Message on our DJ Blog

Smile FM helps to wrap the homeless

Donate gently used fall/winter coats, clothing and accessories to be distributed to shelter. Men's, Women's & Children's items accepted. Also in need of diapers, new socks and under garments. Please drop off at: Freedom Center in Fenton, Freedom Center North on Saginaw in Flint, Smile FM Imlay City office (across from Kroger), Imlay City or Smile FM Williamston office. Items are needed by 10/24. See our Family Fun Calendar for drop off times and directions!

I've got mail!

I have to confess, I am an internet addict. I didn't think I was, like anyone with an addiction. My computer took a vacation for a couple of days and it was driving me bonkers! Thank heaven for geeks, Ed and Clayton (Smile FM engineers) were able to remedy the situation fairly quickly so I didn't have to suffer too long. I have come to realize I really rely on the internet for a ton of information. On top of my internet obsession is the fact that I hate lagging behind in my email correspondence (very different from my lack of concern regarding voicemails). How odd is that? I am not fond at all of phone calls yet get edgy when I can't get to my emails...
Today Mike was presented with "Mutual Separation" papers from GM. Essentially what that means is that in the next 45 days if not enough salary personal take the early retirement option that is being offered at the present to bring their numbers down Mike may be offered another job (who knows where) within GM or be tapped on the shoulder for a quick exit. I have peace that it is in God's hands and if we need to move for Mike's job it is his plan. I have complete confidence that he will take care of us if we are obedient to his command to trust in Him. It is hard not to anticipate the what if's with my "planner" mentality but I'm sure He is working in me with this very test.

BLeach added color to my life

Praise God for the likes of inspirational speakers such as Brad Leach. We had some really great speakers at the Leadership Conference at church. Brad was my favorite. He used some Roman history to illustrate how our economic downfall could be a windfall for the Christian faith. It was a long day but well worth the wait. I've been very discouraged lately and this was just what I needed.

Brenda Hamp 12/23/48 - 9/26/08

Tightrope walker,
Peace maker,
Morale booster,
Caretaker...
Salon receptionist.
These are just a few titles you could label Brenda Hamp with. During her eulogy she was immoralized with a repetative description of someone who gave with all her heart. Now everyone who knew her will have a piece of her heart with them. Her physical heart could not withstand the rare disease that took it over but Satan cannot take away the memories we have of this wonderful woman, nor can Satan say that he won in any respect because she is dancing with her Savior. The physical pain she had no longer exists. She is free to dance and laugh. I imagine her beautiful blue eyes are sparkling and her face is beaming with her welcoming smile. She is home. We will miss you Brenda! See ya soon.

Flashlight tag to funeral

Another emotional roller coaster week. We spent the weekend camping in Port Huron with friends and celebrating (belated) Jo-Jo's birthday. They had a blast doing what kids do...flashlight tag, hitting the arcade, riding bikes...I made up a scavenger hunt for them, they performed a dance to a mamma mia song for us. We hit a cider mill down the road for donuts and cider on Sunday morning and the girls topped off the trip an adult-free visit to the pizza parlor on the campground. The weather was a little brisk but very pleasant. Naomi loved the donuts and fresh air as much as I did. We made it home in time to catch the evening service at church. Monday night was the Women's ministry service at church. Jo-Jo was gracious enough to go in the nursery with Naomi so I could attend. Naomi still isn't too keen on going to strangers and I'm not going to push her until she's ready. Who knows what must go on in that little mind when all the familiar faces disappear. It was an awesome service and God really did some work on me.
Brooke came home on Tuesday. Unfortunately it wasn't the happiest of occasions as we had to go to the funeral of a former co-worker. Which I will post a separate blog about. It was nice to see everyone from C.C. & Co. Salon again, the eulogy was beautiful and the dinner after the funeral was very nice. I'm feeling pretty somber at the moment and hoping a good nights sleep will pull me out of this funk.

F * I * V * E !!!!

FIVE, yeah 5! I am now officially a 5 year breast cancer survivor according to my onocologist, Dr. Philip at Karmanos. I will now be able to have my appointments at the clinic instead of going to Dr. Philip. God, is truly amazing. Five years ago the the prognosis did not seem so bright. Stage 2-B, aggressive, hormone negative, malignant, over-sized walnut tumor. A 9 out of 9 Scarff-Richardson score. Basically a diagnosis of "looks like you're screwed because we don't have a clue how or why you got this tumor in a 8 month time frame". But God had a different idea. He said, "I'm not done with you yet", "I've got more for you". And prayers were answered. Every night I could feel the tingle of healing blessings falling down on me. Like when you hold a sparkler in your hand and the sparks land on your wrist. Some days it feels like a lifetime ago, Some days it feels like yesterday. I am so grateful for these years, for the grace God has given me, and for all the prayers that were said and answered in my name.

Jo-Jo enters the world of politics and more

Another first for me! I actually ran the batteries down in my camera from taking so many pictures. I have an awesome picture of the birthday cake that Brooke made for Jo-Jo's 12th birthday on Thursday but I have to get some batteries so I can retrieve it off the camera. I don't want to spoil the surprise so I won't tell you about it. Jo made out pretty good too. Our friend, Miss Patt, shares the same birthday and has made it a new tradition the last 2 years to take her out to breakfast that day. What an awesome way to start the day. Dad took her shopping for her present when she got home from school. They got the last Rock Band for her Wii game system at Walmart. She's worked herself up to Medium level on the drums already. She capped the school week off by getting elected to the student council with her slogan, "Want a student council with some go-go?, then vote for Jo-Jo."
We went camping and did an outreach at the same time this weekend. It went really well and we are hoping to expand it next year. God had put this on my heart just a couple of weeks ago and of course because it was His big idea it came together well. Of course we had a few hang ups. Which I always take as a sign that we are doing something right. The last thing Satan would want us to accomplish would be to show the love of God to people who didn't know it! We had a great time.
This weekend we will officially celebrate Jo's birthday with an annual campout/sleepover. I think we are going to the KOA in Port Huron. Jo didn't want to share her birthday sleepover with the outreach. I love fall camping so I'm not complaining. If it were up to me I'd do it every weekend. Naomi did great and has actually been open to having a few of our friends hold her occasionally. Which is great progress for her. She has 3 new teeth breaking through to add to her other 8. 2 more on the bottom and one on the top.
I have my annual appointment with Dr. Philip (my oncologist) tomorrow, that is, if I can get Dr. G to spit out a referral in time. I requested it over a week ago and as of Friday it was still "pending". It seems so weird to only go once a year. Brooke has the day off so she will be here with Naomi, which will be so nice since I never know how long it will take.