During youth group this month (Tyler and I are adult leaders for the high schoolers) we are discussing “Real Life” problems with our students. As they learn about loneliness, pain, anxiety, and life stages, they are challenged to consider how they can help others dealing with these very real issues. This got me thinking about my own experiences of support and love through my sickness, … Continue reading Learning to communicate with your friends/family in need

Positive self-talk is a challenge I am continually working to master. This is an area of constant sin/struggle for me. It’s much easier for me to see the best qualities in another, give grace and encourage a friend to stop criticizing herself, than it is for me to believe/do this for myself. I’ve always been highly critical of my every move, to the point that … Continue reading In the midst of negative thoughts, remember 5 truths that God says of you.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” -Herman Cain   In 1986 Miss Maria Rivera began her teaching career at G.C. Burkhead Elementary School. The 3rd grade teacher was a University of Kentucky Graduate with big brown eyes and an unforgettable smile. As a 22-year-old with a petite … Continue reading Happy Retirement, Mrs. Chaney (mom)!

“Stop writing about juice and start writing about Jesus!”   Her words stung. It’s been nearly a year since they were spoken to me and even so, they race through my mind often.   This advice came from a well respected friend, mature in her faith, whom I look up to. I know what she meant.. “Have no other gods or idols above the Lord! … Continue reading My response to this advice: Stop writing about juice and start writing about Jesus.

The post was originally shared in October of 2015, nearly one year into recovery from my pancreatectomy/auto islet cell transplant, a huge operation with a 3-5 year estimate for recovery to find a new normal in a permanently changed body. This was right at two years after my Whipple and all the hell that followed… pancreatitis that quickly turner chronic, 300+ days without eating a single … Continue reading Don’t Give Up — Re-sharing words from three years ago

In Part 1 of this series I shared a bit of my story of surviving pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, major surgeries, gastroparesis, bowel dysmotility and what the recovery process has been/is still like for me. I also expanded on one approach which has probably helped me the MOST in managing and treating my severe digestive disorders. If you haven’t already, go back and read part … Continue reading Part II: How to treat + manage severe digestive disorders with diet // the pureed/liquid approach that saved me