LIVING life

Have you ever looked back at something in life and wish you would have? I am sure for many of us, our list is very long. As you explore that thought, for some it seems sad. However, if you really stop and analyze it, what stopped you from doing what you wanted to? Was it time? Was it money? Or maybe, you tried and it just didn't go so well, so you gave up. Sometimes when we really want to do something, and we do it when we are young, we set ourselves up for failure as we are simply to young to take it all in and get with the program, so to say. On the other hand, there are those who absolutely know what they want, go for it, and do amazing things.

For me, I always wanted to play violin or cello. I absolutely love the music, and wish I would have gone for it. I am not a very coordinated person though, and that interferes with playing instruments. But, I have also clearly decided to guide the children in their individual hopes, dreams and desires. As they feel like they just "can't", it is my job to stand by, steady and true, and keep gently encouraging them. Can you imagine how happy in life we would all be if we were able to accomplish the things on our wish list?

I encourage all of you to think about it...what have you not done, what is it you really wish you would have done? It is not too late you know...you are alive and breathing, thusly able. Think about it, write it down...make yourself accountable to YOU to enjoy life and achieve what will make you happy. Maybe, your wishes have changed, and that is OK to. Just ensure that you actually enjoy life. You know what they say. (the famous "they"!) All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Joyfully yours,
Julie

Hello my friends. It has been a bit since I have posted once again, as for some reason, my PC really hates this website. I get on, it throws me off, I sign in, it doesn't save anything. I have begun typing in word and transferring to avoid losing what I write, but if I can't post anyway...UGH!
But, I keep trying to stay in touch with you all. You all mean the world to me!

So, our house has been a "sick" house for over a week now. It started when Zach came home from college last weekend, didn't feel the greatest, and then called me Monday in the middle of the night to tell me he was sure he had swine flu. First, know that Zach NEVER EVER gets sick...so, at his beckoning in the middle of the night, I was a bit worried. It took everything in me not to drive up to state and get him, but alas....I gave him space. He spent a few days feeling icky on and off...in the mean time, I was not feeling well at all. On and off, much like Zach. One day though, hit me like a ton of bricks..and then it passed, and came back again. Then Chris and Jenna get sick, the same day. Two days later, they sounded HORRIBLE. A trip to the doc confirmed they both had virus', nasty ones, but thankfully, not H1N1. Stomach flu and virus don't play nice, so it has not been fun. Zach called Friday to say he was coming home, still not well and needed to see a doc...Scott had left for the weekend, so I was on my own with a sick house. Needless to say, a long weekend. Lots of meds later, and we are still feeling rough. Katie, who had done so well, came home early from work sick yesterday. Today, she is back at it. Thankfully, so hopefully this is short lived for her.

You know, when you start with a huge punch like this early fall, you know it is going to be a long flu season!

I am headed to the chiropractor tomorrow as my headaches just won't let go. If that doesn't do it, I will check with the doctor. Make sure my brain is working ok! =-)

I was drawn today to John 14:25-27
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I think I was drawn, as when I get things like sustained headaches and such, my mind (for obvious reasons) goes to the deepest darkest places...I think, that I need to relax, and open myself to God....so he can speak, and I HEAR him....maybe I am not doing enough of that and he is reminding me I need to.

I hope you are all having a HEALTHY week.
Joyfully (ALWAYS JOYFULLY!) yours,
Julie

Another fighter!

It seems as if the ugly world of cancer just needs to get its dreadful claws on everyone. The morning anchor at KDLT is now fight her own fight with lymphoma. She has the exact same type as me, but hers is in a different spot of the body. I encourage you to log on to her blog, check it out, watch this amazing (WAY TO YOUNG FOR THIS) woman as she begins her journey...please add her to your prayers daily. Go to www.kdlt.com and her blog is listed right on there.

As for me, still hanging in there. The headaches are back, but I am keeping a close eye.
Tomorrow I get to visit my great aunt who turned 90 on Tuesday and has fought the fight twice...and is still alive and kicking at 90! My mom and dad will be there too, so I am super excited to see them.

Quick post for today, as I wanted to share with you all about Danielle, and ask for prayers for her.

Hope you all have a weekend planned that is filled with JOYFUL moments.

Julie

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 9:54 AM, CDT
Happy 09-09-09And of course for me, it is happy birthday! When I look back at this last year, I am amazed and so incredibly grateful for how far I have come, and the fact that I GOT to live another year. One year ago tomorrow was my last Radiation treatment...a phase of life I was so grateful to be done. I had my PT appointment today, and really got to see the difference one year makes! I am by no means 100%, not even 70, but the deal is, I am ALIVE...and darn glad to be that way. I enjoyed reading my own post from last year on my birthday...it made me smile...so I am going to repost it today...because so much of it is the same. I am SOOOO grateful to be here today, and surrounded by such incredible family and friends. I really do love you all! Susanna, your home made card from our childhood last year....again, got it out...tears. I LOVE you my friend!I pray you all a glorious 09-09-09Blessings! JulieLAST YEARS POST
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 5:23 AM, CDT
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm9:9
That is listed as my "birth verse"....seems very appropriate, do you not think?
So, birthday day...I can't begin to express to you how excited I am to be simply alive today...I feel so very blessed. BUT, do you think I could have waited until at least say, oh, 6am ish to feel this??? =-) Oh no....4:14 am....WIDE AWAKE!! UGH! Oh well. Gave me time to read up in quiet on my daily devotions and meditations, and I know many will think this is kinda silly, but I like to save cards I get the days before my birthday to the actual day, to open them on the "right" day..yes, silly...drives my kids NUTS...but, I thought, well, it may be before 5, but it is still tecnically my birthday, so it is a go for opening them....and I have to tell you...I started my day in TEARS!! Good tears mind you.....I got what I think is one of the most meaningful cards of my life - it is from one of my dearest childhood friends Susanna...she made a homemade card with pictures of our childhood - and what she wrote to me, well...I was a huge ball baby...but it touched me so deeply. Susanna...there are no words to express how touched my heart...and then as if in perfect timing....Aunt Paula...your card...oh did I smile and laugh....
Today is a special day for our little Jenna as well. Today is her very first day of Pre-School. It is a shorter session, and parents attend today, so we are looking forward to that...and I woke to the house decorated with streamers and I found out that my hubby decided to surprise me and took the day off to spend with me too, so I am very much looking forward to that.
"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfactionn in all his toil - this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:13
May you find your satisfactionn today, knowing you have all you have not because you worked hard to get it, put in long hours, or fought tooth and nail for it - but you have it because God ALLOWED it into your life, and blessed you with the talents to achieve it - when you realize that, I pray it will all make you feel more FULFILLED with all you have, and all you are - amazing children of God. Remember, it is not who you are, but WHOSE you are...God will always love you, be with you and shelter you - now and for all eternity.
Bless your day!
Julie

Change=Fear

Have you ever noticed, just when you think that you are strumming along content in life, CHANGE happens? Not all change is bad though. We grow up, move from home...the beginning of change...as life happens, some get married, some have kids...these are all changes, and not bad ones. Maybe a new job happens for you, which is good change, or perhaps you lose your job...bad change (unless that is what you wanted!)...and it is interesting how change can precipitate the big bad fear monster in so many of us. I do believe this is a natural course. We have fear of the un-known. We have fear of the rational and irrational situations. We fear that our worst fears will come to be. However, what happens when you stop and really think about what is making you fearful? When you get down to the root of the matter. Are you really afraid of what you thought you were afraid of? Sometimes you need to find YOUR inner lion...not the cowardly lion, but the courageous one. The courage to look your fear in the eyes, or the courage to accept changes in your life, whatever they may be.

You know, when it all comes down to it, what you really need is the COURAGE to let go! Let go of fear, let go of anxiety, let go of being in control, and trust that God, and only God is in control.

I read recently a statement that really stuck with me:
Change opens the door to your destiny in life.

I loved that. I think God wants us to remember that He, and only he is ultimately in charge at all times, so he allows change into our life. Not to create fear in us, or to make us afraid, but to gently remind us that He is in charge. Though yes, we control what we do, he already knows what we have done, all the days of our life. Think that over...that is powerful and amazing. Now, I think, at the end of it all. Is he pleased with me and the life that he provided me with? Did I make him proud? OR, did I constantly "buck" the system and revolt against all change that God tried to provide me with...change=opportunity.

Once again, I remind you...at the end of EVERY storm, God provides a rainbow. It is up to each of us to open our eyes (and our hearts) and see it.

I pray you get to look through the peephole of the door where your destiny resides and see what a glorious journey it is.

Joyfully yours,
Julie

Happy Almost Friday! Well, it has been about a week since we dropped off Zach at college, and I am actually doing much better than I expected too. Don't get me wrong, I do miss him. HORRIBLY...and it hits me at the most random and oddest times....but, I feel at peace knowing he is doing well and having a great time. We talk about every day, and he even surprised me with one visit already. What struck me is what a MAN he looked like when I left him....though the past 18 years still seem to flash through my mind like the happened in a split second...but all the same....the next phase has begun.

So, I began to occupy my time with things that would keep my mind off of it all. For instance, I rearranged all of the furniture in all of the house. OK, actually, let me be more accurate....I directed the ship while I told Scott where to place it....again, and again and again. He was so patient with me. It is actually all a work in progress, so if you were to visit, it looks like our house got hit by a hurricane...I am doing fall cleaning at the same time, so it takes awhile, as my energy is still not where is was BC.

Speaking of the ugly "C" word...I had my 3 month check up yesterday. All went well. Blood sugar was a bit high again, weight has come down and my blood looked good. So, now I just have to find that amazing balance in living and existing with lyphedema, which can be a bit tricky. BUT, livable!

Well, I hope you have something fun planned for the long weekend.....wear white each day, as you know it goes out of fashion as of Tuesday...especially white shoes.
Actually, I think I will be a rebel and where white (and white shoes if I can find them in my stash) each week through fall and winter...just to be a rebel.....man, I am one wild and crazy girl aren't I....people will see me and say...(more like whisper to each other)...."there she goes...wow...she has some nerve wearing white after labor day....man I admire her...such guts..."....HA!!!!

Take care, and find a reason to be joyful today, and all weekend long. Remember, no matter how many lemons life is handing you...make lemonade out of it....because as you know, though a bit sour, lemonade is a sweet drink that quenches the thirst and makes you genuinely happy. So, I say....lemon it up!

Joyfully yours,
Julie