Blessed

I have been overwhelmed with the amount of encouragement my family and I have recieved since my mom's surgery and diagnosis last Tuesday. We are truly blessed. It is times like these that you realize just how important your sweet family and friends are. My parents, my sisters, and I are blessed with the most supportive, encouraging friends. From phone calls, to prayers, to meals, to devotionals I have been encouraged and am continuing to pray for peace and strength. I just wanted to share 2 of the devotionals I have recieved this week from some sweet friends.

This first one is from my adorable friend Ashley...came on the perfect day in the perfect way....

Do not despair!
Oh, how great the temptation is to despair at times! Our soul becomes depressed and disheartened, and our faith staggers under the severe trials and testing that come into our lives, especially during times of bereavement and suffering.  We may come to the place where we say, “I cannot bear this any longer.  I am close to despair, but what am I supposed to do when I am at this point?
What have you done in the past when you felt weak physically?  You could not DO anything . You ceased from doing. In your weakness, you leaned on the shoulder of a strong loved one. You leaned completely on someone else and rested, becoming still and trusting in another’s strength.
It is the same when you are tempted to despair under spiritual afflictions.  Once you have come close to the point of despair, God’s message is not, “Be strong and courageous” (Josh 1:6), for He knows that your strength and courage have run away. Instead, He says sweetly “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.
That is all God asks of you as His dear child. When you become weak through fierce fires of affliction, do not try to “be strong.”  Just “be still and know that He is God.”  And know that He will sustain you and bring you through the fire.
 And this one from my sweet friend Kristin...

My Lord Jesus Christ:

You suffered a great deal for me. I cannot even fathom just how much You accomplished for me through Your sacrifice. What I do know for certain is that I am suffering. I have trials I want to get rid of. But You have shown by your journey to the Cross and your death that I should embrace my sufferings as a journey that will lead to glory. Please help me unite my suffering with Your way of the Cross, so that I may be healed, purified and strengthened, and so that I may become Your instrument of healing love for others.

I absolutely love when the Lord speaks to you through friends. It isn't a coincidence that either of them read these this week, it wasn't by chance it was so they could help encourage my mom and my family through this time.

My mom had her PET scan and CT scan today and did perfect. No reactions to dyes, nothing. We are praying and hoping for results tomorrow that will say NO other cancer. I am excited for tonight I have sent her home to nap and then my sweet BFF Jaimee and her mom that works for Pink Heart Funds are coming tonight for a little girl's night to try on wigs!! I will post on that tomorrow and per mom's request post a very funny picture but for now I will leave you in suspense over the picture until tomorrow:) And I am crossing my fingers that my hair is long enough, 8 inches, to donate. I've always wanted to donate and now have an even bigger desire. Thanks for all who have prayed and encouraged, you are truly a blessing.


Hannah and mom



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