My Season My Story

by Rachael LaMagna

For those of you who may not know I’d like to share the testimony and story God has given to me.

On Saturday, Oct 31st I experienced excruciating pain in my stomach area. After 2 days of pain I went to the Doctor. They rushed me to the ER where they performed an emergency appendectomy. Not ever needing surgery I was so scared and confused but in the midst of the craziness I felt the beginning of my peace through God. Thinking the worst was behind me I went a week later to my surgeon for a routine check-up.  Unexpectedly he told us that they found pre-cancerous cells in my appendix. As you can imagine anything with the word ‘cancer' in it instills fear. He wanted to have a colonoscopy done to confirm there was no cancer in the colon. We scheduled a colonoscopy 6 weeks later.

The appendix could have ruptured spreading pre-cancerous cells all throughout my body, making them impossible to contain. But 4 days prior to my operation my general practitioner prescribed a steroid which she said “wasn’t necessary but could help with my ear infection” I took the drug and later found out from the surgeon that the steroid fought the infection of my appendix and prevented it from rupturing. Another Doctor said "now thats impressive" I agreed as I said "My God does miraculous things and truly goes before me."

Multiple Doctors have said that cancer in the appendix is one of the hardest to detect and find before its too late. They diagnosed 2-3 years before the cells moved into cancer. They have all said that its rare and uncommon to find these cells before they have moved into my body.  I’m in awe of God’s incredible protection on my life in the present and in the future. From the beginning I've known that my God has gone before me. He has literally rescued and saved my life. He says, "I will go before you and will level the mountains." Isaiah 45:2.  He gave me peace and encouragement each step of the way through His word.  "Do not be afraid for I am with you..." Isaiah 41:10.  

The Lord said to me on the very first night of the appendix report. "Before it was birthed, I killed it. Before it moved I removed it."  He knew it was there and He took care of it...

He also said to me regarding my mind & my thoughts. "Change Your Mindset, For I Have Changed Your Outcome." You see, the Lord knows our minds tell us awful things but He assured me that He is in control.

I spent days crying, praying and surrounding myself with Gods word. Only when I was in His presence could I breathe. I felt like I was floating on a cloud not sure where I was … lost, scared and fearful. But in the arms of the Lord I could breathe and felt present again. Slowly God was showing me that ALL I needed was Him.

I would need His strength as 2 weeks later I felt a lump in my breast. After a mammogram and ultrasound the readings were inconclusive and undefined which prompted the surgeon to suggest a complete removal. A month after my appendectomy I was back at the hospital having another operation.  Results came back benign!

Then came the colonoscopy where they did find 2 pre-cancerous polyps however; they too have been removed by God's grace and were found because of my appendix story. My God again has gone before me. He is good, He is Faithful. I stand in faith believing that "It is finished." I claim complete healing and health on my body and believe God has restored me. He has released me from fear and has given me renewed faith in His word and His promises.

What satan intended for evil God turned into my miracle.

If you don't believe in miracles I hope this story showed you they are real. God is all you need. 

He will do the impossible before you even know you need it. 

I give Him ALL praise! He is VICTORIOUS!!

These verses have been God's promises to me:

Isaiah 38:16-19

"You restored me to health

and let me live.

Surely it was for my benefit

that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me

from the pit of destruction;

you have put all my sins

behind your back.

For the grave cannot praise you,

death cannot sing your praise;

those who go down to the pit

cannot hope for your faithfulness.

The Living, the living - they PRAISE you,

as I am doing today;

fathers (mothers) tell their children

about your faithfulness".

Blu Kouzina - Sarasota, Florida

"Blu Kouzina"

Location: 25 Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, Florida
Website: http://blukouzina.com/US/

Ambience & Location - Incredible Decor! A truly authentic experience. They make you feel as if you're in Greece.  The details and "at home" feel make you want to stay longer.  From a farm table for group dining to greek language lessons being played in the adorable bathrooms they've made sure to include everything! I would go back just for the decor. Well Done...

Staff & Service - Most of the servers and staff are originally from Greece. This is a family owned business and you can feel it. The service was excellent. Our server helped us find and understand items, they made us feel that they cared and were not just trying to sell us more. He knew the menu and was helpful in descriptions. MAKE A RESERVATION!  Parking in St. Armands is everywhere...just pray for a good spot and cross your fingers! They are located next to the "Pepper Palace" shop.

Food - Amazing! The food was authentic and fresh. I've yet to find a better greek restaurant in the area. The sea salt seasoned pita and homemade tzatziki were a must try. They offer a wide variety for individuals and for groups to do more of a family style. I would say this is a date night, girls night or friends night out atmosphere. Older kids would be fine but leave the "littles" at home.


                                        Blu Kouzina = ABSOLUTE MUST rating!

Rachael's Rating 

***Absolute Must

**Worth A Try

*Don't Go

Owens Fish Camp - Sarasota, Florida

"Owens Fish Camp"

Location: 516 Burns Lane, Sarasota, Florida
Website: http://owensfishcamp.com/menu/

Ambience & Location - an original & unique spot in "Burns Court" of Sarasota. The decor was authentic & fun. Great "picture" restaurant with lots of character. Tables inside & out with a beautiful courtyard. Make a Reservation! Parking was cramped next to the restaurant so look for spots along the side streets.

Staff & Service - Mostly young service staff who clearly enjoy working there. Our server recommended her favorites which was helpful. They were knowledgable and food came quickly. Only 1 bathroom so I did see some people waiting.

Food - Outstanding! If you're looking for a top Fish place in Sarasota you've found it. We tried appetizers, salad, crab cakes and a fish special named "Kitty Mitchel Grouper". Each dish had a delightful mix of flavors. The Fried Green Tomato salad was amazing and we loved the "sauces" offered for the fish even though you won't even need it as the fish is so fresh and tasty. It's a great date spot or a family affair. They have so much to choose from and its kid-friendly for sure!


                                   Owens Fish Camp = ABSOLUTE MUST rating!

Rachael's Rating 

***Absolute Must

**Worth A Try

*Don't Go

Make Today Your "Someday"

Don’t we always say “I’ll do it someday.”  Or “It’ll happen someday.” Yes, the answer is yes we say it all the time. Maybe not even verbally but mentally we let the opportunity or experience pass us by because we figure there is more time.

What if we changed our thinking? What if we lived each day as our “Someday.” Making each moment, opportunity, experience count. Making the most of everything even the hard/difficult moments.

I know this is vague and your Someday thoughts might be toward something that’s not attainable right now like a new car (because finances are tight) or a house.  Those are great things to hope for and always continue to pray for your needs no matter how little it may seem. God loves the little things too. He wants to bless us. He loves us and wants more for us then even our “someday” list could contain.

How can you make today your someday? By listening to your kids more or taking note in the way they do things….cause someday you may be able to tell them “You always loved figuring things out. I’m so proud of you son for becoming an engineer” Who knows right? Only God knows but I want to make sure I don’t miss anything He has for me by pausing. Press play on your life. Allow His crazy-amazing plans to happen in your life by not saying someday but instead making that someday TODAY!

What’s holding you back? If its finances that’s one thing but if its fear or maybe someone else. Break free of that. I’m a born again Christian who loves Jesus and I’m NOT perfect but I do know that Christ died for my mess-ups in life and has given me the opportunity to have Him live in/through me. Praise God for that…I’m so much better when He speaks for me... Point is – whether you know Jesus or not step out. What do you have to lose? 

*Go on that vacation you’ve been planning with your husband for 10 years. Stop planning it (and yes, that’s coming from a professional planner) GO. Book it now.

*Take the dance class that you think you’re too old for…who cares! You’ll be the best dancer at your 20 year high school reunion.

*Go skydiving (keep in mind I’m NEVER going to do this but if its your someday activity I will try to support you even though it terrifies me:) 

*Eat at a NEW restaurant. Yes that can be a someday. You pass it all the time and either you say “It’s too fancy for date night” or “I’m not sure if I’ll like the food” How will you know unless you try it. SO GO TRY IT!

Don’t get stuck in a rut. If you’re married keep it young & fun. Change it up. Go back in time and remember how you felt on that first date. Recreate, Revive, Restore that feeling by simply making today your Someday. Doing something he always wanted to do or trying some place he always hinted in trying…or going!  Plan it. Do it!

If it’s the kids – get a sitter! Get family to help. A neighbor. We all have someone that can help with the kids. Make it a priority. The kids will thank you later as you keep up a healthy marriage and show them to always keep things alive in your relationship.

Today’s Someday – played “racetrack” like a professional announcer with my kids. Racetrack in our home is basically Gianna and Joseph on their plasma riders racing each other in circles around our kitchen as I proclaim “Ready, Set, Go”  Then I proceed to speak announcery (yes, I know that’s not a real word ) and say “Gianna is coming around the track, Joseph is hot on her tail, there’s no winner folks it’s a game for fun, that’s right a game for fun so lets do it kids…let’s have fun”

I don’t know if this blog will mean anything to you or if it’ll just be a place for me to “get it out” but either way I hope and certainly pray you do listen to that small voice inside of you saying “Do it” , “Go for it”   Why wait? 

This blog will venture into all kinds of somedays. Daily ones and “bucket” list ones. I’ll also be reviewing/rating mostly local fare. Restaurants, activities…whatever I might attend. Rachael’s Rating will appear from time to time. So if you live in the Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida area and want an honest opinion you can find it here.

Feel free to write your someday as well. I’d love to hear!

Till next time…