No Matter What, I am BLESSED!!

In the wake of a family tradgedy (the death of my uncle) and chronic illness, I remain full of hope. I know the Lord has some great plans, and I know He is still providing for me!

With working less and lots of medical bills pouring in, the past few months have been financially straining to say the least. But God had a plan for that. He has sent some special guardian angels my way who have helped and of course, my amazing parents. I must highlight the living situation though! I moved just 11 months ago into the place that I saw myself living in long-term (unless of course, I moved to China). It is charming and has a perfect location for me. I adore it. But as I have been trying to navigate finances I have been praying for how I would continue to support myself and live on my own. Well, a family we are close to had bought a condo downtown near PSU for their daughter last winter. She has been lonely living there, so she moved a couple weeks ago. They really didn't want to sell it, but they also were not interested in renting to a stranger. They told my dad that they were looking for someone and he called me, and we all got together so I could view it. Oh my gosh, it is beautiful!! They have put brand new hardwood floors, new granite countertops and all new appliances inside. I absolutely love it! On top of that, I am saving money by living there!! They just want to break even. They are also allowing me to move in gradually throughout August for FREE!!! Yay!! So, as much as I seriously despise moving, it is such a blessing that I am really going to try not to complain in the process.

Oh, Jesus loves me!! :)

Ups and Downs...

Well, after having a couple of "good days" last week I am feeling like I am back to square one of just being ill and in pain. The past 6 or so months have me so exhausted. Just getting through 4-8 hours at work leaves me breathless. It makes me sad to get home, collapse into my bed and watch my phone ring with sweet friends of mine who I just don't have the energy to speak with. I am trying to connect more because I know the isolation isn't helpful, but at times I just can't find the energy to form sentences. I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life. They make me smile. My best friend, Nora, who is busy in international law school has called me each night to check in this week, my friend Katie, who stops by if I cannot go out, and just all of my friends who are constantly sending prayers and love my way. Also, the pastors at church who call or email and have just been supportive in miraculous ways. This week I have found myself reflecting on my dreams of going to China. I am trying not to let myself feel that those dreams will never realize, but I am so glad the Lord put the brakes on those plans when He did! I can't imagine being in such a foreign place trying to navigate to wellness!! Not to mention I wouldn't be with Gary either- who, by the way, has also been wonderful! He is so encouraging and sweet. He is taking me on a getaway next weekend. I cannot wait. No matter how much pain I am in, I can't cancel 2 days of laying on a warm beach!! Oh, I love him and I'm already so excited to go!! Back to work now...

It's me, it's me!!

Well, it has been a loooooong few months. Chronic pain, surgery, medical procedures, emergency department visits and a hospital stay... and after all, still some big question marks as to what exactly is going on within my body. All aspects of life have changed. I'm (sadly) quite sedentary and emotional and just not the same Krystle that I know and everyone else is familiar with. Over the past week with some (GI) medication changes and certainly God's grace, I am having days that include glimpses of me and pain-free moments that have turned to hours. And last week i actually worked 35 hours! Amazing! In some ways that makes me very sad, but it is HUGE compared to what I have (not) been working before that. And today was beautiful. I woke with minimal pain and lots of energy-Great energy! I woke before my alarm and actually took time to look nice and make my bed and clean and just felt so much like the routine I lived by daily months ago. Today I was back. I was cheerful, energetic, tenacious, hard-working, Krystle Dionne Thornon. I hope it lasts...

Thank you, Lord, for giving me wellness today.

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Dreams, Bellies, and Bikinis

OK, so one of my sweet friends is expecting a baby in just a couple of months and she is just the cutest person ever even before she was pregnant so now she's just beyond words ADORABLE!!! Anyway, many people know that one thing I seriously dream about, daydream of, obsess over and CANNOT WAIT for is to one day wear a bikini swimsuit while 6-9 months pregnant. I seriously cannot even put into words how badly I want to ROCK THAT BELLY! So anyway, today we were talking about our weekend and she told me that she wore a bikini this weekend!!!! I cannot describe the jealousy I have. Haha. Seriously though, that made my day!!! The even more amazing thing is, she had been trying to get pregnant for quite awhile and it wasn't happening. Her and her hubby had been really praying and trying to trust God's timing for it. I had been praying too. Constantly praying that God would give them peace and give her health and that His timing would show to be perfect in this whole situation. And HE DID!! She's pregnant now, and just in time to have a big 'ole beautiful belly for the world to see all summer long!!!

Dreams really do come true!! :)

ugh.

I don't have much new to report right now. Nothing happily exciting anyway. I had my surgery a month ago today and I remain in quite a bit of pain and missing out on a lot of life. I am still searching for answers and trying to keep my spirits up but truly, it is just plain hard. I do feel blessed that through this my employer has been so gracious as to let me keep my job, but I am sure their patience is running thin. So I am pushing my body as much as possible to be there and trying my best to be present and delightful in my relationships, but that is probably lacking at this point too.

here's to more exciting posts and i am hoping for better days VERY SOON!