Catching Up

This past week seemed like a blur… very busy & a lot to be thankful for!

The week started with surgery for my brother, Clark… I was at the hospital by 6am to be able to see him before surgery… He was in surgery for 2 1/2 hours while an amazing surgeon repaired a congenital defect affecting his left kidney/ureter… I was so happy I was able to be there, especially to support my mom while he was in surgery…

I learned a lot about myself this week… I have to admit I truly have an issue with worry and was filled with a lot of fear this week… Not only did Clark have a major surgery, but then my cousin Jen had her final surgery to complete her reconstruction the very next day… A lot of “what-if’s” filled my head… and the direction of my thoughts were really troubling me…

An amazing book suggestion from my dear friend, L, {Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow} brought me a lot of peace, as well as spending some time in prayer… I know that my life and the life of my loved one’s are in the hands of  our wonderful, loving, God… I admit to spending way too much time worrying about things that will most likely never happen… and I am trying to make a constant effort to be thankful for each day… knowing tomorrow and the future belongs to God and are no worry of mine… what a freeing thought!

Clark and Jen are both recovering and healing at home… and I hope & pray their recoveries are speedy and successful… So many people were praying for them this week… and it is an overwhelming blessing to be surrounded by so much love & support…

Last Wednesday marked the beginning of the season of Lent… the journey that we take to remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice to offer us forgiveness and give us the hope of eternal life… I decided to participate in remembering Christ’s sacrifice by giving up a few things for the duration of Lent: potato chips, french fries, and candy… Although nothing can compare to the sacrifice Jesus made for us, every time I am tempted to eat one of my favorite foods it helps me put things in perspective…

Thursday night after work I went over to my mom’s to spend the night and spend some time with Clark… Our grandparents sat with him during the day while Mom was at work… and some of his friends came to visit too… He has such an amazing group of friends who are like brothers to me as well… Getting to spend quality time with all of them was such a treat! 

Friday Clark, two of his friends, and myself went on a quick outing to get Clark out of the house… we were on a mission to find him some suits and our mission was successful… SO happy to see how much stronger Clark is getting everyday!

Friday  night Dan and I went to the gym & came home to relax… we had not seen each other  much throughout the busy week and it was great to catch up…

Saturday brought a work day for me… and then a nice afternoon/evening… Our first 2012 dinner at the Beacon which was sooo yummy… and mom joined us too!  We all went to Dairy Queen for dessert and picked up a movie from Redbox…

and that brings us to today… and what a great Sunday it was! 

I thank God for all He has blessed us with this past week and here’s to a fantastic new week!