A couple of days before Christmas, I felt a large lump under my arm. It wasn't painful and since it didn't hurt and I wasn't sick, I figured it was just a swollen lymph gland and that this was my body's way of fighting off a virus or an infection. The Christmas season was busy with work, church, family and all the hustle and bustle that goes along with the holidays. I felt so blessed to have all of my family (except Brent who was still in Iraq) here for Christmas.
On January 2nd, I thought the lump under my arm seemed larger, although still not painful. While I was laying on my side and trying to decide if the large lump was something to be concerned about, I found a small lump in my breast on the same side as the one under my arm. I knew then that this was something to get checked out immediately.
Because I was up to date on my mammograms, I still felt no real cause for concern. But scheduled an appointment with my Dr. who immediately scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound.
From here, the journey began. I was a bit late in starting this blog because at first I didn't realize the magnitude of the work God was about to do in my life. As it became more and more evident that this was to be a long journey I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to share with others how God is working through my life. The ups and the downs. I don't know how the story will end nor where I will end up at the end of the journey. I only know that my God walks with me every step of the way. He loves me when I follow Him and loves me when I fail Him. He will never leave me and through it all will give me His peace (John 14:27).

God's Hand In My Life

I consider myself a very "wealthy" person. My wealth is not measured by monetary things, social status or power but by the rich, abundant life I enjoy. I was blessed to have two parents who loved their children enough to expect excellence in character. I was blessed to have a mother who taught me more in the last month of her life than I had learned in 48 years. I have been blessed with three beautiful children, Eric, Holly and Brent, who love me in spite of the mistakes I made along the "path of parenthood". Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the relationship I have with them. My husband Carl is truly the "Wind Beneath My Wings". Over the crashing waves or quiet streams of our life together, his love for me has remained steady. I am so thankful for him. My grandchildren are the light of my life. Dylan is a caring, perceptive little boy and Jayda is a spirited, little talker. Wyatt, my newest grandson, is a happy little toddler with flaming red hair. Lincoln's favorite things to do are dance and eat. Logan is a spitting image of his mommy when she was a baby. We welcomed a new little blessing on Feb. 6, 2009 (a little replica of Eric) named Cooper John. On Feb. 21, 2009 Ches Alan made his entry into the world a month early but 36 hours after his daddy returned from Iraq. My grandchildren are God's way of keeping a smile in my heart. I am blessed to have a nursing career that I love. To be able to tend to the needs of sick babies and their overwhelmed parents brings a great sense of fulfillment in my life, for which I am thankful. I love to play the harp and use my music as a ministry whenever I can. My greatest wealth comes from the relationship that I have with my Lord. Whether on top of the highest mountain or down in the deepest valley, He is always there with me. I wait expectantly for the day when I can meet Him face to face and thank Him for this abundant life that I now enjoy.