A Christmas Marked by Grace

This Christmas feels different in the best possible way.

It’s our third Christmas since diagnosis and our second Christmas living full-time in our RV, and both milestones carry a weight I don’t take lightly. There was a time when simply making it to the next holiday felt uncertain. I remember wondering what life would look like on the other side of fear, unconventional treatment decisions, and surrender. Today, I’m standing in a season marked not by survival alone—but by freedom, gratitude, and deep, quiet joy.

Living on the road has taught me how little I actually need and how much beauty exists when life slows down. I’m grateful for early-morning hikes that remind me my body is strong again. For muddy boots, changing leaves, mountain air, and the steady rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other. I’m grateful for long travel days, winding roads, and windshield views that stretch farther than my old worries ever could. Those miles have become sacred space—time to reflect, pray, laugh, and dream about what’s next.

There’s something incredibly freeing about knowing we can move whenever we want. No rigid timelines. No boxes to check. Just the freedom to listen—to God, to our bodies, to the seasons, and to the quiet nudge that says it’s time to go. In 12 days, we’ll be leaving Tennessee and heading back out west, and my heart already feels lighter knowing another chapter of adventure, healing, and growth is waiting for us.

This life isn’t an escape—it’s an intentional choice. A choice to live fully awake. A choice to honor the second chance I’ve been given. Cancer changed everything, but not in the way I once feared. It stripped life down to what matters most and gave me eyes to see blessings I used to rush past.

This Christmas, I’m not wishing for more things—I’m grateful for moments. For health. For faith that carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. For a home on wheels, a road beneath us, and the reminder that joy often lives in the simplest places.

Wherever this season finds you—whether you’re in a place of waiting, healing, or rediscovering hope—may Christmas remind you that God is faithful, and His plans are always filled with hope.

✨🎄Merry Christmas friends 🎄✨

I’ll close with a verse that God has been putting on my heart as I began reflecting on this Christmas season!

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.”

— 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV)

Until next time…..keep joy in your mind and in your heart!

Much love and many blessings,

Ali

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My memoir:

Faith In Wild Places | BookBaby Bookshop

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