Ho Ho Healthy!

Merry Christmas friends and family!!

            'Tis the season of celebrating everything we love all in one day- the birth of our King, the company of loved ones, the taste of delicious food, and the pleasant warmth of giving and receiving gifts. I hope this week finds all of you in good spirits, or if not, that you will receive the Christmas miracle you've been praying for. As for myself, as many of you know, I have been feeling pretty down-and-out for the past week or so, and will be joining in the prayer for a Christmas miracle. Jason and I have had to cancel most of our plans for the holidays due to me not feeling well and being mostly couch-ridden, but progress is being made.
           With all this extra time on my hands to think, I've been reminding once again how blessed I am by those around me. My best friend, Abi, was here for a week and I couldn't have asked for a better caregiver- she put up with me and my sick grumpiness, an ER visit, and our two crazy dogs! Mom has helped with groceries and cleaning. Grandma has helped Jason go on the errands I couldn't fulfill. Dad brought me flowers, my stepmom made us a tasty breakfast casserole. Last but never least, Jason has, as always, been my best friend and the world's greatest husband throughout the struggle this holiday season has been so far. He ordered flowers for me, cooked for us, took care of things around the house (even vacuuming!) and continues to encourage me and make me laugh even on the lowest days.
          I've also been thinking about what a blessing health is! God has created our bodies to be absolutely miraculous, and I can't help but realize how much I've taken that for granted before. We put them through hell so often- working out, too many desserts, playing sports, getting surgeries, who knows what else, and most of the time, they pull through. They fix themselves over and over without us even having to think about it. On our most exhausting days, they continue to serve us as our mind order them to. Even just imaging what Jason's body has recovered from will revive any lost faith. However, as I've been scrolling through my Facebook more than usual with this extra time, I've read so many stories of wonderful people struggling with awful health issues. One of my friends delivered her baby 3 months early, my uncle is recovering from cancer, my stepmother has been suffering after her accident, an acquaintance is losing their grandma. God has blessed me with exceptional health for the most-part, so I don't think I've ever noticed how many are suffering from bodily issues they cannot control until this week when I myself have been down. I'm ashamed of that, but also thankful for the wake-up call.
          All things considered, this Christmas, I want to send out a world-wide prayer for all of those struggling with daily tasks: from running, to walking, to even moving a finger. I pray for healing physically, mentally, and emotionally from every infection, injury, and disease for each of you who feel weak as you read this. May your recovery start mentally, and may those who surround you bless you and your family. My hope is for God to be with you, and for His presence to improve everything you have been suffering through. I wish for restoration for anything that was broken or hurting to be completely whole again, especially your hearts and spirits. Lastly, I pray that all of us, myself included, will remember to thank God every day for the blessings we have, including our wellness, and remember to praise Him through EVERY season.
         
          God bless each of you today and this week! Have a very cheerful, merry, Christmas!


Rachel Hallett

"'I will restore your health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord." 

Jeremiah 30:17

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." 

Numbers 6:24-26

Two of my favorite people who take such good care of me:
my best friend Abi & my hubby!

Special thanks to you-know-who for the bouquet!
(Yes, I've worn PJs all week)

Jason cooking for us- he made delicious orange chicken, rice, and veggies.
Means the world to me.

Who Cares If the Laundry Isn't Folded?!

Good evening, friends!

          Jason and I have finished the semester strong! We both finished with good grades and are so thankful that it's time to enjoy Christmas season and break! This means more time for me to write, also. Today, I was trying to teach my newbie self how to use this site, and had the chance to browse some blogs- I even learned how to follow other blogs! ;) I am the WORST at technology, so let's just consider that the accomplishment it is. If anyone who comes across this blog knows of any others I should read, please comment and let me know!

          This afternoon, I have been thinking about the challenge it is to try to make others understand the situation Jason and I are in. Ever since we moved in together last year, my life has been flipped up-side-down. Almost every aspect of my life has incorporated something new that has taken time to get used to. Through this process, we have found that most people living "normal" lives have a hard time understanding our life, and our daily processes. More than once, I have been asked, "What are you always so busy with?" or, "Why are you late?" These people are rarely asking to be rude, more just out of curiosity. However, I never know how to answer those questions. How do I explain in a short answer: I'm busy because I'm the only driver and we have 100 appointments a week, I'm late because I had to help someone put on their legs, take care of two dogs, make breakfast, and make sure my face is at least presentable. At first, it was so hard for me to get used to the responsibilities I have, and believe me, I still have my days! I would spend hours on the phone crying to my mom or friends, freaking out about always being so tired, asking how I could do a better job, and wondering why God had given me such a big job. I gained 25 pounds. Through it all, I prayed. Like every day, ALL day. I apologized a lot, especially to Jason, for losing my cool every now and then and for being an over-all emotional wreck. Most of all, I reminded myself that I COULD handle it, I WOULD get used to it, and things WOULD get better. 

          Sure enough, two dogs, a new state, and a school semester later, I only have mental breakdowns once a week... Just kidding, but really, I feel so much better and a system has somewhat been created in our lives. I spent SO long carrying the weight of others' expectations. Every time anyone came over and laundry was on the floor, I panicked and felt embarrassed. Every time we were 5 minutes late to an appointment, I explained myself. Every time anyone asked about Jason's legs, I went into panic mode. I had such a hard time giving myself mercy and grace that I couldn't imagine anyone else offering it. The key to keeping your cool in any stressful schedule or life situation, is giving yourself a break, and reminding yourself that you are doing your best! 

          I've finally realized that cooking, cleaning, driving, scheduling, running errands, exercising, and doing school is a lot for one person, and if I can't do all of those things every day (a lot of days) it's OKAY! When I was at Hanger Clinic Double-Amputee Bootcamp last summer, I had the honor of meeting the wife of an above-knee double amputee, who also had a young son. We didn't talk that much (we were both busy being caregivers), but she inspired me. I saw the exhausted look on her face, but I also saw how much she laughed at the little things. Wheelchair wouldn't fit through a door? She'd laugh. Son spilled his juice and wouldn't stop crying? She smiled and cleaned it up. I don't remember what I posted on Facebook awhile back, but I will never forget the essence of what she said. It was something like, "Just do your best, and if all (or any) of the laundry doesn't get folded, who cares!" 

          Just like that, my life changed. I have been laughing more, I've loved myself more, and I think Jason has enjoyed my company a lot more, too! Jason may always have a hard time with prosthetics because of his bone growth, and people never understand that, but we do, and we know he is doing his best. I may never have a sparkling house, but I will always have a full heart. I'm still working on getting back in shape, but I've lost 15 lbs! In the battles of life, we have to choose. Do we pick ourselves, or do we pick ourselves apart? 

Just keep swimming, and ENJOY your week!


Rachel Hallett

Honor Bowl, October 2013. After I had gained 25 lbs!

November 2014. Down 15 lbs, much more calm and happy!!

"...He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Jason's Essay

Happy Wednesday Bloggers!

          Jason had to write an essay this week about someone he is close to, and he chose me. These are some of the sweetest words I've ever read, so I thought I'd share. :) What a beautiful reminder of the blessing I have in my husband!

Essay written by: Jason Hallett

A year ago, my life was a high and drunken mess. I was either passed out or blacked out, trying to kill the pain of my past. I did not truly understand how to regain my footing after being severely injured. My faith was tested, and as a person I had grown weary of life. My wife revived my will. She helped rebuild my interest in my faith and reaffirm my conviction to it. Rachel gave me the support system I needed to quit my meds and slow my drinking...and that is just the beginning. I can never thank God enough for giving me Rachel as my person I get to spend my whole life with. She helped me in my youth when we first dated all the way back in eighth grade, and she still helps me every day now that I am a grown man. Just over a year ago when we moved in together, she started by helping me reaffirm my faith, break my pain-pill addiction and alcohol abuse. Since then, she has helped me get into college, eat healthier, and always keeps my head above the water. God gave me a great woman, who supports me in all I do, and has won my heart in the process.

 My wife has been the biggest factor in me surviving the major hardships of my life. When we dated in eighth grade, she had no idea she saved me then, and now she has no idea she saved me more recently when we re-entered one another’s lives all over again and re-kindled our love for one another. While in eighth grade together, Rachel and I dated; we were crazy about each other. She was not allowed to have a boyfriend and we were separated from one another at the end of the school year. During the time we dated, outside of school, my life was a struggle. At home I was not a kid, I was a parent to my younger brother and I was severely abused, along with many other problems. Rachel was the only part of that period in time where I was happy. Every day I went to school and passed notes with her, my world was good again. When we were separated, our hearts were broken, but I vowed to return five years later as a military man. Sure enough, I returned, but was three years late because of the injuries I sustained in Afghanistan in 2010. When I reached out to Rachel on Facebook my life on the outside seemed ok to many. I had finally finished my two year stay at the hospital, and my outer wounds were “healed.” I was taking courses at a local college, working on getting a home and pursuing stock trading. However, most of the people around me did not see or know that I was hurting inside; even I was trying to avoid the pain. I was constantly high on pain pills, partying, and drinking. I had everything materially, but I was missing the feeling of someone being by my side, a shoulder to lean on when I was weary. God knew I needed Rachel to come into my life, to stabilize me, and renew my faith. Without Rachel’s support and constant uplifting, I would never come as far as I have. Because of her care and love, I am now completely involved in my faith. I am in school full time, off medicines, I only have a couple drinks a month, and my dream of being a portfolio manager is closer than ever.

When Rachel and I re-connected on Facebook last year, I was in California and she was in Colorado. In my heart I knew I needed to reach out to her and fulfil my promise to return. It was by God’s design that she would come back into my life and help me rebuild my very soul. When Rachel flew from Colorado to my little apartment in San Diego, she did more than just visit me- she gave me hope and truth. She saw through my mask of a life and saw that underneath what I had made habits, I was hurting and falling apart. She saw my abundance of medicine and threw them out, knowing I truly did not need them. She then helped me control my drinking and other bad habits. While I was healing from these issues, she motivated me to go to church with her. She not only healed my mind of the destruction of my past. She pulled me out of a dark corner I had shut myself into. She even helped me re-build and strengthen my relationship with God, which is now another great help when I am troubled. The crazy thing is, she did not even mean to do half of what she did. She never once told me to stop drinking, but when I was with her I was comfortable and happy enough not to. She never begged me to go to church, I just wanted to see what was making her glow every time she talked about God. For a million reasons, I will be forever grateful for this woman.

As I’ve explained, my life was very unstable before Rachel. I had no real plan for my future. When she moved in with me in San Diego, she motivated me and gave me the support structure I needed to succeed. Without her, every aspiration I had would have been an uphill battle to capture. Before Rachel moved out to California, my foundation was fractured, and I never felt like I had a home. I had no true support to lean on to reach my goals. No one really took the time to understand my struggles and weaknesses, or helped me overcome them instead of just running from them. Now, Rachel is always there to support me when I’m down. When I have a rough period in the stock market, she reaffirms my capabilities in my goal to manage money for others, and then reminds me that everyone has a bad day sometimes. My wife is also there to celebrate the good days by my side. She knows how to make me feel proud of myself, and how to make me laugh. Ever since our relationship, and now our marriage began, my wife has helped me keep pushing, even during the times I want to quit. I know that without her I would be missing something very important. I would be a ship without a rudder. Because of Rachel, I am a firm believer in a phrase someone once told me, “Behind every great man, is an even greater woman.”

Without my wife, I do not know where I would have ended up. I do know that my faith would be weaker, I would still be trying to kill and drown my pain, and I would not be pursuing my dreams with the drive I am now. Rachel truly has shaped my life in a positive way, has helped me regain my footing, and has helped me conquer the demons of my past. I am forever grateful for the woman she is, and honored to be her other half.

Second Chances, Family First

Hello Everyone!

          Happy December- one of my favorite months of the year! It is finals week here, and I only have one left next week, which means I have some free time to write and reflect. And I'm so thankful for those of you who take time to read my rambling! Still waiting for a first comment though ;) Today, I'm going to give you all a little sneak peek into where I came from and what my world is like now so you can get to know me a little better! 

         Growing up, my family focused on spending A LOT of time together, and to this day I'm so thankful for that. I have two brothers, one named Michael who is 2 years younger than me, and Ben, who is 5 years younger. We were all homeschooled for most of our school years, and our family had a strong faith-based foundation placed in the home. Like any family, there were ups and downs. I almost always felt very close to my mom, dad, and brothers. One of the best parts of my experience growing up was that I never felt alone, and always knew my family had my back. To this day, I cannot think of even ONE fight my brothers and I have ever had! However, rules were really strict in our household. I wasn't allowed to date until I was 18, absolutely no swearing, tight curfews, no C's in school, etc. At the time, I struggled a lot with understanding some of the rules I had, but now I can at least see half of the reason ;) 

          Hands down, the hardest experience of my life with my family was during my parent's divorce, and the times that led up to it. For as long as I can remember, my mom and dad did not get along. I can still remember Michael and I at the age of around 8 and 6 laying on the floor listening through into the ceiling of our parents room as their fighting kept us up at night. Still, somehow, we never saw their separation coming. When it did, I was both relieving and worried- I wanted each of them to be happy, but I was so afraid they wouldn't. Our religious background was extremely anti-divorce, so I was completely thrown off by the whole thing. Before my parents had officially divorced when I was 17, I had already moved out of the house that they would soon sell, and in with one of my friends. 

          It has now been years since their split, and our family is just now coming back together and finding our new rhythm. I have a hard time saying that my parents being apart is for the best, because I know God's will is always for marriages to work; however, so much health has come out of some distance and new beginnings. There is never an easy way to restart after an entire family dynamic is thrown out of what it has always been, but I'm so thankful we are getting close. 

          In the past couple years, my mom has began a new career that has helped her gain independence, and a new sense of confidence. Even better than that, our relationship is a hundred times ever than it used to be. I can truly say my mom is now my BEST friend, and there was a large period of my life that I would have never dreamt of that happening. God has formed such a strong bond between us. It is incredible how we are like mother-daughter, sisters, and best friends all in one. I used to always feel like I didn't measure up to her expectations, and she used to feel like I put up a wall around her, but everything has changed. There is no one (other than Jason) I can be more myself around, or count on more than my mom. 

          My dad remarried last year, and seems happier than ever. I only met my stepmom about two years ago, so it has been a bit of a windy road to try to figure each other out and get to know one another, but I think this year has been a year of growth for us. I had to get used to not being my Dad's only lady, and she had to get used to all three of his kids. It's difficult to move forward so much with someone who you've only known for a short time, but I've learned that it's all about communication. You can't be afraid to have gut-honest talks with them just because they're new, and it's extremely important to ask questions, and address any elephants in the room. Forgiveness is also key, to all parties involved! Things will be said, and need to be forgotten. When you give someone a chance, you may end up actually enjoying the person you've gotten to know. I know I have :)

          So, there you go.. A little bit about me, and what has made me who I am. Ever evolving, always improving! My background story is probably a pretty average American kid classic, but I'd love to hear all of yours! Where did you come from? How have you handled changes in your family? 

Have a great first week of the last month of the year!

Rachel Hallett

Michael & Ben (My brothers)- December, 2013

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..." 

1 Corinthians 13:8