JOTOS....Monday Again

Took a break from blogging to spend time with my family this past week.

As many of you know, my grandma had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and had to have a surgery to remove the tumors. The Doctors were able to remove most of it and were pretty confident they had it under control.... but then the Doctor saw something and sent off part of the masses for further testing. Thursday of last week we got the news that Grandma's cancer was deeper into the tissue than they originally thought and she would have to have another surgery along with chemotherapy. She is right at Stage 2. Please remember her in your prayers! We still believe that God can heal!!!

On a much happier note, My husband has been up to something lately. He has been planting clues here and there hinting towards a surprise trip for our Anniversary/My Birthday. I am so excited!! I have only received 2 clues so far, but I think I know where we are going!!! All I need is one more clue and I'm pretty sure I'll figure it out;)

 

Hopefully, I'm right and our trip will be to this lovely place:

 

And then... to this AMAZING place!!!

 

Ahhhhh... Nashville!

 

 

Not sure what exactly it is about this place that I love so much... I wish I could go back every single year! After we went to Nationals in 2009, I fell head over heels for this city. The music, the history, the people, everything about it is so enthralling! I about had a heart attack when it flooded a few years ago. I cried for days! (Seriously!)

 

 

Fingers crossed that this is my surprise destination;)

 

 

Hope you all have a blessed week!!!

 

 

 

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JOTOS... Monday Madness

I took a break from blogging over the weekend. (Seems silly to take a break after 4 posts lol) I spent it with my family. Grandma's surgery was successful, they were able to remove the cancer and they did not have to remove any of the bladder! She goes back on Thursday for a follow up appointment. Thanks for all of the prayers:))

On another note... We had tremendous church yesterday. The power of God was so evident in both services. I love it when the spirit moves and we break out in dancing and singing. :)

With all the happenings in the middle east, it got me thinking about the end of the world. (Eventually it has to end, right?) What if we are the last generation... What if there is no "50 years" from now? What if He returns in the next 5 years? Will you be ready? Will I be ready? What will I have accomplished in my few years here?

I don't know about you, but it inspired something in me. A spark flew in my mind... I've got to do more! I need to teach more people about the good was of Jesus! I've got to share as much as I can about the Word! Time is going by ever so quickly and I refuse to waste another second:)

Hope your weekend was awesome! What did you do?? Leave a comment:))

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JOTOS....Rainy Thursday

What a dreary day today is! The clouds are in full force. The rain is peaceful as it drips down the window to make a splash on the window pane. I, I am waiting. Waiting for texts from my Aunt to know how the surgery is going. I should know more soon. Praying it all is fine.

To distract myself from all the stress of the day, I decided to play princesses with the girls my sister keeps. It was such fun! I got out some party flutes and napkins left over from my wedding and we had a party! The girls had a blast and I succeeded in keeping my thoughts off of the procedure for a while.

Makayla loves to act like a grown up and decided she wanted to wear my shoes;) She is so silly.

Now, I sit here listening to Devan read Prince Caspian to them as they drift off to sleep. I love these stories. Such great adventure for the reader or listener to imagine.

I will let you all know tomorrow how everything goes.

Do something nice for someone today. You never know what someone is going through and your kind act may turn their day around:)

JOTOS....Wonderful Wednesday

Wednesday.... hump day.... middle of the week.... whatever it is for you, for me, today is not the best day.

I'll just be honest here, my Wednesday has not started off very well at all. HOWEVER, I must say it isn't the worst day I've ever had so, I'm thankful.

My grandma called me early this morning and told me not to worry about taking care of her house while she's in the hospital, that everything will be fine. (She's amazing. All this stuff going on and she hasn't worried once!) She also said that my grandpa was a mess LOL He is so worried about entertaining everyone while they're here for the surgery. Poor man, he doesn't realize there won't ever be anyone at home cause they'll all be at the hospital with them!

Over these last few days I have realized just how much I take my family for granted. It's sad that it takes something like Cancer to wake a person up. I spend too much time away from them (and I live right down the road!). I really have allowed myself to become so "busy" that I have wasted so many opportunities to make memories. Makes my heart hurt. From here on out, I vow to make more time for ALL of my family. (No matter how much they annoy me sometimes. *cough cough* Ethan *cough* ;) )

If you're my friend on Facebook, you may have noticed that I changed my "cover photo" to the music for Joy On The Other Side of Jordan. (I told you, it's my favorite) I love pictures of sheet music!!!! I don't really know why... It's just a weird thing I guess. :)

OH, one last thing....

Thank you SONIC for having EXCELLENT sweet raspberry tea today;)

Lindsey Strawn- So Small

JOTOS...Tuesday Morning

Tuesday....

The hope for the rest of the week. The day after monday. The day before hump day. There are many things that can describe this day of the week. For thousands of people 11 years ago today, this day was the end of life as they knew it.

Today we reflect on our Country and those that fell in the 9/11 attacks. What a nightmare that day was. I remember where I was... safe and sound at home getting ready to start my schooling. Where were you? My thoughts and prayers are still with all of those affected by the tragedy of 9/11. We will NEVER forget.

On a much happier note, today is the birthday of one of my dearest friends. I called this morning to simply wish her a happy birthday and ended up talking about lots of other things. She is a true inspiration to me. Happy Birthday Sis Teresa!

This morning we found out that my Grandma's surgery will be on Thursday morning at 11:30. We are believing that God has already been working on her behalf. I will let you all know the results of the surgery as soon as I get the information.

It's funny isn't it? How we tend to get so busy in life that we leave God in the shadows until we need him. Lord, I pray that I never get so busy that I forget about You.

Today I challenge you, my readers, (whoever they may be) to spend an hour in prayer and meditation. You will find your day to go much more smoothly when you include a little talk with Jesus!

Have a happy Tuesday!

A New Adventure

I am not much of a writer so beginning this blog is uncharted territory for me. However, I have many thoughts so this seemed the best way to broadcast them. :)

"Joy on the Other Side" is in reference to the old hymn Joy on the Other Side of Jordan, which just so happens to be one of my favorite oldies.

I have grown a lot over the past few years, (inwardly and outwardly HA!) well, at least I feel I have, and my views of a lot of subjects have changed. For example, toe socks. They are NOT a good fashion statement. ;) In all seriousness, there has been a lot happen in my little life span that I couldn't see the joy in. I couldn't find the good in a bad situation, until now.

Recently my Grandma was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder. My whole world came crashing down around me. MY grandma? MY best friend? How could this be? I have been faithful to God in every way I know how. I've been giving all my time to the church, all my life, my everything I have poured out into the ministry and now this? Why did I deserve this... what am I doing wrong... Hundreds of questions I asked God in a matter of minutes. Yes, I was angry. I was scared. I was hurting. Then, like only He can, a still small voice entered my chaotic thoughts and brought me to my knees...literally. "It's not about you." Wow! Something I should know, something so obvious brought my emotional hurricane to a standstill. It isn't about me. This bad situation I found myself in was NOT about me. It wasn't another major trial that I had to face in order for me to grow. This was a way for God to prove himself to my family. This was a long awaited answer to a prayer I had prayed a long time ago. I just had to be still and trust Him.  

We are still awaiting the news from the doctors as to when surgeries will be scheduled, what the other options are, etc... But I have full faith that God has already been working. I have a peace in my heart unlike anything I've ever felt. I found Joy on the Other Side.

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