But now, O Jacob{Jessica}, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Love and Joy Filled this Weekend - Not Cancer!

Posted by Jessica's Mother Sheila 

Sometimes as ministers Jessica and I find it easier to preach and teach it then to live it.  We tell people to live every moment, to not get caught up in schedules, work, activities and even church to the point that they don't enjoy the gifts God has given them.  This cancer has reminded us that we too must work to keep our priorities straight. 

Jessica and Van 
On Saturday we gathered together as a family at Monkey Joe's to celebrate Jessica's nephew (my grandson), Van's, fourth birthday.  We prepared the children for Jesssica to be in a wheelchair.  But true to her stubborn nature (LOL - I think maybe she got that from my side of the family) she walked in on her own. She looked beautiful in a bright yellow shirt and some awesome "Kick Cancer's Butt" tennis shoes. Though her gait is slow and has a hitch in it she is now, with the pain meds, able to get around some.  The kids ran, jumped, played games, laughed and giggled to their heart's content.  We talked, laughed and just enjoyed being together as a family. 


Click to Buy Shoes from Amazon. 
Later that afternoon Jessica did ride in the wheelchair to go shopping.  She has lost 30 pounds since the first of January and she didn't want to go to Texas looking like a ragamuffin.  (Ask Ella and Savannah about looking like a ragamuffin.)  She felt pretty and just felt normal for a little while!

Sunday morning, she was determined to get to church so her sister in law, Jodie, helped her get dressed and straighten her hair.  Jason got the girls dressed (wonder what they looked like?!?!).  And they made it to church almost on time.  What joy it is to just worship our amazing Father!  It had been weeks since she had been able to go to church.  It lightened her spirit and strengthened their souls. 

Sunday was made complete with a wonderful paint party held at Mountville UMC.  Melissa Howington of MJH Designs brought her studio and supplies and helped 45 of Jessica's friends paint like artists.  Jessica joyously hobbled around from table to table being loved on and encouraged by her friends.  She beamed the entire time.  She laughed and shed a few tears of joy and comfort.



During these moments the chaos of cancer was pushed into the background.  It was no longer the focal point of life and existence   It was no longer in control.  Life is made up of moments.  They can be moments of fear, doubt, worry and tears or they can be moments of love, laughter, and joy. No matter what might be going on around you or happening to you, it is a matter of choice.  It is a matter of outlook.  It is a matter of faith.  God is in those moments giving us His strength and hope.  And it is those moments that we are going to hang on to! 

Love in Christ,
Jessica's Mom


P.S.  Our "Kick Cancer's Butt" tennis shoes are Asics Kinsei Gel 4.  They are expensive but amazingly comfortable!  They are available for both men and women.  You can purchase them through our Amazon Affiliate link and all commission will go to help Jessica and Jason fight this battle.  Thank you for ALL your support!



ASICS Men's Gel-Kinsei 4 Running
 Shoe,Lime/White/Royal,10 M US






Posted by at

5 comments:

  1. Kim BellApril 16, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    How do I make sure I am getting the shoes that give benefit to Jessica? Is it the link under the picture? And will there be anything indicating that along the way in the purchase process?

    ReplyDelete
  2. GetBetterJessApril 16, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    There will not be any indication through the check out process. Basically I signed Jessica up to be an Affiliate Marketer for Amazon,so if you click on any link or picture that we post in this blog and then buy that product on Amazon. They will pay a marketing commission to Jessica through that program (Typically 10% to 15%). - Thanks, Chad

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 16, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Well, I am kicking my toe shoes for a pair of these shoes.. I have about wore my toe shoes out.. so it was time for a new pair... did not think I could top a toe shoe... but these colorful shoe are over the top!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 16, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    She looks amazing!!!! Asics are the best...I have run in them for years...can't think of a better shoe for a more amazing woman!!!!!! She will beat this!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    I don't know how to say this but I'm going to give this a try: Jessica I know you don't know me but my name is Randy Aragon. I have had a long life of dealing with adversities. Some self inflicted and some not. Your Mother is my inspiration and without her(and God's)support I'm not sure I could have made it this past year. As you go through this please keep in mind that you not only have people that you have never met praying and supporting you but you have an amazing Mother that is the inspiration for many, many people. We are connected in a wonderful spiritual way - As a Military man I say, "Go with the faith of God and fear nothing for you can overcome". God bless you and your family and "kick cancer's butt!!"

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)