Izzy's Christmas

Keep on Smilin'!
Izzy, Christmas 2011

What a fun time we all had this past Christmas!  Thanks to ALL of you out there across the globe who took the time to send a happy Christmas greeting to Izzy and her family!  As you may have read here previously, Izzy never actually made a request for a million Christmas cards, but she has enjoyed receiving them nonetheless.  We didn’t make an official count, but the cards came in by the thousands.  Our family divided them up between 3 households in order to open them all before Valentine’s Day.

Izzy especially loved the ones that had an animal on the card and we all enjoyed the handmade creations, ornaments, bracelets and other crafts.  A lady sent in one with a photo of her pet duck and her story and this made Izzy smile BIG : D  Other folks drew pictures or made puzzles for Izzy, sent coloring sheets and cards that played music...some sent money or gift cards or candy...the list of colorful creations and warm wishes seems almost endless!  

hand drawn creation

handmade card

Many schools sent stacks of cards and I was touched by the sentiments expressed by children.  Reading through those leaves no doubt as to why Christ says we must become as children or we’ll never enter heaven.  The faith and joy revealed through their words is incredibly uplifting and I know we’ll read these again and again through the years.    Of the relatively small portion of cards that my mom went through, over 20 states were represented as well as numerous countries, including Germany, Ireland, Korea, France, Israel, Afghanistan and Thailand.  She received warm wishes from a few famous people too, such as our former governor, now US Senator, Joe Manchin, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Beiber and several women vying for Miss USA.   

Thanks again, for taking the time to bring cheer not only to Izzy, but the entire family. 

Izzy and her Uncle Will putting make-up on her doll

Izzy with her big sister on Christmas Eve 2011

Smokey...the new kitten at Izzy's house

In other news, our family celebrated Christmas like always, with a large gathering including lots of food, toys and laughter.  Even though I was disappointed not to have a white Christmas, the mild weather did allow us to visit the ice arena where Izzy put on ice skates for the first time....

Izzy at the ice arena over Christmas holiday 2011 

There’s nothing this kid can’t do ; ‘ )  

As always, we ask for your prayers above all else and wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2012!

Glory to God for all things †

Quick word about Izzy and Christmas Cards

I know many of you continue to check in here for updates on Izzy and especially with regard to her Christmas cards... I will get to it soon, as we are still going through all the mail.  It has been so heart-warming to hear from so many of you....from all around the U.S. and many other countries, too!


Izzy is in good spirits and I promise an update and photos soon... and will attach a special place for Izzy on my sidebar so you don't have to search for posts about her.  Thank you for continuing to check in and for your prayers!  God bless †

The Gift of Grace Among Tangled Webs: An Izzy Update

“The sword of our soul does not acquire a keen sharp edge unless another’s wickedness hones it.” 

-St Gregory the Great

I write not because there is new information to share about Izzy, but because it is necessary to put into perspective the chaos occurring on some fronts of this spiritual battle.  Yes, spiritual battle.  Whether you believe it or not, all things of this earth have a spiritual component;  we are either striving for the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of Self while walking this earth.  Some are on the front lines of such battles, while others like to believe they live in the void, totally removed from any religious belief or inclination*.    

For those on the front lines, this post is for you because you’ll understand what I’m talking about, knowing that Ephesians 6 belongs to you personally.

Any Christian who walks a path close to God is bound to encounter the attack of satan and his legions, indeed this is one indicator that you’re walking a path of faith.  It’s the high road, the narrow way in which the saints walk and beckon you who love God and the Kingdom of Light.    It’s the proverbial path less traveled, the one that takes effort, self-control, patience and perseverance, but offers greater rewards than our feeble minds can fathom.

This is the path my family treads, or attempts to tread every day.  We know it’s the way and yet we’re aware of the tangled webs looming at every curve.  We know that every good gift is from above and the wicked twisting of those gifts by our enemy.  The internet can be a tool of God, bringing people together in prayer and thanksgiving...touching lives for good in a matter of seconds, connecting many parts of the world in less time than it takes to say morning prayers.   It can also be a tool in satan’s arsenal; never doubt he knows and preys upon the weakness of men.

I will confess and tell you that one of my greatest faults is a short temper, giving in to anger that causes me to say and do things I shouldn’t...and then falling on self-righteousness to justify my actions.  I struggle with it... I’m aware of how my enemy will use this characteristic against me.  It’s a sticky web to fall into because when I cave to anger, I am no longer serving the Kingdom of God, I’m only serving my own chaos.

Another of those consuming webs is inherent in Facebook, the unleashing of the tongue that causes much harm (Psalms 39:1 and Proverbs 12:18).  The tongue of the wise brings healing, but reckless words pierce like a sword!  I could write ad nauseam about the anger I feel when reading audacious words about Izzy’s health and my sister’s beautiful family, but do you see what this accomplishes?  One sin feeding into another perpetuates chaos, the black cloud of hell.  God is the author of peace and clarity, conversely, satan is the author of lies, confusion and chaos.  When you write on Facebook, take just a moment to consider which Kingdom you are extending.

For those who love the truth, you will want to know that Izzy is well.  She is at home, joyfully anticipating Christmas, going to school, enjoying her new pets... happy!    For those who do not love the truth, you probably haven’t read thus far and it doesn’t matter to you anyway.  To give truth to those who do not love truth is to only give more reason for argument.  My role is to steer clear of those webs of untruth, of gossip and chaos inasmuch as is possible.  And, as you love our Lord and Saviour, I would encourage you dear reader, to stay away from deceit, loose tongues and gossip.  Let it end with you.

Your role, as much as Izzy is concerned, is not to do constant battle with those who wish to ensnare you in rumors and gossip, it is to declare the truth in peace and let it go.   It is not your role to call or message my sister and her family with every vile action or word that you hear, see or read.  Doing this perpetuates chaos, not peace.

Make no mistake though, for those who are entertained by deceits or harmful words or the details of other people’s lives; it is by your neglect and indulgence that brings harm to yourself as well as others.  If you wish to follow Christ, listen to His greatest commandment:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (St. Matthew 22)  Loving God means furthering the Kingdom of Light... it means practicing self-control, praying ceaselessly and using your words to bring peace, not confusion.

I am praying for all of you reading, for you must have a love of Izzy to be sharing in this post.  My prayer today is that each of you will have peace, contentment and joy.  It IS possible to experience God’s grace even in the mire... in fact, in my own life, I’ve experienced it time and time again and it is in this way that we can rejoice for our trials because, in the big picture, they only beckon us closer to God when we persevere and seek the Kingdom of Heaven. †

*It's called Secular Humanism...the religion of our modern age.

Calling Out Beauty: Izzy Update and Request

The following is what Jenny, Izzy’s mom, posted today via facebook:

"Thank you all so much for your many prayers. The results of the biopsy showed that the cancer (rhabdo) is back. The tumor is in her upper chest right above her lungs. We've decided to do radiation but we're reluctant to do anymore chemo. Our decision has been to keep her home with as much comfort and happiness as can be. These past few weeks Izzy was in tremendous pain, but this morning she woke up with none :) (answered prayer) Don't be saddened for us because the Lord has given us much peace about this and he continues to show us that he's INDEED with us and VERY much in control. "If I smile, the devil will be mad. So I'm gonna keep smiling" ~ Izzy McManaway Isaiah 11:6 "

Even if you have already read her update, please read and share the following request:

We love each and every one of you who remember us and pray for Izzy. Jenny has told me that she survives on your prayers, can feel them and this is why she & Corey have peace.

When you see them out at the grocery store or sporting events or at the park with the kids, please share a smile and your love, but please do not share your sadness at this latest news. Please do not ask Jenny or Corey to relay all the details of tests, scans and the information on rhabodomyosarcoma. It is exhausting for them to go over this again and again and again...somewhat defining each day by this one trial. They have many more blessings in their life and these they would love to share with you! Pass on your love and ask about Izzy’s sisters as well.

Take care in sharing your words, especially when Izzy and her sisters are present, as they are most sensitive to your emotions. Help to create an atmosphere of praise, faith and thanksgiving, as this is the type of atmosphere that Jesus always created before a healing miracle. Do not give in to your sadness or despair, especially when you encounter Jenny & Corey in your day to day life; they remain steadfast in God’s love and healing mercy and I ask the same of you.

Met. Anthony’s words to call out beauty in others is most fitting at this time. Do not look and see a child distorted or suffering, but instead, look at a child and see life, spirit, truth and nothing but heaven’s blessing:

"Unless we look at a person and see the beauty there is in this person, we can contribute nothing to him. One does not help a person by discerning what is wrong, what is ugly, what is distorted. Christ looked at everyone he met, at the prostitute, at the thief, and saw the beauty hidden there. Perhaps it was distorted, perhaps damaged, but it was beauty none the less, and what he did was to call out this beauty." ~ Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh of blessed memory.

Her update is the only info to share at this time, but please direct any questions about Izzy to me (heartjoys2002(at)yahoo(dot)com) or our mom. Thank you for reading and please share this...

To God be the glory for all things †

Izzy Update: May 7, 2011

A sneaky, silly moment

My, oh my what a grand day...

We celebrated J's birthday at the park under mostly sunny skies. The kids played and laughed while creating sidewalk art, blowing bubbles, swinging, running, doing the zip-line, watching softball games, riding bikes, playing with dolls and eating delicious cake. I love days like this...spending quality time with friends and family, sharing joy.

Izzy was true to form... laughing, socializing, being ornery at times, eating plenty of strawberries and cantaloupe, running to catch up with her big sisters, playing "hair-do" with one of J's very patient friends as well as enjoying the playground in-between. You may notice in the photos something on her head...it's a heart "painted" on there by her sister. I think it was done with lipstick. God is good. He continually restores her spirit; her zest for life and enjoying each moment is amazing and contagious.

She had a busy day today, plenty of activities scheduled, as her parents want her weekend to be filled with happy, lighthearted memories.

Patiently waiting for the cake to be cut.

On Tuesday, May 10th, Izzy goes back to the hospital. This time it isn't for chemo. She is scheduled to have her left leg amputated. The following is the update my sister, Jenny, put forth to friends on FaceBook a few days ago:

"As you know, Izzy had a full -body PET scan yesterday to check for any spreading of the cancer. By the grace of God, there was no sign of the cancer anywhere else in the body except for her left leg. Unfortunately, they found another tumor growing in the same area as the previous one ~ which means the chemo is not working. However, considering how fast-spreading and dangerous this cancer is, and considering that the chemo was not doing it's job, the doctors are a bit stunned at how this cancer stayed contained to the leg. We're not ~ There's no doubt in our minds that our Lord knows exactly what he's doing and he's the Ultimate Physician ~ without him and without your prayers, we would not be able to get though this tough time.

On May the 10th (next Tuesday) at WVU Children's Hospital, Izzy will be having an amputation of her left leg. Although it's such a drastic measure, we feel at peace with this decision. As of right now, we don't know if chemo will continue or not after the surgery.

I thank you sooo much for lifting us up in prayer and I just ask you again to please continue to keep Izzy and all of us in your prayers ~ it sincerely means the world to us right now. Thanks so much with love and hugs ♥♥♥♥♥ "

Riding her bike

I know beyond doubt that there are many, many people praying for this little one. As strange as it may sound to you, this decision has been one that I am completely at peace with, too. I feel like I should be crying, but the emotion just isn't there.

I am only rejoicing for the gift she is to us. For the fact that the cancer is only located in this one place.

There is no doubt she is in God's care and with faith in Jesus Christ, all shall be well...all manner of things shall be well.

Thank you for praying... please also pray for her surgeon as well as my Dad.

Thank you

Blessings always †

REJOICE !

Just a little interruption in my series to let you know that Izzy's scan was good today!! Praise God!

There was no sign of cancer in her body, no tumor evident. Thank you for praying for her.

She will still have chemo- I'm not sure of the duration, but the doctors say she may still have microscopic cancer cells that didn't appear on the scan and so, they want to be cautious and

continue with chemo for a time.

Glory to God for all things!