Molding a Warrior

Today, we woke up to a snow day. An unexpected blessing. The girls have only been back at school for two days (since Christmas break), but this 1/2 inch of snow froze up the neighborhood streets and called off school, so we lit a fire and slowed our pace. Nowhere to be. I thought about this day earlier in the week, but it wasn't until a Facebook memory popped up that I realized today was THE day. 

Three years ago, today, I was driving to work when my Dr called. The actual Dr, not a nurse. She asked if it was a good time to talk. I knew what she was going to tell me. My BRCA testing came back Positive and I had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer and a 55% chance of getting ovarian cancer. Both cancers run in our family so fast forward 11 months, and I was healing from a crazy year of cancer prevention surgeries (hysterectomy, double mastectomy, and reconstruction). I believe that year saved my life, but it all started with a phone call. That call changed everything. Every. Thing. That call and every moment after molded me into who I am today. The journey wasn't easy, but its purpose has been made known repeatedly since that day. I've met countless women who received the same call as me. I've shared my story, hard parts and all, and we've bonded. Every journey is different, but a sympathetic ear can mend a worried heart. If you've been through a hard time, I encourage you to share you journey. Others need to hear it. We were made to encourage, support, and love one another ... especially in the valley. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A chord of three strands is not easily broken."

This morning, in the quiet before the girls woke up and before I realized what day it was, I picked up this book. I've been reading it daily and I HIGHLY recommend it. Seriously, it's a life changing, life breathing book. As I read about the difference in a soldier (paid to do a job) and a warrior (called to do a job), these three passages stuck out:

• "Any soldier can see what the enemy is doing and then report his movements. No discernment is needed to see what is obvious. On the other hand, warriors are leaders who also perceive what God is doing in the realm of the unseen. A solider may say, 'Look, we are surrounded by chaos and problems.' A warrior knows God is in control, and his army is already poised for a counterattack." Pg 90.
• "What do you know? The enemy panics when two warriors take action! There is something about decisive moves forward that paralyzes the enemy. He is always routed when his attempts to intimidate are thwarted." Pg 97.
• "Don't allow the surrounding pressure to depress or oppress you. Don't allow the enemy to cause you to imagine it is an invitation to a beating. The pressure from all sides is part of a divine plan to mold and fashion you into something with substance and depth. You will come out of this womb of tempering drawing a breath of strength." Pg 98.

Friends, whether you find yourself in the midst of battle, or you find yourself three years out and looking back with a clear vision of the journey, know that it's worth it. The good days. The bad days. The encouragement. The discouragement. When you are called to be a warrior, the strength will come. The tears will come. The support will come. And you will rise ... like a warrior.

We are Priceless

While driving to get my haircut today, I heard the song 'Priceless' by For King and Country and it got me thinking, Someday, someone will hurt our girls' feelings. It will happen more than once, for whatever reason, and it will have the potential to cut deep. Our girls will feel less-than, and in this moment they will be changed. And, my heart will hurt because I wasn't there to protect them. When that day comes, I pray that they will be surrounded by uplifting friends and that they will see this as a teachable moment. Or, maybe they'll punch the person in the face ... sorry, honest mom slip ... I digress.

When the song ended, I was hoping that I would remember these lyrics for when that day finally comes. I told myself that I would play this song for our girls to remind them of their worth. Then I thought, if I print some of the lyrics (in bold below) and hang them on their walls today, then, when the day comes, they will already know their worth. They will already know that they are loved. They will already know that words hold power, and they will give grace. So, today, these lyrics are going on their walls even though our middle daughter is still learning how to read and our youngest can't read yet. For now, I will read it to them because the message is that important. And each time I read it, or sing the song, it will sink in a little deeper for me as well. We're all Priceless.

If you want to hear the whole song, Click Here. A portion of the lyrics are below. Enjoy!

"Mirror mirror, mirror on the wall,

Tellin' those lies, pointing our your flaws,

That isn't who you are.

It might be hard to hear, but let me tell you dear,

If you could see what I can see, I know you would believe,

That isn't who you are,

There's more to who you are.

So when it's late, you're wide awake, too much to take,

Don't you dare forget that in the pain, 

You can be brave, you're safe.

I see you dressed in white,

Every wrong made right,

I see a rose in bloom,

At the sight of you (oh so priceless),

Irreplaceable,

Unmistakable,

Incomparable,

Darlin', you're beautiful,

I see it all in you (oh so priceless)."

Is Your Burden Light?

"...my burden is light." A burden is defined as: a load, especially a heavy one. If that's the case, then how can a burden be light? Especially a heavy burden? 

Most of you followed my year of cancer prevention surgeries in 2014. If not, you can catch up by reading here. That was a TOUGH year, and I rejoiced when it was over. However, I wasn't expecting the recovery to be so slow. I thought after 4-6 weeks from my final surgery in Nov 2014 that all would be back to normal. That wasn't the case. Healing from three major surgeries takes time. My hormones were shot. I sought council from friends who had walked my journey, and I was told to expect to feel normal one year after the final surgery. So, Nov 2015 was my target "let's feel awesome" month. You  know what, that time came and went and I didn't feel awesome. My motivation to exercise and get back on a running schedule took a back burner to exhaustion. But, how can this be? It's been one year. I SHOULD be normal by now, right?!

Among healing, we were recently dealt two other heavy burdens...

In April of 2015, we found out that our dishwasher, which had been purchased brand new when we bought our house in 2012, had been leaking under our kitchen cabinets EVERY time we ran it (most weeks this was daily) and mold was growing under our cabinets. Mold was growing for THREE years. This was a heavy burden. This finding lead to a full year of fighting the manufacturer for repairs to our kitchen. This manufacturer was not concerned with our families health or that mold was found in the air in each of our girls rooms. This fight was brutal. It was more of a David vs Goliath story (1 Samuel 17:1-58), and we were not backing down. There were days that I didn't want to check my email because I knew it would shake me, and I would have to choose to continue fighting for what I knew was right or to accept the meager offers coming our way. Anxiety overload. Although we didn't share this battle publicly, I'm thankful for the army of friends and family that fought this battle with us. I'm thankful for lawyer friends who helped give us the words we needed to respond to the inconsiderate emails from the manufacturer. I'm thankful for the small businesses that came into our home for multiple air quality tests, repair quotes, more repair quotes, and the actual repairs. I'm thankful for the wisdom that came from unexpected sources. I'm thankful for perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:4). This case was finally closed in April of 2016. Yes, this month. One year from when it started. Burden.

In Sept 2015, five months after the dishwasher battle started, an old back injury reared its ugly head. In college, I injured my lower back during volleyball practice and a bulging disk pinched nerves in my back and sciatic pain was running down both of my legs. I generally feel my back "go out" a few times a year and one adjustment with a friend of ours who is a chiropractor, makes all things new (Rev 21:5). Unfortunately, I felt my back go out the day before we left for an amazing Caribbean Cruise, so the pain quickly got out of control before I could get in for an adjustment. Upon returning from vacation, I sought chiropractic care, PT care, had an MRI, and a cortisone shot. After visiting with my back surgeon again today, we're trying a second shot next week. Sitting in front of another doctor, discussing another surgery, is not my ideal place to be. Haven't I suffered enough? Hasn't my burden been carried long enough? Hasn't YOUR burden been carried long enough? 

Friends, I share these burdens with you to let you know that we ALL carry the weight of the world on our shoulders at some time or another. Sometimes we're given more than one burden to carry at a time. So, how do we endure? By coming to the one who says my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). By coming to the one who offers healing (Luke 8:43-48). By coming to the one who offers hope (Psalm 42:11). 

Life is hard. Be kind to others. Find your tribe. Find your army. Find the ones who will stand up and fight for you when you need to be still (Ex 14:14), and don't ever let them go. To my army. Thank you for carrying the burdens of my family. It's been over two years of burdens and you're still standing strong. You're still going to battle for us, and we are forever grateful. Forever. Grateful. 

To our army, I leave you with these lyrics from "More Than You'll Ever Know" by Watermark...

"Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been with God
And that's the way it ought to be...

CHORUS:
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know

You had faith, when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be...

Chorus

You have carried me
You have taken upon a BURDEN that wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you a hundred fold" 

Rhea Lana of Broken Arrow - It's almost time!

This event is for YOU, if:

• You like to find HIGH quality items at LOW prices
• You're pregnant
• You know someone who is pregnant
• You have kids/grandkids (up to the teen years)
• You know someone who has kids/grandkids
• Did I cover everyone?!

The Broken Arrow Spring/Summer Rhea Lana's Children's Consignment sale is coming April 16th-20th! I seriously LOVE this event both as a Buyer and as a Seller! This will be my eighth time to consign with RL of BA and I can't stress enough how simple the process is. If you're new to RL and you would like to consign with them, then please click Here to learn more. If you've consigned in the past, then you probably already know that the database is open, but just in case you missed the news, you can click Here to start entering your items. 

What sets RL apart from other Consignment Sales?

• Consignors make a minimum of 70% (up to 80% with Referrals)!
• When you refer three new consignors, who each consign at least 25 items, you will receive 75% of your total sales!
• When you refer five or more new consignors, who each consign at least 25 items, you will receive 80% of your total sales!
• Your items are guaranteed! Meaning, if you show up on Pick-Up day and they don't have an item that they should have, then you get paid as if the item sold!
• The average consignor makes around $380 per event!
• For the first time in the consignment industry, they offer VOICE ENTRY option via Smartphone! This is a time saver and game changer!
• You can watch your sales LIVE throughout the day!
• The consignor fee is only $9.00
• Admission to the sale is always FREE, so tons of shoppers come through the door 
• Consignors/Volunteers are invited to the Pre-Sale on April 15th (before the doors open to the public)
• Your check is ready on Pick-Up Day, April 21st

What items can you Buy/Sell at this event?

• Sundresses, tank tops, shorts, capris, pajamas, swimwear, sandals, flip-flops, indoor/outdoor toys, baby equipment, furniture, DVD's, books, shoes, nursing items, teen clothing, maternity clothing, and much more. They will also accept lightweight jackets (no coats), lightweight pants, khaki pants, jeans, and long-sleeved shirts that are "spring like" in fabric and look.

*LOCATION*:

• The Spring 2016 Event will be held at 1421 W. Kenosha St. in the Rhema Ninowski Rec Center

• Directions: 71st Street, East of Aspen (145th) at the blinking light.
• This location has a TON of parking and every item will be located in the same building. 

This blog is just a small bit of information about the sale, so please click Here to learn more about volunteering, marketing, donations, etc. 

Also, feel free to contact me with questions, or you can contact the owners of the BA event, Debbie (debbiew@rhealana.com) or Kristin (kristin@rhealana.com). Debbie and Kristin are amazing and they treat everyone like family! So, why not join the family and consign today?! 

I'll see you there!

Girl Talk: A Bossy Tattletale

This showed up on my Facebook TimeHop this morning. Perfect timing. As always. Last night I was brushing Bailey and Parker's hair before bed when Bailey started bossing Parker around. I asked her to stop. It led to her say that some kids at school call her bossy. A few more words were spoken and she started tattling on Parker to turn the topic away from herself. I asked her if the kids at school also call her a tattletale ... she took off to her room crying. Mom fail? Maybe. Maybe not.

Moments like these are why Bailey and I established Girl Talk. It started a few years ago. It wasn't put into place on purpose, but it quickly formed a much greater purpose in our relationship. Some nights Bailey initiates Girl Talk and sometimes I do. Tonight was my turn. I crawled into bed with her to calm her down and talk about the situation. Just me and her. Open. Honest. Raw. Good, heartfelt conversation.

We discussed how she sometimes acts bossy to her sisters at home, which leads me to think that she might be bossy at school. We established the difference in being bossy and being helpful. It's a fine line. She's a very smart girl. I was smart at a young age and I was also called bossy a time or two. Shocker. I know. Unfortunately, at that age, it's not a compliment. It hurts. Being smart is a good thing, but I want her to recognize that not everyone matures at the same level. Honestly, some never do, but that's another blog altogether. She liked hearing that I could relate, and that I'm here for her ... as an understanding ear, but also as a mom who offers correction.

She also shared with me that some of the kids call her a tattletale. This is also a trait I see at home so I can only assume the same goes for school. Again, we discussed the pro's and con's. 

Like this picture states, I want her to actually tell us when it's something that we truly need to know. But, if there's no blood, no one is harming her, and no one is harming themselves, then she needs to address the situation with the person that she's tattling on. For example...

Bailey - "Mom. Lou stuck her tongue out at me."

Me - "Instead of telling me, go tell Lou that you don't like when she does that."

Problem solved. Well, no, it's not that easy, but we're learning. Bossiness and tattling take practice. They're so easy to do, and so hard to contain. But, I have faith in my girl. After all, I turned out OK so there's certainly hope for our little Leader. 

Girl Time

Family & Opportunity. The two words that I chose for 2016. More Family time. More Opportunity. Last weekend, was the perfect Opportunity to spend time with Family...

For Christmas, we gave my four older nieces an invitation to get professional makeovers at my house. My Mom (the whole thing was her brilliant idea) and I wanted to pamper them. Simply love on them. To slow down, hang out, and enjoy each others company. After all, we rarely get together except for birthdays and holidays even though we live in the same town. Busy schedules. Busy lives.

The girls came to learn about the importance of skincare, the yucky things to look out for in their cosmetics, and to get pampered with a professional color matching makeover. Thankfully, I happen to know an amazing, long-time friend that was more than willing to teach them everything she knows about skincare and make-up since that's not my expertise (go figure). I'm so thankful for this friend. She took time out of her busy schedule to love on my family. What a blessing. By the way, I so wish I had known these tips when I was younger!

We started with face washing and then applied a 10 minute Intense Hydration Mask. While waiting on the mask to sit, I shared tips that I've learned since starting my Arbonne business. Like the importance of buying products without mineral oil, parabens, toxic chemicals, and fillers from rendering plants (they were completely grossed out with this fact so I felt that my work was complete-Ha!). Again, all things that I didn't know growing up, but that are so very important.

After 10 minutes was up, they rinsed their faces, exfoliated their lips with Tahitian Coconut Lip Smoother, applied a Day Creme with SPF 20 (another important tip), and then prepped for make-up. My friend did a great job teaching them how to color match their foundation with the inside of their wrist, how to properly apply eye shadow/ mascara/ eye liner, and letting them know if they are a warm, neutral, or cool skin tone and how to stay in their color range when buying make-up.

Beautiful family. Beautiful girls. I'm excited to watch them make their mark on the world. I gave each niece a new set of make-up brushes, a hand written note telling them how special they are to me, and a pendant that says "Inspire" on one side and "2016" on the other. I challenged them each to find someone in 2016 to Inspire. They could give the pendant to that person or keep it for themselves. We all have the capacity to Inspire someone and to call out their greatness. We are all made to be great! Love you girls!

If the Entire World Says NO...

Have you ever had a great idea, or felt led to do something out of the ordinary, that gets you really excited? You know, something that truly makes your heart soar? You mull it over, doubt yourself, pump yourself back up, mull it over again, doubt yourself again, pump yourself up again, and then you share it. Palms sweaty, voice uneasy. You share the idea with someone ... and they tell you that it can't be done. The oxygen leaves the room. You're deflated. If we're honest, we've all been there. You may have even tried to convince yourself that it can't be done.

Some people can move past the comment of "it can't be done" and some people cannot. I want to encourage you to do what you're called to do no matter how different it looks to others. We are unique, and we're all called to do things according to our individual strengths. If we always agreed then everyone would have the same hair style, live in the same style of house painted with the same colors, wear the same clothes, drive the same car ... you get the point. We're different. That's what makes us amazing. We have different gifts to share with the world. Don't let someones negative comment steal your joy. A wise friend once told me that, "Many people will speak to you, but only a few will speak through you." Meaning, don't let negative talk penetrate your heart. The only thing that will penetrate deep into your heart is what YOU allow in. 

The following is an excerpt from my daily devotional and it speaks volumes. 

"As a young boy in school, Henry Ward Beecher learned a lesson in self-confidence that he never forgot. He was called upon to recite in front of the class. He had hardly begun when the teacher interrupted with an emphatic, "No!" He started over and again the teacher thundered, "No!" Humiliated, Henry sat down.

The next boy rose to recite and had just begun when the teacher shouted, "No!" This student, however, kept on with the recitation until he completed it. As he sat down, the teachers responded, "Very good!"

Henry was irritated. "I recited just as he did," he complained to the teacher. But the instructor replied, "It is not enough to know your lesson; you must be sure. When you allowed me to stop you, it meant that you were uncertain. If the entire world says, 'No!' it is your business to say, 'Yes!' and prove it."

The world says, "No!" in a thousand ways. And each "No!" you hear has the potential to erode your confidence bit by bit until you quit altogether. You just need to be bold enough to say "Yes!" when the world says "No!" God is for you, and with Him on your side you absolutely cannot lose."

-The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer

In case you didn't know: Henry Ward Beecher (June 1813 - March 1887) was an American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer, and speaker, known for his support of the abolition of slavery, and his emphasis on God's love. 

Next time you encounter a resounding "No!" I hope that you will respond with a "Yes!"

2016: What's Your Focus?

It's January 1st. Like I said in my last post, there's something magical about the start of a new year. It's brings Hope. It brings Opportunity. It brings Evaluation. It brings Change.

The picture above is our Blessing Jar. We started this tradition three years ago, and each new year we get to look through our "blessings" from the year before. What started as a small mason jar that first year, has grown into a large, beautiful vase. Why did I think a mason jar was big enough to hold our family blessings that first year? I needed to dream bigger (receive bigger) and allow room for growth, for abundance, for more blessings. I want Malachi 3:10 blessings over here: "...and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Can I get an Amen!!!

The beginning of the year also brings about another tradition that we started a few years ago. We choose One word to focus on for the year. In 2014 it was Peace, and in 2015 it was Freedom. Both of those words rang true for us in those years. Toward the end of each year, I spend time in prayer seeking out that One perfect word for us. Well, this year, it was Two words. I'm either breaking tradition or "expanding my mason jar" because I couldn't shake these two words: Family & Opportunity. Here are the verses that I've found to stand on in 2016.

Family:

*Acts 10:2 - He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

Opportunity:

*Acts 27:13 - When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore

*Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people

*Ephesians 5:16 & Colossians 4:5 - make the most of every opportunity

I love how the verses that I came across not only focus on Family and Opportunity, but on helping others. My heart is to serve and I pray that I can serve well this year in whatever direction I'm called. After all, these beautiful faces, my Family, are counting on me and they deserve the best Opportunities this world has to offer...

I leave you with another one of my favorite quotes ... 

What Are You Settling For?

As the new year approaches, I can't help but look back over this past year and the year before. In two years, my world changed quite a bit. Some things were under my control and others were not. Some were physically and emotionally painful and some were job related and financially scary. Things changed. And you know what? I'm forever grateful for change. Two years ago, I would not have said that. I didn't like change, but now I welcome it. Change is good. Change moves us from a place of complacency into opportunity. One tiny step outside of my comfort zone was all that I needed to explore more. What else waited right outside those imaginary boundaries that I built for myself? The answer: A Lot. A whole lot of good and wonderful things. Things that initially made my armpits sweat and my voice shake. Things that I didn't think I was capable of doing, but I did them anyway. Growth, lots and lots of personal growth. 

I challenge you over these last few days of the year to think about what you're settling for in your life. Think about your job, your finances, your health, your happiness, your family. What are you settling for? Because what you settle for will be what others that you influence settle for. Are you stepping outside of your comfort zone, dreaming, setting big goals for your life? If not, how can you expect your kids or your friends/family to do the same? What you settle for, they will settle for. Think about it. Are you setting the bar low so that it's reachable without much growth, or are you setting the bar high and stretching yourself all while teaching others to do the same? 

If you're not sure where to start, then over the next few days, consider ending every sentence, spoken or said in your head, with these seven words, "and that's the way I like it!" 

For example,

• My job stinks ... and that's the way I like it!
• My healthy is declining ... and that's the way I like it!
• I'm always angry ... and that's the way I like it!

Pretty eye opening isn't it? Change is good. You have the power to change anything and everything about your current situation. After all, ...

I challenge you to set the bar high next year and watch your world turn upside down in amazing ways. As my favorite verse in my favorite book says in Isaiah 40:31, may you "soar on wings like eagles." Don't settle for less, soar my friends. It's your time.

In closing, I leave you with a quote that has shown up in my life a lot over the past two years and it's become a favorite. 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

-Marianna Williamson

Go change the world! Shine your light! Set the bar high! Be blessed!

Rest? Be Still? I Don't Understand.

Salmos 46:10 - "Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios" (Spanish)

Psaume 46:10 - "Arretez, et saschez que je suis Dieu" (French)

Salmos 46:10 - "Qquietai-vos, e sabei que eu sou Deus" (Portuguese)

Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God." (English)

Finally. Plain English. My language. The message came through loud and clear. Do you ever feel this way? Like God is trying to tell you something, but you don't understand the message? Or you're too busy to hear Him above the noise of life? Or, maybe you hear Him, but you're too busy to slow down long enough to obey? No? Well, me either. So, I have this friend...

Lets recap the last two months of my friends life.

After three flat tires since May, which is excessive, my friend gets a flat tire the week of Aug 30th. She has a long list of errands to run that day, but the flat has to be fixed. While waiting at the repair shop, my friend realizes that her day will have to be re-planned since the repair takes about an hour and with a little one that still naps, the window of opportunity for morning errands is quickly closing. Frustrating.

Week of Sept 6th - Flat tire #2. Repeat week ones scenario and perfectly timed plans are changed again. Mind you this is week three of a reoccurring cough that she's finally trying to deal with by getting a much needed inhaler.

Week of Sept 13th - Flat tire #3 (this is actually flat #6 since May, two of which resulted in needing brand new tires). How is this possible?! She's wracking her brain to think of where she's been driving to keep getting screws/nails in her tires. All while vowing to never drive through another construction zone again.

Also, the week of Sept 13th - Said friend gets injured playing coed soccer and it's deemed a Bone Bruise, which is a small hidden fracture on a bone close to the surface. This injury is very painful and takes approx four weeks to heal. She's now trying to make a connection between her physical body (leg injury) and the flat tire ... is this a sign to slow down? To rest?

Week of Sept 27th - My friend has an old back injury from playing sports in college and it flares up a couple of times a year. When she feels her back starting to get weak, she goes in for a chiropractic adjustment and all is well. However, this time, it flares up right before leaving for an eight day cruise. She forgoes cramming an adjustment in the day before leaving town since she's busy packing her family for said trip. So, she takes Ibuprofen the week of vacation to deal with the disk bulging in her back, which is pushing on her sciatic nerve causing pain to shoot down her left leg. Delightful.

Week of Oct 11th - My friend returned home from her cruise, bad back and all, just in time to play her weekly coed soccer game the following day ... all while knowing that she will have to make time for a back adjustment that week to relieve her back pain. During the game, she pulls her back multiple times and is in worse pain than before. Not wise. She has two chiropractic adjustments that week that don't give much relief.

Week of Oct 18th (this week) - Having not learned her lesson, she played coed soccer again, and whatever improvement was done to her back last week is reversed and she's right back where she was a week ago pain wise. My friend is stub-born! Two adjustments this week and she's starting to feel some relief. Her doctor tells her not to play soccer for one to two weeks.

Also, this week, her husband started news hours at work that will allow him to work longer days Mon-Thurs, but be home on Friday's. This is awesome news for her family, but my friend knows this means that she can't attend Bootcamp in the early morning twice a week, which she's done for the past three years.

During this season of flat tires, leg/back injuries, and life changes, her thoughts change. Her mind starts to shift. Friends speak life into her and Rest is the underlying theme of their conversations. Rest is hard. It shouldn't be, but it is. Her friends pray over her and they speak Rest over her without even knowing all of the details of her life. Psalm 46:10 is spoken over her more than once. Be. Still. How do they know the message that shes been struggling to hear? Each conversation, each prayer, draws her closer to the message and she begins to receive it. Rest. Be still.

I'm sure you've figured out by now that the "friend" is me. I SO struggle with rest. It's not in my nature to be at ease, to be still, and to ultimately realize that what is not done today can be done tomorrow. We live in a world of haste and I'm right there in the mix ... with my foot on the gas ... setting the pace ... faster.

It was laid upon my heart weeks ago to get up early to do a daily devotional, but my schedule didn't allow it. Don't get me wrong, I love devotionals, but not now. Not with Bootcamp two mornings a week and running three mornings a week. Evenings? Out of the question. I'm busy coaching my daughters soccer team, taking another daughter to dance, teaching the Pre-School kids at church for the Christmas program, and building a business. All things that I love to do. No time.

No time for God?
What message am I sending the One who loves me so deeply that He gave His life for me?
No time for the one who listens intently at every word that comes from my mouth?
No time for the one who makes time for me every. single. day. whether I thank Him or not?
Why am I so stubborn?
Why must God physically slow me down to get my attention?

God is clearly calling me to a season of Rest. It's time. I'm striving to be obedient and to embrace this season. To be intentional about Rest. I spent a day this week shifting events on my calendar next week to the following week (baby steps) so that I can Rest. Sure, there are things that can't be changed, but I am changing the others. I also started my morning devotionals this week and I'm already reaping the benefits. I'm reading through The 40 Day Prayer Journal for the third time this year because it's that good. Or, is it that I'm that much in need of Him, again?

When God BLOWS Your Mind!!!

Last night, my husband and I went to the Outcry Tour at the BOK Center with my best friend and her family. It was amazing! So many great artists in one place and my spirit was lifted. I definitely need a few of these concerts each year to fill my cup. 

My favorite song to hear live was Oceans by Hillsong United. This song is very inspirational and has a lot of meaning for my best friend and I. While I was going through my cancer prevention surgeries last year and she was beating thyroid cancer, this song was the uplifting message that we both needed to stay strong. I would fall asleep to this song many times with tears in my eyes and a hand raised toward Heaven. It was great to stand beside my long time friend (our husbands on either side of us being the rocks that they are) with uplifted hands, to thank God for his faithfulness and for bringing us both through hard times. God is good. All the time. Even in the dark valley, He is there, and He is good!

Between songs, there was a speaker from Compassion International (click here to learn more). Our first sponsor child was through Compassion and he graduated the program a few years ago after we had supported him for 10 years. Our second child is currently with World Vision and we've supported him the past 12 years. Last night, God was tugging on our hearts to get a third child to support on a monthly basis. Not eating out just one time each month with our family of five will supply this child with food, education, clothing, medical attention, mentorship, and God's love. We can easily skip one dinner out a month to significantly change a life. 

Compassion volunteers were going up and down the aisles of the BOK Center which seats almost 20,000 people. Selfishly, I wanted to look at a group of kids to find one with some kind of significant so that we could feel an instant connection and share that with our three girls. We would have looked for a birth date that is a match to someone in our family, etc. Isn't is just like God to blow your mind when you think that you have to be in control?! As a volunteer passed with a stack of cards in his hand of kids waiting to be sponsored, he reached into his pocket (not the stack in his hand) and randomly gave my husband, among the 20,000 people at the concert, this card...

Did you catch that? Look at this name. We were blown away and tears flooded our eyes. My expectations were on a matching birthday, but God matched our NAME. How great is our God! I love when He reaches down among so many people, and with over 550 kids being sponsored that night, and He gives us Ruben MORRISON Mensah. Sometimes God has to literally spell it out for us to see his Love. Spell. It. Out. 

Well done God, well done. 

We can't wait to send our first letter to Ruben. Our oldest (she's 7) has been telling us for a few weeks that we need to adopt a boy. I'd say that Ruben is a perfect match to our family. Not to mention, he's 2 years and 5 days younger than our oldest daughter and 25 is our favorite number. Coincidence? Never, not when God is in control!

Matthew 25:40 - "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' "

Rhea Lana: Fall/Winter Kids Consignment Sale COMING SOON!!!

It's. The. Most. Wonderful. Time. Of. The. Year ... It's time for the Fall/Winter Rhea Lana of Broken Arrow Sale! But, if you were expecting me to say Christmas, I will let you in on a little secret. This is a GREAT place to do some early Christmas shopping & Back to School shopping for the amazing kids in your life!

THE VOTES ARE IN ... Rhea Lana won the TulsaKids Magazine 2015 Family Favorite in the consignment sale category! This is the second year the local, family owned business has been awarded this category and the first year they received the FAMILY FAVORITE AWARD! They are proud to offer a wide variety of high-quality items to the local community at affordable prices!


What is Rhea Lana you ask?

• "Rhea Lana's of Broken Arrow is a community event that benefits families all over Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas! We LOVE what we do! Our mission is to add value to the lives of families by providing the highest quality consignment experience possible. We hold two consignment sale events each year. This upcoming event will feature HIGH QUALITY Fall and Winter children's clothing (infant - junior), maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, children's electronics and gaming systems, children's furniture, baby gear and equipment, household furniture, and much more!  Some of our favorite brands are A Pea In the Pod, Baby Nay, Childrens Place, Gap, Gymboree, Hollister, Janie & Jack, Justice, Matilda Jane, Mini Boden, Motherhood, Old Navy, Pottery Barn Kids, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and many others. Brands are not required but sell well because moms know and trust their quality and style. We accept all children's clothing in excellent condition so you know your items will be high quality. * One of the most rewarding moments comes for us after the event when we get to donate thousands of high quality items to the Margaret Hudson Program and Broken Arrow Neighbors to benefit those in need! Consignors can opt to donate their unsold items to these families in the Tulsa area, and we will take care of the rest!"
• "We are accepting shorts! This sale we are accepting all fall and winter clothing, as well as shorts, short sleeved shirts and capri pants! We will not accept spaghetti strap type shirts, tank tops or sleeveless shirts, swimwear, sandals, or flip flops… save these items for the Spring & Summer event. Don’t forget about… Halloween costumes, Holiday & Christmas outfits, snow suits, winter jackets and accessories!" 

Where is Rhea Lana located & When is it held?

• The Sale dates are Aug 15th - 19th at the Rhema Ninowski Rec Center in BA
• There are Full Price days, 25% off days, and Half Price days
• See the full event schedule HERE

How do you consign your items with Rhea Lana?

• First time consignors click HERE
• Returning consignors click HERE

Want to volunteer to help out this amazing organization and get in on some early shopping?

• Learn more by clicking HERE

Want to be the first to know about all of the Rhea Lana events? 

• Like their Facebook page HERE

Are you a Mom to Be? 

• If so, click HERE for an Early Shopping Pass!

Are you wanting to Consign, but you're not sure how to price your items? 

• First, let me tell you that the average consignor in the Spring/Summer 2015 sale made $342! Wow! I was one of those consignors!
• Second, a pricing guideline is right HERE
• Third, HERE is some handy prepping information

Consignors: You have until Wednesday, Aug 12th, at 11:59 pm to enter your items so there's PLENTY of time left to clean out those closets and make some money!@ Entering items is super easy...especially with the new VOICE ENTRY option via your Smartphone! And, you get to watch your sales update LIVE throughout the day!

Shoppers: Please consider volunteering to get yourself an early shopper pass. Trust me, there are some great items that you will want to get first dibs on!

My Super Secret Veteran Tips: 

• Halloween costumes always sell. I've never had one return home!
• Super shiny things sell!
• Outfits sell better than individual items! Put pieces together to make sets.
• I've bought and sold brand new items with the tags still on them at super discounted prices!
• If you happen to have three girls, you WILL buy almost every cute outfit that you come across. After all, these items can be passed down to younger sisters!

Feel free to contact me with questions, or you can contact the owners of the BA event, Debbie (debbiew@rhealana.com) or Kristin (kristin@rhealana.com). I've been blessed to get to know these amazing ladies over the years and they will treat you like family! 

BRCA: One Year Post Double Mastectomy

On this day, one year ago, my husband and I were sitting at the hospital waiting for me to be taken back for my prophylactic double mastectomy. Because I'm BRCA2 positive, my percentage for getting breast cancer was an alarming 87% along with a 55% chance of ovarian cancer. It wasn't a matter of 'If' I would get it, but 'When' so we chose to be proactive. Last April, I had a full hysterectomy, in July a double mastectomy with breast expanders for the reconstruction process that took three months, and in November was my final surgery to trade the expanders for implants. What a year it was! You can read more about my journey that started in Jan 2014, by clicking Here and scrolling to the first post at the bottom.

I love watching HGTV's House Hunters. Occasionally, they do a "Where Are They Now" episode where they revisit families to see the changes they made to improve their houses. So, here's my own little "Where Are They Now" update. And no, I'm not referring to my boobs. They're gone for good!

Physically:

• I feel really healthy! I followed my own Clean Eating advice and I believe that making good food choices last year helped keep me from gaining extra weight during all of those months that I couldn't exercise. It also helped me to heal quicker and to feel better emotionally, as well as physically.
• I've been playing soccer and attending boot camp weekly for about 6 months. I know that I have a way to go to be physically where I once was, but I also feel light years ahead of where I thought I would be at this point. I've heard it takes about one year from the final surgery (mine was in November) to feel "normal" again. Good thing, because I'll be running my second half marathon (unless I get crazy and up it to a full marathon) in November so I'll need all the normal that I can get!
• I still "feel" my implants daily. Well, I can't physically feel them because most of my breasts are still numb, but I can feel the weight of them. If that makes sense. Let's just say, I know that they're there and I think about them everyday. I'm ready to not think about them daily, but I don't know if that will ever change.
• I'm happy with how the twins turned out! Originally, I was terrified of coming out looking like Dolly Parton. No offense to her, but that's not my style. I must have told my doctor a million times that I wanted to look "normal" and a million times he assured me that there's no such thing as "normal." Ha! He did a great job though because I feel like, and my friends agree, that if you didn't know my journey then you wouldn't know that anything changed. Meaning, they fit my frame and I look "normal." Mission accomplished!
• Apparently I did the reverse menopause, if there is such a thing, because instead of getting hot flashes after my hysterectomy, I get freezing flashes. When I get too cold, my hands and feet turn ice cold, and my jaw and chest shiver. It's the weirdest thing especially coming from someone who was always hot before, but now I'm reaching for blankets and sweaters in the Summertime if I'm in an air conditioned building. Odd, but I'll take it!

Emotionally:

• I feel really good in this area as well! I had a lot of moments that I could have lost it last year, and I did a few times, but overall, I think that I held it together pretty well. Looking back, I realize the magnitude of what I went through and I can honestly say that I'm proud of myself. 
• I'm blessed to have had full support from my husband, family, and friends. Each of you lifting me up in prayer, bringing us meals, taking care of our kids, calling to check on us, etc was invaluable. Thank you!
• I still have small moments here and there where I wish things were like they were before. You know, when I had all of my body parts. However, I remind myself that the positives far outweigh the negatives so I quickly turn those thoughts around.

Spiritually:

• God is good! All the time!
• As anyone would, I've had moments where my mind wonders to the place of "why did God let me have this gene and have to go through these surgeries" and I capture those thoughts and remind myself that we pray over our families health daily. I've specifically prayed for years for cancer to stop in my family, and for us to live healthy lives that will honor God. Just because the journey didn't look the way that I thought it would (meaning none of us would ever get cancer again and we would all be magically healthy) doesn't mean that God didn't answer our prayers and is still answering them. In fact, He did answer. In His way, and I'm eternally grateful for that. Which leads me to Giving Back.

Giving Back:

• Since walking this cancer journey, a lot has changed. I was blessed to be introduced to two friends before my surgeries who had walked a similar journey and they were there to pass on their wisdom and to mentor me through the hard times. Since last July, I've been able to share my story with seven other women through various stages of double mastectomy prevention and/or cancer surgeries. I wouldn't trade these friendships for anything!
• I'm volunteering with two non-profit organizations in the Tulsa area: Joy in the Cause and Random Acts of Purpose. The women who lead these groups have become friends and our lives will forever be connected. They see the good in others and they're working hard to bring Joy and Thankfulness to the patients and doctors/nurses who deal with cancer and other illnesses on a daily basis. 
• I'm one of the leaders to a new Cancer Support Group at my church. We gather together on the third Thursday of the month to show support to anyone fighting cancer and/or the caregivers. We're also in the process of adopting a chemo treatment room to visit once a week to get to know the patients and to show them that they are loved.
• I wouldn't trade these friendships/groups for anything, and I never would have met most of these amazing people had I not heard "you're BRCA2 positive." So, I'll proudly wear that label and the journey that goes along with it if it means that I get to take a small part in changing this world for the better. Genesis 50:20 says, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result."

Speaking of our Cancer Support Group: We are meeting this Thursday (July 9th) in Broken Arrow, OK, at 6:30pm at Heritage UMC and anyone fighting cancer or a caregiver to someone fighting is welcome to come be loved on. Please help up spread the word. You can learn more on our Facebook page: BA Cancer Support Group.