Coffee & Words:: A Year Ago Today

This week has been a little off for me, and I couldn't put my finger on it until this morning. Waking up with our friend on my mind and the legacy that he left behind.  Exactly a year ago today we lost a close friend, a guy who always brought the laughs, always enjoyed being around friends, hosted the best crawfish boil, always planning the next trip or date night, and most of all loved his wife and kids. He was also so proud of his Wilco Tiger football league and kids.

On the morning of April 9, 2014; getting that call from my sweet friend that something was wrong and something going on with her husband....... I didn't know what to think in that moment. As I arrived at their home, it was kind of  like the scene out of a movie, and I just couldn't wrap my head around what was going on in that moment. The worst thoughts were going through my head, and about an hour later, the worst was really happening. "He's gone"  No way, that can't be...  What about the kids, what about his wife? God, Why?

As days pass, it truly seemed like a dream and I just couldn't accept the reality of it all. The reality of life and death, the reality of it being so close to home, the reality of what's next, the reality of WHY?  As planning the funeral became so real and crying became okay, what really mattered to me was my dear friend and the kids. The pain that was so tiring in the moment, and at the same time the continued life turning within the death that was so close.

I really believe that God preps us and prepares us for all things in life. Most of the time we don't know what is going to happen, when it's going to happen or the why of it all. But one thing I do know is that God is there to comfort us through it all, and he gives us the grace to get through even on our worst days, like that day we lost our friend;our brother. 

One thing I have learned in this last year is that God's grace equips us for it all, and his word is a constant reminder of all that we go through. He guides us through it all, and allows us to rise up stronger and more powerful then ever.  My sweet friend Sam, is a true example of strength,  as she mourns the loss of her husband, she also knows it's God's grace that carries her through for her kids and everyone around her.


Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  2 Corinthians 1:4

I AM NOT UNDERQUALIFIED FOR THIS LIFE

We are so excited to introduce our newest contributor. The lovely Alaina Weaver will be sharing her love for life, her family, her strength, and her faith in Jesus Christ. She definitely Inspires!! We welcome her to the She Inspires family with open arms and lots of love.

Hello ladies!! This is Alaina here with my first post on She Inspires. Enjoy!


 

If you had asked me years ago what my life would look life by the time I hit my mid 30’s, I certainly wouldn’t have told you that it would be here- blogging away.  I, like so many young people, had a plan for my life that looked much different than how my life actually ended up happening. You know what I’m talking about, right? When your plan is far different than Gods plan.

What’s a bit terrifying about this is that God actually thinks I’m qualified for this life! Seriously God?!? I feel like I’m that crazy lady that you see on the street corner having full blown conversations with myself 99% of the time! I’ve had some pretty big obstacles in my life- none of which were planned (at least by me), but all have drastically changed the course of my life. So, in the midst of juggling a kid with an incurable brain disease, a teenager, a husband recovering from a broken back in a recent car accident, bills, a house, school, the remnants of PTSD, and all of the day to day last minute things that seem to pile up on only the plate of a mother, I’m sure you can image my shock when God smacked me in the face with yet another game changer of my life’s direction. (Seriously God?!?)

Looking back, God has been planting seeds for some time now. Putting people in my life strategically when and where I needed them. So I guess in all reality I shouldn’t be surprised that God has led me to this latest endeavor of sharing my story through blogging on a forum that isn’t personally mine. Although I’ve been blogging for some time now on my own personal page, let's be honest here, doing it to share on someone else’s dream platform is about as close to the definition of feeling vulnerable as you can get. For some reason God has given me the gift of words and the ability to share them in both writing and public speaking. This is something that I would have NEVER dreamed I would ever be doing. In fact, there has been a fair amount of kicking and screaming involved on my part between God and I! But my blunt, no filter, let’s talk about all the hard stuff attitude seems to resonate with people. It seems to help them see that we are all struggling with the same feelings, only in different forms. It is the gift that God has qualified and equipped me with to share.
 

The amazing part of all this is that God has this way of preparing us for the life that HE has planned for us despite ourselves; despite our kicking and screaming, despite our lack of faith in ourselves, despite our lack of any formal training, despite our own ideas or plans, and most importantly, despite our lack of courage sometimes. God is pretty awesome like that. He has taught me things that I could’ve never learned any other way other than going through them. He has prepared and equipped me for this life that is sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes hard, but all the time incredible.

I’m excited to both see and share what God needs you to hear through me. Life is a journey that is not intended to be faced alone. YOU already have all the strength, courage, and power needed to change someone's life- sometimes you just have to learn how to not be afraid of it.

As you go through your day today, remember this….God has not underqualified you for this life!

Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

 

Hello 37

This past year has taught me so much about myself, about life in general and just living it to the complete fullest. I sometimes, wonder if I am deserving of all the beautiful things God puts before me and then I am reminded of John 10:10; "The thief cometh to steal and to kill and to destroy. I come that you have life, and have it more abundantly." God truly has a purpose for each of us and to seek that purpose is part of our calling.  

This past year has truly been one full of laughter, love and lots of tears, and sometimes experiencing all three at once. Let me explain; Have you ever been in a place in your life where you want to just sit in a corner and cry out to God, WHY? Why did this have to happen; then in the same breath have memories of what once was and the love of something so special in your life. That's how I felt back in April when we lost a dear friend, and at the same time we were moving out of our home of 8 years. The home where our boys took their first steps, the home where I started my business, the home were we celebrated so many wonderful milestones.  My emotions have been all out of whack this year, but one thing that I always go back to, is God's love is UNCHANGING! That's what keeps me going, no  matter what I am facing in life, that's enough to keep me smiling..

Turning another year older always allows me to refocus; setting new goals, being open to new things, loving in a new way, truly living life to the fullest with God leading the way!  So as I start to  knock on "40", I am hoping to continue to just LIVE, LEARN & LEAD!!! 

37!!!  I welcome you with open arms!!

Her Story:: My Mom Is A Breast Cancer Survivor

Eleven years ago my excitement of getting married was torn down by my  moms visit to the doctor  to have them look at a lump she felt on her left breast, from her self  check. They scheduled a mammogram, then an ultrasound which led to a phone call from my mom.  She was frantic and in disbelief and some what in denial about the news she had received from her doctor. The news that no woman ever wants to hear. "We think you have breast cancer" and we want you to drive to Galveston for further testing.  The appointment would need to be scheduled right away and there's no time to waste. While heading to Galveston on a hot summer day in June of 2002 to be with my mom, I had so many negative things going through my head. Especially since my wedding was only a month away, plus my sister had just had her first child and she was only 4 months old. There was so much going on in our lives and lots of mixed emotions.

As my aunt and I waited in the waiting room while my mom went back to talk to doctors, all I wanted to think is that the Doctor was wrong and that they were making a mistake. This can't be happening to my sweet mom, she takes care of herself, eats somewhat healthy, and doesn't smoke or drink at all. When my mom came out of her appointment, I'll never forget the disappointment in her face! She had stage three cancer in both breast and would have to undergo a double mastectomy and it needed to be scheduled soon.  At that time I just wanted to drop everything I had planned to focus on my mom.  My wedding which was taking place in a couple of weeks didn't matter, that was the last thing on my mind.  I wanted to cancel my wedding at this point, but my mom didn't agree, she wanted us to go through with the wedding and not let her situation change plans. It was so hard  to move forward with the planning and at the same time focus on my mother, my emotions where all over the place.

We scheduled the surgery for the following week and I just remember sitting in the lobby with my aunts and grandmother for hours waiting, and praying.  When the doctors finally came out to let us know that everything went well I was so relieved. The cancer had not spread from what they could tell and wasn't fast progressing. Thank God!  They had removed the mass and got it all out, they had performed a double mastectomy, along with breast reconstruction. Now the next steps would be to see what other steps were necessary to move forward. Chemo was one of the options.

Three weeks after the surgery we had on wedding of 200 guest in my home town of Huntsville, TX on July 27, 2002. We had a blast in that moment! My mom danced the evening away, although she was in a little pain from her surgery. I remember one of her best friends coming to me during the wedding and asking me to talk to her and have her sit down for a bit. She was so proud to just be able to celebrate!

A few weeks after the wedding once my mom's surgery was at a certain level of healing she would have to start a couple of rounds of chemotherapy. Chemo is not easy on the body that's for sure! I remember seeing my mom miserably sick from it, not to mention her hair started to fall out in patches.  I will never forget the weekend I came into town and mom was so exhausted and depressed from the chemo. I washed her hair and it was falling out in my hands. We decided to just cut it all off that day, seeing my mom this way just broke our hearts. She started to wear wigs, just to feel beautiful.

After my moms second round of Chemo, the doctors said she may not have to do anymore. "Praise God" we truly didn't want to see our mom go through anymore of that torture called "CHEMO". Right before Christmas that same year, she was done with chemo, she ended up not needing further treatment.  This moment of sadness and disbelief with going through this Breast Cancer journey with my mom, truly allowed me to see life in a different perspective. It's so easy for us to take things for granted,  sometimes life's journeys allow you to really take a look around and see the importance of cherishing each moment. I am blessed to have my mom still here with me today!

For the last few years I have found myself being involved in the Susan G. Komen Foundation,  whether I am volunteering or taking the time to run the race with my mom. I was blessed to hold hands with her last year and cross the finish line in celebration of her being  a 10 year survivor.

P.S. Ladies be sure you do your self checks every month, and go get your mammograms!



Xoxo,  Nycia
 

Life's Journey: A Message

Lately I have been so excited about all the wonderful things God is showing me and all the great things to come!

You ever get that feeling inside that you can conquer the world and all the thoughts and dreams that are going through your head are at arms reach? You can just touch it!!  That sums it up for me these last couple of months. For me it's a peace within and God's precious light surrounds that peace. That peace of walking in faith and the things to come within that walk.

I had a walk thru with one of my beautiful couples the other weekend, I was reminded of how much I love what I do.  After our walk thru I managed to stop at a thrift store in search for some unique pieces for an upcoming wedding. I ended up running into a sweet little old lady that had to be at least 90 years old, she was so sweet and wanted to talk; as she followed me from row to row, she wanted to talk about the goodness of God.  I was so happy, as I listened to her and looked into her beautiful blue eyes with joy in my heart. She was such an angel!  She mentioned the scripture Psalm 46 and I knew right then God sent this woman to me, so that I may be reminded of the word and particularly this scripture on my current journey.  As I gave her a big hug, I was reminded that God sometimes brings a complete stranger in your path to deliver a message and open your eyes to the unknown.

I told my husband I wish I would have snapped a photo of that sweet little old lady. Especially since I will never forget her loving spirit and kind words.

This is just a little piece of my recent journey and I look forward to sharing more with you soon.

Psalm 46
¹ God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give wayand the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolation's he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.