Showing posts with label 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016. Show all posts
For 2016 the word that I picked for the year was "anew". As I shared last year, unlike in previous years the word was not as clear cut and didn't come immediately to me when I picked it. Instead I felt that there could have been 50 different words that would have been good words. But the Lord kept bringing me back to Jeremiah 31:2-5 again and again I knew that this little word, although uncommon was the perfect word for the year.
And it has been. Anew is defined as: (1) Once more; again (2) In a new and different way, form, or manner (3) In a new or different way, typically more positive way and (4) Once more, again. My prayer for the year had been the following:
"Granted, it is not a word that is "common" or used everyday, but the definitions sum up exactly what I pray for this coming year. This battle for my health continues to be very difficult and demanding and I want to meet this challenge with the hope of what is coming. I want to perservere and yet live fully in this season. As I lean on the Lord's strength to conquer the "unknowns" of what lies ahead with my health, healing, relationships, my professional life, my shop, my writing, and some personal circumstancs I can can rest fully in the knowledge that His strength is going to give me the joy to face these demanding and difficult situations. Finally, I want to be a good soldier for the Lord in this difficult situation and have the quality of temperament to face the pain of illness, the strength to believe in the impossible, and the lovely peace comes from trusting a Sovereign God fully without fear."
So as I prayerfully say goodbye to 2016 and commit to the Lord the difficult, the painful, the confusing, and the unknown, I also look back with gratitude at all that God has done. I am truly overwhelmed by His goodness and His love. Here are just a few of the amazing things that the Lord did this year and some of the most read blog posts from this year:
Personal:
Grateful, Humbling, Emotional, and Exciting News: In February I was overcome with emotion that I had been released from Cancer check ups every month to couple of months to every YEAR. It was beautiful news that we cried over and rejoiced over.
Beautiful Joy: In the midst of some very difficult pain and illness the Lord gave a few beautiful hours to enjoy at my favorite spot on earth with my sister and my mom that was a beautiful gift.
The Fourth Spring: In this post I struggled to adequately express the grief of dealing with approaching the fourth spring of my world being turned upside down, while at the same time trying to adequately describe how grateful I am for the support and love that I have received. (I also posted my first video on the blog!)
Path of Hope Book Release: This book was such a joy and delight to write as I was gently reminded of the precious truth of hope that is found throughout the Psalms. When it released in April it was beautiful.
Speaking in Phoenix, Arizona: Having the opportunity and being well enough to travel alone to Phoenix and speak on two subjects that are dear to my heart was an absolute blessing and unique adventure for the year.
An Engagement Party in the Woods: It was so much fun to gather with dear friends and family in our woods for an engagement party this year.
A Look Back Before Tomorrow: On the eve of my book release I shared more about the precious community whom the book was dedicated to and a special video of special pictures that hold incredible personal meaning to me.
December Caravan Book Release: And then three years after signing the contract, the book that I poured my heart into was released.
A beautiful Nebraska Wedding: After many years of having to say "no" to special and one-of-a-kind events I was blessed with the strength to be able to travel to a dear friends wedding in Nebraska. It was absolutely lovely to be there for the wedding, see dear friends, and see a new part of the country. I always thought of myself as a mountain and lake gal, but after being in Nebraska, I quickly fell in love with the mid-west.
Magic Kingdom with Friends: Probably one of my favorite memories from 2016 was the day spent at the Magic Kingdom with my dear friends Ali and Kori. It was a day that I will never forget and treasure always!
The 11th Anniversary: In October I celebrated the 11th anniversary of being healed from Endometriosis. Perhaps more than any other year, this anniversary beautifully spoke hope into some very dark and difficult and painful days.
A Season of Adventure: A Season of Adventure and getting to meet my dear friend Katie (from Always, Katie) in person was a treasure to my heart that I will always remember.
Travel:
A Drive to the Von Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe, Vermont): Traveling to see this beautiful place that I hadn't seen since I was a child was a delight.
Mother Cabrini Shrine (Peru, New York): Visiting this beautiful memorial was inspiring to me. As I researched and learned about Mother Cabrini I was so inspired by her famous quote: "I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him." For me this has deeply impacted me, especially in this season of life and has become my prayer. May the Lord use me however He chooses.
Wildflower Loop Trail, Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix, Arizona): While I was Speaking in Phoenix, Arizona, I had the opportunity to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens which was a beautiful reminder to me that even in the desert times in our lives beauty can grow.
Muir Woods, (California): This was one of my favorite places that I visited this year and the "Cathedral Grove" section was absolutely breath-taking. This is a place that I hope to return to again in the future.
Emerald Bay (Lake Tahoe, California): This was another one of my most favorite places to visit this year. It was absolutely breath-taking and I was in absolute awe of the beauty.
Disney Cruise with My Sister: This was a beautiful and amazing trip and one that I will treasure forever! You can read all about the entire cruise HERE.
Atlantis Aquaventure Excursion (Bahamas): Emily and I had dreamed of doing this since we were kids and it did not disappoint. This was one of the most fun highlights of the entire Disney Cruise!
Castaway Cay (Bahamas): This island was absolutely stunning and breath-taking. It is definitely everything that you think of when you think of a "Caribbean Paradise".
Royal Caribbean Cruise with My Parents: This precious cruise is filled with lovely memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. You can read all about the entire cruise HERE.
Coco Cay (Bahamas): It was so delightful to be back at Coco Cay and absolutely stunning.
Lyme Disease:
Climbing Another Mountain: One of the most painful, difficult, and traumatic parts of 2016 was when "Nic the PICC" developed a serious and life-threatening blood clot. This situation changed the course of my treatment and was the backdrop for a very difficult and painful season this past year.
#courtneytheportney: In June my mom and I flew out to California for a couple of weeks where I spent test dosing new medications and having #courtneytheportney placed. It was definitely a frightening time, but the Lord was so good in that there was no complications with the surgery and I was so grateful for all of the prayers.
Treatment Round #3 started off with several bumps in the road and eventually had to be changed and morphed into looking like something different. It was definitely one of the most difficult times in this entire journey and was a season where I struggled with absolute frustration.
10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyworld With a Chronic Illness: The theme parks can be fun but also entirely overwhelming for those who are struggling with a chronic illness. This post shared 10 tips on how to enjoy your time at Disneyworld if you have a Chronic Illness.
A New Season and Stage in the Lyme Journey: After many years a new season and stage arrived in the Lyme journey for which we rejoiced over!
Fourth Times the Charm: I started treatment round #4 including starting a med that I have tried unsuccessfully to use three times this past year. We continue to pray for blessings and favor on this treatment round.
10 Affordable and Helpful Lyme Disease Supplements for the Gut: This post shared 10 Affordable and Helpful Lyme Disease Supplements that I have used.
Singleness and Relationships:
Feeling Unbeautiful: This fragile and sensitive topic really resonated with not only my readers who are singles but all women.
The Power of Words in Relationships: This post really resonated with many of my precious readers in this community and reminded me of the power that our words have in another's life.
Hope for the Future in the Single Journey: One of the real aspects of singleness is the heartbreaking reality of seeing days pass without our dreams fulfilled in this journey. It can be tempting to doubt God and His promises as each day passes without seeing our deepest longing fulfilled. It can be hard to hold onto hope, but the Lord is faithful.
Blogging and Writing:
Blogging Advice- Three years Later: It is hard to believe that in January Caravan Sonnet turned 3! I have been sharing on this blog for three years. This post gave tips and advice on things I have learned in this growing and stretching journey.
12 Ways to Support Your Friends Book Release: With the upcoming book release of my book, December Caravan, I shared 12 ways to support a friend who is having a book release.
Guest Post at Mundane Faithfulness: I was so honored to share my heart with the community at Mundane Faithfulness several times this past year. Blythe, is a woman whose friendship this past year is one of the biggest blessings that has come from 2016, is truly amazing.
From Hope Valley Book: I was so excited to announce my upcoming book release in 2017 entitled, "From Hope Valley".
Etsy Shop:
Florence Altered City Journal and Small Journal Combo: This new combination for the shop was one of the most popular: a combo of a city journal (or state or country journal) with a small journal.
Altered Planner 2016: Another new addition to the shop this past year was the opportunity for ordering an Custom Altered Planner.
As I look back on all of these precious memories from this year, I am most grateful for the beautiful friendships and community that God has placed in my life. Thank you for your love, for your support, and most of all thank you for faithfully and consistently modeling God's faithfulness in my life. I look forward to growing in grace with you in this upcoming year.
Happy New Years Eve friends. May our God bless you abundantly as we embark on a new season and year.
{BLOG POST UPDATE}
On Wednesday evening (October 5th) I received a phone call from Disney Resort Guest Services regarding my blog post. I was absolutely impressed with the way that Justine took the time to call me, discuss at length my stay and listen to my concerns about our experience. While our experience was unfortunate, I walked away even more confident in Disney and their administration and the way that they handled my complaints and concerns. I will definitely be going back to stay at additional Disney Resort Properties and commend Disney on their excellent guest services in handling our situations.
When I first decided to accept and pursue the Disney Writing adventure I knew one of the things that I needed to find was a place to stay for my sister and I while we were in Florida. I hadn't traveled to Orlando in many years so I wanted to find a hotel that was within an affordable price range, was in a safe area, and also would be easiest with my health issues to get into the parks. After doing a ton of research, comparing costs for what we needed while we were at Disney, and what we could afford, I chose the Disney Port Orleans- French Quarter Resort.
Disney Port Orleans- French Quarter (and it's sister hotel - Riverside) are both labeled as "moderate Disney resorts". The benefits include free parking on the hotel site (something that is unique among many hotels in the area), free shuttle service to the parks (buses to the parks and even a water taxi to Disney Springs), swimming pool, free Wifi, TVs, and horse-drawn carriage rides (for an extra fee).
For the price (there was a brief discount given that was found on-line) compared to other hotels in the area and for the time that we were going this seemed like the best option. Having only stayed in one other Disney Resort as a senior chaperone and having been thrilled with it (Coronado Springs Resort), I was excited to experience this Disney Resort and the magic that typically comes with Disney.
Unfortunately I can't recommend this resort at all. I hate saying that because I love Disney, but this experience was truly not good and would hate for anyone to experience what we did. Honestly I was extremely disappointed in four aspects of my stay and would never chose to stay at the Port Orleans again.
First, I was very disappointed in how a situation was handled on our first morning at the resort. I had called down to the front desk before heading to breakfast and asked if the hotel had any band aids and was promptly told that I could come to the front desk at any time to receive a first aid kit. So after breakfast, while my sister went back to the room to grab something, I headed to the front desk/registration area happily anticipating the day ahead. There were only 4 people working and all seemed very busy so I took my place to be waited on next. I glanced over to my side and there was an adorable young couple who were very much in love and obviously having the time of their lives. It was precious. When the next staff member opened up I glanced over to the couple - honestly not sure who had arrived first- and the guy from the couple motioned for me to go ahead, so I stepped up. As I opened my mouth to speak the staff member (in an extremely loud voice) said, "We are a civilized hotel and we have lines- you cut and it is not your turn it's their turn (pointing to the couple) so get back in line and wait your turn". I was so caught off guard that I turned to say that I was sorry as I thought I must have mis-interpreted what the man in the couple had said to me when the staff member continued with a flick of his wrist and said, "step back and wait your turn". At that point the man in the couple spoke up and said, "dude, I told her to go first". To which the staff member sighed very dramatically and said, "Fine. What do you need?" I stammered and said that I just needed a first aid kit to which he proceeded to question me ("what for?")acting like I was stupid. I finally said that I needed band aids to which he said, "fine. stay here." and went to the back. He came back out a minute later and proceeded to throw the band aids on the counter while he swished his hand at me to leave. He never once apologized for his rudeness, asked if I needed anything else, or attempted to correct his attitude- he just dismissed me.
Honestly I was shocked. While we had been given a discount, I would never expect any staff member of any hotel, let alone a Disney hotel to act this way or treat anyone this way. The whole thing was completely confusing and completely inappropriate and had me in tears. The way that this situation was handled was such poor customer service that it really put a damper on things for both my sister and I for our entire stay there. This is one of the main reasons that I couldn't recommend this property to anyone.
Second, was the food court situation. My sister and I both enjoyed the breakfast options (gluten free eaters be ware though that there are very limited options!) and when we returned from the parks we were looking to do something simple for dinner. After calling down to the front desk trying to find out the hours of the food court/restaurant we were told that they only served 4 different options and all were only appetizers. For my health issues and for my specific diet (which I had discussed in advance before making the reservations) this was completely new information. Both my sister and I tried calling four different people at the hotel and speaking with different staff. We kept being assured that there was no other food (in fact one staff member told us that they only serve breakfast). So imagine our surprise and frustration after Emily spent over 2 hours traveling to Disney Springs to get food to find out that no, there is dinner food at the food court and we had been mis-informed (and again there was no apology).
Third, the transportation system was unlike what I have experienced or heard from others about Disney Resort transportation and was extremely frustrating. When I had stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort the bus system and transportation were a dream. I expected the same type of thing to happen at this resort and was extremely disappointed.
First, the bus system for the French Quarter also serves three different bus stops at the Riverside so you often had to wait more than 20 minutes for a bus because they were full. In addition to this when we were ready to leave Epcot and head back to the hotel for the day the bus was jammed packed and not everyone could get on (after waiting for 55 minutes) because the bus system served two different resorts. So be prepared to wait. For a while. Second, the boat transportation system sounded so adorable and my sister decided to take that when she went to get us food instead of driving to Disney Springs (after being assured by a staff member it would be quick) something she later regretted. After waiting a good while for the boat to arrive she arrived at Disney Springs and went and purchased food and came back... only to discover that unlike the Riverside hotel that has three boats, French Quarter only had one and arrived nearly an hour later. My sister and a couple of other people from the French Quarter asked the Riverside boat captain if he would drop them (since his boat was empty) and at first he said no, but finally agreed. Technically we found out that while the Port Orleans resorts are connected, they really aren't.
If you are planning to stay here at the Port Orleans be advised to give yourself plenty of extra time as you will be definitely waiting.
Fourth, I was disappointed in how this resort chose to handle the request for a disability or a first floor room due to my health issues. When I made the reservation (and before I checked in) I had specifically asked for a room that would be easily accessible to the buses, the food court, and to get to. Now the room was "somewhat" accessible to both of the first two things, but unfortunately was located on the third floor and there was no elevator anywhere near our room. We requested help with our bags when we checked in but my poor sister was still having to carry things up three flights of stairs because the elevator was so far away and I had to walk a ways to get to our room. If you have a disability make sure to really check this out before you stay at this resort as it was definitely not the most disability friendly which was a true disappointment for a Disney property.
Again, I have never had these situations happen at a Disney property before and am hoping that these were exceptions and not the routine at this property. Unfortunately despite trying to discuss some of these concerns with staff members these items were brushed to the side which saddens me, but as I mentioned in my blog post update I was extremely impressed with how Disney took my concerns seriously when I spoke with them after our stay. Absolutely impressed!
I hope that y'all have found this review of the Disney Port Orleans- French Quarter helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this resort! I would be happy to answer them!
Happy New Years friends!! This is the third year that I have ever joined in on the "pick a word for the year train". I am honestly not sure why I didn't do this years ago because it is such a lovely and sweet idea. Last year as I prayed about a word for the year 2015 (and chose the word "Mettle") it really allowed me time to focus, think and pray about the coming year. It was the same in 2014, when I chose the word "Valor".
Over the past few months as I have prayed about 2016, I expected a word to "come immediately" as it has in the past and yet... it didn't. The word was not as "clear cut" to me as the last two years. Perhaps it is because this health journey is much longer than I originally thought it would be or perhaps it is because I have been feeling weary of late, but I as I kept praying over the world for this year, I felt that there could have been 50 different appropriate words. *smiles*
As I kept seeking the Lord about this coming year, He continued to bring me back to a passage of scripture (Jeremiah 31:2-5) that I felt encompassed all of those 50 words and "themes" that kept coming to mind and could be summed up by an over-arching word:
Over the past few months as I have prayed about 2016, I expected a word to "come immediately" as it has in the past and yet... it didn't. The word was not as "clear cut" to me as the last two years. Perhaps it is because this health journey is much longer than I originally thought it would be or perhaps it is because I have been feeling weary of late, but I as I kept praying over the world for this year, I felt that there could have been 50 different appropriate words. *smiles*
As I kept seeking the Lord about this coming year, He continued to bring me back to a passage of scripture (Jeremiah 31:2-5) that I felt encompassed all of those 50 words and "themes" that kept coming to mind and could be summed up by an over-arching word:
Anew Definition:
(1) Once more; again
(2) In a new and different way, form, or manner
(3) In a new or different, typically more positive way.
(4) Once more, again.
(1) Once more; again
(2) In a new and different way, form, or manner
(3) In a new or different, typically more positive way.
(4) Once more, again.
Granted, it is not a word that is "common" or used everyday but the definitions sum up exactly what I pray for for this coming year. This battle for my health continues to be very difficult and demanding and I want to meet this challenge with the hope of what is coming. I want to persevere and yet live fully in this season. As I lean on the Lord's strength to conquer the "unknowns" of what lies ahead with my health, healing, relationships, my professional life, my shop, my writing, and some personal circumstances I can rest fully in the knowledge that His strength is going to give me the joy to face these demanding and difficult situations. Finally, I want to be a good soldier for the Lord in this difficult situation and have the quality of temperament to face the pain of illness, the strength to believe in the impossible, and the lovely peace that comes from trusting a Sovereign God fully without fear.
There are some verses in scripture that I have mentioned here on the blog before that the Lord kept bringing me back to as I prayed through this upcoming year. They have really become "my verses" for this 2016 year:
A lot of time as a young sick gal I find myself facing the truth that I struggle with this season being one of "crumbling". To be honest, it is not a lot of fun. *smiles* The other day I was moaning and complaining to the Lord and saying, "hasn't there been enough pain?" "hasn't there been enough sickness?" "haven't I endured enough on this journey?" And the Lord quietly replied, "My child, I love you. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you." (Isaiah 43:1) I am humbled by the Lord's love that so graciously puts up with my complaining. How great His love is for His children. BUT... I admit that I have been dealing with some deep grief behind the scenes. Recently I have felt such a tug-of-war about wishing this story was different. I have cried many tears about the deep aching dreams that I see others receiving and living while I struggle to get out of bed some days. My "successes" of the day often revolve around things that would seem small to the rest of the world. I haven't talked about it much on this blog but it has been a death ... a relinquishing of many many dreams on this long journey. There have been many tears that have been spent on this tender subject. Many tears wondering if my greatest dreams of being married and being a mama will come true. Even writing those words and reading them is difficult as I surrender to the Lord.
There are some verses in scripture that I have mentioned here on the blog before that the Lord kept bringing me back to as I prayed through this upcoming year. They have really become "my verses" for this 2016 year:
"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people. Once again you will plant..."
-Jeremiah 31:2-5-
A lot of time as a young sick gal I find myself facing the truth that I struggle with this season being one of "crumbling". To be honest, it is not a lot of fun. *smiles* The other day I was moaning and complaining to the Lord and saying, "hasn't there been enough pain?" "hasn't there been enough sickness?" "haven't I endured enough on this journey?" And the Lord quietly replied, "My child, I love you. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you." (Isaiah 43:1) I am humbled by the Lord's love that so graciously puts up with my complaining. How great His love is for His children. BUT... I admit that I have been dealing with some deep grief behind the scenes. Recently I have felt such a tug-of-war about wishing this story was different. I have cried many tears about the deep aching dreams that I see others receiving and living while I struggle to get out of bed some days. My "successes" of the day often revolve around things that would seem small to the rest of the world. I haven't talked about it much on this blog but it has been a death ... a relinquishing of many many dreams on this long journey. There have been many tears that have been spent on this tender subject. Many tears wondering if my greatest dreams of being married and being a mama will come true. Even writing those words and reading them is difficult as I surrender to the Lord.
But I was reading something the other day by Blythe Hunt which encouraged my little weary and broken heart and reminded me of the word that the Lord kept impressing on my heart of this year being "anew". She said:
"But no amount of effort on my part can draw me out of the weariness I feel from this year's grief. No amount of effort can protect me from grief to come in 2016. Working hard to create an improved version of myself... I just don't have the energy for pumping myself up to follow a plan in order to convince myself that I'm not as broken as I feel. Because, friends, I feel quite broken. Yet that doesn't mean I can't live life more intentionally, seeking Grace to understand how God is pursuing and healing my hurting heart. So as I've browsed all these articles on setting new year's resolutions, I've prayed. I've prayed asking God to reveal how I can be more of a Gracemonger. And this is what I've come up with:
(1) Be Still.
(2) Be Loved.
(3) Be Joyful.
(4) Be Kind."
If you are weary from grief or from whatever the season of last year held (or even for what the beginning of this year has held so far!) I pray, that you will join me in looking at this coming year "anew". Let us live, as Blythe said, "seeking grace to understand how God is pursuing and healing our hurting hearts".
"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people. Once again you will plant..."
The Lord is starting something beautiful anew.
So that is my "word" for the year friends! Did y'all pick a "word" for this year? I would love to hear about it and what the significance is to you!!
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, at the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, when he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, and when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."
-CS Lewis-
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