30! 30! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 30! 30!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, RANDI!
This is YOUR day and may it be completely full of blessings for you! There're not enough words in the English language to explain the depth of my love for you, my dear! You've been a joy all these 30 years as we watched you grow, discover, question, learn and love. Now, you're a joy to Dad and me as we share in your daily life! You're a loving wife, dedicated Mom, loyal friend, fabulous sister, wonderful daughter & spiritual hero! (Granddaughter, niece & cousin, too!)
So, on this day, ENJOY! You're one of God's greatest gifts -ever - to our lives and you make us proud to be your parents and your friends! Know you're deeply loved on this day and EVERYday! Happy Birthday, sweet Randi!

NO MATTER WHAT!

The call came a bit ago that there is cancer in the left breast. I'll be honest when I say that this news STINKS! I prayed while I waited for the MRI, like so many of you are, that God make it all benign. See, I know He can & He's so capable of making it go away in a moment. But, the answer I got is opposite of what I was begging Him to say.
However, the last chapter hasn't been written here! My spirits are not down, my chin is not dragging! Your prayers and support are sustaining me and my sweet Father, though He didn't give me the answer I want, gives me much more! God is carrying me and all those I love through a journey in this world that prepares us for another one. I'm accutely aware of His unfailing faithfulness to me - to all of us- NO MATTER WHAT!
Now, He takes us to the next step (I think it's because we can only take baby steps with so much information!) The next step, per the doctor, is a CAT scan. They're getting me in Monday or Tuesday (pray it's Monday!) And, after that, a bone scan. We'll know more on Tuesday after both these tests are completed. Specifically pray God opens doors quickly for these tests to happen so we can determine if, where and how much more cancer there is.
Blessings and overwhelming gratitude to all!

God the Provider!

Just completed the first MRI at UT Southwestern Medical Center. God has surrounded us by incredible medical minds and facilities! God answered my prayers in dealing with claustaphobia (I know it's dumb and all mental... but one of the stupid things I deal with...) by providing me with the perfect technician for me. Her voice was soothing and she knew exactly what she was doing but, mostly He gave her to me because she's a strong believer. She believes in His power, mercy, faithfulness and provsision. That's why He gave me Rita today. She confirms what I believe and lifts me up to the Lord. We're waiting for radiologists to read the 850 pictures Rita took, talk to the surgeon, who will talk to the oncologist... we'll, hopefully, hear something today. I'm thankful we've walked with the Lord all these years, and know His sweetness so well, because He's showing His proven character to us again, just like He's done over and over and over! He's not surprised by this news like we are and He's already working on us and you! You're in this with us, we know, so keep watch to your answered prayers!Two dear friends (without knowing the other said a similar thing) said what a remarkable thing it is that the Lord trusts us with such a journey. A journey that can and will bring Him glory! That's exactly what we want to happen here, or these times will be wasted! So, whatever results, we'll keep you posted and whatever results, glory to our sweet Lord!

Next Steps of The Journey!

I've been a bit teary-eyed this morning. Not out of sadness or fear, even, but out of the sweetness of the Lord. He's sent me you guys- people of incredible faith! People who bring Mike and me encouraging words straight from the Lord! This is pure, sweet honey to my soul and the tears flow from pure joy! So, I thank you!
Here's what we know: There is a golf-ball sized cyst in my left arm-pit (feels like I'm carrying a golf-ball around under my arm.) This is not the origination of the cancer, but only a tell-tale sign showing cancer is somewhere else in my body. The first thing we have to do its identify the origin, so we'll know what kind of cancer we're dealing with and can make a plan of attack!
Anatomically, it's close to the breast, so that's the first "guess"... I go in for an MRI in the morning that will determine if this guess is correct, or not. (I just had my annual diagonostic mamogram Dec 29th, and got a clean bill of health, and had a hysterectomy with all clean blood work Dec 31st. The uterin biopsy was clean, too, and I have had absolutely no pain at all.) So far, this looks completely unrelated.
If the MRI is negative to breast cancer, I'll have a full-body CAT scan checking for cancer in major organs (stomach, liver, etc) and if that's negative, we'll check the bones.
So, that's the 3 levels of tests as I understand it. Mike and I do not intend to "cross any bridge" prematurely or play any guessing games. We'll take one test and result, cover it in prayer and proceed on faith that God is directing us.
That's what we know for now. Please continue praying to our Lord! We're leaning hard on all of you and on His merciful hand!

Happy Birthday, Tyrel!

Twenty-seven years ago, Mike and I began praying for Taylor's someday in-the-future spouse... We ask that God send her a man who would steer her to heaven. If he would do that, their future would be secure, and everything else would fall in line. God sent Taylor that man. So, on this day, I say "Happy Birthday" to a son-in-law that's really a son. To a tough Marine, that's really got the heart the size of Texas, and to the man God sent our way. We are a better family because you're in it! I know I can't say a lot because of your deployment, but I pray God get you home safely and swiftly, and I hope this day you know with all your heart you are loved!
Your "Darlin'" Sharon

Prayer and the Journey!

The doctor just told me I have cancer. There has been a host of believers praying for a different answer on my behalf. The answer is far different than what I wanted, but the Father I serve is exactly the same loving Father as He's always been. He can answer any way He chooses for He is soverign. He loves me and I'll walk this journey with Him.
Please continue to pray for Mike and me. Please include our precious daughters, their husbands, and the grandsons, too, because they give me a million reasons to fight this disease and get through this trial.
I give all praise and glory to God for his goodness and faithfulness to me. When the scriptures tell me His peace passes any of my understanding, it is true! I'm held tenderly in His very merciful hands and embedded in His tender heart and there's no place I'd rather be, no matter the journey!
Blessings!

Samikins!

Keeping Samson this weekend for the Freebys. He's my little shadow and hasn't left my side all weekend. And, I think he's catching up on all the sleep he misses now that two boys have overtaken "his" house!

Thankful!

Oh, my goodness! I'm so thankful for all of you who have prayed and are praying for me! I'm completely blessed and in the care of the sweetest Father ever! Your care and love for me is overwhelming.. so, thank you!

Please pray...

Usually don't go so public, but I have a prayer request that I'd appreciate you honoring on my behalf. I found a golf ball sized lump under my left arm the first week of February, and have seen my gynocologist, who sent me to a general surgeon today. He did a biopsy and will call me the first part of next week. It does not look good right now, as the cyst is solid instead of filled with fluid. However, that does not mean it can't be benign.
I'm asking you to pray to our Sweet Father that this be benign. I've always been in His care and know I am now, and am asking what I truly want. I want Him to make this a "nothing" cyst, and I know He can.
I also know He is soverign and I will follow Him no matter his answer. I love Him because He's always loved me, and there is no answer that will deter me from my relationship with Him.
I ask you pray for Mike as he ministers to me. Pray for Randi, Taylor, Eric, Tyrel and my extended family, as they are such a support. With all of you and the Lord, I am the most blessed person I know!
I will keep you informed, and ask you to please pray, for I believe in the power of our Lord. Thank you all!
Blessings

My "e-self"

I think I'm so COOL with my iphone, when the facts are there that I don't have an "e-clue"! My "e-challenged" brain sometimes feel like it might explode if even one more piece of "e-info" has to be stuffed inside it! So, I just shut-it-down! Like this iphone... got it a year ago for my birthday and have never even updated it because I'm so intimidated by learning one more "e-thing"! Well, this week-end one of our nieces and her boyfriend (early 20's) came to visit. They're the PERFECT "e-age" and he got that phone updated for me in a very short time! Now I'm ready to load as many apps as I can get my hands on! Bless you, my twenty-something loved ones!

Sweet Braden Samuel!

This photo of Braden has been on the family blog, but I haven't added it until now... it will be one of my favorites for years and years to come! Thank you, Juanda, for snapping this incredible image of our sweet Braden Samuel! Wow! As of yesterday, he's 14 1/2 pounds (95%) and height at (75%). What a love!

Once a Mom, Always a Mom!

Funny that no one ever brought the "forever" aspect of parenting to my attention before I became "Mom" 30 years ago... I guess we assume every young person understands this obvious fact, but I'm not sure it really sinks into the thought process until we're "knee deep" in parenting. Because the daunting job of parenthood takes the deepest of commitment, sacrifice and true grit, we are forever feeling the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" with our children.

I've been reminded again this week that parenthood, & then grandparenthood, is forever. It doesn't end with a particular birthday or event, but continues throughout time and generations, with all it's ups and downs.

Thank God I'm one of the blessed ones that have 2 people who call me "Mom", and 2 more who call me "Sweets." I'm glad it's forever!