Waiting

No one likes waiting.  I certainly don't. I don't like waiting in lines or at red lights, or for my boys to finally do their chores. I don't like it when I wait for people who are late, or when I have to wait for things to get done "my way."  Yes, I am a control freak....and every day I have to give this "freakish" behavior to God because I know that He really is in control and I certainly am not.  But I am learning to wait....and I am learning to be flexible. (Now I know that the word "flexible" and Kirsten Loy do not pair up well, and I know that right now my mom, dad, Lil Sis Karen, my boys, my husband, and heck- a ton of others of you are laughing hysterically that I actually said that I am becoming more flexible!) But let's carry on....I really am learning to be flexible.  But more important, I am learning to WAIT. God's Word says so much on "waiting on the Lord." The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years; they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  And I can't wait for a red light to turn green?

Right now I have to continue to wait for more answers. I had my PET scan on Friday and my MRI on Monday. My friend Kim took me to my MRI appointment and we had the best six hours together with the exception of 45 minutes of it being inside a tiny tube (just me, not her).  We decided we needed some shopping and happy hour therapy after the scan, and we celebrated life well--scans, cancer, and all....

But Tuesday I had my appointment with my oncologist and I was hoping for some concrete answers and some news that the scans were clear.....but that didn't happen.

I am not going to divulge too many details yet, because frankly I don't know them all, nor does the doctor. But from the initial reports from the Pet scan, it looks like the cancer has spread.  They will have to look in detail at the MRI to see the extent of it....but as I have already learned, everything is a waiting process.  They are getting the MRI scans and then my case will be sent to a "Tumor Board" at UCSD--a two hour meeting with the best of the best--the colon surgeon, the liver surgeon, the radiologist, the oncologist, the nurses.....everyone.  They will look at all my reports and images and come up with a plan of attack--and I say attack because this looks like it is going to be more of a battle than we thought. 

The Tumor Board is scheduled for next Tuesday (April 2) and then I will meet with them right after at 3:00 and find out the real results.  So we have a LOT to pray about. My biggest prayer right now is that I would not be anxious or fearful and that I would trust in the Lord completely. Please please please pray for Greg and my boys.

I have an amazing friend Jon--a doctor, who is one of my lifelong friends from college (and that is a whole other blog post--oh the days at UCSB!).  He lives in Georgia, but he is on the list of doctors who gets my reports and we talk pretty much every day.  He explains any questions that I still might have and tells me lots of jokes and college days memories to make me laugh.  He and his family are a huge blessing in my life--and he is giving me so many assurances and hope. 

But.....I still have to wait.  And let me tell you, waiting SUCKS.  There--I said it--just trying to be real and transparent (read my earlier posts).....but our timing is not God's timing, and the answers we want are often not the answers God gives us (He still has a plan and a purpose though).  I know that many of you want to know what is going on and want more answers, but please join me in waiting.....I can't explain everything to everyone....and I should have a lot more information by next week.  So we wait....expectantly, and we pray....for miracles and healing. 

"Wait patiently for the Lord...be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27: 14 

(Read all of Psalm 27--it is one of my favorites!)

"We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust his holy name."

Psalm 33:20 

I am blessed--by the incredible outpouring of support from friends near and far.  We have more waiting to do, but let's wait expectantly, and pray boldly. Live each day with full joy-- don't wait for that part.  Carpe Diem!

Blessings my friends.

Garden Party

My garden is my peaceful place--as I have said in a previous blog post--my home and yard are my most favorite places--it is family, it is faith, it is fellowship here in this home.  This weekend I was blessed with the most ah-mazing treat.  A group of some of my dearest friends and women from a ministry in our church called Sarah's Angels--arrived at my home for a "garden party". The pulled up in cars filled with flowers and topiaries and potting soil, and pots, shovels, and gardening gloves.  We pulled out all my dead or spent winter flowers, re-planted where needed, and then they began potting the most glorious arrays of colored blooms in all areas of my yard--big pots of color by the pool and jacuzzi, pots of color and two gorgeous topiaries on my cabana, herb gardens, pansies, primroses, freesia, ronunculous, petunias..draping vines...flowers up the walkway to the cabana, pots and flowers all over my courtyard patio and fireplace, flowers all around my front porch and front fountain (pictures to come soon on Facebook).  I LOVE to work in  my yard and garden--I have designed a flowing English garden that grows bigger and fuller each year, and I get to bask in all the the Lord has created so we can see his glory here on earth.  Being in the sun, digging in the dirt, seeing the colors pop-- it all brings me so much pleasure.  But on Saturday's garden party, these ladies worked with me and got done in three hours what would have taken me an entire weekend (without interruption of boys' sports games, chores, etc) to get accomplished.  But the best part was before all these precious women left, we gathered in the backyard in a circle and these friends prayed over me, my healing, my family and my garden.  This is what "church" is for all of you who think it is just a "religion". It is community. It is love. It is being the hands and feet and gardeners for Jesus. My sweet friends Mary and Patricia stayed longer and helped my do some "re-staging" of my cabana and back patio--moving things around a bit for better placement...and then I spent some time this morning adding some more Easter touches.  A garden is always a work in progress--something always needs to be cut back, pruned, fertilized, watered, and even dug up and thrown out.  And that is how it is with our relationship with Jesus.  He is our Gardener.  Sometimes things in our lives need to be cut out, pruned, or even thrown out. Sometimes we need extra fertilizer or sun from His Word or from fellowship.  But like plants, we all need water to survive....and Jesus is the Living Water.

My garden party was a glorious day filled with colorful friendship and love.  Yesterday morning after my run, I sat in my backyard and journaled and read from God's Word.....I look at my garden and realize how much I am blessed.

**A note about our ministry at Canyon Springs Church called "Sarah's Angels"--it is a ministry headed up by an amazing servant hearted woman named Rose Ann.  It is named after Sarah--a woman from our church who died way too young from breast cancer which spread throughout her body.  It is a ministry that cares for people in our church who are going through an illness or a family need.  There are teams of people who are care managers for each person or family in need and Jenny Madsen is my care manager and she oversees the people who are helping my family through this time.  It is an incredible ministry with people who do so much "behind the scenes" and serve in ways no one will ever know.  When the team of women left my "garden party", I found little garden angels places all throughout my yard--stones with "faith" written on them, bronze angels on picks sticking out of a plant, angels in pots and on pathways--it was their reminder that they (the team) and angels are with me through this journey.

***And before I leave this post, I just want to make a quick theological point (being a Youth Director and all)--I have explained this to my youth kids, but many people don't understand the spiritual concept of angels.  Here is Angel Basics 101 and I mean basics.....Angels are created beings that live in heaven and also oversee us here on earth.  That is where you hear the term "guardian angel"-yes we have angels who guard and protect us. There are fallen angels (Lucifer being the leader, but that is a whole other blog post)...or a sermon...
But one things angels are NOT--they are NOT our relatives who have died.....humans do not BECOME angels. We can use the term "angel" as a term of endearment or say, "You are such an angel to do this for me" or have a team called "Angels" who do things to help or serve others, but  angels are angels and humans are humans.**

I will have reports of my Pet scan, my MRI and my oncology appointment on tomorrow's blog post as I meet with my oncologist at 4:00 pm today (March 26).  Prayers appreciated.....

Blessings

Uganda, My Heart

On the day that I spent with doctors at the Moore's Cancer Center last week I got so much information, and had an idea of the treatment for the months ahead.  I will know more after the scans this week and my meeting with my oncologist next week.  But at the end of the appointment, I asked my surgeon a question, and unfortunately I knew what her answer would be....I said, "I have gone to Uganda on a mission trip for the past two years, and my whole family is going again this July...will I still be able to go?" She looked at me compassionately, and then said, "You won't be able to go to Uganda this year--your journey is going to be a minimum of six months, and even if we had the best case scenario, your immune system will be compromised and you just can't travel to a place like that".  In my head, I knew it was right and true, but in my heart I was crushed.  This was the worst news I have heard since I have been diagnosed. Noah and I have gone to Uganda with our incredible team for the past two years, and this was the first year that all  of us--Greg and Micah included--were going on the mission together--with a plan to stay in London for four extra days on the way back.

Then came the really hard part--telling my family and my Uganda team (truly my soul brothers and sisters) that I couldn't go. I could barely get the words out.  But it was really important to me that my son Noah still goes....he calls Uganda his second home.  He is an amazing worker and servant when he is there.  He adores the village boys and children and he is such an example of Jesus.  So Greg and I had a long talk with him.  I told him that it was ultimately his decision, but that I really wanted him to go--we have an incredible team going with a number of his dear friends from youth group, and I told him that he needed to give an extra 3,000 hugs to the villagers since I couldn't be there.  So after discussion and prayer, Noah is still going on the trip this summer. I am so proud of him--he is a young man of faith, with a heart to serve and love others.

And after that really hard part, came the most heart wrenching of all--telling my Ugandan friends that I wouldn't see them this year.  There are so many precious friends I have from the village, but telling three key people broke my heart--Pastor Stephen Hibu--the pastor of the village; Godwin Makonga--who works in Mokonu for Destiny International, and travels with us up to Gulu, and Mark Haumba--who is my Ugandan "son".  I met Mark the first year we traveled to Uganda. He is a social worker at the Victor's School in Mokonu and has traveled to Gulu to help us both years.  He is educated, articulate, funny, loving, compassionate, and he loves Jesus with all his heart. We have tried to get him a visa to come visit us in the states for the past two years and he gets denied (it really helps if you are married and have kids to the government, because then they believe you have a reason to return to Uganda and not stay in the states).
When I am in the village of Guru Guru outside of Gulu, we are all focused on our work and on the villagers, but every moment I have to spend time with Mark and talk, share, and give extra hugs--it brings me pure joy. With Mark's permission, here is a portion of the message he sent me....

Hi mom,

I love you so much, having a you as a mom is the most important thing that ever happened to me. I am so proud of you. I write briefly to let you know that I will continue to keep you in my prayers following your recent sickness. I am not happy to hear that the you are not coming to Uganda this July. This morning you told me only Noah is coming Ooh No! I am missing you already, i couldn't come to your home last year and later on this year. Two years of no Mom Kirsten is a lot.
but anyways i pray for you and trust that your healing will be steady and progressive in the days and months ahead.Life is particularly challenging during these times as we all have been in the position of having things going well, and then something happens like this to remind us the real value of life. I want to see Dad Greg and Micah too.  i love you.
love you
Son

My heart is in Uganda--the trials and tragedies the people there have endured don't hold a candle to cancer.  Their hope and resilience after years of being ravaged by war is an inspiration. They are sick, thirsty, and hungry, and they don't get the kind of health care that so many of us take for granted. All of us who go there to work alongside them return with renewed faith, joy, and passion.  They worship with pure abandon, they pray with urgency and they have joy that we can't even fathom here in the States.  I will return, with my whole family, to Uganda...and I will jump into the arms of my son, Mark,  and hug and kiss him and never let go. 

Oh the Places You'll Go

It has been a full and joy filled week and I think I over exerted myself a bit--hence, the tardiness in posting a new entry to my blog.  This last weekend was full of activities and people I love.  I started my Friday by hiking Torrey Pines State Park with some dear friends.  This is another of my favorite local places--gorgeous bluffs above the beach with winding trails. The Torrey Pine tree is rare, and the trees are the inspiration for the art work in Dr.Seuss' books....if you have been there you will recognize the gnarled branches and twisted trunks. Dr Seuss (Theodore Giesel) lived here in La Jolla for many years and the library at UCSD is named after him. We all have a common bond through Dr. Seuss books, and I used to love using his books to teach a deeper theme when I taught English and history.....Yertle the Turtle to teach imperialism, dictatorship, and the rise of the common people. Horton Hears a Who to teach identity, self esteem and using your voice, speaking up to make a change......and "oh the places I could go" with all the ways his books inspire us. There is so much power in words, and Dr. Seuss speaks to the commonality in all of us, and I hope my words speak to you as well.

I continued to do things I love all weekend--watching both my boys play their lacrosse games (LOVE the lacrosse community), going out with a group of dear friends to watch a number of my church teens perform in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (way to go Santa Fe Christian School!)--I think I got a few more wrinkles because my smile was so wide with pride for two hours as I watched these precious ones perform! Sunday is always a great day because I LOVE my church family/community.  They truly live out the Acts 2:42 community of what church really is (look it up if you don't the reference). I am so blessed to work in a place (doesn't even feel like a job) that has people who love and serve so genuinely. Monday night I met with my teen leaders from church for a passionate study on Deuteronomy ( I know "passionate" and Deuteronomy don't seem to belong together--but really, read chapters 29-31--Moses' reminder of God's covenant)--it's all about God's promises, our choices, and God's redemptive love for us.

Into this week--Monday and Tuesday were long and little draining because of a bunch of scheduling I had to do--insurance re-routed, reschedule appointments and places, some confusion....but a shout out to Emily at UCSD and Debbie at Imaging Healthcare--I just know these ladies from the phone calls, but they walked me through everything and took care of managing my appointments, calling doctors and insurance, and then calmed me down.  So here are "the places I get to go" this week:  PET scan Thursday, MRI Monday, meet with my new oncologist on Tuesday....and then I will know more and begin a plan of treatment. But so many friends are stepping up to get my boys from place to place when I have appointments, and meals are being delivered (I love food when I don't have to prepare it), and cards of wisdom and encouragement are pouring in, and FB messages,emails, and texts of love are bringing me to tears (good tears--tears of hope and joy and gratitude).

Though no one ever wants to hear a diagnosis of cancer, this season of my life has brought me so much passion.  Passion for my family, my boys, my work, my friends....passion for embracing life and doing the things I say I  don't have time for--like hiking the beach on a work day, or journaling in my back yard, or buying a cool new blouse that I really don't need. (Thanks Mary for saying, "You need that shirt--get it!") But my real passion right now is for God's Word.  God is taking me places in His Word that I have read before, but they are so real and new this time around. Jesus speaks to us so clearly when we listen, and when we open ourselves to what He wants to reveal to us...in every season, in every difficult trial, and in the joyous times as well.

Thanks for sharing my journey...please take this day to embrace every opportunity, to make the most of the blessings you have been given.....don't say, "It can wait".

I am going into new places and territories with this journey--they are unknown-- and at times I am anxious and fearful, but OH THE PLACES I WILL GO with Jesus by my side.

Trials and transparency

What a glorious San Diego day! I had more energy today, and I went on my usual morning run.  The surrounding hills are brilliant green and all the spring flowers are blooming in bursts of purple, orange, and yellow. I spent some time in my backyard (which happens to be my favorite place in the world--with Puerto Vallarta coming in a close second) and as I sat in the sunshine I had the joy (sarcasm) of making all my cancer appointments--lots of numbers and different places to call--but got the MRI scheduled for next week,  and then the PET scan, and then moving forward with discussions on treatment.

I want to share a few thoughts on trials.  My current trial happens to be a physical one, but all of us face trials  in life. Many of you, my friends, are enduring emotional, relational, financial, spiritual, or physical trials. I happen to be sharing my trial publicly and not everyone needs to or wants to do that. But I do want to encourage all of you to make sure that you don't deal with your trials alone.  We were created to be in a relationship with God and with each other. We are designed to desire to be in relationships and community. So maybe you won't write a blog, or post every issue you have on Facebook, but please make sure that you are transparent about your trials and difficult times with someone.  Choose one or two (or more) close friends, talk with God (and listen to Him too), or reach out to a community of people who can walk you through any trial you have (big or small). I know that fear holds us back from telling others that we are struggling with something. We live in such a judgmental and critical world, and there will always be people looking at our "public image" and making prejudged thoughts about who we are, or how we should act....without knowing our inner world.

Because I have a job in which I am highly visible, many people make assumptions about me (and that is okay--it is normal).  I hear things like "You are so strong and independent" and "How do you do all the things you do?" and "Oh my gosh--you have so many people in your life, I don't want to take your time...or burden you...." These statements are all fine, but they are certainly not entirely accurate. Let me be transparent--I am not strong all the time--I have to rely on the Lord for my strength.  I have to work at balancing my life--and often times I am a huge stress case (just ask my boys and my husband). I do have a lot of people in my life--but I have time for people--that's what is important to me. I constantly tell myself--"People over programs, and people over schedules."  Sometimes I fail at that--I get driven by my "to do list" and I forget people. I get tired, I get grumpy, I get all "control freaky" about things, I get impatient, I say unkind things (again, just ask my boys and husband).

But when we are transparent and we share our weaknesses, struggles, and burdens--an amazing thing happens.  We find we are not alone.  There is always someone who has gone through this before us, or is struggling now. We hear someone say, "Oh my gosh, I thought I was the only one who felt that way!" And let me just say something about pride--we all have it--and it isn't good. We want to look good, or have an appearance of strength, or have it "all together"....and then we compare, and judge, and beat ourselves up.
Let's stop doing that.  Let's be real with each other.  Let's not try to be "super mom" or "top dog" at work, or "community volunteer extraordinaire".  Let's just be people who acknowledge that we are flawed, but that despite those flaws, we are loved by the God of the universe.

Cancer changes every little thought you have.  I am being transparent about my physical, emotional, and spiritual trials through this blog. I do NOT have it all together.  But I do have a faith in Jesus Christ and I will be transparent about my beliefs and my faith. I hope that my words and my journey will help you, my friends, to be transparent and real, and that we can be authentic and honest with another.  Maybe then, our world will begin to change.

With blessings....John 16:33

(a logistic note--a number of you have said that you try to comment on my blog, but it doesn't work.  Go to the bottom of the post and there is a section that says "Comments"--just click on that and it will take you to the other comments (or if you are the first one to comment--you start!)  There is a box on the side that says "leave a comment"--then sign in and publish. And it is okay--you don't need to make your comments public--you can just read this, or you can comment--what ever you choose.  Some people are private and want to email or message me and that is fine too--I just love all the encouragement.. Or simply read.....and be blessed. Thanks for your prayers.

Showered

Today was long and draining.  I met with a team at Moore's Cancer Center at UCSD--doctors with incredible wisdom and care. I will start with the medical info told to me by doctors.  CAT scan came back clear except for some spots on my liver.  I have a number of things lined up for the next few days:  PET scan, MRI of liver, meet with an oncologist who will go over my care and treatment. It is nice to know things, but overwhelming. Until I meet with the oncologist, I will not know the exact treatment plan--but there are two possible plans:

Plan one: If colon cancer with no liver involvement--chemo plus radiation five days a week for 4-5 weeks. Wait 4 weeks, then surgery.

Plan two: If colon cancer with liver involvement--chemo for four months, surgery, then more chemo.

I am now a "cancer patient"-I will be in treatment for a minimum of four-six months.  Not the sweet month long "surgery and done" plan I had hoped.

But let me tell you about the showers of love and support that have rained down upon me in the last few days as I made my diagnosis public--the texts, FB messages, FB comments and posts, phone calls, emails, comments on my blog--absolutely unbelievable.  So many people I love from many seasons of my life who are reaching out.  I said before that I won't be able to respond to every text or call or email, but each one I read and treasure.  I want to share a portion of a message I received from one of my special former students--it is a little long, but it is worth it....(Thanks Mary for letting me share)

Mary Michelle Payumo

Dear Mrs. Loy,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. When I read your status this evening, it shocked me to even think that someone that had such a big impact on my life has deal with something like that. However, I know that by the grace of God, you will fight this and you will get through it. You are such a beautiful person and a strong, loving wife, mother, friend, and teacher. If anyone can beat cancer, I know without a doubt it will be you!

I definitely credit you with having such an influence with the success that I have had in my life. You were my history and English teacher when I was in the eighth grade at Challenger Middle School (1998-1999). I remember each day you would write something on the board and have us students respond in our journals, and then we would share our thoughts with the class. I usually never spoke up in class, but for some reason, I felt so comfortable in your class and I rose my hand nearly every day. I learned how to verbalize my thoughts and I developed a real passion for writing. I learned that my words do matter and I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it. Furthermore, whenever I start to lose confidence in my academic abilities, I think back to the days in your class and remember how you made me feel like I could really do something with my life. You encouraged and stimulated my mind, and made me realize that I could excel not only in history and English, but also in math and sciences.

As of now, I am a law school graduate, awaiting my California Bar results. I didn't know then as an eighth grade student I would end up where I am, but I am so thankful that I had you as a teacher. I am so sorry that it took learning about your fight for me to reach out to you and let you know how much you meant to me as a student, but I hope you can take away from my letter how amazing you are, and how much you have inspired so many. I hope you know that even though we have not spoken in so long, that I am here for you if ever you need anything. I could never repay you for the light you brought to my life or the lessons you taught me, but I hope I can help you when you need it.

I found this old picture of us at my eighth grade graduation, and I look at it from time to time to remind me of that great time in my life. I hope you can look at that picture and know that you have helped me and inspired me to become who I am today. Thank you so much for all that you do, and I hope that you continue to know how amazing you are.

Love,

Mary Payumo

Ha--look at my big hair back then--I told Mary that I still have "big hair" (although pretty soon I may not have any--but I will be sporting some sassy wigs, don't you know it.) Anyway, I think Mary could write my blog--she is so beautiful with words.

And she is not the only one who has showered me with this love....from each of you who reaches out, I feel so honored.  Mary's letter reminds that that I AM living out my purpose.  I tell my teens all the time--"You have ONE life--how are you going to live it?  Go make an IMPACT."  And the impact doesn't have to big or glorious--just one word, one touch, one kind deed--one person at a time.

And not only I am showered with love from so many of you, I am showered daily with the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.  I am cleansed by His Spirit.  Please continue to pray with me for miraculous healing....and pray for my sons Noah and Micah and my husband Greg.  He is truly living out his marriage vows of "for better or worse, in sickness and in health" every single day.

My dear friend Bonnie shared this quote from Oswald Chambers that I want to close with--it will be a guiding quote to help me get through each day....

"Trust God.  And do the next thing."

Here we go....blessings to each of you and thank you for sharing my journey.

Welcome to my journey

Welcome to my very first blog site and very first post.  After years of being an English teacher and teaching teens to capture their thoughts in the written word, I have decided to share my own. Up until now my thoughts, burdens, prayers, and dreams have been chronicled in my little private journals that are stored away in my grandmother's antique chest at the foot of my bed. I pull them out often to review my life passages so I can reflect, grow, and find out where I am getting "stuck."

I have thought often of starting a blog, but made excuses--"takes too much time, invasion of privacy, who wants to hear my thoughts anyway, everyone and their brother has a blog these days."  But then my life perspective changed drastically on March 1, 2013--the day I was diagnosed with cancer.

I have only had nine days to process this news--nine days of thinking every thought and scenario possible, nine days of going down rabbit holes, and sleepless nights, and hard conversations.  Nine days of sharing the news with key people, nine days of incredible encouragement, love, support, and prayers from my family and friends. Nine days of clinging to God's Word, His promises, and His love for me.

The doctor's initial report is promising.  Colon cancer.  Early detection.  Treatable and curable. On Friday I had a cat scan to make sure the cancer has not spread.  On Tuesday I meet with a surgeon at the Morse Cancer Center at UCSD.  This is my world right now.  Each step is the unknown and I pray daily for the strength to endure the WAIT.

As a Youth Director at Canyon Springs Church, one of the many things I want my teens to learn is that being a Christian does not make us immune from sickness, pain, sadness, death, or tragedy. We do not live in a bubble, we live in a fallen world that is broken.  Jesus said in John 16: 33: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Jesus never once promised us an easy life, but He did promise that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus is my hope. I rest on the promises of His Word and the foundations of my faith that are rooted in the inerrant Word of God.

I am not going to lie. I have many moments of anxious thoughts.  I feel fear.  I am control freak and I have no control over this situation.  I have to give it all to God.  Every day.  Every minute. It is so much easier said than done.

But I truly believe these words with all my heart and soul...words from the song "Our God"--
"Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in Power, Our God, Our God
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?"

I pump that song up on my I-phone when I run, and I run faster and stronger.  And I am singing that daily so that I can run faster and stronger through this trial.

I do not want this news to be a distraction or an anxiety or a burden for any of the people I know and love.  Use this news as a way to grow deeper with God, to seek Him out, to know His ways, to learn about His Word, to draw nearer to Him. That is what I am doing with this trial.

"When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1: 2-4

This blog will be a way for me to communicate what is going on with my health--it will be a little bit medical, a little bit reflective, and little bit spiritual.  It will the easiest way for me to disseminate information to a lot of people in my life in one simple place.  I value your prayers, your encouragement, your support, and your love. Thanks for joining me, and to God be all glory....

Through Christ,
Kirsten