind me that I am being prayed for. I am so thankful for that. People have asked how I am doing and I feel good…different but good. I do what I can to take some oils, take naps in my car and eat healthy. I can tell there’s something going on in my body, but it changes so hard to pinpoint exact things. And before all of this, my body was pretty strong and didn’t change too much! It could be age now too…right?????!!!!!!! I will be heading to the doctors office in a week to check my blood counts…which have been good so far. The following week I get another MRI and have a dr appt.
When we go to Minnesota, we will see my 14 nieces and nephews. Hard to believe there are so many! We will see my newest ones – the baby twin girls. All my nieces and nephews are under the age of 7. So amazing!
Prayer Requests:
Good blood counts the next couple of weeks
Great looks on the MRI that continues to show tumors dead and I’m praying they are gone
Prayers for feeling good during Christmas break as we had to Minnesota to see all of my family. I’ll be taking chemo pills and I am just really praying for good rest while we are gone.
Prayers to know when I should go see someone and ask questions and not just ignore things
BLESSINGS and Take time to really praise and glorify the Lord as we get ready to celebrate His birth and coming to save us! As I mentioned before with my students, we are given opportunities to share the message of Christ…but there’s no easier and better time then at Christmas. God promised to send His son to bring salvation and to save His people from eternal separation from Him. He simply asks us to TRUST Him and put our Faith in Him and all that He has said. May Christmas be about Christ for us!
“Remember your promise to me; it is why only HOPE. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.” Psalm 119:49-52
Living in the rays of sunshine…
In the last week a lot has happened…I enjoy going back to look at the Homecoming pics and feeling good. I am very thankful for how I’m feeling right now.
We are still being blessed by wonderful people who bring us food or make sure this crazy brain lady has food for all of us – through the blessing of others. It is such a blessing that we don’t deserve, but so many of you are using the opportunity to be Christ to our family and we see Him in you. Thank you. Try this bbq if you haven’t yet…it’s good stuff!
I am very thankful for the memories that are just being poured on as we see people and I watch those around me, like my kids, doing different things. Time is flying by. We were very blessed to be able to have a very busy, cold and wet weekend last week! It was fun to go to the Pep Rally for football, watch Garrett play and see one of my teacher friends wearing my shirt at the rally. EVERYTIME….EVERYTIME I see someone wearing my shirt or bracelets, I smile and I know it’s a way for the Lord to remind me and tell me, “I’m here. I’m doing something. Be still and smile. I am with you.” He has reminded me so many times. I pray the message of the shirt that HE is HOPE and when we have Him, we are a WARRIOR no matter what we face or what’s going on.
But, we got to celebrate before all of that even started. It was Garrett’s 18th birthday and Scott and Nathan stayed home to celebrate with him and his friends. The girls missed it because of a soccer tourney. Abbey and Ashton left early with another soccer family but still sent us a picture while they ate David’s Burgers on there way to St. Louis. We were going there for a soccer College Identification camp.
I didn’t leave with the girls because I wanted to stay and celebrate Senior Night with Garrett at the football game. Cannot believe it. I love that he will still hug me in public and doesn’t care what people say or do. He is so hungry to follow the Lord and to lead others and follow older people who are willing to invest in him. Can he really be a senior????
I was also blessed that night after I said Goodbye to Garrett so we could leave for St. Louis, to see Brandy Hansberry. She and I worked together for years when I was in student ministry and she was at the same church doing Children’s Ministry. We haven’t seen each other for years and I was hoping to see her because her son plays football for the team we were paying, but as I walked out the gate I was sad that we wouldn’t see each other… until… there she was! What a blessing.
My mother-in-law, Ann drove us halfway and then on to St. Louis. The Lord blessed us with good traffic and getting to the games plenty early. We had some crazy weather for a couple days. It was a blessing to see the girls play. Before the first game even started… I heard a voice that happened to be my cousin Tim yelling for “Nicole Peterson….” Ha! What a sweet little gift to see my two cousin’s families at my game. It was cool, but best game weather wise. Abbey is heading and Ashton is going to shoot and score in that picture.
Was Excited to see a bunch of my shirts again. Don’t always get to see my extended family. So it was a huge blessing to have them come up for the game and lunch. They live in Peoria, IL so not too terrible from St. Louis, but still a drive for them. Very thankful for the hugs and encouragement.
On our way home we got to see Scott’s side of the family about halfway home. Thankful that Bonnie, Ron, Karen and Frank were able to come and visit us at…wait for it….McDonalds! When you hit small towns and want to be near the interstate…your choices are limited. So good to see them there. And….the shirts!
I have been blessed with so many things. So many special people who continue to care for me and encourage me as I battle. I’ve got friends and family who do research on what I should eat and what will help me. And listen…. I’ll try anything. It’s been fun. Carrots are supposed to be healthier for cancer so I have been blessed by Nikki Funk who picks up drinks for me while gone or Trish Humphry who makes me drinks so have to give me energy. Couldn’t do all I’m doing without the extra vitamins.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord HIMSELF, is the Rock (sunlight) eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4
As we drove this weekend, we went from battling rain, foggy skies and then the rays of sun getting a chance to burst through the clouds. When I think about these pictures and all that we saw and went through, weather wise…. it reminded me of our lives…. and the joyous life we get to live when we choose to live with Christ in the center.
There are so many times we would love to just sit in the sun and everything is perfect, just the way we want it. Temp isn’t too high, no chance for rain and the sun just baking on us as a gift. But, we don’t live that way.
I can remember before my diagnosis, I would’ve been considered a healthy person, with nothing at all to go to doctor for. I’d go to the doctor for check-ups or for the flu and it was the only thing going on with me. I was healthy. The sun was out and I was living life volunteering and “doing” for others…. and I loved it. And then one day the rain and storms came in…. the deal is I can either choose to live in the storms or I can choose to pass through the storms while focused on the sun (Son) and living with Him.
There are days I admit I’m in the fog. While in the fog I talk to the Lord and really pour my heart to him. As I do that, He begins to lift the fog so I can see the road he has for me a head. I can’t see the end. I don’t know how or where He will take me. But, I can choose. I can choose to allow Him to lead me and to care for me or I can focus on the storms and get to where I feel lost in the fog. God is too good for that. He has been good to bring me students to share Jesus with, His love and His Truth and they ask me and want to know. Listen these kids know I’m not living in the perfect sunshine… according to the world… but, they don’t see me living in the fog and stuck living in the storms, no matter what I have going on. They see me trusting and living and most want to know HOW. It’s the Lord. Everyday the Lord gives me a ray of sunshine to smile about and be amazed by. Don’t let complete sunshine keep you from chasing after the Lord and don’t let heavy storms keep you from chasing after the Lord. Life without the Lord isn’t the same as life with Him. He makes a difference…. He is life.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Continue to pray that tumors are destroyed and not active in their desire to grow and move in my brain.
Pray that I will have continued and extended strength as I continue on my chemo until June.
Pray for me to have more opportunities to share Jesus with others
Thank you #hopewarrior
Blessings and Prayers in my Story
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south…..Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:1-3, 8&9
Even though we get great days, the week is always crazy? Right? Those of you with teens know how crazy life gets! Obviously the craziness usually revolves around the kids and what they have going on. Scott is still busy with Razorback games so we don’t get to see him or hangout with him as much as we would like on the weekends. But, we have been blessed to have Scott’s mom and dad here helping us out and making sure we get everyone where they need to be.
Last week I showed you guys the pictures of HomeComing Week. It was craziness. Garrett was tired being involved in a lot of it and the girls were busy enjoying it. But, hanging out with friends during it is always fun. The girls loved having their friends over to our house and getting pedicures in the morning. Course Garrett waits until right before it’s time to leave before he’s dressed and ready!
As Scott had to go to the Razorback game, the rest of us drove around town to take pictures and to eat dinner. The girls have a great group of friends and some of them had dates and some of them didn’t. But, they are all good friends.
Nathan sort of had fun. He loved talking to the other moms around and was really happy that we were catching a quick bite with a few of the moms while we waited to pick the girls up after they ate. Garrett was hanging out with his friends and he got home really late. But, his friends are all solid and have a great time when they hangout together.
Nathan had the opportunity on Friday to carry the “game” ball out for the high school game. It was pouring – pouring outside. Everyone was super wet. Nathan ended up really enjoying it after he was not excited about it for a couple weeks. He did really great and I was proud that he was asking questions so he would do it right. Don’t know if it could’ve been wrong!
We’ve started selling these signs to help raise some money for the high school team. The girls are enjoying the fact that they have a bit more free time when they only have soccer to focus on. It’s amazing though, I have no idea how we did it last year!
I always love seeing the girls wearing their Hope Warrior shirts. Sometimes it’s practice, sometimes to school or just around. It makes me smile and helps me focus more.
The girls are super excited to get their letterman jackets! I’m thankful because I guess the girl’s team hasn’t gotten them lately. That makes me a bit sad. Hoping they fit great and they have pride wearing them. I also got more bracelets! So excited. I’m praying people will be excited to wear them and remember that they are representing the Lord and me as we wear them. It’s a great way to remember that people are praying for me and focused on helping me feel great!
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
I wrote at the top of this Blessings and Prayers. I am thankful…. so thankful for all of the Blessings that I have been given from the Lord and from others around me. People who send me text messages, cards and more. I know how busy you are and every little thing has blessed me a lot. There are so many days where I have to remind myself that I’m “sickish” and that the Lord has picked my life to say something-I do not need to live wondering or down about it. Yes, I would rather just not have dr appts and remembering medication – when I sometimes forget and everything. Life was so easy just coaching and running myself and being with people I love. But, the Lord isn’t surprised by what I’m going through and He also has control of it. I just need to trust him and remember, that He is loving and He chose this suffering for me right now. No suffering I will ever endure will ever be close to what Jesus went through to go on the cross for me. And I am so thankful that He did that for me so I can be with Him one day.
As I begin to get ready for school each day and I spend time in the Word and in prayer, I’m always a bit sad. Sad, because the amount of time I would like to spend, and the focus is less than what it was this summer. Obviously! I had more time and minutes to do what I wanted and where the Lord led me. Right now I’m really praying that I will spend time asking the Lord to help me see more time to spend together so that I will not lose my focus or drive on the Lord. He desires for me to spend time with Him and growing to TRUST and LOVE him more and more. I cannot let my circumstances dictate how I feel or how I live. But, I know I need the Lord to guide me and show me, so that I will never depend on myself going forward.
Please continue to pray these things for me. I truly want to be a follower of Christ that does and lives how he has said. I do not want anything around me to hinder the message of the gospel. There are people who need Jesus and I want them to see Him through me. If what I do is honoring to the Lord, then let it encourage others – let the Lord be known!
Pray that my MRI I am having tomorrow (Thursday) shows the cancer clearing up and almost gone and that the chemo pill I’m taking will be ok on my stomach and my energy. I am finally feeling more energetic and of course there’s a million things I want to be doing and not having the energy is hard for me.
Pray for continual opportunities to share Jesus with others. He has been so good to allow me to testify and love others. He has been so good to me.
Blessings! #hopewarrior
Ahhhh…school…life…soccer…family…
What a great memory! The girls and Garrett with my youngest brother Andrew. Life used to be so simple. We talked about nap time, snacks and diapers. Now life is getting ready for college and complex life! Ha!
It’s hard to believe that Garrett is a senior already. It’s been a crazy month of – turn this in, do this, pay for this ect. It makes it harder because I don’t trust my memory – it’s not 100% so I’m always praying, asking Scott, my mother-in-law and my notes will get us to where we need to be. He’s been busy working at Chick-fil-a and keeping up with what goes on at school. He loves being at church and everyone who is in the ministry with him. Hard to believe he will be heading to college next year! Still waiting to finalize that. We are celebrating Homecoming this week and in the second picture….Garrett is set up as Mr. Rogers…was supposed to be someone you enjoyed as a kid.
Abbey and Ashton are busy as 10th graders. They love life! They have been busy with their high school and club team. Course I am coaching both of them, but I love them and the girls on their team. We are planning to head to St.Louis in a few weeks for a tourney. There has been so much rain it’s been crazy to practice and play. It’s been really hard!
The girls are always super busy with friends and creating memories. It’s a new day everyday. We are thankful they have good friends and spend time with them. They are doing good in classes and just love spending time worshiping the Lord – especially in the car…even when they are driving.
Nathan is in 3rd grade and just growing so much.
He had no desire to try any other sports but, he’s loving tennis so we are glad about that. He goes twice a week and enjoys the kids and the sport. So that’s great. News to us, he competed in the spelling bee and ended up finishing 1st in 3rd grade. He’s not someone who usually likes to be in front of people even though he’s a great little explainer and actor. He loves to sing too! He was embarrassed to say he won. So now he competes again in a month. He was asked to carry the game ball out for Homecoming this Friday. He will walk out with last year’s queen, a girl with special needs. Course, he wasn’t super excited about it either! We also celebrated his 9th birthday party and my parents were here for the weekend so they got to go to the party too. He took the day off and enjoyed time with Scott and his mom Ann.
This fall has been crazy for me. I’ve probably been more tired than I normally am which stinks. But, I finally feel like maybe I’m not as tired as I was. I was very regular at the beginning about sleeping and taking naps. Once school started I had to change when and how I did things. I tried to stay a head and not allow myself to be super tired. What I have figured out is that after chemo and radiation I felt good and then I got really tired. I got myself to take a nap everyday during my lunch to help my body out. It helped some. What has been great the last couple days, I haven’t taken a nap. Yesterday I felt great. Just really praying for the Lord to provide the energy and focus I need. School has occupied some of my thinking and I really needed to go back to the Lord and ask him to help me to stay focused on Him.
It’s harder during the school year to spend as much time with the Lord as I did during the summer. I miss that time. But, I also get to love on and challenge these teens. Just really pray for me to share with the kids and be more and to be focused on what the Lord has for me. That’s my desire.
I was blessed by a student who wrote me a sweet card and got me this coffee mug and lotion. I coached her in soccer when she was little and she has been in my film class. It made me smile. Really made me happy.
I’m about used to my hair ha! The wig has been hard to get used to and my hair is starting to grow back a bit. When I take my wig off it’s funny to see how my hair is underneath. I usually wear it Sunday-Friday and then I take it off and wash it. I’m more used to seeing myself with the wig than without it. My head gets colder too without it! HA!
One of our favorite pizza places is Larry’s pizza. We have enjoyed pizza there for years! We’ve done bday parties and team parties forever there. Mr. Larry has been such a blessing to us and makes sure we get pizza from him. Him and his family have been in our lives for soccer and other things and I have been blessed by him and everyone else in his family. I am so thankful for how they choose to help us and bring us joy. Thanks Guys! Please tell them thank you for us!
The Lord has been so good to me. I’m going to admit, it’s been hard not having the time I love having with Him. Yet, when we choose to spend time with him and choose to praise Him, he will come and love us and teach us. My memory and my focus has been crazy and I can tell my brain isn’t focused like it used to be. When I read the Word, sometimes I don’t remember what I read and sometimes I can’t understand what I’m reading. That’s been hard for me because I look to the Lord and really want Him to teach me and show me his Truths. I’ve found myself more like a child lately. I need to focus on simple Truths and what matters, not necessarily what will grow me or what I can teach. It’s different, but simple is what Truth is. Jesus came to show us love, by choosing to die for me. I deserve death, yet, if I choose to believe and accept what He has done for me, then all the things I’ve done that make me deserve death are taken away from me and Jesus takes my sin and takes them on the cross.
I was in class this morning and one of the kids in my class said a cuss word. I called him up to my desk and asked him about it. I have a different attitude and way that I deal with these things. I told him he needed to do 50 pushups. He didn’t want to. He hurt his knee and he couldn’t do it. I kept telling him he had to pay for what he did. He was trying to blame another kid, so I had that kid come up. This kid was like, I didn’t do anything. It wasn’t me, not my fault.(It was the first kid not his friend.) So I looked at this other kid who wasn’t even involved with the group and I asked him if he would do the 50 pushups for this kid. (now he is a football player) I said we need someone to pay for this. The kid looked at me and the kid and said he would do the the pushups. I asked the kid who said the word if he would let the kid do them. He was very happy to not do them. So after a little bit more conversation, the kid who wasn’t apart of any of it did the 50 pushups to pay for the mistake that was done and pay for it.
As I was talking to these kids. The story of what Jesus did stood out to me. Jesus chose to save me and die for me. I am guilty and I don’t deserve his love or forgiveness. Yet, he gave it to me and took the pain for me. I’m going through hard things. I am. Yet, Jesus chose to DIE for me. To be beaten so that I could be with him forever. He has changed my life today and for eternity. I was thankful for this simple yet foundational reminder this week. I get so caught going forward so much and wanting to know more, I forget to spend time just being thankful and focused on what the Lord chose to do for me and for those who choose to believe what Jesus has done for those who love and believe Him! It’s important for me to celebrate and focus on the HOPE of Christ and be filled with his joy and peace. Pray that this is where I CHOOSE to spend my time and to share this others!
“May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
ROMANS 15:13
Thank you for the love and prayers! Want to thank the families who are still bringing us food and come to talk to us. Nikki Funk has been such a blessing making sure we are where we are supposed to be. Was blessed the other day to get to talk with Darla Self and just laugh a bit together. All these moments bless my heart and make me smile. Thank you!!!!!
Love you,
HOPE WARRIOR
My Story on Video
My Story On Video – Click Here To Play Video
I haven’t fully written in a while. The last time I wrote, I wrote a few paragraphs and then got distracted and quit writing. Then I’m sure I moved on with life and that was it. So Lord, don’t let me do that again!
Enjoy this story done by my friend Billy and feel free to share! Please continue to lift us up to prayer – we love you all! If you click on the link above you will see the short video. Hope you enjoy it! #hopewarrior
Back in the Saddle…almost….
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”’
2 Corinthians 12:8
How long has it been since I told you all about my life? I feel like forever. It’s been different, and harder than summer was for me. I was thankful for the rest and thankful for feeling so great all summer. Then the beginning of August hit and I started school things and life changed a bit. It got busier and my body got tired.
I have been so blessed to have so many people around me who have prayed for me, written to me and checked on me. I feel so blessed and I needed it. My life has been a bit different the last few weeks. I started school and started ok. But, then I got sick for a couple days, I think with the lower immune system I was getting sick really easily. Which really isn’t me. Last year I didn’t miss one day of school and this year I was already missing school. It’s hard when you are dealing with sickness and your body make you feel weird. But, I was thankful I came out of it with a couple of day before we had to leave for Duke.
Going to Duke was new for Scott and I for lots of reasons, but we were glad we were able to go. They were very organized to have me come in and be a part of what they were doing. I saw 4-5 different people in there which was nice. The new doctor that was there Dina Randezo to see who was very nice and helped me understand what was going on with me. We just hired someone at the doctor’s office here, her name is Shirley Ong and set an appointment coming up who is a Neuro Oncologist . It was nice to meet the people there and let them give us their opinion on what we were doing and how to do what we needed to do best. After we talked to them for a while they told us we were done….the remaining days weren’t needed by the doctors any more. Which was hard to realize. There was nothing else at Duke we needed to do until we got done with a year of chemo.
I am going to be busy taking the chemo pill for 5 days every month. I will also be going in for my MRI every couple months to see how they are seeing what is going on after the radiation and the chemo. We are really praying that as time goes on the shape shrinks and that what the doctors see will be pleasant. Please be praying about that. We don’t need a slow year that doesn’t get cleansing from the Lord and doesn’t give us a huge opportunity to just tell others about the Lord.
We did get to spend a day together while we were near Duke. We were able to look at some places, eat a little food and we enjoyed just being together. Since Scott and I didn’t get to take any trips this summer together, at lease we had a day where we could spend time together and looked at some of the town a bit before we were going to fly home. We went to the chapel on Duke’s campus, looked at the basketball court, we ate lunch on campus, we looked at the old baseball park from the movie “Bull Durham” and we loved seeing all of the sports areas that were there. We finished the night with a movie “Beautifully Broken”. I slept a bunch while I was there and really started sleeping a whole lot more since then.
We were blessed to have my roommate from Mexico who drove over two hours to see us there with her husband and one of their daughters Jane. We had a great time sharing time together and eating at this really old place. We walked around and got ice cream and just loved seeing each other again. Kate had come this summer to see me and visit us. It was such a blessing for us that they would drive and see us again.
I haven’t had a chance to really write too much lately because I have been tired and unable to really be focused when the radiation finished and really made me tired the last few weeks. I am starting to feel better and starting to be able to focus on what is going on with me a little at a time. I used to consider myself someone who could really figure out what I wanted to say and what the Lord desired to say. It’s been harder. I noticed it more this weekend. I had the opportunity to teach Sunday school and I was so excited to start doing it again. My brain was slow and shut off for the few days leading up to teach. I prayed a lot and I was very thankful that the morning of teaching, my brain was at least clearer than normal. It still wasn’t as clear as normal, but the Lord did what He wanted to do and honestly, I just left him in charge. I was thankful….very thankful.
Having started back at school, was harder than I thought. It’s hard when your brain is slower and more tired than it used to be. I have to admit that when I sit in my class and try to teach every day, I felt very behind. It’s hard when I have never been that way and I can’t focus or do what I need to do these things. I am thankful to see the Lord providing for me and continuing to give me everything I need every day. We have been blessed with foods from so many people and people continuing to minister to us. Thank you. I’ve noticed the cards, flowers and gifts have been a constant blessing, because the tiredness is hard to continue to fight against.
One of the things that has encouraged me and makes me smile, are all the students that come and see me in my office. Especially when it’s my girls and their friends. They are always encouraging me with the shirts to remind me that I have Hope and I am a Warrior. I need that reminder everyday. I had worn all of these bracelets to school one day, and two of them were lost. I thought I may have lost them in the field house and the next day one of the softball girls and one of my soccer girls found them both. What a sweet blessing. It made me happy.
We have been really busy since before school started with club soccer. I have been trying to keep the girls growing and engaged, while my brain is trying to stay caught up with training! It’s so crazy how it’s hard for me to say things I know and I have to think longer to know what I’m trying to say. UGH! Thankfully it’s getting better and the girls and their parents have been super gracious and loving to me. I am grateful for the other coaches that want to pray for me and help me. My team was very giving to give me money for foods, airplane tickets and spending money while we were in Duke. So, So sweet. I am blessed.
It really is hard to believe that we are in school already. I have enjoyed getting to know the new students, but I would ask you to pray that I would I have the energy and focus while I’m at school. I don’t ever want to not give my best to everyone, so it’s challenging when I don’t feel 100%. So just pray that I will let go of having to be perfect or look like I know what I’m doing all the time.
The girls are finally getting more excited about the thought of playing soccer in college. I am really praying that they love the game, work hard, and enjoy the process of learning. This was a picture from going to OBU the day before school started.
Well….. One of the other big things this summer we wanted to do was get some stuff done around the house. We had not done much after we built the house, so we decided to go a head and get some of it done this summer. Well, I passed out right before I found out of my cancer and didn’t think doing home stuff during treatment would be a good idea. So we put it to the side. Until school was about to start again and we really decided we needed to get it done. Oh my. We are thankful for Philip Rye and all he did to help us get it all done. We are glad to be almost done and ready to just rest this fall. Now we have some new things in the house and our house is finally painted again.
I would really like to thank everyone for helping me and praying for me. I need the prayers again a lot as I look at trying to wake up again and get my life on track how the Lord desires to use me. He has been so faithful. I wish I could tell you the million things he’s taught me…But, one of the amazing things the Lord has done for me… this summer as I wrote I was writing a ton on warrior angels. Ok, since school started and the Lord knew my time would be less and I would be more tired, I didn’t read about Warrior Angels anymore. And as I read really felt the Lord desired me to be quiet and to rest in Him. He gave me this passage from 2 Corinthians 12:5-7-10.
I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Anything that happens is never about me or because of me. The Lord desires to teach me so much and asks and desires me to learn from Him no matter what. And I have to be honest, being busy has made it harder for me to learn from the Lord and to be able to rest. I am choosing to be faithful and give Christ my weaknesses even if it’s not what I would “want.” Thank you to everyone who prays for me and encourages me. I am so thankful in this battle and I need each of you every moment of the day! Thank you Lord for providing for me.