I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Let me start by saying that even when things don't go as planned, we have so much to be thankful for.    I have a GOD that loves me enough to send his son to die for my sins so that I may have everlasting life.  I woke up this morning in my warm cozy house after sleeping in a comfy bed.  I had food that I could make for breakfast and I have a son that makes me so proud.   I have friends and family that love and support me no matter what.  That in itself is enough.

Jeremy and I were going to meet some friends from church to help deliver food to some less fortunate families.  Once we made it to the facility, we were the only ones there.   After doing some investigating, we found out that they weren't delivering today due to a family emergency.   So, we went on to plan B.  So, we headed off to breakfast with Greg and Fisher Williams at Cracker Barrel. I am thankful for the ability to enjoy a breakfast with good friends.   We all mentioned several times how we felt bad for the families that needed the meals.  I am thankful that I have people in my life that care for others.


Once we returned home, Jeremy and I decided to put up our Christmas tree.  Last year, we didn't put up our big tree because we have a family tree.  Every year, we would all get an ornament to remind us of something from the year.   So, we knew that it would be hard to put up the tree and have to go through all of the ornaments that belongs to Mark.   Well, we were not wrong.   We boths she a few tears, but the majority of Mark's ornaments were packed away so that we don't have to go through them every year, but we will have them.   So, our Christmas tree is up and beautiful.  We then proceeded to straighten up our storage room at the house, and pulled a few things to donate to the Cub Scouts and the clothes closet.   So, I'm also thankful for a day off work to be able to get something's cleaned out.



Jeremy and I cooked a ham, macaroni and cheese, cranberry relish, and snicker salad for dinner.   So, I'm thankful for the food that we have been blessed enough to be able to buy.   Now, we are sitting here watching Whose Line is It Anyway and enjoying a good laugh.   So, all in all, our Thankgiving has included friends, family, food, laughter and tears -AND through it all we have been blessed.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17


give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Day After...

Ok.  I planned to write a blog yesterday, but between work, picking up Cub Scout Popcorn, and a Cub Committee Meeting - I ran out of time.   So, I will write this blog about THE DAY AFTER.   Yesterday marked 2 years since my husband, Mark, passed away.   No one should have to bury their husband at 40 years old, but I'm not sure that I would have been ready to do it at 90 years old either.   Mark was more than just my husband.  He was my best friend, secret keeper, encourager, lover, shoulder to cry on, supporter, and so much more.   We were equally happy hanging out at the house watching TV or traveling.   He left a huge hole in my life, and I miss him daily.  However, I wouldn't wish him back for all the money on the earth.   

Jeremy and I made it through yesterday with grace and dignity.  We both talked about how well we had done, and how the day wasn't as hard as we expected it to be.  We did talk a little bit about Mark and laughed at some stories, but we both know that he is in a much better place.   It is just our selfish "human" nature that misses him.   

I can remember the day after Mark died just like it was yesterday.   I woke up around 7 because I had too much on my mind for my body to let me sleep late.   I got up, got dressed and opened my blinds on the front of my house.  I sat and watched out the window as the world went by.   The sun was shining and across the street, I saw my dad come out and raise the flag in front of his house, like he did every day at that time.   Only this time, he didn't raise it all the way, he left it at half mass...and I cried!   I watched the flag blow in the breeze in tribute to Mark.  My dad told me that he knew it wasn't protocol to lower the flag to half mass for just anyone, but that Mark had deserved the tribute.  He was all about serving and helping people.   

After a couple of hours trying to pull myself together, my best friend, Jenny - came over to sit at the house while my sister-in-law, Sally, and I went to the funeral home to make the arrangements.   I remember thinking how well the two of us handled making the arrangements - and even laughed a few times.   Mark had already planned out his memorial and wishes.   So, that wasn't left for me to have to decide (Thank Goodness!).  I remember how exhausted I was that day and how my friends and parents were there to support Jeremy and I.  The day after brought tears, smiles, laughs, rest, several food deliveries, a couple of deliveries of flowers (a small arrangement from Jeremy's homeroom teacher, and a beautiful dozen red roses from my boss and his wife), visits from several friends, and a lot of peace.  I was at peace with Mark's passing.   I was prepared for him to go, but not in any hurry for it to happen.  

Over the last 2 years, many things have changed.   Jeremy and I  have made some changes to the house.   Jeremy planted some trees in the yard in memory of Mark (and just because we wanted them).  We planted a Camellia bush that a friend gave us, because when I called to tell her that Mark has passed away, her's was in full bloom.  I have set the patio up just the way I wanted it.   We went back to having friends over again.  We have worked to find our new normal.   But, what does that mean? Our new normal!   Hmmm.   My new normal is to not waste time.  Both Jeremy and I have a desire to help others when we can.  So, our new normal includes helping with a clothes closet, volunteering with the Cub Scouts, being active in church, being sure that we don't take our faithful family and friends for granted.  I have stepped out of my comfort zone (actually been called out by GOD) and talked to a couple of widows because you can't really understand what they are going through until you walk that path.  

I try to read uplifting blogs and participate in bible studies that encourage and strengthen me and my walk.  I get a blog from The Christian Working Woman daily.   Her blog today was about -"My question has been: When your cup runs over, what spills out? During the times when we are jostled on life's roller-coaster seas, what's inside of us will come spilling out. If it's faith and trust and joy in the Lord, that will come out. If it's bitterness or worry or self-centeredness, that will come spilling out."    

I know that I am not always in a positive uplifting kind of mood.  Some days I'm down right grumpy, and somedays I feel a little sorry for myself.  But I hope that others can see God through me.   I hope that people that are watching me can be inspired (not by me - because it isn't me, but God carrying me).  I hope that they can see that you can survive losing loved ones in your life.   When Mark was sick, I had no trouble being positive because I had to believe that he would beat cancer. When it was evident that he wouldn't beat it, I had to be positive for Mark and Jeremy.  Once he passed away, I felt that I had to be positive for Jeremy, my parents, my friends, and myself.  Now I am TRULY positive because I know that GOD can handle this and he won't leave me in my time of need.  I know that God loves me, and his heart breaks when my heart breaks, but I also know that he has a plan.  So, I just have to patient while his plan falls into place.  I can't wait to see what my future holds...I hope it's something AWESOME!

Jeremy 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

What's not to love about Fall.

If you know my at all, you know that I don't really like the hot temperatures of summer or the cold temperatures of winter.  Since I live in Alabama, there isn't a lot of middle ground, but I love fall and spring.    How can you  not love fall?   The weather is cooler...it is football season...Halloween is just around the bend...and the leaves are changing color.

We typically go to the PCHS football games in the fall (both at home and away).   This year, I have only been to one home game, and that might be my only home game.   Going to the games just aren't the same when you don't have a spouse to go with.   At the away games, I have Jenny to sit with, but at the home games, she works the concession stands, so that leaves me to sit alone.  I sat half of the last game with Jenny's son.   The games are no fun when you are there alone.  I didn't have any friends to sit with at the game, so it was just me and the crowd of strangers.  So, for the rest of the season, I will be skipping the home games because I can listen to them at home alone and be more comfortable than sitting on the bleachers.  


Last Saturday, Jeremy and I made the drive down to Auburn to see some college football.  My family has always cheered for the Auburn Tigers, and I decided to surprise Jeremy with a trip to see them play.  This was his first Auburn game, and I think he had a good time.    We only live about 2 hours from Auburn, so it wasn't too bad of a drive.   We did all of the "College Football Must do" things.   We walked around the campus unsure of where we were really headed, but the crowds got us to all of the places that we needed to be.    We were able to line up to see the Tiger Walk (where the team unloads the buses and walk their way into the stadium to the cheers of MANY fans).   We climbed up to our seats.  We were in the upper deck (second from the top row).  Let me tell you...those seats were high!!!!  

We got to see the eagle, NOVA, do his flight around the stadium and land in the middle of the field.    Then we got to sit and cheer our team to victory!   After the game, we made the walk back to Toomer's Corner.    On the way, we bought two rolls of toilet paper.  After an Auburn win, it is tradition to roll Toomer's Corner.  So, we tossed a roll at the trees, and picked up a Toomer's lemonade.  Both were great fun!    Then we made the 2 hour drive home.    I was one tired girl, but I would do it again in a minute.  

On Monday, I got a call that a dear friend of mine (for nearly 20 years) passed away.   He was a great guy and will be missed by so many people.   I'm so glad that he didn't suffer, but I feel such pain for his wife.  I know the long road that she is walking right now.  It is long, grueling, and oh so lonely.  I pray daily for her.   Michael, you will be missed by so many.  I like to believe that our loved ones that have passed can stop by and check on us from time to time.  


My best friend has sold her house and looking for a new house.    I'm so thankful that they are staying in our small town.  I would be so lost without her around all the time.    She and her family have helped us out so much when Mark was sick (and since).   We have a sisterly relationship, we can get away with telling each other things that others would get in trouble for saying to us.   LOL!    

I'm sitting her at work looking out the window at the leaves that are beginning to change color.  They are blowing in the breeze.  I realize that in a month, we will be leaving Daylight Savings Time.  So, about now, it will be getting dark (that is one downfall to fall).  I have a cute little ghost sitting on my desk.  Mark had one of these little ghosts on his bedside table for his Halloween decoration the October before he passed away.

I love this little ghost.  It makes me think of him (more than usual).   It's like he is smiling and saying "boo", but not in a scary way!   LOL!    So, I'm ready for fall and all the days that I have before me.

I'm thankful for the cooler weather and all the many blessings in my life.  I'm thankful to be able to jump in the car and drive 2 hours for a football game.  I'm thankful to be able to get together with friends to help pack.  I'm thankful for my health.  I'm thankful for my family and friends.   I'm thankful for memories and tomorrows.  

Pork Stir-Fry with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas...thanks to The Kitchn.

I love to try new recipes.   Well, last night I had 2 pork chops and some asparagus, so I decided to search through Pinterest (one of my obsessions!) for something different to cook.   I was able to find a recipe that had all of the criteria I was looking for...(1) I had to have the ingredients (or at least most of them), and (2) - and most important - it had to look yummy!   I stumbled across a recipe for Pork Stir-Fry with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas from the Kitchn.   The link below will take you to the actual recipe.

 Recipe: Pork Stir-Fry with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas Recipes from The Kitchn 

Doesn't it look yummy!  I love read blogs where they have tried and given reviews of the recipes.  So, I thought that I would give it a try.    This recipe was very easy to prepare (which is always great on a weeknight after work).  I didn't have all of the ingredients in my pantry (but I had all but a couple), and as I tend to do, I added my own flair.    REMEMBER:  This is not my recipe, I found it on Pinterest and the people at www.thekitchn.com get all the credit!   

Pork Stir-Fry with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

Serves 4

1 12-16 ounce pork tenderloin
1 cup rice
1/4 cup soy sauce     (I used low sodium)
2 tablespoons sherry          (I replaced this with Chicken Broth)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar                         (I also used about 1 Tbsp of Garlic Chili Paste - for heat)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon corn starch                  
2 shallots, sliced thin                        (I added one small bell pepper, sliced thin)
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups sugar snap peas, tips trimmed      (I didn't have sugar snap peas)
1/4 cup water                                     (I added Straw mushrooms from a canned, drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper

Place the pork in the freezer for 20 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This helps make it easier to slice. When ready, slice the pork into medallions about 1/2-inch thick. Then slice each medallion into 2 or 3 strips. Season the strips with salt and pepper.

Bring two cups of water to a boil. Add a half teaspoon of salt and the rice, and return to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook the rice for 20 minutes (or follow package instructions). When done, remove from heat, fluff with a spoon, and leave partially covered until ready to serve.

While the rice is cooking, prepare the stir-fry. Whisk together the soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and corn starch. Set near the stove.

Heat 1 teaspoon of the canola or other vegetable oil in a large (14-inch) sauté pan over high heat. Add the pork and cook, stirring and turning strips once or twice, until edges begin to brown and they are just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add the other teaspoon of oil to the pan, and cook the shallots until they have softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the asparagus, cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, and then add the sugar snap peas. Pour half of the water into the pan, and scrape the bottom of the pan to pick up browned bits. You may need to add all of the water, depending on how high the heat and how brown your pan.

Sauté the vegetable mixture for another 4 to 6 minutes, until asparagus and peas are bright green but still crunchy. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the sauce and the cooked pork. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened and the meat and vegetables look glazed.

Serve immediately with rice. Leftovers will keep for a week.

Jeremy thought that the recipe was good, but since he isn't a fan of asparagus, he would have preferred that I left it out.  BUT...he ate it and didn't complain, so it must have been pretty good.   I tinker with Weight Watchers at Home, so if you are doing Weight Watchers, 1/4 of this recipe = 10 points plus per serving, which isn't great...but it was very filling.   

ENJOY!

Looking back on the Septembers of my past.

First of all let me tell you that this post may not make sense to anyone but me, and that is OK.   This blog is more for me to see the blessings through my feelings and experiences than for anyone else. I hope that people find something useful in my ramblings, but that isn't always going to happen. So, I apologize in advance for my ramblings.  

I found myself sitting at home today (9/11/2014), before my Uncle Johnny's funeral thinking about life through the years.   He was 80+ and had lived a good life, and I know it wasn't always easy.  He had a stroke a couple of years ago. I see older people and I think to myself, "I've experienced so much love, happiness, heartache, and pain in my 42 years".   I wonder what their heart story would be.    I think that everyone had a "heart story".   A heart story is something that lives inside of you. It's the story of your life that can't be hidden behind a smile, a laugh,or a tear.  Everyone's heart story is different.  Some have lost children, spouses or parents.   Others have dealt with pain from family or friend due to rejections or abuse.   Many have felt great love or loss.  Today I sat and thought about my heart story.  Over the years, what was I experiencing the first week or so of September.   I've never thought to think about my life in such a short period of time every year, but today is the day.

Today is September 11, 2014.  I remember where I was 12 years ago...but I can also remember in general overviews, the feelings and events that I have experienced in the first part of September over several years.    It's kind of interesting to think about high school, young adult life and now (middle age - yep no matter how much I fight it...I'm middle aged) while only thinking of the first couple of weeks of September each year.  

I can remember early September 1989.  I was dating my high school boyfriend, the one that would end up being my husband (but not my last husband - and certainly NOT my best husband).  This time was filled with happiness and love (but also dread because I knew he would be leaving in November for Korea for a year).  This was also a time of happiness because I was a Senior in High School.   I always liked school, but I was "grown" and ready to start the rest of my life.  

Early September 1990, I was working and going to college at night.   This September wasn't as fun as I thought it would be.  College and being employed at the Daycare was a lot of work.    I'm sure I was stressed because of the extra load, but I was also anxious and happy.  That same boyfriend (now fiancé) that left for Korea in 1989 was going to be home around Thanksgiving and we were getting married in January.   I was excited for his return and for the wedding.

September 1993,  I was pregnant.  This time brought about much anticipation and happiness, along with some fear.   I was living across the country from my family and friends and about to have a baby - THAT IS SCARY, but still so exciting.   

I was getting a divorce in 1997,  the man that I loved in 1989 turned out to be a loser.   He was my son's "father" but never his dad. I was scared!   How was I going to support myself and my son with no help from this man.  BUT...I was determined, and I made it work with the help of my parents.  

In 1998, I was so very happy.  I was working at a decent job and going back to college at night.  I had my son and a new husband (This one was the good one).   After only dating Mark for 6 months, we married.  (WHAT?!?  I do not make quick decisions about things.  I think that God allowed us to marry quickly knowing that we wouldn't have a very long life together.)  My life had finally fallen into place.   Mark wanted to fill the role of Jeremy's dad...and he did a great job of it.   Everything seemed right with the world.  

September 11, 2001.  The only emotion I can remember was fear and uncertainty.   The World Trade Centers had been hit by airplanes.   Many, many people had died.   The firefighters and police officers were there to help and many of them died.     Planes had crashed.   Our nation was under attack.   I remember feeling very patriotic and praying for peace.   

September 2010 brought many tears. This was the time when Mark was going for a routine biopsy, nothing to worry about.   September 9, 2010 was when the doctor called and told me over the phone that my husband had cancer.  Complete and utter terror ran through my veins.    No one should ever have to look their loved one in the face and tell them that they have cancer.   Fear, confusion, and love were the emotions of the day as Mark and I sat on the couch together to process this.   I remember praying that God would help me through this time because I wasn't strong enough to handle this.   I had always heard about a peace that surpasses all understanding.   WELL, if you haven't experienced that peace, it is wonderful.   A calmness fell over Mark and myself.   There were still fears and tears, but nothing like the first couple of days.   Mark's attitude was that there was nothing to fear, he wasn't going to give in to cancer.  He said "I'll just do what they tell me to and we will live happily ever after".  Oh how I wished that was true!!!

September 2011 brought along happiness, exhaustion, and fear. We learned during 2011 to just enjoy being together whether it was sitting on the couch talking or hanging out in a hospital room.  We enjoyed being together as a family. Mark had spent over 30 nights in the hospital that year.  The oncologist was planning to start radiation in early September, BUT the scan showed a new tumor.  So, we started chemo instead.  Mark's attitude (and mine) was that we were still going to win this battle.   We loved every minute that we were together.  Jeremy, Mark and I did a lot of hanging out at our house, just enjoying being together.  

Jeremy was a senior in High School in 2012.  So, I was very excited about that and wondering where his life would lead him. The feeling that was stronger than the excitement was the heartbreak I was experiencing.   The oncologist had told us in July that the cancer had spread to his bones, and Mark probably had 6 months to live.   He didn't make it that long.   He told me that he was giving up, which I understood - he was tired.  I was a complete emotional wreck the evening that Mark and I sat down and planned out his Memorial Service, but I was relieved when it was all planned and didn't have to be addressed again for several months.  I was worried about facing a future without him in it, but I was sure that I could handle it on my own.  I knew that God was going to carry me and Jeremy through the difficult times, and he has.  

Jeremy and I went to Panama City in September of 2013.   We decided to take a "family vacation".   Mark was cremated and wanted his ashes scattered in various locations, which Jeremy and I (along with different friends) have fulfilled those wishes.   We still have a part of him with us, but he is in camping spots, beaches, and waterfalls.  Jeremy and I headed off on vacation and made it about 50 miles from home when it hit us.   We left Mark at home.  So what do we do? We turned around and went home to get him. The vacation to PCB was lots of fun. Jeremy and I laughed and had a great time.   One night at sunset, we went out and scattered Mark's ashes in the waves and buried him in the sand. I knew that day as we laughed about burying Mark in the sand, that Jeremy and I were on our way to being ok, and we were happy. 

This year was no different. We buried Uncle Johnny today, but I know that he is well and in a much better place. I like to think that Mark and Uncle Johnny are hanging out up there having a good time.  I'm not perfect, I'm not always strong, but I am always blessed.   This year, I've had some sad times thinking about the past.  I've shed more than a few tears and smiled more than a few times while writing this post.  I laughed while remembering that we buried him in the sand (along with all the other crazy things that Mark did to keep us laughing while he was alive)!   Through our lives, there are going to be hard times, happy times, and some times when we just feel like "it's not fair", but no matter what there will always be blessed times.  You just have to look for them.  

I remember what I was doing 4 years ago today...

Do you ever have dates that stick out so distinctly in your mind?  September 1 is one of those dates for me.   It was September 1, 2010.   I have always been a positive person and a "good" Christian person.  However, Sept 1 was going to be the date that would forever change the rest of my life.   It was a day that would draw me closer to God, my friends, and family.   It would also be that day that would bring Jeremy, Mark, and myself closer together with a bond that would hold like cement.   I'm sorry if I am rambling, but my mind if running a thousand miles a minute, thinking about the last 4 years.   Wow!  So much has change...my family has changed, my relationship with God has changed (So Thankful for this Change!).   Those of you that know me, know that I try to be a positive and encouraging person.  Well on September 1, 2010, I was no different.   Mark (my husband) had a pre-op appointment for a biopsy.  He had a spot that the doctor said " I'm sure this is probably nothing more than a freckle, but I want to biopsy it to be sure. ".   So being my encouraging self, I was the cheerleader that was telling Mark that it was going to be nothing and we would just get the biopsy and figure out from there what the doctor wanted to do with this little spot.    I took off work that afternoon for the appointment.  I sat in the waiting room talking and laughing with my husband (he was always entertaining).   We came home and  cooked dinner and ate as a family with Jeremy.   This was no big deal...just a precaution.   I had no worries.

The next day (9/2/10), we got up and went to UAB Highlands for his simple outpatient surgery.  My parents were out of town,  Jeremy was as at school,  Jenny was at work,  Sally was at home working in Florida.   All of these people were stressed out about the fact that I was in the waiting room alone.   I wasn't worried.  I had this, I wasn't alone.   There were a lot of other people in the waiting room.   I sat and chatted with others sitting around me.   No worries...I had this!   The biopsy took a little longer thank expected, but that was ok...I'm a pretty patient person too.   Once the doctor called me back for the report about how the surgery went.   He said that he was able to biopsy the spot.  He had found a complication, and had a lot of trouble feeding the catheter into his bladder because of the narrowing.  They were going to send us home with a Urinary catheter and stitches and we would return in one week to have the catheter removed.   I was then sent back out to the waiting room to wait for Mark to make it recovery and they would call me back.   I was still chatting with the people around me, but my mind was kind of swirling.    How was Mark going to handle having this catheter for a week.  I figured that it wouldn't go well.   Little did I know that within a year later that catheter would become his permanent friend!   Yes...that is what Mark called his catheter during his cancer fight...his friend.  He would say "I've got my friend, let's go!"  

Differences that can be seen in family photos.

Yesterday, Jeremy and I had family photos taken for the church directory.   The chore of having the pictures taken went well.  However, when we returned home, I was admiring the family photos that were taken for the last directory.   The last photos were taken in September 2011 - Mark, my husband, was in the beginning few treatments of chemo.   We were so cautious to try and keep his hair from falling out until after the pictures.   You can tell by looking at the pictures that Mark felt so bad.   Jeremy was a Junior in high school at the time of the last pictures.    I didn't know that those portraits would be the last family portrait that the 3 of us would take.   The plan was for the chemo and radiation to heal Mark of his cancers.  That didn't turn out to be the case.   Mark put up a hard fight, but in the end he would lose his battle with cancer.

So, my family has changed considerably since September 2011.   In November 2012, Mark lost his battle with cancer (or maybe he won the battle depending on how you look at it) and I became a widow.   Jeremy has graduated from High School and is trying to figure out what he will do for a career from here.  He wants to help people, and make a difference.   Jeremy helps me out so much around the house, and helps to keep me entertained (as he always has).   My family is complete and blessed, even though it has changed.   We are missing a member, but he lives forever in our hearts and memories.   So, even though the new family photo will look different, we are still a complete and blessed family.

What am I thinking?

Am I really going to attempt to write a blog?   Yes?!?  I feel like I am being called to do this.   There is a story to tell, but I'm not sure that anyone (besides me) will care anything about it.  So, I guess I will write this blog and see if anyone else reads it.   If it turns out to be written only for me, that is ok too.

God has blessed me in my life.   He gave me a son (20 years ago), my where has the time gone.   My son, J, has been a blessing to me.   I was lucky enough to be married to my best friend, Mark, for 14-1/2 years.   I treasure every moment that I got to spend with this wonderful man.   Mark passed away in November of 2012.  Now, I am still working to get a grip on my new normal.  I'm 42 years old and single again.   This isn't the path that I planned for myself, but I am thankful that God gives me the strength to face every challenge in my life.   Every challenge makes me stronger, and makes me more confident in my faith.   I can't wait to see what God has in store for my future.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."