Then and now!

Okay, you may recall a post on how my dear friend and I met - through Practically Pink's apron swap in October 2009.

This month my dear friend was hosting a package swap that I of course entered (because I just love participating in stuff like that).

Below is a picture of the aporn she made me (and yes ... I still have it and wear it) :)

the apron my dear friend made me in October 2009

About five days after entering package swap she was hosting, I get an email telling me who my partner is.  Lo and behold .... my partner was my dear friend [squeals] .... the package shopping would be a piece of cake on my part (buuut not on her part lol ... )

So today I go to the mailbox and receive her pacakge.  And because I'm not a patient person lol, I hurry home and immediately open it.  I absolutely love everything she bought me ..... buuut I especially love the gift she made me :)

Below is handmade gift from my dear friend:

the pillow case she made me this year (August 2014)

It's hard for me to pick a favorite cuz everything was so lovely, really thoughtout, and just absolutely genuine - not to mention fun, ah-may-zing, and colorful :)  But the pillowcase was just an awesome gift ... one I will cherish forever :)

In HIS grace, Alisha

Don't let doubt destroy your faith

Three years ago my dear friend asked me to pray for her older brother Ryan, who was (and still is) going through a constant battle .... the constant battle of cancer.  Her older brother has been diagnosed with Angiosarcoma.  Three years of constant praying.  Three years of feeling like you know him personally.  Three years of updates on him.  Three years of what seemed to be an endless battle.  Three years of reading his website for updates (because you don't want to constantly ask your dear friend for updates, because you can sense hurt in her voice).

And all of a sudden, there is a glimpse of hope!  According to the PET/CT he is cancer free!  Tears of joy run down my face.

"Thank you Father for Your healing power!"

Then a few days later my heart sinks.  My joy is no longer.  My tears are not of joy, but of sorrow.

The MRI made evident a spot about 1.6 cm on his brain.

"Why Lord!  Why did it have to come to this?!  Why couldnt the MRI come back cancer free!!"

Now all of a sudden my certainty is overshadowed by uncertainty.  I am beginning to doubt.

Then I'm led to these verses:

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." 
James 1:6 ESV

"And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” 
Mark 11:22-25 ESV

"And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" 
Luke 24:38 ESV

I don't need to doubt.  God has plan for good and not evil (Jer. 29:11).  No matter what the results the tests bring.

All I can do is:

*pray and thank God for Ryan still living and enjoying the time he can spend with his wife and two sons

*pray and thank God for Ryan's healing

************

I do ask that you keep Ryan and his family in your prayers .... here are some of the ways you can pray for them:

*successful chemo treatment - August 18th he did Round 38 of his chemo

*my dear friend's family - that they will keep their current positive attitude throughout this trial.

*that I can be an encouragement to my dear friend through this hard time

*Ryan's wife and two sons

Is she really 13???????

Today my beautiful little sista celebrated her 13th birthday!

13 years ago my grandparents and I waited in the waiting room for Rhey's arrival.
13 years ago I received my life long best friend!
13 years ago I had to learn that the world doesn't revolve around me and that I don't get all the attention anymore.

Have Rhey and I always been close?  Oh heaven's no ..... in fact:

1 year ago I realized that my friends are only temporary and that in the end, Rhey willalways be there for me.
1 year ago Rhey and I really grew close and love one on one time together (although we don't get that as much as we used to).

So here are some pictures from today .... enjoy :)

In HIS grace, Alisha