~Tempt My Tummy Tuesday~Brunch Casserole~

Brunch Casserole

1 ½ pounds sausage
8 oz Crescent rolls
2 cups shredded cheese (½ cheddar and ½ mozzarella)
6 eggs, beaten
¾ cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Brown and drain sausage. Line bottom of 13x9 buttered dish with Crescent rolls (press perforations together). Sprinkle with sausage and cheese. Combine remaining ingredients and pour in dish.

Bake 15 minutes @ 425 degrees (maybe a little longer, until set). Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve.

For more great recipe finds go to Lisa/Lana's Tempt My Tummy and all the others joining in.

Recently I told you about my uncle with lung cancer. He was put in the hospital last week for a couple of days. He went home on Friday, but they had to bring him back this morning because the pain is so intense. I went to see him and my cousin today at the hospital. It doesn't appear to be much longer. The cancer has spread. He is 87 and has had a good life, but this is still difficult no matter what your age. Please pray for a reprieve from the pain, peace and no more suffering.

Also, my cousin from San Antonio is planning to come to visit tomorrow. Her Mom has Alzheimer's and things change from day-to-day. Please pray for traveling mercies, as she will be flying, Pray for peace for Sheila if it is the right decision that she gets away for a few days. Allow her to feel God's comfort, either way.

~Riches in Grace~

Wednesday afternoon I spent with Jan. I took her to get her blood work done. Next we went and had lunch. Then we were off to look for a dress for her to wear for her son's wedding in June. We were very successful. She tried on several dresses and the first dress she tried on was the one we both liked the best. It is a simple but very classy dress. It will be just perfect. We had a really good day with lots of laughs.

She showed me her new hair growing back in. She had lost a lot of hair where she had the radiation treatment, but it is really coming back. She started back on her chemo last night. Please pray that she tolerates it well this week and especially that it is killing this cancer. She is having some mild headaches. It's always nerve racking because you don't know what is causing the headaches. She returns to M.D. Anderson on April 16. She wasn't scheduled for an MRI, but she has talked with them about the headaches, so most likely she will have an MRI. Please pray for good results.

"Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it." Hebrews 4:16

Did you know God favors you? Not because you are the smartest; not because you have lots of talents; not because you do many good deeds--though all of these characteristics may be abundant in your life!

No, God favors you out of His deep, abiding love for you, a love that is not contingent upon any effort you put forth. In fact, if you declared yourself to be God's enemy today, He would love you just as much.

God's grace is a wonderful reality that is available for you right now. Here's some aspects of grace that just might be what you need to hear today--

*Grace means God loved you and knew you before you were even born. The prophet Jeremiah says on behalf of God:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (1:5).

*Grace provides the gift of salvation, a gift that can't be earned. Paul says: "I mean that you have been saved by grace through believng. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. It was not the results of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

*Grace is available to us when we are weak. Paul says: "So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

*Grace is sufficient for absolutely any need we have--whether health, finances, relationships, temptations, or any other need. Paul says: "My grace is enough for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

*Grace provides us with the strength we need to overcome temptation and live a victorious Christian life. Says Peter, "Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God" (2 Peter 1:3).

Whatever need we have in our life, be assured, God is on our side. He is ready and able to help us as we respond to Him with faith.

This is a very trying time for our family. To add insult to injury we have a fracture in our family. It absolutely breaks my heart that my sister is having to fight one of the most aggressive cancers, as well as dealing with this most petty family matter. We are pretty much at a loss as to how to remedy this situation at this time, other than by prayer. Prayer is very powerful and maybe instead of trying to figure out how to resolve this situation, we should just have our faces to the floor asking God to touch hearts and to handle this problem for us.

I would ask that you pray especially for Jan. Pray that the chemo, along with the other medications she is taking are working to kill this cancer. I would also ask that you pray for our family. We have a very difficulty situation here. I can see it taking a toll on my Mom. This breaks my heart!

Thanks!

~Quiet Weekend~

I have to put a picture of Sweet Aubree on. I'll be seeing her some this week. She's really alot of fun.
Nothing much going on! Just doing things around the house. This should be a fairly easy work week since my doctor will be out of the office. However, he finished his work on Friday, so now I'll have to finish my part now.




The kids at church today didn't have Sunday School due to spring break, so I got out early. Ripley and I went and visited "the sisters." Two elderly ladies that used to live across the street and getting ready to move back. They've adopted us or maybe Ripley. We haven't seen them since surgery as we're still in our recovery period and he is not supposed to get excited, run, jump, etc. Ha! Tell him that. He was very excited for the visit and all.



It seems it is still taking Jan time to recover from chemo last week. Or, is it from one of the medications she is still on. I guess we'll call and talk with the oncologist tomorrow to see about this. Ugh!

When she's not feeling good and frustrated from not doing much, it makes the presence of brain cancer that more real. We're hoping this is something she can adjust to and with the help of changing her diet, reverse these feelings of fatigue, etc.

"Christians can rejoice in the middle of trouble because they have learned from experience that God is faithful. "

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character hope." Romans 5:3-4

~Trusting~

~Just Pictures~

Here is sweet Aubree and myself. We had a fun time just hanging out Wednesday.


Sweet girl!









Not much else going on the last few days. We're still thrilled by the wonderful news. Jan is off the chemo for the next week. She did so much better this week than the first week, but she still experienced fatigue by about the 4th day. We're not sure if this was exacerbated by the drive to M.D. Anderson.





I've been gearing up myself to return to better eating habits. And back to exericse. Ugh! Just getting back into the routine is the hardest. After adjusting your routine, it gets easier.









The Future Begins Today

PHILIPPIANS 3:13 NKJ
13 ...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
Today IS the first day of the rest of your life. And it will be what you and God make it.
Your past does not have to dictate your future. You can begin again. With God you really can have a fresh start.
God can forgive your past -- and help you to forgive yourself. But most importantly, God can change you. He can make you into the kind of person you know you should be.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NRSV
17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Your life can be different. But don't think it will be different if you continue to do things exactly the same as you always have.
For your life to change -- you must MAKE changes. If you want real change -- God's Word is the key. You must immerse yourself in the Word. What you feed in determines the output of your life.

ACTS 20:32 NLT
32 "And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace--his message that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
God's Word will build you up. Jesus said it would make you free-- if you continue in it (John 8:31-32).

The Bible is God's answer to man's problems. It gives life and hope and instruction so we can walk in victory. Prayer is also vital. Prayer is communication with God. All relationships require communication to keep from growing cold.
So, actively involve God in your life. Consult with Him on every decision. God is the best helper you will ever have.

JOHN 14:16 NKJ
16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, The future can be better. The choice is yours. If you invite and involve God in your future -- it will be bright!

~Consulting God on every decision~

~Sweet Baby Girl~

Yesterday after getting our most awesome news I got to spend some time with Grammy's girl, Ms. Aubree. She will be 8 months at the end of this month. She is at the age where everything is new and exciting. She is such a smart little thing and such a joy.


Everytime I think I'm going to be around this precious girl I have to take pictures for her Grammy, as well as to post on her Grammy's blog. If you haven't seen the link on the side or gone to Grammy's blog, please do so.


The link is: http://grammysjourney.blogspot.com/


What a wonderful end to a most blessed day.


Press On
PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 Weymouth
"13 ...one thing I do--forgetting everything which is past and stretching forward to what lies in front of me,
14 with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on to secure the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus.

Believers face many difficulties. Trials. Adversaries. Doubts. At times we're all tempted to quit. The struggle seems too much, and we wonder if it's worth it to continue, to hold on to our faith when there seems to be no hope left. But there is a goal -- supremely worthwhile: life with our wonderful Lord. Not just existence, but intimate fellowship. Fix your eyes on the goal -- God Himself -- and press on!"

1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 NIV
"9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. Please read the following verses slowly and thoughtfully."

1 PETER 5:7-10 NCV
"7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.
8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat.
9 Refuse to give in to him, by standing strong in your faith.You know that your Christian family all over the world is having the same kinds of suffering.
10 And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. Space does not permit much comment on these verses, but notice that suffering is caused by your enemy, the devil, and its purpose is to attack your faith. Also notice that God only allows you to suffer a short time."But," you say, "it's already been a long time."Not really. It seems like a long time when you are going through trials, but afterward seems like a short time. Even a few years is nothing when you look back on it. Ask God to help you see things from Heaven's perspective."But why does God allow me to suffer at all?" Because people make wrong choices. Conflict causes suffering. But God believes in you! Why should He yank you out of the arena? God believes that with His grace and help, you will overcome and experience victory.The end result is what really counts. God will make everything turn out alright. (Read verse 10 again.) Maybe you feel like your faith is barely hanging by a thread. Just hang on. With God holding the thread -- and He is -- your faith will survive. You will make it! God will help you."

We should say: I will press on with God. I will not quit or give upon my faith.--

~Pressing On~

~Happy Valentine's Day~

This girl is such a sweet dumpling! God placed her in our family and especially in my sister's life at the most perfect time. We are all so CRAZY about her and she is such a good baby.



I spent the better part of today helping Jan get things squared away to start on her new "Clinical Trial." The chemo will be paid for, but the other medications she will have to pay for. They are covered by insurance, but they are still quite expensive. It's sad that not only do you have to deal with cancer, but all the financial issues as well. So far, her insurance has done a good job. We feel blessed that she has not been stuck with a lot of out of pocket expenses to date.

Her church is organizing a benefit which includes a dinner, silent auction and bake sale this Saturday evening. My Mom and I have also been taking part in helping in this regard. We put together 8 or so baskets for the auction and we also been baking for the bake sale.

We had originally planned on going to the first support group since Jan's been back from M.D. Anderson, but since it was tonight, we decided to wait until next month.


The next few days will be busy with preparing for the benefit and spending time with friends and family. We have been overwhelmed by all the support and love that has been shown since Jan started this journey. God's people are good.


I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have love you, you also should love one another. John 12:34


~Feeling loved~
Cheryl

~Sweet Girl~

What a girl ~ There is no doubt in my mind that I'm prejudice. But, this girl is so cute.

I've been trying to work, but it seems rather difficult. I'd rather be spending time with my sister, especially when the Missy is there.

I went out for a bit tonight to look over the new plans for the Clinical Trial for Jan. It all seemed a bit overwhelming, but when you reviewed it, it doesn't seem all that bad. She did find out she will be on the Temodar, plus all 3 of the other meds.

Please join me in praying this treatment is the correct treatment for her and she wins this battle with cancer. This little girl above so needs her Grammy.

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4