On our 2nd full day of cruising we arrived in Portland, Maine and after spending some time in Portland, and at the gorgeous Portland Head Lighthouse, we next went on to Kennebunkport, Maine. I have to say that Kennebunkport is one of my favorite places that I have ever visited and am already day dreaming of a future trip. It was simply adorable and so quaint y'all.
On the way to to Kennebunkport Michelle and I had a great time chatting and seeing the pretty views on the drive to the town.
The beautiful Maine coast was gorgeous even in the fog and clouds.
One of the most interesting houses that we saw on the way to Kennebunkport was the "Wedding Cake House". It is known as the "most photographed house" in the state of Maine.
When we arrived in Kennebunkport I immediately fell in love. It was absolutely adorable.
Kennebunkport, Maine has a fantastic and interesting history. Most people associate Kennebunkport as the summer home of former US President George H. Bush. President Bush was known to often invite famous world leaders to Kennebunkport and former US President George W Bush also invited some world leaders to this area. The Bush compound is located on Walkers Point. According to our tour guide the Bush family is well loved in Kennebunkport and recently the town named a garden in Barbara Bush's honor for her birthday.
The tour that we were on did include a drive by past the Bush's home, but due to the cloudy day and fog we were only able to see a little bit of the home. This picture below is from one of the Kennebunkport websites from a clear day, taken from above the home so that you can see an airel view.
Besides the history of the Bush family in Kennebunkport, there is a rich history that began in the late 1600's. Kennebunkport was apart of the Massachusetts Bay Colony but due Indian depredations, the town was depopulated by 1689 and was not settled again by Europeans until the early 1800s. At this time the town was renamed Arundel until 1821 when the town was renamed again, this time to Kennebunkport. The choice of the rename was due to the economy being one of shipbuilding and trade along the Kennebunkport River.
By the later 1800s, close to around 1870 the town became a popular summer destination with lots of homes and hotels built along the coastline. In 1947 much of Kennebunkport was affected by the Great Firs of 1947 and much of the housing had to be rebuilt along the certain parts of Kennebunkport.
Today the town of Kennebunkport is a popular tourist destination in different seasons including the summer and at Christmas when the there are special seasonal and holiday activities.
When we arrived in Kennebunkport we had not eaten lunch and we were looking for something yummy and yet quick so that we could spend some time enjoying the lovely town. After seeing the wait at several other restaurants, we ended up eating lunch at the Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunkport and it was absolutely delicious! Honestly, I can't recommend this enough. The Hurricane Restaurant is located right in Dock Square and is easy to walk to from any part of Dock Square. What is really interesting is that the dining room literally sits on pilings and hangs over the Kennebunk River. The view from anywhere you sit in the dining room is lovely. While they didn't offer a gluten free menu, the chef was delightful to work with and I had a delicious meal and so I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has food sensitivities. If you are in the area and are looking to find out more information about the Hurricane Restaurant you can find their website HERE!
After we ate our delicious lunch we had a lovely time exploring some of the different shops along the town square. One of the first stops that I made was to the local pharmacy that had the cutest sign outside. While I was on the hunt for some much needed medical supplies for the cruise, I was enamoured with all of the adorable items that were inside. It was so cute!
The shopping in the town square is simply lovely. While it has a little bit of tourist options, it is also very quaint and I didn't feel that I was simply seeing tourist things, but instead there were lots of local aritisan creations and it was so fun to look around at the different shops. Walking around the town square was simply lovely, especially with the surrounding view of the Kennebunk River.
If you are looking to travel to Kennebunkport and want to find out more about the different shops along the town square and in the surrounding area this website HERE will provide lots of information!
Seeing Kennebunkport in the fall was wonderful but it has only made me want to revisit this special town again! Have y'all visited the Kennebunkport before? If not, I definitely recommend adding it to your list of "must see" travel places! You won't regret it!
Two years ago, I wrote a post that has remained one of my most popular posts which discussed 26 Ways to Help a Friend with Chronic Illness. It was widely appreciated by those who have a chronic illness and those who love someone with a chronic illness. As time went on I started to receive some emails asking if there were any specific thoughts or ideas on how to reach out to someone with a chronic illness during the holiday season. (Y'all are AWESOME. SERIOUSLY. I LOVE emails like this- such an encouragement to my little heart!) So I wrote a post entitled, 17 ways to help a friend with Chronic Illness during the Holidays. (There is also a 30 Christmas Present Idea list for a friend with Chronic Illness that can be found HERE if you are interested!) And last year I shared 15 ways to help a friend with a chronic illness during the thanksgiving season.
As we have entered into November and with Thanksgiving quickly approaching in a few short weeks I wanted to re-share this list. I hope that this list helps! I am not an expert at all, but the things that I have listed below are things that friends have mentioned to me that have been wonderful or I have personally experienced that has truly touched my heart and my life during this holiday season. So (in no specific order) here are 15 ideas to help a loved one with a chronic illness during the Thanksgiving holiday!
1.Pray for your friend. The holidays can be stressful for people and this is especially true of those with chronic illnesses.
2. When hosting a dinner party (or a get together) take the time to share with your Chronically Ill friend ahead of time the ingredients of all of your dishes. This will save your friend any awkwardness of having to ask questions in front of the other guests and feel like a burden at the party.
3. When hosting a party- offer some foods that your friend (who is on a special diet) can eat. Don't make this a big deal but try to incorporate snacks (or leftovers) that you know your friend can eat.
4. Be sensitive. Understand that money is tight and that the holidays are incredibly stressful for your friend. Hosting a thanksgiving get together (even if it is "their year") can be extremely taxing on those suffering with chronic illness. I know I was told by one friend, "if it was just us, we would be eating eggs and toast because money is so tight but instead we have been missing treatments, not buying supplements, etc. for a couple of months just to save up to feed the family because it is our responsibility this year". Yikes! Unfortunately this is the case all too often. Be incredibly sensitive to the time, energy, and money that may be spent and try and help out with any (or all!) of these things!
5. Remember your neighbors! Helping those who are less fortunate, serving at the homeless shelter, etc. are all wonderful ideas BUT have you ever thought about serving those who are even closer to you? Your chronically ill friend is in serious need. Consider serving those closest to you this year!
6. Offer to go grocery shopping (and pay for the groceries) for your friend. This was such a great idea! Shopping is absolutely exhausting for a chronically ill person, but during the holidays it can be truly detrimental. Not only are their long lines and tons of people but often times there is more of a chance of someone picking up germs due to these large crowds. You most likely are already going to the store- why not ask your friend what you can pick up for them? Another idea? Why not get double of everything you are getting and then drop it off at their house (with the receipt). They will keep what they can use and exchange anything that can't be used. Such a simple but helpful thing for those who are ill!
7. Be Patient. Things may look different with your friend and family members who are seriously ill but remember that they are still the same person. Be patient with the changes.
8. Laugh often with your friend or family member. Maybe offer to bring over a comedy to watch together, send a funny card in the mail, or just leave a message that could bring a smile to their face!
9. Don't make it about you. Yes, the holiday season is about giving but be respectful of your friends wishes and desires. Maybe they really don't want you to come over at midnight to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve (or Thanksgiving Eve Eve...Yes, Hahaha that is a true story! *smiles*)
10. Consider starting new holiday traditions. Yes, you have stuffed yourselves with Turkey and always played flag football for the whole afternoon finishing the day off with a movie marathon and then starting your all day Christmas shopping at midnight on Black Friday and that has been wonderful for years (or decades or generations) BUT... just typing that list is exhausting let alone being able to do 1/2 of those things for a chronically ill person. Why not start new holiday traditions while keeping the old ones? BE Creative. BE open. Your love and compassion will be the best holiday gift you could give someone.
11. Take up a secret holiday collection and give it to your friend before Christmas. Why not surprise your friend with an early Christmas present and give it to them at Thanksgiving. Believe me... they are not going to be spending it on themselves unless it is for treatment but even then they probably will use it to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones.
12. Celebrate the simplicity of the holiday season. Holidays are about PEOPLE. NOT a tradition or a pinterest worthy house... but people. Spend the energy and love on the people who are hurting.
13. Be Thoughtful. This is how I describe things to those who don't know me sometimes. "Remember how poorly you felt when you had the flu last year? Remember the headache and the backache you had last week? Remember when you had mono as a college student? Put all of them together and times it by ten and you have close to what I am feeling all of the time. Now if you felt that way... what would you like to do for the holidays?" Be thoughtful - put yourself in the others persons shoes.
14. Be Compassionate. Does your friend have more pain or fatigue later in the evening? Consider hosting a brunch instead of a dinner! (Or vice versa!)
15. Realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
2. When hosting a dinner party (or a get together) take the time to share with your Chronically Ill friend ahead of time the ingredients of all of your dishes. This will save your friend any awkwardness of having to ask questions in front of the other guests and feel like a burden at the party.
3. When hosting a party- offer some foods that your friend (who is on a special diet) can eat. Don't make this a big deal but try to incorporate snacks (or leftovers) that you know your friend can eat.
4. Be sensitive. Understand that money is tight and that the holidays are incredibly stressful for your friend. Hosting a thanksgiving get together (even if it is "their year") can be extremely taxing on those suffering with chronic illness. I know I was told by one friend, "if it was just us, we would be eating eggs and toast because money is so tight but instead we have been missing treatments, not buying supplements, etc. for a couple of months just to save up to feed the family because it is our responsibility this year". Yikes! Unfortunately this is the case all too often. Be incredibly sensitive to the time, energy, and money that may be spent and try and help out with any (or all!) of these things!
5. Remember your neighbors! Helping those who are less fortunate, serving at the homeless shelter, etc. are all wonderful ideas BUT have you ever thought about serving those who are even closer to you? Your chronically ill friend is in serious need. Consider serving those closest to you this year!
6. Offer to go grocery shopping (and pay for the groceries) for your friend. This was such a great idea! Shopping is absolutely exhausting for a chronically ill person, but during the holidays it can be truly detrimental. Not only are their long lines and tons of people but often times there is more of a chance of someone picking up germs due to these large crowds. You most likely are already going to the store- why not ask your friend what you can pick up for them? Another idea? Why not get double of everything you are getting and then drop it off at their house (with the receipt). They will keep what they can use and exchange anything that can't be used. Such a simple but helpful thing for those who are ill!
7. Be Patient. Things may look different with your friend and family members who are seriously ill but remember that they are still the same person. Be patient with the changes.
8. Laugh often with your friend or family member. Maybe offer to bring over a comedy to watch together, send a funny card in the mail, or just leave a message that could bring a smile to their face!
9. Don't make it about you. Yes, the holiday season is about giving but be respectful of your friends wishes and desires. Maybe they really don't want you to come over at midnight to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve (or Thanksgiving Eve Eve...Yes, Hahaha that is a true story! *smiles*)
10. Consider starting new holiday traditions. Yes, you have stuffed yourselves with Turkey and always played flag football for the whole afternoon finishing the day off with a movie marathon and then starting your all day Christmas shopping at midnight on Black Friday and that has been wonderful for years (or decades or generations) BUT... just typing that list is exhausting let alone being able to do 1/2 of those things for a chronically ill person. Why not start new holiday traditions while keeping the old ones? BE Creative. BE open. Your love and compassion will be the best holiday gift you could give someone.
11. Take up a secret holiday collection and give it to your friend before Christmas. Why not surprise your friend with an early Christmas present and give it to them at Thanksgiving. Believe me... they are not going to be spending it on themselves unless it is for treatment but even then they probably will use it to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones.
12. Celebrate the simplicity of the holiday season. Holidays are about PEOPLE. NOT a tradition or a pinterest worthy house... but people. Spend the energy and love on the people who are hurting.
13. Be Thoughtful. This is how I describe things to those who don't know me sometimes. "Remember how poorly you felt when you had the flu last year? Remember the headache and the backache you had last week? Remember when you had mono as a college student? Put all of them together and times it by ten and you have close to what I am feeling all of the time. Now if you felt that way... what would you like to do for the holidays?" Be thoughtful - put yourself in the others persons shoes.
14. Be Compassionate. Does your friend have more pain or fatigue later in the evening? Consider hosting a brunch instead of a dinner! (Or vice versa!)
15. Realize that your friend or family member with chronic illness is the best gift this season. Their illness is forcing them to set limitations but the gift to you is remembering what is truly important in the holiday season. Celebrate PEOPLE. Not things or activities. At the end of the day people are the most important thing not whether or not you were able to buy every single gift in the world.
On our 2nd full day of cruising we arrived in Portland, Maine and after spending some time in Portland we headed out to see the beautiful Portland Head Light House. Y'all, this light house and the surrounding area is absolutely gorgeous.
The Portland Head Light house is situated along the beautiful shores of Maine in Fort Williams Park in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
On site is also a cute gift shop (which is seasonal) that features precious gifts and artwork related to the lighthouse and to Maine in general. There is also a museum that is on the property that is housed within the former Keeper of the Lighthouse Quarters.
If you are going to plan a visit around the lighthouse you can easily spend lots of time as you spend time at the lighthouse itself and then spend time in Fort Williams Park which offers lots of different historic fort structures, unlimited ocean views (from a variety of different directions), picnic facilities, and lots of different hiking trails.
The Portland Head Light House has a fantastic and interesting history. In 1776 the Town of Cape Elizabeth posted eight soldiers at Portland Head to warn the citizens of the town of the coming British soldiers and imminent attacks.
Eleven years later, the Massachusetts legislature gave $750 to begin the construction of a lighthouse at the Portland Head location. Three years later, the US Government was given all responsibility to maintain and finance the lighthouses that were in the US at that point in time. Because the lighthouse was not yet completed, Congress appropriated $1500 for the completion of the Portland Head Light House and the original tower was completed in early 1791.
In 1865 the original tower was raised by 20 feet and a Fresnel lens was installed (of which a portion can still be seen in the Portland Head Light Museum). Unfortunately a year later, there was a ship that struck the ledge of the Portland Head, but were helped to safety by the Light House keeper and his family (and volunteers). To this day the cause of the wreck remains a mystery as members of the crew say that they could clearly see the Portland Head Light before the disaster and visibility was not an issue.
The current Portland Head Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (which is now the museum) was constructed in 1891 and was used to house the head and assistant lighthouse keepers and their families until 1989.
In August of 1989 the property was leased to the Town of Cape Elizabeth from the Unites States Government and in 1993 the property was officially deeded to the Town of Cape Elizabeth.
While the Portland Head Light House is a traveler's dream to see, it is interesting to note that the United States Coast Guard maintains the actual light and the fog signal.
Seeing the lighthouse at anytime of year would be wonderful but there was something special about seeing the lighthouse in the cool autumn grey skies.
Have y'all visited the Portland Head Light House before? If not, I definitely recommend adding it to your list of "must see" travel places! You won't regret it!
Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to link up with Mel, Shaeffer, and Shay for the "What's Up Wednesday" Link up! I have so enjoyed reading these ladies posts and am excited to join in! It is so fun to connect with so many other ladies who are doing this each month! I missed last month because of the cruise but am so excited to be back connecting again this month with everyone!
What We're Eating this Week...
Well I am just going to be honest here y'all... food is difficult right now, but one thing that I still enjoy is my morning smoothie that is filled with yummy fruit and lots of probiotics.
What I'm Reminiscing About...
The cruise that took place almost a month ago! It was such a fun and precious time with friends that it is such a joy to reminisce about!!! I still have so many pictures to share still too! I have shared about our first day (the Port of New York City) and Portland, Maine but I can't wait to share more in the upcoming weeks!
What I'm Loving...
Becoming a merchandiser with Chloe + Isabel. Taking this job has been so incredible as I have been able to connect with so many amazing women, partner with an amazing company, share beautiful and gorgeous jewelry, and help raise awareness and funds for charities and friends who I am passionate about. It is hard to believe that Christmas is only weeks away! If you are interested in purchasing anything from the shop you can click HERE! ALL proceeds are going to help pay for my treatment! (Interested in hosting an online pop up party? Email me: caravansonnet@gmail.com - I would love to work with you!!)
What I've Been Up To...
If you follow me on instagram than you know that this month "Nic the PICC" joined my life and I am now embarking on the next serious round of treatment. It's intense and every hour of the day is taken up doing something for my health but I am determined to beat Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease. Unfortunately while we were in California we discovered that Lyme has been attacking another part of my body that has decided to cause some serious issues. I continue to appreciate prayers for this specific issue to be resolved, and for complete healing.
What I'm Dreading...
Let's be honest... there was a reason that I didn't become a nurse- the infusions, the care for "Nic the PICC", the IV's ... it is a little overwhelming... and extremely expensive. Even with insurance we are looking at paying approximately $2500 a month for my treatment. It is overwhelming and has caused a ton of tears and stress these past couple of weeks. I appreciate your prayers for all of this!
What I'm Working on...
A couple of exciting surprises that I will be sharing in the next few weeks! I can't wait to share with y'all!!
What I'm Excited About...
Final Details for this book which will be released on November 15th!! You can read more about it HERE!!
What I'm Watching/Reading...
A couple of weeks ago I shared about the top 5 books that have impacted my life the most. In that post I shared about an author, Robin Jones Gunn who has written several series that I have loved and I finally was able to read her latest book "One More Wish" last week while I was in California. I have shared this before but I was 13 years old when I was handed my first of many books I would fall in love with from Robin Jones Gunn and haven't stopped reading them over the last 22 years. I have read, re-read, and re-read a thousand times the adventures of Robin's characters while I have been encouraged in my faith and strengthened and challenged to return to scripture. I welled up with tears many times throughout this book as I was gently and lovingly encouraged to remember that "God's timing is flawless". Absolutely wonderful.
No matter your age- whether you are 13 years old to your early thirties (and beyond) you will love these books. Throughout the last few years of my health journey I have re-read these series and books thousands (literally!!) of times, have handed out countless copies to people on airplanes, in hospitals, and even once in a grocery store line. The beautiful way that Robin writes mimics the beautiful way that the Lord calls people to Himself- with lots of love, lots of grace, and lots of beauty.
What I'm Listening to...
I shared this a couple of weeks ago but if you haven't had the chance to listen to this beautiful song, "Jesus I am resting" yet, take the three minutes and do it right now. I promise you will be incredibly blessed! (Want to find out more about the Wissmann Family and check out more of their music? You can find their website HERE!)
What I'm Wearing...
This scarf by Jacob's Scarves is pretty much worn every single day. It is incredibly soft, huge so you can wrap yourself into it, and just wonderful. Y'all know how much I love the mission of Jacob's Scarves. You can find their website HERE!
What I'm looking Forward to Next Month...
We will be one month done with this treatment (PRAISE THE LORD!!) round and one month closer to healing!! ALSO... the holidays are quickly approaching... even though they look different during this time of sickness I am still looking forward to celebrating the true meaning of the holidays!!
I would love to know your answers to these questions friends! Share your thoughts below in the comments!! *smiles* Happy Wednesday!
One of the best ways to travel is to literally eat your way around the world. From the spices of Asia to the oil drenched veggies of the Mediterranean, there are so many healthy cuisines out there with so many delicious meals to offer. So if you're feeling a bit peckish and have a case of wanderlust, get yourself booked on a last minute holiday to one of these sumptuous destinations.
Italy
Famous for its pasta, pizza and gelato, Italy is guilty as charged for loading visitors with carbs, creams and cheese. However, it also uses fresh ingredients like seafood and Mediterranean vegetables for those much needed vitamins and good oils. A simple snack of juicy tomatoes and mozzarella is given a boost with fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Grilled calamari is also a favourite, with a light seasoning of olive oil, lemon and parsley, served with grilled veggies like peppers. Hungry for a bolognese? Opt for a spaghetti al pomodoro that only uses fresh tomatoes and herbs in its sauce.
Barbados
If you needed any more reason to head out to Barbados, the Caribbean diet might just convince you. Make the most of tropical fruit offerings like passionfruit, papaya, fig, mango and melon - they make for the best fruit salad ever. Breadfruit is also used a lot in Barbados and trees can be spotted around the island. Flying fish sandwiches are the nation's signature snack and although they're a little bit naughty (deep fried with salt and pepper) you have to try one. Rice and peas is another traditional dish, giving you a nice blend of carbs and vegetables.
Japan
Images by Paul Miller used under Creative Commons License.
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It's all about noodles and rice in Japan but these are usually served with crunchy vegetables, meat or omega-3 rich fish. They also tend to serve small portions, so you're not at risk of overeating! You might even want to swap your meat for a healthier alternative, tofu. Sushi is an obvious choice and so it should be - it comes in all varieties that taste light yet filling. Go for crispy salmon rolls, tuna avocado rolls or vegetarian rolls. More good Japanese food choices include edamame rice, miso soup and green tea ice cream.
Morocco
Moroccan food is full of flavour and you'll find the street food just as impressive as the restaurant dishes. Chickpeas are ubiquitous in Moroccan cooking, used in falafels, humous and mezes - they are also a great source of protein. Dried fruits are also used a lot in both savoury and sweet dishes, full of vitamin A and magnesium. More ingredients commonly used include digestive aiding ginger, the antioxidant tumeric and iron building cumin. Mixing health foods with such rich flavourings mean that you won't even realise how healthy you're being.
Scandinavia
This lovely part of the world is known for its simple but nutritious and delicious cuisine. They like to use a lot of fish with good oils, rye bread and root vegetables. Try an artichoke and rye salad, elderflower fritters or red herring with oats. More popular choices include mackerel burger with cheese, creamed cod with garlic and Swedish meatballs. The Scandinavian diet is the secret behind why the locals look so good.
Before setting off on your foodie adventure, make sure that you have packed your appetite - you're going to need it.
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all of the thoughts I agree with and match the tone of my blog and beliefs of my blog.
If you read my October 25th post from last year or you know me well you know that October 25th is a very special day to me. It holds incredible meaning and significance as ten years ago I had a life-changing surgery that change the course of my life and this was the day that the Lord healed me after doctors told me that there was "nothing" that they could do. (You can read more of my story with my battle with Endometriosis HERE!)
I shared last year the different ways I have celebrated this anniversary over the years. While some of these days and moments have been photographed over the years, many of them have not. The moments that my mind remembers today of precious moments of telling my story to my students over the years as I testified about the Lord's mighty healing power, the laughter between family and friends, the precious phone calls and texts from friends who prayed for the miracle to happen and never stopped believing, my sister calling to celebrate with me, long walks thanking the Lord on year two, and the quiet celebration in my heart every time I see the calendar approaching this special day when doctors said there was "no hope" and yet the Lord spoke differently.
As I think about year ten today I have so many mixed emotions. Emotions of extreme gratitude and humble thankfulness and tears at the Lord's mighty healing power. I also admit that like last year, I have tearful behind-the-scenes prayers of, "why aren't you healing the same way this time Lord?". It is a question that I think so many people have asked behind the scenes (and some of the brave have cried with me).
I recently received an email from the same reader that I shared about last year. This reader wanted to know if my response to their question last year would be any different another year later. (You can read the original question and response HERE.)
As I told this reader, it's really not. Instead I am learning in new ways to walk in the trust that "and if not He is still good". I shared this on instagram earlier this summer, but I used to say this phrase so easily that it practically just rolled off my lips. Did I mean it? Absolutely. But then very hard things in life occur and sometimes you are forced to reevaluate what you used to say so easily...and sometimes someone asks you if you still believe despite those circumstances. I weep for this reader because as we have communicated I have learned of the heartbreak situation surrounding these question in this individuals life and I wish I was well enough to travel and say face to face what my heart is screaming. Yes, absolutely yes!! Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change His goodness.
I promise, readers that despite any circumstances God's goodness is NOT changed. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago. And as I celebrate this 10th anniversary I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day. The hard and difficult don't change who He is. I promise...no matter the "and if not"...He is still good...so very good.
Surrendering to God's goodness comes the opportunity to fall more in love with Jesus and who He is and what the Bible states and promises. NOT what I want it to state or promise but what it actually states and promises. And the ten year anniversary is incredibly significant to me.
Did you know that the number ten is very important in the Bible? In the Bible the number 10 is used 242 different times. The word "10th" is used 79 different times. Ten is also viewed as a complete and perfect number. There are major events that deal with the #10 in the Bible including, the 10 Commandments (seen in the book of Exodus), the 10 Elders that were placed at the city gates (seen in the book of Ruth), the phrase "God said" is used 10 times in the book of Genesis, the Passover Lamb was to be sacrificed on the 10th day (Exodus 12:3), the day of atonement was on the 10th day, there were 10 generations until Noah (who was saved from the flood) and then Abraham was the 10th generation from Shem, Noah's son, the tithe that the Israelites gave was 10%, Jesus loved using the number 10 in His parables (10 virgins, 10 lepers, 10 talents, etc.), and there are exactly 10 "I Am's" spoken by Jesus in the gospels.
*smiles* Okay, so you might be asking what do those three things have to do with me celebrating my ten year anniversary and why are they significant to me?
First, scripture has never been shy about speaking about disease OR Jesus' healing diseases. BUT scripture has also showed that sometimes (due to the fact that we live in a fallen and sinful world) disease does exist and healing sometimes happens later than we expect it or in Heaven. (This does not mean that Jesus is not all powerful in fact the exact opposite!)
Second, our all powerful God shows His complete power by being the passover lamb and the day of atonement happened on the 10th day. In this act of unmeasurable love we not only are given the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and be saved but on the cross Jesus conquered EVERYTHING. Including illness. EVERYTHING was conquered on the cross.
Third, Jesus has stated 10 times very significantly who HE is through His 10 I Am's. Knowing this I have a choice to make... every single day... I can choose to act in faith and trust the Lord completely or I can respond to my circumstances sinfully and grow bitter and angry at the ways of the Lord.
There is absolutely no question in my mind of my choice.
Even on the days that I feel discouraged I choose to run to my precious Heavenly Father and lay everything at His feet. And friends, as I spend more time with the Lord and continue to run to Him with all of my questions, fears, disappointments, hurts, and every other emotion He lovingly speaks to my hurting heart. And I am reminded on this tenth anniversary of His incredible grace, His good gifts, His undeserving ways, and the gift of love that He gives.
And the best gift of all? Is the gift that the 10th hour reminds me that Jesus' fulfilled it ALL on the cross... all of the questions, fears, and every other emotion by His work on the cross. And in that there is incredible hope. Hope of a future that the Lord has in store... Hope of beautiful healing here on earth or in Heaven... Hope of living joyfully despite difficult circumstances... Hope of a loving God who loves us abundantly... and Hope of celebrating another ten year healing in the future...
healing from Lyme Disease.
"...do not be afraid... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9-
It is impossible to express how thankful that I am to be home again and for all that God did this past week! We arrived home yesterday evening and I quickly collapsed ready for sleep after this incredibly difficult and intense week.
As I look back and reflect on the time in California I am humbly grateful. When I left for California I was extremely nervous and scared and very fearful as the two weeks since returning from the cruise have been the most difficult in the entire journey. In addition to having to go to the hospital, I spent the entire time flat on my back unable to walk or even sit up for more than a few minutes at a time. The thought of traveling across the country and then starting an intensive round of treatment was the farthest thing on my mind that I wanted to do ... and yet... in the quiet, in the fear, and in the busy the Lord met each moment with such grace and mercy that I look back on this past week as a wonderful blessing in reminding me that God is carrying me throughout this journey.
I won't lie that there were a ton of moments with tears and frustrations, but the Lord mercifully provided amazing nurses, my wonderful doctor and medical team to walk me through each step of this journey. The week was intensely busy as soon as the PICC line was placed (which we did on our first day in California) as we had a ton of doctors appointments and would arrive early at the office and either I would proceed with a doctors appointment, appointment with one of the nurses to learn how to give myself one of the IV's or to receive an IV, and I was continuously amazed by the peace that encompassed each day. As the day progressed we would head back to the hotel where I would sleep, take more medications, try to eat, and sleep some more.
As I arrived in California I had many moments where I saw in so many ways that the Lord's hand was completely over this trip. From angels that helped us with bags to my amazing medical team, to no severe reaction to any of the new treatment plans, I look back on last week as a miracle. Truly... "wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And HOPE. And LIGHT. And... even beauty." (Joni Erickson Tada)
As I arrived in California I had many moments where I saw in so many ways that the Lord's hand was completely over this trip. From angels that helped us with bags to my amazing medical team, to no severe reaction to any of the new treatment plans, I look back on last week as a miracle. Truly... "wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And HOPE. And LIGHT. And... even beauty." (Joni Erickson Tada)
Some of you have asked what is next. This fall and early winter will be extremely intense as we go all out in fighting Lyme from a variety of different angles. As I start this new part of the journey at home I can not begin to express my gratitude to so many of you that have been so incredibly kind in this journey, especially to so many of you who gave financially to make this trip possible. Words can't begin to express my gratitude of your kindness, your generosity, and your blessing in helping to make this trip possible as I would not have been able to go had it not been so. A very special thank you to my amazing sister who took a second job to help raise funds for this trip- I am completely speechless at this!
To my sweet and dear friends who have been lovingly texting me and praying at all hours of the night for so long, especially this last week, thank you thank you thank you. I have to say a very special thank you to Jen and Katie who honestly reminded me in tangible ways of the Lord's love not just in this week but the last three weeks. Both of you have encouraged my heart, listened to me cry and wept with me, and lovingly reminded me to hope in the Lord. Thank you friends for understanding how difficult these weeks have been and standing by me in my hour of deep need.
To the sweet blogging world that has touched my heart I am so grateful for you. To so many people that I have not named you are such a blessing.
My doctor was right in so many ways and as I left on Friday her words resonate with me. This journey is far from over... and I am so grateful for all of you. As I continue on this journey my heart is full with the humble knowledge that the Lord has shown Himself in so many ways... specifically through your love. Thank you so much. Truly thank you!
With Love,
With Love,
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