Psalm 119: 65-66 NLT

⁶⁵ You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. ⁶⁶ I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

Promises for the Journey

When our faith feels low and we’re struggling to see a way out of our situations, that’s when we’re supposed to remember God’s goodness and what He’s already done for us. This is why testimonies are important. They remind us of His faithfulness and encourage others on their journey. We must look back and remember how great God has been to us, how He’s provided for us, and how He’ll never leave us or forsake us, just as it says in His Word. So this morning, as I was praying, I took time to remember the ways the Lord provided throughout Kayden’s journey.

I remember being off work for an extended period with Kayden at the start of treatment. We stayed in the hospital for close to two weeks. When I returned to work, I was so tired. I can’t explain the level of exhaustion I felt. I also had no money (my account was negative again) and no PTO to cover the days I had missed. I was exhausted mentally and physically, and I honestly didn’t know how I was going to lead my team of about 400 people. It was one of those times I couldn’t focus on anything because I needed the Lord to show up for everything. I prayed and praised on the way to work, and I kept the praise music going while at work. That, and coffee, kept me afloat.
One of my co‑workers (another director) and my boss brought me into her office and handed me an envelope full of money. They had raised well over $1,000. I knew they were fundraising, but I didn’t know they were planning to give me what was raised. I was also given PTO days from my co‑workers to cover the time I had missed. They gave PTO from their own allotment. Then I was told, “Go home and rest.” I cried. I was in awe.

There were countless times when I would pray, “Father, put us on someone’s heart.” That was my staple prayer. When I didn’t have the money to get us to and from Houston or to pay the bills, I prayed that simple prayer and attached my faith to it. Almost every time I prayed that prayer, God answered. Someone would send money in one form or another, which would enable me to get him to Houston.
I continued working full-time throughout, but my income was not enough. I missed work quite a bit, and eventually my PTO and other benefits ran out. I didn’t make enough to pay the bills, get him to and from treatments, buy medications, buy food for home, and food for our stays in Houston. Looking back, all I can say is, Thank You, Lord!

I remember when we needed to go out of town again. I was on my knees in my room next to my bed, crying. Up to that point, I hadn’t actually reached out to most of my family and friends about Kayden, even though treatment had started months earlier. I had to take a step of faith—I didn’t want to ask anyone for help. I just didn’t want to be a bother.
But the Lord reminded me that He provides through His people—I needed to reach out. So I sent a text to many, explaining the diagnosis and the need. Most didn’t know Kayden had been diagnosed, and they were shocked. Within an hour, everything was covered for the next two trips and for our bills. I was even able to take us out to eat, just to get out of the house and spend time with my kids in a way that wasn’t centered around hospital visits, medication, or travel.

I remember a time when I had no money (actually, I was negative in the bank), but I needed to drive to Houston. This happened often, but this specific time we needed to go, and the night before I chose to pack by faith. I prayed and asked the Lord to put us on someone’s heart. When I did, I literally got a call from someone I hadn’t talked to in a very long time. She said we were on her heart. She also said the Lord had given her two dreams about Kayden. So she would call. She asked me if we were in need and how much. I told her yes and whatever the Lord puts on her heart to send will be. blessing. The amount she gave after we spoke was exactly what we needed to make the trip.

I remember praying in my closet one morning because I didn’t have the money to pay the bills again. This time, we were close to cutoff on utilities. As I was crying out to the Lord, I didn’t know He was already working. When I got off my knees and picked up my phone, money was in my Cash App. Someone I had not talked to or heard from in a long time sent money. It was $1,000- the amount that I needed to pay the utilities, get groceries, and to get us to Houston that week.

I remember a time when we left home on a trip to Houston with $50 in my account. I filled up my gas tank and drove, expecting and believing something to come because it was an appointment I knew he couldn’t miss. That was a major by faith move. I didn’t even have money for food, and food was important because it was an 8-hour drive. He was usually hungry on the trip, though he slept for most of it. I prayed and praised while driving in that midnight hour. As I was driving, money came into my Cash App. Someone said they meant to send this earlier, and it kept slipping their mind, but they did it. Late in the midnight hour!!!

I remember when Christmas was coming in 2024. I didn’t have anything to get them for Christmas. Nothing. I was also in a place where I was just happy we were all alive, and we’d be home together and not in the hospital. But Kayden had been through so much and Nikayla as well, just in a different way. My college kid had put classes on hold to help me with his siblings. I wanted them to have something. Plus the previous few months had been rough. Aside from my account being negative, I couldn’t go shopping anyway. I avoided stores so I wouldn’t bring germs home. I prayed and believed something would happen. A few weeks before Christmas I got a text- Christmas was going to be covered by friends who wanted to bless us. Very unexpected. Then we got another call from the hospital. Kayden was sponsored- all gifts were covered. That season, we received three separate blessings of gifts for all of us and 2 seperate lump sums of money. We received so much that we were able to give to others!

I remember when I wanted and needed some time with Jesus. Before diagnosis, I had these times where I took intentional time (2-3 days) to just be with Jesus— no work, no people, no distractions. We were well over 1 year into treatment, and I needed time to recharge. My last Jesus time was before diagnosis, October 2023, and it was now May of 2025. I needed rest, direction, and strength. Kayden was well during this time. Our good family friends were able to take care of my 2 while I went away. Well, I made all the plans and preparations, but I had no money to go. The money I did have was for bills. I needed to go away so badly that I was going to use bill money if I needed to, but I didn’t want to do that. I asked the Lord to provide because I just wanted to be with Him, so that’s how I approached Him. I said, “Father, I want to spend time with just you. Provide for me to just get time with you.” I believed He would, and He did. 2 days before, money came in, and it covered everything.

There was always a family member that I could text and ask for help when we got to a point. And he was always willing to help when he was able. Especially when we were going to Houston every 10 days. Money was extremely scarce in those days. I’d have to ask, and I’d be so sad and hesitant that I was asking again. I would apologize to him because I felt we were a burden. But every time I asked, he was able to help, and he would always tell me it’s ok. He thanked God that he had it to give and prayed for us consistently. He encouraged me when it got tough. 

I will remember the good things He has done and testify. I thank God for those who were able to bless us throughout that journey, and I share this to encourage and remind myself that He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider! He is the God of more than enough! It didn’t always look the same, and it didn’t always come when I wanted it, but it always came right on time. There is so much more I could tell of the provisions, healings, and the direction given. Though challenging times and situations arise, may we be steadfast in the faith, keeping our hope and trust in the One who knows our tomorrow and is the Giver of Life. Eyes on Jesus.

Words for the Journey

Psalm 71:15-16 NKJV

¹⁵ My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and  Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. ¹⁶ I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.

Psalm 107:1-2 NLT

¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. ² Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.

Ephesians 3:20 AMP

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.