Thank you to the faithful ones who have stuck it out with me during my 31 Days of Our Lives. Today is a very special day because of two reasons: A Guestpost & A Giveaway!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today I have asked my dear friend, Kara, to share about her breast cancer journey. I wanted to include her in this 31 Days of Our Lives, because she is a part of our lives despite the miles between us right now. I am so grateful for her friendship and I hope after you read her story, you will be inspired by her courageous spirit and in her Hope that never fails.
I am honored that Caroline would use one of her 31 days to share about me and therefore, spread the word about Breast Cancer. On July 26th, 2011, my journey through Breast Cancer diagnosis and treatment began. This is a journey I never thought I would start taking at 33 years old but that is what it is…a journey. The journey has required many steps, some unknown and a few that were known at the time. There have definitely been a few twists and turns, but we prayed for as few as possible and God heard our prayers. We have met some new friends along the way who have provided my medical care. And though there were many unknowns, the destination has always been clear ~ we will be more like Jesus.
On my CaringBridge page I talk about what the Lord showed me in those first few days after we found out.
“I see a God who loves me and has ordered every step of this journey so far and will continue to do so. I see a husband who is so strong, wise and loving and by having dealt with a lot of hard stuff in his life already has been prepared to hold my hand through it all. I see two little miracles that will keep a smile on my face and life as “normal” as possible. I see parents that would take this sickness themselves if God would allow it. And I see a community of friends who are willing to help with the details while pouring scripture and prayer over me. So I don’t question why I have to take this journey, I just know that I have everything I need to take it.”
One thing I didn’t mention at the time was that I was equipped with a faith that dates back to my late high school and college years under the leadership of Greg and Caroline TeSelle. I am so grateful for all that Greg and Caroline poured into me during those years and have been able to trust in a Sovereign God because of the foundation of faith gained during that time.
Today, October 23, Kara’s Krew {many of my family and friends} will gather together to show their support and walk/run in the Race for the Cure in Hunt Valley, MD. The love and support of our family and friends have been amazing, and we have truly experienced the Body of Christ in a whole new way since this all began.
I have lived away from Greg and Caroline for many years now (something I desperately wish were not true) but they are key members of Kara’s Krew as they have shown their support through handwritten letters, emails, texts, and most importantly prayers. Something the TeSelles have taught me over the years is that life is all about loving God and loving people. Cancer has definitely reminded me of that.
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Isn’t she absolutely amazing?
About the Giveaway: Because I love Kara, and in an effort to raise awareness about Breast Cancer and to share Kara’s story, my friend Angela of Button Bird Designs is giving away one of her Coffee Sack Hobo Bag’s from her Etsy store to one of you.
To enter the giveaway:
1. Visit Button Bird Designs & her Etsy shop
2. Come back here, click “Leave a Reply” at the bottom of this post, and simply leave a reply ~ that will be your entry!
Also, we’re friends, right? And friends like to share ~ if you are on facebook or twitter, can you share this post with your friends? It’s a simple way to share Kara’s story & raise awareness about Breast Cancer. {See the Share This: at the bottom of the post? A simple way to share!} Thank you!
{This giveaway is only open to US residents.} I will keep the giveaway open until 11:59 pm Tuesday & I will announce the winner by 12:00 pm on 10/26.
{Winner announced here!}
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8 more 31 Days left! Tomorrow ~ I’ll be telling someone Happy Birthday!
Hi- came this way from The Nester. Glad to read/share in this. I love the bag— and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. I’ll be praying for Kara today– but she’s right. Cancer has a way of showing you the treasure of real relationships.
Thanks.
I came over from the Nester, and am so thankful I did – what great faith Kara has. Thank you for sharing her story! And, the bag is great, too!
What a beautiful story of faith and friendship. Thanks for sharing!
also came via Nester. Praying for Kara today. thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing. Praying today.
So glad The Nester shared Kara’s story and sent me to your Etsy Shop! Praying for Kara and her family and love your work!
Thank you for sharing this post. I also have gone through my own journey with breast cancer. I was 37 when I was diagnosed. The Lord taught me so much during that difficult time. He gives us all we need to get through. Blessings yo you!
I so appreciate the words shared today.
Those fabric owls are adorable! FYI: the link to Button Bird Designs doesn’t work.
whoops! thank you for telling me ~ fixed it!
Thanks for sharing your friend Kara’s story. I’ll pray for continued strength for her.
You have some lovely items in your etsy shop!
Came from Nesting Place. Thank you for sharing this story. Breast Cancer is real and it can effect anybody, no matter how young or old or what life experiences a person may have had. Awareness is SO important!
What a lovely story, thank you for sharing…
I came Nesting Place also… so touched by Kara’s story. I have followed a friend this past year through Caringbridge also who has survived breast cancer. I will pray for Kara and her family and that her strength continues through this journey. Love the blog and esty store… the owls are darling!
Visiting via Nesting Place…I’m so happy she chose to have you share your journey during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You are VERY BLESSED to have the company and friendships through this journey. I also have a dear friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has two children and a husband who has not been very supportive through her journey. I hope she reads your story today as I shared it on my FB page and this encourages her FAITH!! Praying for your continued strength.
PS. Loved the vintage lamp on etsy…the bags are cute too=)
Found you via Nester—-beautiful bag! Praying for Kara, that she will sense God’s presence and His promise to be the lifter of her head! Thank you!
The Nester sent me! I’d love to win this bag and tell people I won it in honor of breast cancer!!!
Great post… Each of my parents were diagnosed with blood cancers a few years ago and I think the more cancer awareness the better! Thanks also for the give away!
sent via the nester. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor and turned 77
years old in May
I came over from the Nester….what a moving story and a great giveaway…be blessed
Found your site through the Nester.
Thanks for keeping the awareness alive.
Prayers for Kara’s healing & strength today. Thanks for the example of how we’re meant to gather around each other, including the groovy giveaway!
Thanks for sharing Kara’s story. Loved her comment “…So I don’t question why I have to take this journey, I just know that I have everything I need to take it.” That takes faith! Thanks too for pointing us to Angela’s blog and etsy shop. She has some great items – like her style! I found you via the Nester.
Saying a prayer for Kara and her family. My own Mother has said almost that exact quote that Kara says. She lost my Daddy to cancer and she is now dying of it. Yet she is one of the strongest women I know. Praise you Jesus!
Love the etsy shop too!
I can only imagine what lays ahead for this beautiful woman who is trusting in God’s goodness for her every step. Thanks for sharing her story!
Button Bird has some lovely items. Enjoying getting to know you all from the 31 day series. Thanks for sharing Kara’s story.
I came here from Nester’s website also. Cancer has affected so many that I know and love and have known and loved. It gives a whole new meaning to heaven where there will be no sickness, sorrow or pain. Thanks for sharing!
Your friend is amazing. So are you. Lots of love and prayers coming her way.
Love
Angela
This is a sweet way to honor Kara. I also like her comment that was mentioned by a precious poster…“…So I don’t question why I have to take this journey, I just know that I have everything I need to take it.” Kara’s faith has been amazing to watch lived out each step of the way. Jesus is undoubtedly her source of life, strength and faith.
With love and prayers,
Lisa A.
lovely shop, lovely story. thank you for sharing. xo
Love you both and I’m so blessed to be a part of your lives.
Found you via Nester. Love the bag! I love to carry something a little unique.
Joining the prayers for Kara.
Love her Etsy shop & I love the awareness for this cause. Thanks. Jerri
Love your site…got so much inspiration. I wish your friend a happy and healthy life.
What an amazing story of faith, hope and love. Thank you!
P.s. I met Angela at Becoming- she is a precious and talented lady!
I came over to your blog to check out the bag (I love Button Bird stuff!) and found a great story of hope! Thanks!
Found you from the Nester. Praying for Kara and her family. Stay strong and keep the faith. Love the bag too!
hey caroline. praying for kara. love the way you and greg have and continue to impact the lives of people for Jesus in eternal ways.
I also came over from Nester. Love your post and reading Kara’s story, and also loved the Button Bird Designs site.
Nov. 17th will mark one year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am finishing treatment now and growing hair.
Thank you for marking Breast Cancer Awareness month with this encouraging story.
Lisa
I have enjoyed following the 31 Days thus far! Thank you for sharing your life with Kara and in turn sharing her with us. Button Bird Design Site:how fun to say the least. I love the East Coast feel to the blog. I enjoyed the Button Bird Etsy shop with such intensity of sewing designs too. I am so not a sewer but if I continue to encouraged by the bloggers..I might just get over my self doubt, insecurity and anxiety about sewing!!
What a heartfelt story I truly appriecate your sharing! God is good, I know I’ve learned from Him his bessings come in all different packages. Your words have encouraged me today!
TheNester sent me as well. This story reminded me why I host a breast cancer fund raiser every 2 years. My daughter is 33 as well and we tend to forget that this horrid disease hits our young women as well as we older ones. Thank you for sharing her story. Anita
The Nester sent me! Such an inspirational post. Thank you for sharing! I love the bag and everything else at Button Bird! I hope I win!
I was sent by The Nester……LOVE the bag!!! AWesome!
Thanks for sharing your friends story and your heart.
Loved the Bird Button Design bag and appreciated the story you shared about Kara’s journey. Very inspirational.
Thanks, Angela, for your gift of HONESTY in the words of your post– so very refreshing! Your bags are truly unique and beautiful.
Caroline, thank you, for the way you show us how to care for friends.
And thank you, Kara, for demonstrating faith during very difficult times.
All the best to this TRIO of lovely ladies!!!