Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Thanks and Christ

I've been thinking a lot lately how we need to be grateful and always showing gratitude for Christ and the sacrificeS He has made. I think that I've always had the mind set that Christ made a huge sacrifice for us. SacriFICE as in singular. But I believe he still makes big sacrificeS for us that hurt. Like when we don't realize how much He has blessed us.
These last 16ish months have been  pure Hell, but pure happiness at the same time. That's why I'm grateful for my life, and I don't always act like I am. I'm grateful that I have every opportunity to be happy. Today I made a promise to myself to keep my eyes peeled for blessings, because sometimes the little things really are the big things (cliche I know,) but as a wise company (Charmin Ultra) so wisely stated, sometimes less is more. (HAHA) But sometimes I think we stare at what seem to us to be the "big things" so intensely that when we take a second to think our mind is all out of proportion, and our perspective is distorted.  (I know this is a very Thanksgiving way to think, but they always say to have the mindset all year, and I never do, so now I am!)
Anyways, Thanksgiving was amazing. I love being with my family, but what I love even more than I love Thanksgiving, is Christmas. I really can't display my love for Christmas through words. But I love it. I love the snow, and the way it crunches. I love hot chocolate (even though I'm don't eat sugar:/) And I love most of all the... music, but really, Mariah Carrey, am I right? Hahaha no, most of all I love the family and love the love. I'm grateful for everything everyone has done for me. I've been so blessed, and I am going to start acting like it!
There you have it. A crazy thought, out of my crazy tumor-ridden brain!
Thanks for reading and always checking in.
 Oh, and by the way I've been rock climbing and....

dun dun dun dun!!! On Thanksgiving I RAN A MILE. I usually run four in the turkey trot, but one made me unusually happy!

 Thanksgiving dinner with the Strattons!

I guess it's time for an actual update.. I am on day 5 of chemo, and like always, I hate Chemo. I started feeling a little dizzy today which is scary because those of you that have followed my blog for a while, would know that with the exception of being on rollercoasters, I have not been dizzy since 2012. So honestly I am scared, I think that's where my head got into the grateful phase. But yeah, I am scared, and I hope like crazy that I can live a normal, full length, life. But beggars can't be choosers, am I right!? Kidding. But for real. Whatever happens happens. And It's all for the best. Praying my hardest that this dizzy second will be nothing! But I have an MRI December 30th, so I will update when I have it because I decided I'm going to start writing on my blog more frequently again. And hopefully I can start writing even more often then that. I can't promise to write every day, mostly because I know that won't happen. But I WILL write more often! Thanks for all the emails and comments, I love to read them. Keep warm this week!
I can do hard things! (Do I even need to say it anymore? haha)
Rache

Also I was going to put up some pictures, but my laptop is being stubborn! So I'll add them later, thanks!

8 comments:

  1. Hi Rachel!
    I'm so glad you're back and so sad you're dizzy. I wish you could just wake up and one day and everything will be okay.
    I really liked your bit about looking for blessings and that reminded me of an activity we did at catholic heart work camp. During our day we all had to share where we saw God that day, I found this a really cool and rewarding method of looking for blessings.
    I'm glad you plan on writing more! I always love reading what you write! I'll be praying for you! Merry Christmas
    Veronika

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  2. Hi Rachel!

    You don't know me, and probably never will, but please know that I, and so many others are praying for you. You are so strong, and have faced things that most of us will never face. Keep moving forward, and know that we are always behind you, now and forever more.

    YOU CAN do hard things!!!!

    All my love, and prayers to you!

    -K.

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  3. HI Rachel,
    Just wanted to share the awesome experience I had on Thanksgiving day. Sharon and I went to visit our daughter Wendi in Arizona for the week and our other daughter Tine went with her family also. Anyway, on Thanksgiving morning I ran a 5K with them for the Fire Department which uses all the entry funds to buy Christmas gifts for those who are having difficult times. It was the first time I was able to run a 5K with my daughters, so it was pretty special. Something that I was very grateful to be able to do. I think about you quite a bit when I am running, knowing that the race you are in is a whole lot more important. But the important thing is to keep running and enjoy the trip, whether long or short. It's unbelievable what you can see along the way.

    We love you and pray for you

    Your neighbors down the street.

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  4. You are so amazing!! Thinking of you & praying for you often! Good job running that mile! You really are inspiring. I hope to see a good update after your next MRI! You have beat the odds so far and with your strength and determination and positive attitude I bet you are going to live a full and happy life! Praying for you!

    I'd love to send a Christmas card from our family if its ok!

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  5. Hi Rachel,

    I've been following your blog for a while after I found it through Cute Girls Hairstyles (Mindy and the girls are sooo talented!) I thought I would let you know that I often pray for you, especially when I don't see a posting for a while! I hope you are doing as well as can be expected and you kick cancer's butt! I'm not sure if you watch much of YouTube, but Charles Trippy, of CTFxC, has brain cancer as well. He's a daily vlogger, who is so inspiring with his positive attitude. You might like to check out his channel!
    It must just suck what you have to go through, I can't even imagine.. But I hope you are doing well and have an amazing CHRISTmas! (: I'll be continuing to pray for you, especially around the 30th.
    Sending prayers and hugs from Cincinnati,
    Kelly

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  6. Hi Rachel!

    I follow CuteGirlsHairstyles and I saw a link to your blog.

    I wanted to wish you the best of luck and also leave you with a reporter that I saw on a portuguese tv channel that talks about a revolutionary cancer treatment (for patients in the last stages of the disease, highly metastatic) with dendritic cells in Germany. All the parts where the german doctors speak are in english, if you want to take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHP65mYLPQo

    Good luck!

    Sofia

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  7. I am interested in reading about other people's journey's with cancer. I am only just starting my journey. Thankfully at this early stage it does not include chemo, however I still hesitate to follow the radiation that is recommended. Reading your posts, made me realize that I have left Christ out of my writing (but not out of my decision making). I may need to go back and edit that. Still our journeys are different: types of cancer for starters and I am much older, at 54 http://inkspirationaldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/decisions-decisions-decisions.html. I will continue to come back and visit and read earlier posts too! may God continue to up hold you and stregnthen you. (Merry Christmas too!)

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  8. Hi Rachel! Looking good, thank god for your health. If you ever want to register business, do look for our assistance, we can help you to start company!

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