She believed...

World Cancer Day is this Wednesday, February 4th. Do you know someone who is fighting, fought, or lost their battle with cancer? Can you name a few? I can, and my heart hurts for the many I know of, and the ones I've lost. So far, my mom's battle with cancer has gone well. There has been good news at every turn. Sadly though, there are too many who do not receive the news that they prayed for, that they long for. With cancer, I know it's a reality that, for my mom's battle, I could possibly not receive the good news that I hope for (with every fiber of my being) and if that’s what I dwell on and let go of the hope, I find myself stricken with grief. When this ‘journey’ first began, I had no words for God. “My mom has cancer” was too much for my mind to bear but thankfully God knows our hearts and does not need our words. Thankfully He gives us beautiful friends who say the words for us. He hears. He knows. He speaks. I don’t know about you, but I find that He often speaks to me through music. “Oceans” by Hillsong, was where I heard Him say “trust Me”, “I’m bigger than this”:
      Your grace abounds in deepest waters
      Your sovereign hand
      Will be my guide
      Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me 
      You've never failed and you won't start now
       .....
      Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders 
      Let me walk upon the waters
      Wherever you would call me
      Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander 
      And my faith will be made stronger
      In the presence of my Savior

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders” was hard to swallow at first though. I didn’t want Him to lead me that far. Not through possibly losing my mom to Ovarian Cancer like she lost her mom... but God IS good and my faith HAS been made stronger, in the presence of my Savior. Carlotta’s strength and faith in our God, has sure helped me stay positive too. Have you seen it? Have you heard Him through her? She’s an amazing woman. My mom is my hero.
Have you ever seen or heard this saying?

I've always really liked it and I still (partly) believe it. However, when I saw it again today I had a thought.... "There’s more to it than that though right?" Yes, because it's God who gives me the desires of my heart. It's God in whom I can do all things because He gives me strength. And after searching, these are thruths I came upon:
"It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 (NIV)

This what Carlotta believes and because she believes this she has ______ (insert any of the following: hope, faith, strength, peace), knowing that God’s got her. That she can do this, with Him. And that’s why I ‘partly’ believe the original saying. It’s really only true though if you believe the whole truth... I see it more it like this: 

The journey continues!

Hello prayer warriors, supporters, and Ovarian Cancer awareness spreaders! We thank you for being there every step of the way of Carlotta's journey! Your prayers have been heard; your calls, texts, and cards have been an uplifting blessing; your yummy meals filled not only our bellies but our hearts as well; your teal wearing selves are spreading the word that all cancers are not just pink and you are being heard about this "silent killer"; and, last but not least, your monetary gifts have been a tremendous financial relief! Thank you!!

Since Carlotta's last chemo treatment in November, she has enjoyed better sleep, a better appetite, and more energy! Colie, Justin and their kids spent a lot of time with her over the holidays; wearing her out most days! We've even been to Disneyland (our favorite place) a few times- as you might have seen! 

As of November, Glenn and Carlotta had finally found a way to qualify for insurance. Carlotta has now been able to return to her chosen doctors through Beaver Medical Center. After all the paperwork and preliminary procedures, a surgery date has been set! {Insert your praise to God here 😉🙏☝️🙌} On Thursday, February 5th she'll head to Loma Linda University Medical Center where her surgeon's plan is to send a camera in through a small incision to first determine the size of the masses and extent of the cancer. If he determines that the masses are small enough to remove, he'll open her up to do a full hysterectomy and remove the masses. If, however, he finds that the masses are too large and surgery would be too invasive, he'll schedule her for three more rounds of chemo. I'm sure you've already sent even a quick prayer up for her...and that's what we're asking for now: prayer, lots and lots of prayer! God, we need you! We need you too family, friends- our prayer warriors and supporters! 💗 

Finally, though they do have insurance now, any financial gifts are still greatly appreciated. Your monetary support helps with the previous medical bills that she has incurred as well as current premiums and co-pays. You are such a blessing to us in any and all ways you support Carlotta through this fight against cancer. We love you!