A TIME OF CELEBRATION

Greetings Family and Friends,

As you can see, we have a new family Christmas photo posted today. It was taken on Thanksgiving day when all of our children and grandchildren gathered at our house to celebrate together the many blessings of this past year. There's nothing sweeter to a mother's heart than being surrounded by all of her family. It was sweet!!! Lara, Britney, Carter and Ashlyn drove down from Minnesota --- 18-20 hours in the car with a five year old and an almost three year old, can you only imagine!! They arrived safely on the Friday afternoon before Thanksgiving, a little travel weary but glad to be back in Georgia for a short visit. They were able to see some of their friends and to go back to their church on Sunday and that was nice. The BEST part of their visit was that Pop and I had six wonderful days with them. They have been gone for six months already and Carter and Ashlyn have grown like little weeds. (It will be 6 months before I see them again and that thought breaks my heart). Since they moved, our time together has become that much more special!! When they arrived back home in Minnesota they were greeted with six inches of snow, which as of yesterday, was still on the ground. They will probably have their first ever "White Christmas". During the month of November we also celebrated Rebekah's 13th birthday (talk about growing up too fast, I still can't believe she is a teenager), Melinda celebrated her 39th birthday (that's right...her last one before that BIG 40) and also, I celebrated my 16th (was that a that a typo error?!!...I meant to say my 61st). November is a big birthday month for us!

Now, here we are in the month of December; where has this year gone? It is another big month of birthdays for the Mitchell girls. ( Pam's 37th and Jill's big 30th). My baby is turning 30, yikes! Marvin and I will be celebrating a big milestone in our lives as well. This year marks our 40th wedding anniversary and we are going to Disney World to celebrate and pretend that we are teenagers again! I thank God every day for the wonderful man he has blessed me with. One who loves the Lord, who loves me and who has walked with me in all things. He has been the most giving man to his family, (always unselfishly) and has always taken good care of all "his girls". I publicly praise him today. Because of Marvin, I came to know the Lord and walking with God for the last 41 years has been an amazing journey. The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows!

Speaking of ...here we are in the Christmas season. That wonderful time of year when we stop to focus on the greatest gift that was ever given ... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS". It was just a few days after Christmas last year (December 28th to be exact) that I got the call from my doctor, the one that changed my life forever. God has taught me things that I could have never imagined, and though it has been a challenging year, I have no doubt that in my life--"all is well". My Savior walks with me on the mountain top as well as in the valley and the peace that only He can give has been my strength. As this year ends, I will look back and be reminded once again of every single blessing that has come my way. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

I love you all so much and I, as always thank God for each of you. Wherever you spend this Christmas season, I pray that God will bless you beyond measure! I want to close with this thought; (it is in my Christmas card this year but it reflects the very thoughts of my heart as well):
" May your season be filled with sweet peace, simple joy, and "GOD'S AMAZING LOVE'.

I love you guys,
Judy

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

PUT TO THE TEST AND THANKING GOD IN ALL THINGS

Today (Thursday) was a big day of testing for me. The morning began with a radioactive injection followed by a CAT scan of the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Then, off for another mammogram, and a bone scan, followed by blood work and a visit with my oncologist.

Testing day is filled with all kinds of emotions for me. When I'm in there having all those scans done I try to watch the faces of the technicians to see if I can find any "clues" in their expressions as they are reading the screens. Testing day reminds me of what it was like when I was in school. You know how you study and prepare the best you know how--you think you did OK on the test but you still anxiously wait for the teacher to pass out the grades to see how you really did. "Cancer test day" is a lot like that.......you know that you've been feeling pretty good and you think everything is going great but you still have to wait for the "final test score".

I am very thankful to report tonight that I have gotten the results back from all the test except the bond scan. Everything looks good!! The growth on my thorax has not changed, the mammogram is the same as it was three months ago, they found a brain (ha ha), and I am testing clear of cancer at this time. (I am still waiting for the results on the bone scan but I am very positive that those results will be good as well). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your prayers, you will never know how much strength I feel knowing that you are praying for me.

As Thanksgiving week approaches, my heart is so full. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for this year. God has walked down this path with me every step of the way, surrounded me with loving friends and a precious family and given me a peace that passes understanding through and in all things. I will be eternally grateful and I praise his Holy Name!

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Lara, Britney, Carter and Ashlyn. They are coming in from Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving week with us. It will be the first time in six months that we have all been together. The "family circle" will be complete---all the kids and grand kids will be here and I can hardly wait!!! I pray that each of you will experience a week of thanksgiving and blessings as well .

As I pause and reflect on the goodness of Our Lord, I am truly humbled. His love and mercy is everlasting! In all things, give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Enjoy your time with friends and family---"a happy memory is a precious thing"!

I love you guys,
Judy

Ephesians 5:20 Give thanks always for all things.

FALL FESTIVALS, CORN MAZES AND CELEBRATIONS!

"Life" is a festival, a celebration and life is good!! I know that it has been many weeks since I last wrote in my blog and some of you have called or written to "check up" on me. Thanks! It's nice to know that you are still reading it; sometimes I worry that I may be boring you with all my news.


The truth of the matter why I haven't written lately is, I have been busy----busy having fun and enjoying family and friends and my "new found energy" that is slowly returning.
We celebrated Chad's birthday a few weeks ago. Can you believe that he is already "15" with a learner's permit to drive a car (YIKES)!! His Granny Sweatt and Aunt Amy were able to drive over for the day from Bremen, GA and that was great. We had not seen them for quite a while and had a lot of catching up to do.


This Sunday will be Rebekah's "13th" birthday (YIKES AGAIN) another teenager in the family. Marvin and I plan to surprise her and drive to S.C. to go to church with her and then take her out for a birthday lunch. (We will officially celebrate with a big party at our house on Thanksgiving Day). The whole Mitchell Clan will be together that day. Lara, Britney, Carter and Ashlyn are driving down from Minnesota for the week and we are all very excited about that.


Besides birthday celebrations I've had fun at the Fall Festival at our church, and at our neighborhood Halloween Parade. The little children are always sooooo cute. They have a big costume parade down the street then they load them all on a flat-bed and drive them from house to house to "trick or treat". I always dress up in costume too!! This year I wore my poodle skirt and had a dance party in my driveway with all of them. Well.....not a DICK CLARK
DANCE PARTY, I can't dance like that, but, we all did the Hokey Pokey together and I think that counts as a dance, don't you??!


And last but not least, I got lost in a Corn Maze! Marvin and I met Pam, Scott, their little 8 year old niece Autumn, Jill, Mark and little Nathan in Watkinsville a few Saturdays ago. It was a blast. There were so many cute things to do: A baby pig race, live animals to pet, a cow train for the little ones to ride in, a pumpkin patch where you pick your own pumpkin, a hay ride and a BIG corn maze. (I made them promise before I went in not to leave me alone in that maze. I always get lost in those things.) As you traveled through the corn you would find clue boards along the pathway and if you knew the right answers to the clues they would lead you in the right direction to go. After a while of "wandering in the corn" we finally realized the way out was to find the outside edge of the corn and follow that path. We didn't break any records but we did finally, successfully, make it out of the maze, laughing all the way! What a day of fun we all had. "Another special memory to cherish together".


When I got home that night I was thinking again about that corn maze---you know life is a lot like that sometimes isn't it? You never really know what might be around the corner as you travel down your path of life but our "clue board"--GOD'S WORD---will always lead us safely home!! He will show us which path to take, it's up to us to follow.


I hope this month your "path" will be filled with all the things that make you happy. We have so much to be thankful for. To God be the Glory, great things he has done. I thank my God always for all of you. I will write again soon, I promise! Till then......

I love you guys,
Judy
Today's Verses: Psalms 16:11-Show path of life
27:11-lead me in a plain path
119:105-a light to my path
Mic. 4:2-We will walk in his path
Luke 3:4-Make his path straight

NO SAND BETWEEN MY TOES!

Greetings,

Those of you who know me best know how much I have always loved vacations at the beach sitting at the edge of the ocean and enjoying the peaceful beauty that God created. This past weekend Marvin and I were blessed with a great getaway in Myrtle Beach with Melinda and our 15 year old grandson, Chad. He was playing in a baseball tournament there and Melinda had rented a condo on the beach with enough extra space for Marvin and I to "tag along". (Thanks Melinda and Jason!!) Most of our time was spent at the baseball field (4 games in 2 days) which left very little time for walks on the beach. I didn't even get any "sand between my toes". I think that is the first time ever that I've been near the ocean and not done that! However, I was happy just to get to "see the ocean again" and I will never take for granted the little things that I DID get to do on this trip. Like.....seeing the sun sparkle over the water, watching the fishing boats head out every morning, listening to the laughter as families played in the sand or my first-born-grandson's happy face as he took the field with his teammates to play a baseball game. (No, his team did not win but being together was fun enough.) It's during times like these that I completely forget about that word "cancer" and life seems carefree and peaceful. What a blessing those moments are to me. They're like "the sands of the sea which can not be numbered." (Hosea 1:10). I cherish each day!!!

But, alas, those days don't last very long and it's once again time to schedule doctor appointments, CT scans and blood tests. That too becomes a part of your life after cancer but a part that I am thankful for as well because each one will help the doctors know best how to provide the care that is needed. On October 15th , I have an appointment with my surgeon for a check up and on Nov. 15th, I will have another mammogram and a CT scan followed by an appointment with the oncologist for blood work and such. Your prayers, as always, mean so much to me; especially during those days while we WAIT to hear the latest results.

For now, I will reflect on our great trip to the beach even though there was" no sand between my toes" and simply continue to trust as I am standing on "THE SOLID ROCK"!

I love you guys,
Judy
Dt. 32:4--He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice; a God of truth and with iniquity, just and right is he.

Blessings And Miracles

Greetings Friends,

There are many times in my life that I find myself so touched by the awesome goodness of God's blessings. This week has been one of those precious times for me as I have been blessed beyond measure once again. Thank you, precious Savior!

First of all, my colonoscopy test last Thursday went off with out a hitch. Shortly after arriving at the office I was wheeled into the test room and put to sleep for the procedure and did not remember another thing until I awoke to hear the wonderful news that "all was clear". (The doctor even said that I had the colon of a 20 year old!!!)

Another blessing I experienced this past week was a reunion-luncheon with some very special friends. Friends from a past church family (Shirley, Carolyn, Joyce, Linda, Mandy and Sheryl) whom I haven't seen in many years. We could have talked for days but the poor waiter needed to make some more money so we left promising each other to gather again next month. These women are such a blessing to me and I treasure not only our time together last weekend but their precious friendship and all the sweet memories that we share from our time together serving God at Maranatha Baptist Church. Thank you ladies for the blessing of your friendship.

Blessings and miracles---we are surrounded by so many aren't we? Miracles and blessings that are "new each day". The miracle of life, the miracle of the rising and setting sun, the blessing of His Word and the miracle of a God who created us and loves us with so great a love. We are truly blessed beyond measure! To God be the gory. It's all about Him!!

I hope you have a week full of blessings. I love you guys,
Judy

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

A Joyful Memory

Greetings friends,
Marvin and I arrived back in GA. on Monday night from our visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn, and Carter in their new home in Minnesota. (Well- the house isn't exactly new- it's 100 years old !) It was great to finally see their home and the town where they are living. Now I don't have to "imagine" what it's like, I know. We had such a wonderful four days together and the memories will bring great joy to my heart for a long time to come.
Ashlyn started school that week and I got to walk her to and from school every day. They live right across the street from her school--isn't that great!! The only bad thing about that was whenever I would walk by a window and see the school I had to fight the urge to just go over there and sit with her. I didn't want to give up a single second of our time together. She is such a sweetheart and I enjoy her so much.
Carter and I had great fun playing while sister was at school. It isn't very often that he gets the opportunity of my undivided attention and he and I soaked up our "fun time together". He loves tractors and farm equipment and has quite a collection of toy tractors now. The next trip I take to Minnesota I am sure that he will probably be working in his own little "garden/farm" out in the backyard. He just loves to play in that black dirt. I don't know how Lara keeps his clothes clean!!
Lara and Britney were great hosts. They drove us all around town showing us their little city from the huge cornfields with big steel power generating windmills, to the lake where they go most Sundays after church, to his uncle's farms. (One uncle has a hog farm with thousands of great big hogs--PHEW this city girl held her breath as often as I could, ha.ha.) We were invited to his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Mell's house one night for dinner. The food was delicious -all home grown- and the fellowship was sweet. Britney's grandma and grandpa and two of his cousins and their families were there as well. It was wonderful seeing all of them again. After dinner they built a big campfire and we roasted marshmallows and talked for hours under the star filled sky. "Life in Minnesota"- much more relaxing I must say!!
Then, the dreaded morning came when we all had to say "Goodbye". It was hard!! We left Ashlyn at her classroom in tears and with Carter saying ,"No, Nana, I want you to spend the night". On the drive back to the airport I couldn't look at a tractor or a windmill or a cornfield without crying. I had started to miss all of them and I wasn't even out of the Adrian city limits yet!!!! Parting is always so hard but, thank goodness, those memories will stay close within our minds and in our hearts no matter how many miles there are between us. "I thank you Jesus for every precious second of our trip".
Now that we are back home, life as we know it resumes. Marvin is at work today and I am washing loads of dirty clothes! Tomorrow (9-13) I will go in for my colonoscopy test at 10:00; something I am not exactly looking forward to. How do you go from a great week with your daughter and her family TO THAT? Seriously, your prayers mean so much to me. I pray that everything will check out fine and no cancer will be found. I will let you know the results as soon as they are available. God has shown great grace and mercy to me during the last nine months since my first diagnosis and I am still taking my "path of life" trusting in His Love.
I love you guys,
Judy

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Be Not Anxious

Hi dear friends,

I know that it has been a while since my last note. I have been "catching up" with old friends, visiting with my precious grandchildren every chance I get and even enjoying the fact that I can see eyebrows and eyelashes beginning to grow back in. Every day is a celebration!! I've also been busy keeping all those "necessary" doctor appointments and I thank God every day for the wonderful doctors he has blessed me with.

At my last office visit with my oncologist, the results were good in the news that my scans were clear but my blood test showed that my white blood counts and my platelets had fallen back into the low range again. My body is telling me that I've been "celebrating" a little too much and I realize now that I have to slow it down again. My body has a lot of recovering to do and I am ready to obey what the doctors and this old body have to say!

Every three months for the next two years I will have scans taken and blood work done. Our goal for now is to stay "cancer-free" for one full year and each year to follow for the next five years. Every year I can celebrate staying cancer-free adds up to a better chance for a full recovery. Five years seems such a long way off. Right now I just want to live to the fullest---one day at a time! My prayer is to live worthy of His goodness and mercy and to continue to praise him and give him the glory for each and every day. There is no need to "worry what tomorrow will bring", I'll just trust THE ONE who holds tomorrow!!

Marvin and I are so excited that we will be able to travel to Minnesota in September to visit with Lara, Britney, Ashlyn and Carter. Since I will still have my chemo port implant, I may set off the alarms when I pass through security checks at the airport. I'm just praying that I don't get pulled out for a BODY SEARCH. Now, that would be a story to write about in my next blog wouldn't it?!!

I will try to keep you updated when we return. I hope you all have a great week. I close my note with this thought: We need not be anxious for the things we may need. On Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us as you help me by your prayers....and, as we do the same for each one of you.

I love you guys,
Judy

Matthew 6:25-Therefore, I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than food and the body than raiment? (Also 26-35)

PS Please continue to pray for Mark and Sandra Byars. The reports were not what we had hoped they would be. They are trying to decide the best course of treatments for her. (Sandra, be not anxious. I love you girl!)