Inspirational Message from Daily Word

Two of my most favorite people in the world were my grandparents.  Many Saturday mornings growing up were spent waking up to the smell of coffee and my grandpa tugging on the retractable shade till the sunlight came flooding in like an unwanted guest, while simultaneously exclaiming in his jovial voice, "And the Lord said, "Let there be there light." Rise and Shine, sunshine!"  To which I would always roll over, pull the pillow over my eyes and let out a small groan.  I was not a morning person, a trait inherited from my mother.  My grandparents, however, were.  And every morning was the same routine.  They would make a cup of coffee, and then my grandfather would retreat to his tan leather recliner while my grandmother perched herself in her tiffany blue swivel rocker and silently they would read their respective Bibles.  And when I finally did drag myself reluctantly out of bed, she would share with me the Daily Word for the day.  And even though my mom's parents, my beloved grandparents are not here with us anymore, their traditions have continued with my mom, sister and I.  Every day, we start the morning with a cup of coffee or hot tea and the Daily Word devotional.  In fact, I use the devotional as the 'letter of the day' for my 3-year-old.  The first letter of the first sentence of each day's devotional is much larger and in bold type, so it has a dual function in my house!  Well, if you're wondering where I'm going with all of this.  Today's devotional from the Daily Word is perfect for what I know a lot of you are going through.   So, I would like to share it with you for our post today:

God's spirit of recovery is fulfilled within me now!

If I am recovering from an ailment, I claim with faith and certainty my divine birthright to wholeness.  I reclaim my power, knowing that my wholeness already exists in God-Mind.  I am already perfect and complete on every level.

To embrace total well-being--in body, mind and affairs--I focus on the positive, life-enhancing conditions.  I trade negative notions for revitalizing thoughts.  I affirm empowering words that bless and reinvigorate my life.

In this way, my recovery accelerates.  I am revived inside and out  As God's spirit of recovery fulfills itself in me, my inner perfection is matched by an outer expression of health, renewal and accomplishment.

"He...strengthens the powerless." -Isaiah 40:29

If you would like to find out more about Daily Word please visit:  www.unity.org

A Worthy Cause

The other day I had a man contact me who has started a wonderful foundation in memory of his sister who lost her battle with breast cancer.  The foundation raises money to help ease the financial burden of those battling the disease and they are currently running a fundraiser on causes.com. 

Below is a portion of his email to me:

The Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to provide assistance and comfort to breast cancer patients who are suffering financial hardships. My family and I started the Foundation 7 years ago after my 32 year old sister, Christina Walsh, lost her battle with breast cancer.  To date we've raised over a quarter of a million dollars and haven't turned away any patients who have requested our help.  We're currently running a fundraiser on Causes.com and we'd love it if you could help us in our efforts to spread the word about our the fundraiser.  Please visit our website for more information at www.christinaswalshbcf.org, from which the fundraiser can be accessed directly. You can also read about how we raise money, and the different ways those funds are used to help ease the burdens of patients so that they can focus more directly on regaining
their health. And please feel free to contact me with any specific questions you might have. Thanks, and best of luck with your health and with your wonderful blog.

Best wishes,
Matt Wund
Treasurer, The Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.christinaswalshbcf.org

Thanks Matt for letting us help spread the word! 

Blessings to you, your family, and your wonderful foundation,
Kathy

Obla Di Obla Da!

Okay, so I'm not sure exactly what this means, but this golden oldie from the Beatles, was always a song that made my heart happy...and still does!  I'd sing it in the shower, driving to school, and just about anytime I needed a boost. Guess looking back, it must have been the upbeat melody. Today's blog is about listening to your favorite songs and hymns. Music is just another source of  happiness and another key to having a happy heart.  I'm also in love with Kelly Clarkson's "What Doesn't Kill You" (this song should be our theme song ladies)--it's so true!  And then of course there's Whitney Houston's "There's a Hero in You."  Add to my list, Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and Chubby Checker's infamous "Twist," just to name a few. Discover what songs make you happy and make you want to jump off your couch and dance in your living room like you did when you were a teenager.  Make a CD or download them on your IPod, I-tunes, I-whatever, so you can listen to them when you work out, walk, or are just driving in the car.  Praise and worship songs also need to be a must-have and number 1 on your and list.  Go to K-Love and find out the artists behind those songs you love.  So turn up that radio, belt out the words (who cares if you don't know all of them, have you ever watched The Singing Bee?  The happiest people singing are the ones who don't know half the words!)  And pretend you are Tom Cruise on The Oprah Show, or even better, a Tom Cruise in Risky Business (you know the scene where he's just dancing in his shirt and socks?), and just let it all hang out!   

You've got to Move it, Move it!

By now if you haven't heard of the health benefits of exercise and diet, then I'm quite sure you've been hiding under some huge rock.  Seriously, excercise of any kind is very beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer.  Although, to be painfully honest, I haven't been very diligent about indulging in my 30 minutes of daily exercise lately.  But I most definitely am a huge advocate in getting out there and just doing something.  If you're like me and not that enthusiastic about pushing yourself to the point of  'glowing'--a term my grandmother liked to use when referring to women in the South who sweat--then that's okay.  So, if exercise was your New Year's Resolution--again--then let's get started.  Initially, begin by walking for 10 minutes a day.  Or if you have a little extra cash, invest in a little trampoline.  You can jump, twist and shout to your favorite music while boosting your immune system and burning up some very unpopular calories.  I love to just turn on the radio or tv in my case to the oldies or 80's station and dance.  And, if you have a treadmill--well it's time to dust if off and stop using it for a clothes hanger.  Remember, just 10 minutes a day at first and then add on 5 minutes and so on until you feel strong enough to make it 30 minutes and eventually your goal should be one hour. Walk to get your mail, and park a little further from your car in the parking lot, instead of playing Russian Roulette to get the prime spot that ensures you only have to walk 3 or 4 steps to be inside. Little things can make a big difference.  If you have access to a pool, swimming is one of the best exercises you can do--and it's easy on the back and joints.

Now, you knew it was coming - the dreaded D word...DIET!  AOL News and Huffington Post both recently ran articles on the top cancer-buster foods that we should all include in our diets.  And I have to be honest with you I was very surprised by the first two.  Guess I've been hiding under some rock somewhere when it comes to hearing about foods I should be eating.  Okay, so just in case you haven't seen these foods listed anywhere recently here they are: 1. Plums and peaches (I had no idea and yummy)  2. Walnuts  3.  Brocolli...(one of the cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and celery that are great cancer fighters)  4. Salmon  5.Olive oil  6.Parsley ( hey, I thought that was just for decoration ...lol )  7. Coffee ( now this one is going to put a smile on most everyone's face)   8. Beans   9. tomatoes (some say it's best to consume cooked tomatoes to reap the most benefits)

So, there you have it.  Now, how about it?  Let's all start living a little better by getting more exercise and eating more of these foods that can help our body fight off  breast cancer. My mother used to call raw (uncooked) veggies 'live' food.  By the way, studies also suggest that even if you tested positive for the BRCA or have 2 genetic mutations that increase your risk of getting breast cancer-- changing your diet and eating more of these foods can actually reduce your risk as well. And don't forget to take your suppliments like COQ10 and antioxidents that fight free radicals. 

On a personal note, I just have to add that it's okay, (in my humble opinion), to treat yourself to your favorites every now and then--maybe a couple of times a week.  A couple of chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven or that bag of M&M's that's been calling your name all week now. Maybe a glass of wine or an occasional margarita--ONE only--on the weekend.  My motto has always been everything in moderation, nothing in excess!

So what do you do to exercise?  Have any fun tips you'd like to share with the rest of us?  As Kelly always says, "Sharing is caring!" Cheers!

P.S.  My daughter, Kelly, found the above image of Olivia Newton-John, one of my favorite people.  Talk about a blast from the past!  As I'm sure a lot of you are aware, Olivia Newton-John is a breast cancer survivor herself with her own inspirational story.  I will be seeing her in November here at the Majestic Theater and can't wait!
                                                                                                    

Baby, write this down!

2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down our imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of God.

OMG, here I go again!  Just when I thought I was over him or at least making great strides in that direction thoughts of him come creeping back. When a relationship ends that we were heavily invested in, our first response is anger and a sense of freedom.  But as time goes by and the reality starts to sink in, it's natural to remember only the good times.  The good qualities and the things we 'loved' about our lost love seem to become magnified with each passing day. We drive by 'our favorite restaurant or night spot'. 'Our' favorite program comes on the tube, and of course the proverbial 'our song' comes flowing across the airwaves when we're driving either to or from work.  And suddenly, all the reasons we had to hate this person with every fiber of our being seems to have vanished...disappeared.  So, what's a girl to do?  You know in your head and you're still working on urging that 'all knowing' to travel south down to our heart - that this is not the man for you. There is no way he is God's best for you. Even if he were to come back on bended knee, the chances of the same thing happening again at some point down the road are inevitable. You know that he doesn't love you the way you deserve to be loved and he doesn't value you. Okay girlfriend, this is when you grab a pen and paper and make a list.  Write down all those reasons you left him or if he was the one to leave...write down the way he ended everything.  Did he talk to you like an adult? Did he try to explain where he's coming from?  Or was he heartless? Ending things with a screaming match or worse yet...an email or text. Did you catch him in a lie - or worse cheating?  Has he devalued you as a human being?  Was he critical of you - the way you dress, or talk, or maybe of your family, your car, your apartment or home?  Write each and every incident where and when he made you feel 'less than' down.  Write down the broken promises.  Write down if he pushed you, slapped you or grabbed you so hard it left a bruise.  Write it ALL down.  And then, when you start down that slippery romantic slope for the umpteenth time... pull out your 'list' and read and re-read it, until the reasons you left him or the relationship ended are once again crystal clear.Rome wasn't built in a day - so go easy on yourself. Get out there and excercise, or take a class, work until you're so tired, you just collapse in bed, get a massage or a pedicure, get together with friends and plan things in advance for the weekend.  Movies are a great escape - at least for me - I enjoy escaping for 2 hours with a cold drink and bag of popcorn or M&M's.  You can do this.  Just take it one day at a time...and keep 'the list' handy.  You never can tell when you might need to remind yourself WHY! 

The One Thing I Remember My Mom Doing

What's the one thing I remember my mom doing immediately after receiving her cancer diagnosis?  Aside from praying and reading her Bible?  Juicing.  She did it every day during the two-weeks pre-surgery and every day for several years post.  To a third grader's mind, that behemouth cream machine that occupied a quarter of our counter top space, spitting out the pulp of every vegetable known to man was a little baffling.  I mean, my mother was always a healthy eater, insuring that my sister and I, much to our dismay, always had our daily dose of veggies and fruit.  But usually our veggies were served with a small side of ranch for our dipping pleasure, or lightly covered in a velveety, creamy, cheese-whiz sauce.  This--this was taking the term "eating your veggies" to a whole other planet--no--galaxy!  We bought veggies by the truckload.  Carrots, celery, beets--you name it, we had it.  And lots of it!  Seeing my mom indulge in a tall glass of bright orange carrot juice or leafy green celery goodness soon became the new norm.  What used to be a cool, refreshing glass of iced tea, was now one big megadose of vitamins in her anti-cancer artillery.  My mom did it religiously.  Did it work?  Well, she is still here baffling many doctors and specialists in the process.  Will it work for you?  It certainly can't hurt to try! 

Juicing is a natural way to get anti-oxidants in your system.  And as my mom has mentioned before in her CO-Q-10 post, oxygen is one of cancer's greatest enemy.  Livestrong has several great articles regarding the benefits of juicing.  Check them out along with other great sites on the internet.  As with any of our posts, do your own research and check with your doctor. 

Have you tried or someone you know tried juicing? We would love to hear your story!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall Part 2

Today I want to share with you what I consider a huge weapon to use in the victory over cancer.  Every single morning when you wake up you should look in the mirror and tell yourself whatever positive affirmations that are meaningful to you.  Out loud - and with authority!  I used to say things like ,"You are a beautiful person, you are healed and whole because by Jesus's stripes, you were healed over 2,000 years ago. Now, it's up to you to believe that. Every cell in your body radiates health and wholeness." And as Nahum 1:9 states, "Affliction (cancer or whatever you are fighting) shall NOT rise up a second time."

Now, what I have to say next may stir some waters with some Christians, but I'll you let you be the judge if it's right for you or not.  I am a firm believer in "seeing"  yourself well.  Some like to call it visualization, but I prefer to use the term - faith- imagination - coined by Ruth Carter Stapleton. I believe that we are creating what we desire on a heavenly plane and that it will eventually materialize on the earthly plane.  I also believe this is backed up in the Bible, when the Lord tells us that whatever we bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Matthew 18:18 You have authority over cancer or any disease.  Bind the cancer from your body and cast it into the depths of the sea - as far as the east is from the west.

Another weapon I used was to put  pictures of me laughing, living life to the fullest and pictures that reminded me that I was loved on my fridge, and on my bathroom mirror.  These pictures represented the true me...the "me" I was created to be and the me that I was going to be. They were engrained in my mind.

I used to use the game Pac-Man - if any of you are old enough to remember that game- it was like a little yellow tennis ball chasing and hunting down the enemies.  I used to imagine Pac-Man as a huge oxygen molecule (because cancer can't thrive when there is oxygen)  chasing down and eating or destroying all the cancer cells in my body. I did all of these things pretty much on a daily basis.


So, to sum up today's blog, I spoke positive words over my life, I visualized or 'faith-imagined' the good cells in my body destroying the cancer or bad cells and I 'saw' myself as healed. 

Now, we'd love to hear from you. If you can tell us your story or if you have any questions - we'd love to hear from you.  It is our mission to help. 

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Proverbs 23:7  For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Mark 11:24  Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.

I've chosen today's subject and Bible verses for two reasons.  The first one I'll share today and I'll reveal the second one tomorrow.

As little girls, we are shown example after example of our place in society. We grow up watching all those fairy tales, like Snow White, depicting a young lady waiting for her knight in shining armor to ride up on his white horse and save her.  This concept has been getting a little better throughout the years, but I still think it's somehow embedded in every little girl's conscienceness that this is the ultimate secret to our happiness.  The ulitmate dream to be found...and when that dream is shattered--if it's ever even realized in the first place--our lives can be in shambles.  * Remember how the story of Snow White starts? An evil and insecure queen discovers that there is a beautiful young woman in the land and so she plots to have her killed.  So, Snow White is forced to hide out in a cottage with seven dwarfs--and what does she do? She cooks and cleans for them. That is until the handsome prince kisses her (after the evil witch gave her the poisoned apple) and she wakes up and they live happily ever after.  I'm sure that fairy tales like this are not the only reason that women fail to get lives of their own, but the bottom line is that this type of thinking makes women feel vulnerable, helpless, and dependent on either finding a man in their life or afraid to lose the one they already have.  One of my favorite reads delves into this subject very clearly. "Stupid About Men" by Deborah Dunn contains one of my all-time favorite quotes...well two of my favorite quotes: "Decide to be happy now; don't wait for someone to make you happy," and for those of you who have already found your prince charming..."Using a husband as an excuse not to fully live is just as stupid as waiting for one to show up so we can."

Single bars are full of women desperately searching for Mr. Right--for that someone to make them fulfilled and happy. But happiness does not come from any outside source...it comes from within. And the source of true happiness is loving yourself and submitting your life over to the Lord.  If you do that--He will direct your path in the way that you should go.  Stop looking outside yourself and to men to make you happy.  Take the bull by the horns and do whatever it takes to create your own happiness.  Maybe the Lord's been putting it on your heart to go back to school--well there's no time like the present. Just step out in faith and create your own dream. When you have a full, happy, and positive life others are drawn to that and the chances of you meeting a man who will be good to you and for you will be great. When you're not trying so hard to meet someone, the Lord will bring the man He wants you to have into your life. As women, we could all avoid a lot of unnecessary heartache and pain, if we just made a life for ourself with or without a man. A strong, secure, and happy woman is much less likely to be the victim of abuse then one who is needy and dependent on the man in her life for everything from her happiness to the clothes on her back. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing to be a stay-at-home mom, it's a wonderful thing, but I am saying that if that's what you choose to do--do it AFTER you've made a life for yourself.  Your husband will know that you are perfectly capable of supporting yourself, if the need arises. And that's a good thing. No, that's a great thing!

I would love to hear your opinion about my blog for today.  So please join in.  Tell me your story or someone else's you know.  For a little sneak preview of tomorrow's blog, I want to tell you how important it is to use that mirror you look into every morning and tell yourself how wonderful you are and how favored you are of God.

See you tomorrow!

Kathy

*Stupid About Men - 10 Rules for getting Romance Right by Deborah Dunn

OUCH! Why did you hurt me and why did I let you?

Philippians 4:13   I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.

Nothing is too difficult for the Lord.  Memorize this verse and remember it when you're going through the storm. Hold tight to His promises, for you are never alone. He is always with you.

Okay, so "Smart Women, Foolish Choices" is just one of the many books I've read along my journey back to wholeness from physical abuse. If I were back in 4th grade, sitting in Mrs. Jones class, I would be blushing right now when my name was mentioned over the pa system for having just received the "Most Outstanding Reading Achievment Award" for the year. But although I'm far removed from those carefree, innocent years, I find myself still drawn to books that delve into the dark world of abuse.  Why? Maybe in hopes of discovering the reason for my seemingly constant 'pull' towards men who I know aren't good for me. The proverbial 'bad-boy syndrome' that all started when I was just ten years old and the new family on my block moved in with their "Fonz" look alike son. Tony, aka "The Hood", as all the kids on the block called him was alluring with his black hair slicked back on the sides with Brilcream(spellcheck :), the sleeves of his white t-shirt rolled up slightly revealing the pack of cigarettes--real ones--not the candy ones that the gang on Adrian Street was used to buying at the local Lone Star Ice House. Of course I'm only guessing that this is the way it all started.

The latest two books I've been attempting to read simulataneouly are "Stupid About Men" by Deborah Dunn and "The Emotionally Abusive Relationship" by Beverly Engle.  When people talk about abuse, the first thing that pops in their mind is physical abuse, but as anyone can attest who has been at the receiving end of someone's rants, raves and personal assaults--verbal abuse is just as damaging and destructive.  If you've been hitching a ride on my blog for a while now, you already know that my first hand knowldege of spousal abuse happened over 30 years ago when my marriage to the man of my dreams turned into my worse mightmare.  This was my first encounter with physical abuse. I had grown up in south Texas in a household that my friends described as the typical "Leaver it to Beaver" home. My parents were both kind, sweet-spirited people who must have agreed to disagree on most every topic of conversation. My mother was from Tennessee and a true 'Southern Belle" as my dad would attest. And the respect and mutual admiration flowed both ways. So, the idea of being in love with much less married to someone who could physically hurt me was unimaginable. But it didn't take long for me to realize that I had landed in unmarked enemy territory and that I'd have to navigate my way through the unchartered waters the best way I could. He would get angry at the drop of  a hat and hit me, try and stangle me, bruise me and threaten to kill me.  He was the love of my life. I had moved over 3,000 miles to start a life with him only to find myself back home and beyond consolable two years later.  The abuse left me scarred for life--in more ways than one. And like any other scars, they will always be a part of me...only less visible as time passes by.  They are also a testiment to the way in which the Lord brought me through the storms in my life. And He is not a respector of persons....if he did it for me - then he'll do it for you.
There'll be a lot of territory to cover as we start down this very long and winding road, but I want to start off with the best piece of advice I can offer anyone who is presently dealing with abuse - no matter what form it takes. (a)You deserve better (b) If you are being physically abused - slapped, punched, hair pulled, or pushed around - then get out...PERIOD! (c) If you are being verbally and/or emotionally abused  then know that sometimes the only way to stop the pattern or cycle of abuse is to walk away from the relationship. I know this is MUCH easier said than done, but you can and have to do it. We'll explore more about that later.  Examples of emotional abuse: Do you feel like you're always 'walking on eggshells', does your partner ridicule you, your ideas or thoughts, do you feel isolated from your family and friends, are you constantly accused of 'flirting', does your partner attempt to control your life? These are just a few of the examples of emotional abuse. But  they are most always red flags. Hopefully, the abusvie partner realizes this and has a desire to save the relationship - especially if there are children involved - by discovering what has made or contributed to his/her problems.  Often times the abusive partner is honestly unaware that his/her actions are abusive as they may have been a victim of abuse themselves.  In this case, their willingness to listen, understand and work with a counselor on ways to stop the behavior might work to salvage the relationship. (d) *If you are in an emotionally or verbally abusive relationship, you owe it to yourself to seek help in order to understand that you do not deserve this kind of treatment and to try and understand why you have allowed the abuse up to this point. And finally, but most importantly give to it all over to the Lord.  Lay it at His feet.  Just talk to Him like you'd talk to your closest and dearest friend and tell Him that you can't do this by yourself.  He'll hear your prayer and guide you in the direction you should go.   

Please feel free to ask any questions or just use this blog as a sounding board. Also, we would love to hear your story or any advice you can offer to help others.  It helps to know that we are not alone...we are a band of sisters :)  We look forward to hearing from you.


I highly recommend this book to anyone who even suspects that they are victims of emotional abuse.
*the Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Author - Beverly Engel

I Have a Secret

Verse of the week:
Isaiah 53:5 "By His stripes we are healed." In 1 Peter 2:24, Peters says, "By whose stripes you were healed."  This means you WERE already healed over 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and bore all these diseases for you.

I have a secret I want to share with you.  After the initial shock of learning I am a 26 year metastatic breast cancer survivor, the next question most people ask is, "What's your secret?"  First is faith, second is to follow your doctor's advice while at the same time following your own intuition, and the next little tidbit of info I give is about CoQ10 which falls in the "nutrition", doing what you can regarding your health, diet, and excercise" category.  So, my focus today is on what I have felt has been the one secret weapon I have used in waging my own war. 

Twenty-six years ago when I was in post-op recovery following my mastectomy, the nurses told my parents about CoQ10 - they referred to it as a miracle nutrient. Of course, my parents immediately began the hunt for this vitamin and were ecstatic to have found it at the local Sun Harvest.  I started off taking 50 mg every day and increased it to 100 mg several years ago.  It is the one supplement that I make sure I never run out of and have never left home without.  Yes, that means vacations and even one night weekend getaways.  Wherever I go my CoQ10 follows. I am absolutely convinced that it has played a large role in my recovery and victory over metastatic cancer.  Included below is an attachment to one of the many articles online that delve into the benefits of this supplement.   

As a disclaimer, I do not own stock in CoQ10, and while I do not endorse nor give medical advice, I do want to tell you what has worked for me.  And there are many other important vitamins and nutrients which I will go into more detail on later.  Please read below, do your own research, and talk to your doctor as to whether or not this nutrient might be one effective tool in your treatment plan.

http://www.naturalnews.com/026399_cancer_CoQ10_health.html

Photo Credit:  The above photo is by Kevin Shorter and can be found at www.flickr.com

Faith

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King

Faith is the substance of things hoped for ...the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The first time we hear the word 'cancer', we are suddenly thrust into a hole so deep, that the thought of ever climbing out of it seems unimaginable.  I know. I've been there. Your heart is racing and pounding as though it's going to jump right out of your chest. The words reverberate in your mind so loudly that nothing else can be heard. And stepping out in faith seems impossible.  But it is possible because nothing is impossible with the Lord. And you can do it! In spite of your horrendous doubts and fears, you can do it. In spite of your diagnosis you can do it.  I am here for you. To encourage you. To share uplifting thoughts, Bible verses, healthy recipes and books I think you will find helpful. I've always told my family that I was waging war on every front in my fight against breast cancer. Spiritually, physically and mentally. I am here to share with you the 'weapons' I used to not only fight the battles, but to win the war.  I am here to help you take that first step of faith and every step thereafter.

Kathy

Hey Y'all!

Well, first of all a huge thank you to the best blog designer ever--Erica with The Cutest Blog On The Block--has definitely earned her halo these past few weeks!  Especially because she was dealing with a mother/daughter duo who cannot agree on anything :) A warning to parents of teenage daughters:  it does not get better.  Teenage daughter know-it-alls just grow up to be adult daughter know-it-alls--LOL.  And I can say that with a healthy dose of self-reflection because this is Casey (the daughter) posting today.  Because this is a brand spanking new blog, I thought I would take a second to fill everyone in on what this blog will be focusing on.  My mother is a domestic abuse and 26 year metastatic breast cancer survivor.  I felt that it was high time she shared her story via an outlet that would have the capacity to reach thousands of women everywhere who might be inspired by her story.  We will be focusing on issues surrounding domestic abuse, breast cancer, and holistic aspects to healing the mind, body, and spirit.  Faith is what got my mother through the valleys of her life and so it is going to be an instrumental part of this blog.  We will be posting every Friday with something relating to the topics mentioned above along with a verse from the Bible.  We would love to hear from you!  So please don't hesitate to contact us!  Our first official post will be this Friday!  We look forward to getting to know you and connecting with you.

Warmly,
Casey