Welcome, November!

As we embrace the crisp air and the vibrant hues that November brings, let us also open our hearts to the profound messages of faith and hope embedded in this beautiful season. With only two months left in the year, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the gifts and blessings that have graced our lives, as well as to set our sights on finishing the year with grace and determination.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that there is a time for everything—a time to sow and a time to reap, a time to weep and a time to laugh. As we enter this last chapter of the year, let’s remember that our days are in His hands, and that each moment presents an opportunity for growth, gratitude, and love.

For those who find themselves in the midst of challenging circumstances, grappling with the burdens of illness and uncertainty, remember that God’s love and grace are unwavering. Even in the darkest of times, His light shines through, offering solace and strength beyond measure. The journey may be taxing, but trust that He is with you every step of the way, offering comfort and carrying you through the storm.

To those battling the trials of cancer, know that you are not alone. Believe Big is here for you. Lean on your faith, draw courage from the stories of resilience in the scriptures, and find solace in the unwavering love of your community. Let this month be a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, healing, and miracles.

As we approach the final stretch of the year, let us make a conscious effort to cherish every moment, to spread kindness, and to live each day with intention and gratitude. Let us be a source of strength and support for those in need, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, and a reflection of God’s boundless love for all. May November be a month of renewed faith, unwavering resilience, and abundant blessings for each and every one of us.

Blessings and peace,
The Believe Big Team

Tips to help create a more manageable and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration fostering an environment of support and gratitude:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a top priority in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Ensure you get enough rest, eat nourishing meals, and engage in gentle exercises that promote well-being. Listening to your body and taking breaks when needed can help conserve energy for the Thanksgiving festivities.
2. Plan Ahead: Consider planning the Thanksgiving celebration well in advance. Coordinate with friends and family to delegate tasks and responsibilities, allowing you to conserve your energy and focus on enjoying the day. Prepare a simplified menu, or consider a potluck-style gathering to share the load and foster a sense of togetherness.
3. Embrace Gratitude: Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by keeping a journal or sharing moments of thankfulness with loved ones. Embracing gratitude can uplift the spirit and bring a sense of peace and joy, fostering a meaningful Thanksgiving experience despite the hardships.

Join us in our December food for thought webinar as dive into the topic: Nourishing the Spirit: Navigating Holiday Gatherings while maintaining your cancer healing journey. Signup here: https://www.believebig.org/food-for-thought-nutrition-webinar/

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

I got great news recently that confirmed our thoughts that my endometrial cancer was indeed caught early (Stage 1A). The pathology report showed NO LYMPH NODE involvement! Praise God!

What does that mean? The surgery is the end of it! However, I will continue to be monitored closely and follow the guidance of my integrative oncology practitioners. I am now five weeks out from surgery, no longer in any pain, and getting stronger each day thanks to the love and help of friends and family from near and far. Thank you all for showering us with love through texts, meals, gifts, flowers, cards, and more!

Interruptions, surprises, and unexpected news always present something for us. This diagnosis brought the gift of seeing the sacrificial love and servitude of Jimmy and our kids. It allowed me to see the courage in my 81-year-old mother who overcame her fear of flying alone so that she could come and help take care of me. I was able to experience the Lord’s peace and presence in a way that is difficult to explain. He carried me, sustained me, and rescued me.

On the flip side, there were negative emotions that I experienced and sometimes we feel bad for what we feel. We say, “How can I be upset at God?” But, it’s human to have these emotions. David is a great example of someone who voiced his discouragement in the Psalms, showed us how to pray during these times, and how to overcome. In all transparency, I was discouraged and upset at God. How can this be? My physician shared that I am one of the healthiest people she knows. I realize now that physically I was, but my soul was not. My health practices are what prevented a recurrence all these years and had I not been taking such good care of myself, especially with the Lynch genetics, I would have been looking at a completely different second cancer diagnosis.

It reminds me once again why what we do at Believe Big is so important. Every day we help patients move through the overwhelming process of treatment by bridging the gap between conventional and complementary medicine to heal in ALL aspects of life. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. We can sometimes be so focused on our physical health that we lose sight of how equally important our emotional and spiritual health is to our vitality. I was pushing so hard. Running from one thing to the next that I was pulling my soul along when I needed to slow down, rest more, and attend to disappointments, losses, and grief. “The pace of life rushes us past significant moments of disappointments and loss causing the “shollowfication” of our souls. We are like eroded stream banks, a little more shaved off each year.”

It’s what my wise friend, Sylvia from Spain, shared with me while in Ecuador before my diagnosis. As we were looking at a majestic waterfall she said, “Ivelisse, life symbolizes the waterfall. The life in our soul should elevate itself up to the sky; it should live at that level. When your soul is not strong it corporately falls along with your emotions and your physical body. If life does not continue to flow from it, cancer comes. One cannot lose oneself in life. Our lives need to continue to flow like living water. We are strong when we don’t lose ourselves to the world. Our souls generate that strength from God. Never abandon yourself because it’s that strength that allows us to help others. It radiates to the world like the sun. You need to fill yourself first so you can continue to pour out. That is not selfish. You can’t give what you don’t have.”

I am grateful for the timing of my diagnosis. It was at the end of my sabbatical allowing me to be in a much better place emotionally. The summer allowed me to work with my spiritual director to heal my soul. Life is crazy and can spin out of control and she gave me tools to live a restorative life and helped create opportunities for God to fill me.

As I celebrate my birthday today, I am excited for what’s ahead as I hold onto the words the Lord recently gave me.

“It’s time to dream with me and let go of the worries you have been carrying. This is a time when you will need to fix your eyes on me and nothing else. This is where my voice needs to be the loudest thing you hear and the rhythm of my heart the only thing that gives you purpose every day. Watch me clear the road for you, steady your ground, and ready you for the wide-open spaces again.”

Love you all so much!

Ivelisse

PS- If you would like to connect with one of the amazing spiritual directors from Soul Shepherding, please visit their website here.

As the final weeks of summer break approach, many parents find themselves reflecting on the season that has passed and looking ahead to the start of a new school year. For parents facing the challenges of cancer, preparing their children for back to school can be overwhelming. Balancing their own health and cancer treatments while ensuring their kids have a smooth transition back to school may seem daunting.

At Believe Big, we believe in the power of faith and intentional parenting to nurture children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, especially during this crucial time. In this blog post, we will share how parents facing cancer battles can embrace the remaining weeks of summer with purposeful intent, fostering a deeper connection with their children through faith-inspired activities and meaningful moments.

Nature Walks and Gratitude:
As summer nears its end, take advantage of the warm weather, and immerse yourself in nature with your children. Plan family nature walks, hikes, or picnics in local parks or natural settings. As you stroll together, encourage your children to express gratitude for the beauty around them, fostering a sense of appreciation for God’s creation. Use this time to discuss the importance of being mindful of nature’s gifts and how gratitude can enrich our lives, especially during challenging times.

Engage in Creative Faith-Based Activities:
Consider crafting gratitude journals where you can jot down daily blessings or prayers. You can also plan simple art projects centered around biblical themes or stories. These activities not only promote bonding but also nurture your children’s spiritual growth through imaginative expressions of their faith. As you face your own health challenges, involving your children in faith-based activities can provide comfort and strength for the entire family.

Meaningful Discussions and Reflections:
Take advantage of relaxed summer evenings to engage in meaningful discussions and reflections with your children. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and questions about faith and spirituality. Use this time to impart your values, answer their inquiries, and reinforce the importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges. As you navigate your own cancer journey, open and honest discussions can create a supportive and understanding environment for your children.

Foster Acts of Kindness:
Intentional parenting involves nurturing compassion and empathy in our children. Encourage them to perform acts of kindness and selflessness. Volunteer together as a family or engage in random acts of kindness within your community. Teach your children that spreading love and kindness aligns with the teachings of faith and can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Seek Support:
Reach out for support from family, friends, or support groups. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network when you need assistance with school preparations or any other aspect of parenting. Surround yourself with understanding and caring individuals who can help ease the load during this time.

As we approach the final weeks of summer break, let’s embrace intentional parenting through faith, creating a nurturing and spiritual environment for our children. By engaging in nature walks, creative faith-based activities, and meaningful discussions, we can instill in them a strong foundation of values and beliefs. For parents facing cancer battles, these intentional efforts can deepen the connection with your children and strengthen your bonds through shared beliefs and experiences. May faith be your guiding light in every season of life, providing comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose as you navigate your journey together.

Dear Sunflowers,

As the vibrant petals of August unfold, I’m reminded of your enchanting presence and the wisdom you impart upon us. Your resilient stems stand tall, reaching for the heavens, basking in the warm embrace of the sun’s golden rays. How beautifully you demonstrate the art of blooming where you are planted!

Just like you, dear Sunflowers, we too have the power to embrace the seasons of life with grace and resilience. In this August season, let us reflect on the lessons you teach us and find inspiration in your radiant spirit.

Embrace your uniqueness: Each sunflower stands tall with its distinctive beauty, a testament to the remarkable diversity found in nature. Likewise, let us celebrate our individuality and recognize the unique gifts and talents we possess. We are all part of a grand design, woven together by the Creator’s loving hands.

Turn toward the light: Sunflowers, your vibrant faces follow the path of the sun, seeking its nourishment and warmth. In our lives, let us also turn our hearts toward the light, seeking guidance and inspiration from the Divine source. As we do so, we are filled with renewed strength and the assurance that we are never alone.

Radiate joy and positivity: Your bright and cheerful countenance brings smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts. In the same way, let us strive to be a beacon of light in the lives of those around us. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and encouragement, we can uplift others and illuminate their paths.

Bloom in every season: Sunflowers, you remind us that beauty can be found in every season of life. Just as you bloom magnificently in the warmth of summer, we too can find moments of growth and fulfillment amidst life’s challenges. By staying rooted in faith and hope, we can bloom wherever we are planted.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

This verse encourages us to let our light shine and share acts of kindness and positivity with others. Just as sunflowers radiate their beauty and bring joy to those around them, we are called to shine our light and reflect the love of our Heavenly Father. By doing so, we can inspire others to glorify God and find hope in His presence.

So, dear friends, let us embrace the spirit of sunflowers as we step into the August season. May we celebrate our uniqueness, turn toward the light, radiate joy, and bloom in every season. As we do, we become a reflection of the Creator’s love and grace in this beautiful world.

With love and blessings, the Believe Big team.