January 10th, 2012

Hey friends,

 I hope you are all having a great start to 2012!

 I want to give a big thank you for those who have showed their support to FACES! This is far more than a project for me it is a true labor of love. I have had many inquiries as to when the first story will be going up. I am shooting for February 1st. Since posting the logo this past Sunday I am thrilled at the number of requests I have already received and I feel so blessed that I am going to be able to share these inspirational stories with you all. Please contact me if you or someone you know would like to share their story on FACES.

I have a couple of reasons for not posting the first story until February. First and foremost it gives me the opportunity to write a blog in honor of Nick as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing. I can hardly believe it. My heart is so heavy as I think about that day. Although, the vision of Nick eternally resting in the radiant light of his Saviour is comforting to me, I am still so sad. Plain and simply I miss him so much. I cannot help but think about Aaron graduating this year and how Nick used to just pray to be able to make it to see that day. I know he will be with us in spirit on that day, but I have to be honest there is that little selfish part of me that wants him in that seat beside me, holding my hand and sharing in that precious moment. I do know when that day gets here it will be full of so much joy and celebration and our hearts will be filled with happiness just the way Nick would want it. In fact, I think he would insist on it!

I will post a blog on January 29th that will include the tribute video that was played at Nick's memorial. I know that many friends near and far that could not make it to his service, would love to see it and it would be my joy to share it with you all. It will be my privilege to be able to write a blog about my man on the day the Lord called him home.

"Practice trusting Me during the quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening. Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through. Store up for yourself treasure in Heaven, through placing your trust in Me. This practice will keep you in my peace."--Jesus Calling Devotional

Much love and many blessings,

Tammy

January 3rd, 2012

Happy New Year everyone! I am looking forward to 2012 with so much hope and anticipation.

I have received several responses and questions about my last blog and my new venture. I cannot tell you how my heart jumps out of my chest every time I take a step forward on this. I do feel led to help others in their journey of "learning to live," and that is where F.A.C.E.S. (Fighting Against Cancer with Extraordinary Strength) comes in. I love to write, and I know the part it has played in my healing over the past year, so nothing thrills my heart more than to know I can help someone else on their journey through telling their story. 

I think pretty much every nightly prayer over the last year has included asking God for His guidance and direction in my life, for Him to show me the way and for doors of opportunity to be opened. F.A.C.E.S. has ignited a fire in my heart and a drive in me that I haven't felt for a long time. I never thought of myself in this role. I was terrified to approach anything that had to do with cancer after losing Nick. That's why I know the Lord must have His hand over this, because that fear has been replaced with a desire to reach out and grab the hand of others who have been on or are on a life-changing path that involves cancer.   

F.A.C.E.S. will highlight inspirational stories of men and woman who have cancer, have fought cancer, or have lost someone to cancer. I want their stories to portray the beauty, fight, and determination of  learning to live through their struggles and put a face with their story. I have learned sometimes the real stories are often shared through the expressions of the laughter and the tears. These will be real stories of hope from ordinary people who are becoming extraordinary through their journey. 

I will feature the stories here, just like I do my own personal updates (and will continue to do that from time to time). I hope to have the first F.A.C.E.S. story up within the next couple of weeks. You may know of someone that has an inspirational story to share, if so, I would love to connect with them. 

As always thank you for your continued support it means so much to me. 

Blessings Always,

Tammy 

December 29th, 2011

From December 29th 2010 blog:

God is certainly showering me and Aaron with His peace and His supernatural strength.How else could we be doing this? This journey requires us to walk so closely with our Heavenly Father and clinging to His promise to carry us and sustain us through anything.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

On this day last year Nick was transferred into hospice, and it was without a doubt the most difficult transition of this journey. When I go back and read, I am always amazed how a year later the words I wrote back then are the same words I would still want write today. He did sustain us then as He continues to sustain us now. 

January 1st marks the official new year for everyone. For many, it is simply a time to change the calendar, but for others, the new year can represent a renewed hope. In my heart, I do not think my new year will begin until January 30th. That date signifies to me I have made it, I have survived the " year of firsts" without my husband. As that time approaches I can see myself standing at the threshold looking back, remembering all that God has brought me through, but also eagerly looking forward to all He has in store for me. 


This blog has been an immense source of healing for me. It is a treasure that I have been able to write openly and honestly with you all about my journey over the past year. Although, I know it was very sad to read at times, I hope you were able to see the true love story between a husband and wife. I pray you saw the strength of the Lord carry us through our grief and even provide us with laughter and joy along the way. 


I will continue to update on my journey periodically throughout 2012, but my passion and direction for this blog is changing and I am excited!  I look forward to sharing the stories of others. I have had the priviledge of meeting and befriending a few brave survivors, either recently diagnosed, in the midst of an illness, or "learning to live" after an illness or losing a loved one. My desire is to share their stories of hope and determination with you and to put a face with each of the stories. I can speak from my own experience of how sharing your story with others can bring comfort and healing. I will have more information to share on "F.A.C.E.S. (Fighting Against Cancer with Extraordinary Strength) " coming very soon. 


I want to wish you all a very blessed 2012 and thank you for supporting "Learning to Live" I look forward to having you all and many more on board next year as I know God has big things planned for F.A.C.E.S. 


Blessings,


Tammy