faith

Today isn't about advice, complaining, or even hating work (which, for the record, I still kinda do).

No.  Today is about the fact that it started out horrible... not what I was expecting, and somehow, someway, it all turned out okay.  

And tonight I just wanted to remind you to have FAITH that no matter how bad it all seems, there is  something bigger going on for us to learn from.

We just don't know it yet.

Sometimes we just have to stop resisting and give in to whatever the hell is going on.

I will leave you with two things:

1.  My favorite board on Pinterest.  It literally makes things okay sometimes.

2.  This Video that should make you giggle, especially after today.

If all else fails, try playing Jack Johnson on Pandora and bake some brownies.

No judging....

Stay warm my friends.

Discoveries

The excerpt below is from my cousin, Michelle, who was diagnosed with breast  cancer in January.  

She posted this on her page last night and I just thought it might be the best thing ever, to learn so many wonderful things from something so horrible.  May we all learn something from her strength and faith.... 

I hope you enjoy.

I have been thinking about all the things I have learned during the last nine months of this battle (yes it has already been nine months – to me they are nine LONGGGG months, to you I am sure you are thinking – wow that went fast – if so, I might have to hurt you ;-) Here are a few things that I learned that I want to share with you (here is the really inspirational stuff ;-)

· I discovered that my husband really meant it when he said – “in sickness and in health” (have I mentioned how wonderful he has been). He has provided amazing care and showed me what true love really is.

· I discovered that cancer does not change who I am on the inside

· I discovered how many wonderful friends I have

· I discovered what a wonderful catholic community we have

· I discovered that Farm Bureau truly is a FAMILY of companies and is wonderful

· I discovered that some of my friends are wonderful cooks and some not so much (but I am not complaining – I appreciated all the help - except for that weight watchers corn bread - kidding, ok I am not kidding) ;-)

· I discovered some wonderful new friends that have been soooo supportive

· I discovered that my son Konnor can look at me and know exactly what I need, and provides that to me without me asking (hugs, cleaning, foot rubs, etc.)

· I discovered how truly blessed I am

· I discovered that I need to MAKE time for my family and friends because you never know when life will be cut short

· I discovered that my sister is amazing and cares about me a lot

· I discovered that I can’t focus on what “might” happen, but instead need to focus on the present

· I discovered that I need to do things I care about and do them NOW

· I discovered that I don’t need to be concerned with bad hair days, just be happy I have some

· I discovered that when you see someone with a disfigurement or a scarf on their head, not to look away and pretend I didn’t see them, but to instead look them in the eye and smile

 . I discovered that I can't always be wonder woman - sometimes you need to let people help you

. I discovered sometimes you have to give up control and let God guide you and you have to have faith in His plan for you

. I discovered that prayers really do work (I knew this already, but it was definitely confirmed)

. I discovered that bad things can bring a family closer together (and my family, both sides, have been awesome!!!!!!!!!)

. I discovered that my soccer team can do more than just play soccer, they are all caring and good cooks

. I discovered that maintaining a positive attitude can get you through just about anything

And most importantly,

. I discovered that God is bigger than cancer.

Believe

 Yesterday was one of those days that literally changes the course of your life.  You wake up with the same problems, the same gripes and complaints, and then you are given news that flips it all upside down.

When you hear of someone with cancer you immediately think the worst and wonder how they will handle it.   A lot of people cling to the word hope at times like this, but I don't like that word.  It implies that something like faith has been lost, and I think this is the time when most people cling to their faith.  It's as if we almost forget about it till times of need.

I don't want to hope for a better future, a better outcome, a life saved.  I want to believe in it as if it were already true.  I think that's what faith is for... a belief that everything is as it should be.  Even if it sucks.  

 There has to be a reason for things like this, but it's not ours to understand.  I think that at then end of it all, we will have that understanding, but for now we just need to have faith an believe.