Sunday, July 26, 2015

Couples Day

I guess yesterday was the day for couples in the Sczempka family. Joe and I hiked Torrey and then ended up that night at Steuby (I will explain later). Cameron and Jill were in NY having some yummy Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, Kendall and Christian were at the Cross Fit games in LA, and Danielle and Casey were at the Bonaventure for one of his radio appearances.  Now if I could just get us all together at the same time! I was just glad they were all out enjoying themselves, it was a beautiful day and it makes my heart so happy when I know my kids are all having a great time!


 I will be back in the saddle with work again Monday - Wednesday this week. Between the girls at the salon being angels and helping me with my overflow of clients and me having the best most understanding clients/friends in the world this all seems to be working for now!  So far I have not had much in the way of symptoms from the chemo. I feel very blessed and I am trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I know the first two are the easiest but since I have had virtually nothing so far I am hoping that when the symptoms do come that they won't be as bad since I am off to a good start. I have had some fatigue but I think that is more stress than anything else. The other symptom I am having I will do you all the favor and not go into detail. Let's just say it is also something my body does normally when I am stressed so it could also be from that (insert your own idea here!).

Wedding Dresses and Girl Time

I am really looking forward to the end of the week. First of all Danielle is coming down Wednesday night so she can come to my appointment on Thursday. She is fun to have along and a great distraction and I love having my girls together!  Then on Friday we are going to go with Kendall so she can try on wedding dresses for the first time!!!  I couldn't be more excited!  Then on Saturday Lillian, Christian's mom, is also coming down for a second day of wedding dress shopping.  I have such a happy heart just thinking about it all!

Steuby Blessings

What is Steuby? Well it's short for Steubenville and it is a weekend that is so amazing. It is a retreat held at USD (and across the nation) every summer and the kids from our church attend it every year with about 6000 other teens! It is one of my favorite weekends all year.  I usually am a chaperone and small group leader but since I couldn't do it this year our youth minister Pam was sweet enough to allow me to come last night for the evening program and adoration. I was also able to bring Joe along for his first time thanks to Jen!


Let me tell you, when you walk into an arena of 6000 teens all singing and praising there is nothing else like it.  The energy fills that huge room to the brim and practically blows the roof off! After some rock-style Christian music, lots of dancing and cheering there was an awesome talk by Jackie Francois followed by Adoration. It is so humbling to watch teens drop to their knees for over an hour on the cement floor. Their reverence is contagious and inspiring. It was exactly what I needed and a true turn of the tables for me. I am usually there for the kids, to watch over them and support them. To make sure they all have kleenex (there is usually a lot of tears) and are being hugged if needed. Since I was not in charged of any of them this time I was able to fully let myself get into it and absorb the whole experience. I think God knew that too because the priest stopped inches in front of me and it happened to be during my favorite song "Oceans." I got the message loud and clear as the words to the song said, "Spirit lead me where my trust in without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior. I will call upon Your name, keep my eyes above the waves. My soul will rest in Your embrace for I am Yours and You are mine."
Message received...soul fed! 

Heres the link to the song just incase you want to hear it for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBJJJkiRukY

6 comments:

  1. I am so glad that dad got to experience steuby!! It sounds like a beautiful day with just the blessing you needed! It might sound silly to say "I'm proud of you" being your kid and all, but I am! You have been very welcoming of your treatments and accepting the barriers and challenges that follow. 2 down...let's do this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not silly at all but definitely music to my ears. It means so much to me that you are proud of me my precious girl! Thank you for being by my side and helping me so much. PS, I am proud of YOU!

      Delete
  2. Praying for you daily as I run the path on the Potomac. This is my meditation and prayer time and you're a big part of it. You will heal completely so that you can come see the beauty of northern Virginia and where God's hand is so very felt.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so glad to see you are doing so well! Again, you amaze me! God is always there and some how or another relaying his message! He is with you! I am looking forward to seeing you on Saturday! You have some beautiful kids! Praying for you always!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fabulous God given and Blessed day for you Beth. Prayers with you always!

    ReplyDelete