Staying Steadfast Through ALL Trials

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him - James 1:12”


Through this journey that Mike and are on, I can ONLY continue to thank GOD above for the miracles he is working in our life. I thank him for allowing us to be inspirations as others are to us. I am thankful that through this journey he has allowed us to meet people of such great faith, faith that I feel maybe even rises above mine, and believe me -- I have A LOT of faith instilled in me.

We joined Biker Church of Manvel last summer after Mike’s diagnosis. I do not recall if I have blogged about them before, but if not, here you go. The minute we walked into the church, it was a complete welcome. Bikes parked along the front of the church, people mingling outside and hugs and handshakes all around. Mike and I were thankful that we knew someone there, so it made it easy and completely comfortable. We were introduced to Pastor Dave and his wife, and immediately felt such love. We shared our current journey with them, and the very same afternoon Mike was baptized. The love that continued to grow from this congregation was amazing and just right for Mike and I.

While there, we have met many special people, and one that Mike became close to. Thomas was diagnosed with Cancer as well, and not much older than Mike. He was 3 years in remission and was such an inspiration to Mike and I for his strength and belief he held for GOD for all of his circumstances. Every church service or gathering, Mike and Thomas would buddy up and talk “cancer” and all other stuff. Yesterday evening we just learned from our Pastor that Thomas’s cancer has come back and is raging through his system. The doctors have given him a prognosis of 4 weeks. My heart immediately dropped when Mike called me and after work we both went to MDA to visit with Thomas and his family.

All that know me, know my disposition and how I see the Silver-Lining in ALL situations, but on the way to MDA I started to cry, because in the seat next to me was my husband that is defying all odds, being called a miracle and I still have time with him. I felt my self asking GOD, why? Why do others not do so well, yet Mike is kicking Cancer’s butt, has not been sick or put down for any length of time and is continuing to defy all odds? I know people think I am in denial at times, and wonder how can I have SO much faith in our GOD and have confidence Mike will continue to do so well. I am completely realistic. I know this disease has its own mind and at any moment, can change direction and take you down. I know that Mike is doing so well right now, but it could change – I know this, and it is my thoughts often…BUT on the flip side, Mike could also be taken from this earth any other way, so for me to dwell on the disease at hand, I know that it continues to be GOD’s plan for him to be here and for that I can only be thankful and praise him daily and have MUCH confidence Mike will Cancer Free.

As we sat and visited with Thomas, you could see he was tired, his body was tired, yet he did not shed a tear and remained in good spirits the whole time. He has much confidence in GOD and his faith, he knows that he is here for a reason and if it is his time, then he knows it is GODs plan. In all honesty, at my age, other than grandparents passing away at an older age, I have never sat with someone in the final stages. I think I was nervous about seeing Thomas and how he is reacting to GOD’s plan. I have never sat and spoke with someone knowing in just a few weeks, you may be laid to rest – to lay there and be ok with it. As we sat there, I was more inspired than anything at that moment and felt complete peace. Thomas knows his GOD and knows GOD knows his heart and he has continued to serve his GOD above and does not question his plan laid out for him.

As we left and walked through the halls of MDA, halls that have become so familiar to us, I held Mike’s hand just a little tighter. We drove home and discussed GOD’s plan for us, and we both agreed, we continue to have no regrets and have complete faith that GOD is using us daily, and he is not nearly finished yet. But we also know when that day comes, whether it be the cancer or just GOD’s chess move for us, we know while here on earth that we strive to be the best people we can be. Though we make mistakes, we know that GOD has forgives us, and our time here on earth will continue to glorify HIM and only HIM.

I commend you Thomas for your strength and courage. Though your journey isn’t over yet, and these next 4 weeks may take you into the next 4 years, please know that you are a complete inspiration to Mike and I, to many others as well.

XO Lyndie

Where Were You?

“That some good can be derived from every event is a better proposition than that everything happens for the best, which it assuredly does not - James K. Feibleman”

I cannot believe today is 10 years since the 9/11 events of 2001. I know it is a date that occurs every year, but the actual 10 year remembrance of this event is so huge – almost like a high school reunion. (of course NO close comparison just an example).

Waking up this AM and hanging our American Flag, I noticed it was all the same down our street. We live in a mainly primary Hispanic neighborhood, and we are surrounded by a huge diversity of culture, but again today just as 9/11/2001, seeing the majority of all homes raising the American Flag, it just confirmed that no matter the turmoil the economy is in, nor what each of our political views are, we are indeed ONE Nation Under GOD and this day, this time to reflect on it all, only confirms that we still all believe in our America!

I love this song of Alan Jackson and was so happy to have this video pop up in my email this AM – sitting watching it my Hubby, though we were both in different places that day living different lives, I feel in spirit as Americans we were together, sharing the horrific moments of this National tragedy:

Alan Jackson -- Where Were You?


In closing, my heart and ALL my thanks go to all that were involved on this day 10 years ago. Thank you to ALL the firefighters, the policemen, the men, women and children and the soldiers that continue to risk their lives unselfishly to strive to continue to keep our nation from undergoing another attack.

Take a moment today, to count your blessings. Look around, whether it be the smile from your Hubby/Wife, your children or even a kiss on the nose from the “wet-nosed” kiddos, take an extra moment to hug them and ensure they know beyond a doubt that you love them.

XO Lyndie

PS - This video shows the very moment President George W. Bush received the news of the tower attacks. I know he has gotten so much flack about this moment, but I commend him for keeping his composure and handling the way he did. GOD Bless.

FINALLY A GOOD LINK!

I tried a little while ago to post this link when it first aired on Good Morning America, but it got yanked off of You Tube, but now is back -- yay!

This is an amazing song, and oh so true for this disease! Cancer truly does not discriminate and we are living proof! I am so thankful for JESUS providing me with the strength to go through this with Mike and for him to be strong as well!

Enjoy this beautiful dedication --- OXXO Lyndie


Martina Mc Bride -- I'm Going To Love You Through It

Celebration? Yes Indeed!

“Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon - Dag Hammarskjold”


Oh how that quote stands so true! A year ago (September 1st), Mike underwent his brain surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. A day I will never forget. I feel that Mike was less scared than I was. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Pulling up at MD Anderson (which was still very new to us) at 5 AM in the morning to prep Mike for surgery at 6 AM. In all honesty writing this brings tears to my eyes, for the journey ahead was unknown.

Family & friends piled into the waiting room awaiting every update from the nurses. I believe we anticipated a longer surgery, but within 2 ½ hours, the nurse came out and informed us, the tumor was removed and the Doctor would be out to talk with us. My heart was still and I waited anxiously for Dr. Weinberg to turn that corner. When he came into the room, he had nothing but smiles on his face and said all went GREAT and the ENTIRE tumor was removed! To this day, I still praise GOD for the tumor being in a place that complete extraction was possible. Dr. Weinberg hugged us and said Mike is in recovery and we could see him soon. GOSH, like getting ready for our first date, I had butterflies in stomach – I did not know what to expect. I had never seen ANYONE post surgery, and did not know what Mike was going to look like. The walk to the recovery room was the LONGEST walk of my life. As we entered and rounded the corner, there laid Mike, drugged and vulnerable, yet still witty! The love of my life, who is the strongest man I know, lay there in his surgery gown, with IVs hooked up from every direction – I cried.
It wasn’t too soon after that, that Mike grabbed my hand and knew who we were (I know it sounds silly, but I truly did not know what to expect). Just having major brain surgery, I did not know if they may have snipped a nerve that would make him forget us all…I know, I watch too many movies!

The day progressed and after what seemed forever, Mike got a room (I say it was the penthouse of all hospital rooms at Hotel MDA). We settled in and the fun began! To this day I will never forget the nighttime nurse that we had – if you can imagine, she was a short little elderly red head and feisty. If you can picture it, she reminded me of the little old lady that sings “hip to the hop, hippty hop” in the Wedding Singer. Any how, she was a GREAT nurse. Poor Mike was on so much medication that caused tempers to flare, and she took it all with a grain of salt and ensured my Hubby was taken care of. Though our stay in the hospital was only 2 ½ days – YES 2 days – in fact, Mike was up and coherent the same night of his surgery! Dr. Weinberg came in the next morning and could not believe it! His exact words were “I cannot believe you had brain surgery yesterday!” Praise GOD!

As this week has been so hectic with the upcoming remembrance of 9/11, the turmoil of the wildfires spreading through Texas, the flooding in our northern states, tropical storms forming in the gulf, I completely forgot about this important date. So to me, I have to say it is quite a celebration! A time of year that will never be forgotten and a date that I will celebrate today knowing that Mike continues to defy all odds and the Cancer (which to this day is still scary), but for our family we praise GOD for coming around this curve fast and furious and kicking cancer to the curb one day at a time.

In closing, for all of you that have been on this journey since day one, for the ones that joined us along the way, and for anyone just starting the first page today --- we thank you! As I say the amount of support and love that we receive from you ALL on a daily basis, along with our GOD above is what gets us through our brightest and darkest days!

XO Lyndie

Just The RIGHT Ingredients

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie - Jim Davis”


Agh! I found this quote and actually chuckled a little bit. Kind of like the being on the “Sea” diet – “Everything I ‘SEE’ I eat”.

Chatting with a “Blog Buddie” earlier (as we all know I ramble, and the things I say sometimes, I wonder if I made that up just then or if heard it somewhere along the way) and we were discussing how negative the world can be at times and we both are striving to remove ourselves a such as we can, but at times it is difficult to have just the right mixture of people to make up the “ingredients” of your recipe of life.


I got to thinking about that, and it seems like in EVERY recipe you have, the majority consist of salt. I myself know by many test runs that with not enough salt the recipe can not taste right, with too much salt it can ruin the recipe in a second but you add it just right and all the ingredients that make up what you are making, all just seem to come together in harmony.


I thought of how in life, the negativity that comes along with it is sort of like salt. Let’s face it; the world around us is just sometimes a negative place. Whether it be the news, relationships or ANYTHING, too much of it can completely ruin it! Now don’t get me wrong I am not condoning negative behavior, but I believe GOD allows us when we are faced with it to either one of 3 things --- if we take it all away, then the world would be perfect, we would all get along, but yet in reality there would be something missing. If add too much and let it consume us, then the recipe is ruined and we spend more time making something new and take away from the focus of all the other “side dishes”. Now if we allow just the right amount, then we end up with a harmony of ingredients working together to make a pleasant dish.


Now that entire paragraph above may have made no sense, but I suppose what I am saying is that in life, you cant completely escape the negativity – it is just one of those things that has itself in “all recipes”, BUT you can choose to keep yourself in ONLY in what you want to and not be brought down by others. The older I have become and though I have a HUGE heart and want to save the world and make everyone friends and fix everyone’s problems – when I do that it takes away from me, my husband and my family. We are all adults and I feel the older we get, you realize it is ok to be selfish (< -- see another from a blog buddy) You learn the older you get you CANNOT fix others, they must fix themselves – what you can do is pray for them, and pray that they too are able to know exactly how much salt to add to their recipe. In closing, I have learned it takes a WHOLE lot more energy to be upset at the world and try to fix things that can’t be fixed than it does to be happy. With all that is going on with Mike and I, I am so much easier awakened everyday with a positive attitude and “kart-wheel” mentality than to let the black rain cloud follow me every where I go – AND even for those days, I have a really cute polka-dot umbrella! I am not saying life by ANY means is easy --- but as Joel Osteen would say, “It is Up to YOU to be Happy – No one else!” XO Lyndie PS – I found this awesome recipe I wanted to share: The TRUE Recipe for Life


4 cups of Love
2 cups of Loyalty
3 cups of Forgiveness
1 cup of Friendship
5 spoons of Hope
2 spoons of Tenderness
4 quarts of Faith
1 barrel of Laughter

Preparation:

1) Take Love and Loyalty, mix it thoroughly with Faith.
2) Blend it with Tenderness, Kindness & Understanding.
3) Sprinkle abundantly with Laughter.
4) Bake it with Sunshine.
5) Serve daily with generous helpings.

BLOG STALKING --- FUNNER THAN YOU THINK!

Blog-Stalk

v. To secretly read someone's blog with the express purpose of learning more about them without their knowledge;

v.to stalk via blog


Hey ALL!



I received a few emails in the past months of not being able to become a "follower" or "member" of my blog and you labeled yourself as "Blog Stalkers". In all honesty I have no idea how to follow this blog myself or anything. I try to follow so many blogs, but the whole email thing gets in the way, so I just save as bookmarks -- sorry! Please continue to stalk this blog all you want! I Love love love that we touch so many people!! You are far from stalking...

In all honesty, for family, friends (past and present) this blog was started long ago and I never made it private. Blogs are fun and to share with all of you our daily life and especially share the miracles working in our life right now with Mike and Cancer -- we are an open book and thank you for visiting!!!

XO Lyndie

Dang Gina!

(Rika, Tiff & Me - 2006)



A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels

Well maybe not Gina, but Tiffany! Just when I am about to go to bed, you throw me an email JUST AS inspirational as Joel Osteen himself!

A little background on Tiff and I. We met, I believe exactly 5 years ago. She walked into a birthday bash she was invited to by a mutual friend and met me! Whoo hoo! I was turning turning 20 something and as I was on my 6th shot, I grabbed Tiff and put a dollar in the juke box and crawled across the ground in my mini skirt to “Pour Some Sugar On Me!” I to this day do not know what exactly she thought of me, but either way we are friends to this day and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fast forward a few years, I meet my hubby and things slowed down. Though we do not see each other too often we stay in touch via the “Social Network” Facebook and emails. She has been by my side spiritually through this journey with Mike, and though she is not the first to tell me, my emails are quite lengthy (but hey, I love to gab) she will email me in between updates with some wise words as she did tonight…I wanted to share this email with you all:

“So…here is my every now and again email. You remind me of Noah!
We’ve started having a Bible study at work on Wednesdays during our lunch break. You know, a little something to get us over the hump. Our little quick fix to push us through. Anyway…we have some beginners, as well as some almost theologians in the class. Very small and quite intimate atmosphere. With so many beginners, there was no better place to start studying than at the beginning. We’ve gone through the creation, the creation of man, the fall of man, Cain and Abel, and today we studied the flood.

God chose Noah to ride out that storm, because He knew that Noah loved God and he was righteous. So, the storm came, and Noah sustained it because he did just as God had commanded him to do. He and his family were finally released from the boat, and (this is the good part)….the VERY FIRST THING that Noah did when he got off the ark was…he built an altar, and made sacrifices to God. How amazing was that? Even Noah was saying, “Hey JESUS, It’s Me – Just Wanted to Say Thank YOU!” Thank you for bringing me and my family through that.

It takes a lot of energy to ride out a storm. It takes a lot of energy to go through any catastrophic ordeal in your life. It takes a lot of energy to be on the cancer journey, whether you’re the patient or the caregiver. BUT…God chose you, because He knows in your heart that you’re righteous and you guys love HIM! And it’s so beautiful to see you displaying the same traits that Noah possessed…the same passion, and love for God…so much so that even while in your storm, you continue to praise Him.

I may not tell you as often as I should, but I’m so happy to be in your circle. You’re important to me, and I love, love, love that I am able to share this ride with you guys. I’ll admit, sometimes I don’t have enough time to read the whole email…but sometimes (even if I’m busy as hell), I believe you deserve my attention, and I stop what I’m doing to hear what you have to say.

Thank you Lyndie for being YOU! Love you much!


You know, in all honesty when we started on this journey, I started this blog for my Own Therapy, an outlet to vent about what was going on and to keep all informed. It became clear to me one day when I received such a response from people all over, that I was doing something bigger than me; Mike and I were chosen for this journey to glorify GOD above. I know, I know, I get so many mixed emotions from all around and still cannot believe I consider this Cancer a blessing – but I have talked to Mike several times, and he is in agreement…GOD chose US for this for a reason.

In closing, we should all strive to be like Noah. When we pause and question “Why Us?” in whatever you have been handed…see it out to the end, you may realize that you too were chosen for a SPECIFIC task – whatever it may be. It is a hard pill to swallow. In our particular circumstance, we have came to a halt with our “life plans” even though we lead a “normal” life now, a lot of plans have been put on hold…but you know what, I know when this is over, we will continue to be blessed just as we are now, tenfold!

Thank you all for being a part of this journey – though it is a day to day process and we feel confident and hold our faith strong in what GOD has planned for us, we still must live with our eyes focused on present for we cannot change the past nor predict our future…

Tiff I love you more than you know!

XO Lyndie