HOPE Big!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

 I cannot even put into words what a wonderful whirlwind of a weekend this was! Justin and I were given the TREMENDOUS honor of being named 2012 Heros of Hope for the American Cancer Society High Plains Division. Taken from the American Cancer Society, "The High Plains Relay For Life Heroes of Hope and their Profiles of Courage symbolize the courageous struggle of all cancer patients and caregivers as they deal with the physical and emotional aspects of their cancer journey. Through their stories, Heroes of Hope help to create more birthdays as they fight back against cancer in communities across the High Plains Division."

What an amazing blessing this is. We had the privilege of attending the High Plains Relay For Life Summit this past weekend in Dallas, TX with approximately 900 others who share the same passion, spirit and fight to find a CURE for cancer! Within this, we had our "official" training as Heros of Hope and met our Hero family.

As a Hero of Hope, we will have the honor of traveling around the state and speaking to various groups, clubs and Relay For Life events to share story of hope and encouragement.

I know that this is part of God's plan for us. That He is using our story, our voices, to share His word. Someone out there needs to hear our testimony. Even if it is just ONE person whose eyes and heart are opened up to our Lord and Savior, we have done our job.

As we embark on this year to come, I am SO excited at the opportunities ahead of us. How many people can say they have the chance to travel and speak for a world-wide organization to share their love for Jesus and FIGHT CANCER?! Not many!

Hopefully, we have many moments of joy and laughter to come. If you are interested in having us speak at engagement where we can share our personal fight against cancer, give us a call!

Thoughtful Tuesday.... On Waiting

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Ahh, yes. I really need to take this to heart. It's our human nature to want, want, want RIGHT NOW. I know that. But I am really trying to change the way I pray, so that while I express my wants, needs and desires to God - I also lay them at His feet, and say "I will wait, God. I am happy and content where You have me. I will bloom where I am planted until You decide otherwise."

It is a struggle. There are a handful of "big" issues that we have been praying for as a family. But, I have faith, and I believe - our time is coming. I just need to trust God when His answer is "not right now, my child - but soon" instead of "here ya go."

What a happier world we would all live in, if we just had patience for what we believe will happen.

Thoughtful Tuesday... Faith

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I am really struggling with this. I have to be honest here. Like, really REALLY struggling. I don't want to be a debbie downer. But I guess sometimes, these things just happen.

While I am very happy in my life, there are a few different areas that I keep wanting to move forward. Just human nature to always push ahead... Then I get caught up in life. While I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, sometimes it's impossible not to.

I have heard more than my fair of stories lately of people getting pregnant on accident, or being devastated to be pregnant even when they are in a happy, committed relationship. Then I get mad. I want to say it is bullcrap and not fair. Why is it SO easy for some and not for others? It makes no sense to me.

Or, I say outwardly that I know our house will sell when it's the right timing. When it is in His plan. Yet, when we don't get a phone call back after a showing - I am so frustrated and disappointed. I mean, I woke up last night in a panic convinced someone was trying to burgle me. Pretty sure that wasn't happening, but I need to be somewhere where I feel at peace.....

But then I say, I have FAITH. I believe that God will bless us when it is our turn. I say it. I truly believe it. I just want it when I want it. That is not how God works. I know He is teaching me patience. He truly is. Because patience is not something I have ever been too great at.

I can't really explain it. I look around at the world and see all of the people out there who look like whatever they want is handed to them, no questions ask. Then I think about how I bust my hind-end and so does my husband. We get up and go to work every day. Have worked our entire lives. Try to live by God's word and do His will.

I guess, though, I just need to remember this. Because my faith isn't going to change whether what I want happens NOW or two days from now or two months from now. My God is always there.