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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Faith, Friends ·

Manda


, Manda

One year ago today, my precious friend went to be with Jesus.

, Manda

It’s been a year of “firsts” for her family and her friends…

, Manda

…she has been missed more than words could ever say.

, Manda

Please be praying for Manda’s husband, two sweet kiddos (Aiden, 9 and Miley, 4), parents and two brothers today.  Yesterday, we all gathered at her graveside to remember what a courageous, sweet, strong, funny, smart, WONDERFUL mom/wife/sister/daughter/friend she was to us all.

, Manda

If you want to be really blessed today…you should watch her celebration of life service HERE.  I’m telling you…YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY IT.  It was such an amazing service, full of determination, hope, joy and love that can only come from having a personal relationship with Christ.  It is inspiring.

You can also watch the video tribute that includes Manda herself sharing the gospel of Jesus HERE and the slideshow presentation that was shown at her visitation and before and after her celebration of life service HERE.

, Manda

Last April, Manda’s family started the MANDA STRONG FOUNDATION to help other moms fighting cancer here in Collin County.  YOU can be a part of that too by signing up to give a monthly donation (any amount you want!).  All of the info about this wonderful organization can be found HERE.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

See you one day soon, sweet friend. xo

 

, Manda

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Comments

  4. jamie says

    love and prayers for every one of you. i have already pondered over the past week that i will watch the videos today to remember and celebrate. watching last year, i could barely breathe. there are many times that i have heard her sweet voice in my head or heard a verse and recalled it as her favorite. as a person sitting on the outside of your beautiful inspiring circle of friends, my heart thinks {how can it already have been an entire year?} just like so many are thinking, i’m sure.

  5. Kimberly says

    Keeping Manda’s family and friends in my thoughts and prayers today.

    “Nothing loved is ever lost.”

  8. Tiffany says

    This entire thing hits way too close to my heart. My best friend Amanda passed away in June from a super rare cancer she was diagnosed with just 2 short months prior. It was so quick and so out of the blue no one really had a minute to process any of it. I remember seeing all your posts about your friend and thinking, gosh I just couldn’t imagine. I had no clue what the next months had in store, but God did. Boy was I angry with Him. But I learned to try and find acceptance with His plan. It’s still very hard 8 months later, but I’m trying to have faith that His plan for her is so much more.
    Love & prayers to you all on this day.

  10. Melissa says

    Y’all shared the sweetest friendship and I know that you are and will be such a blessing to her children. Praying today for all who loved her.

  14. Polly says

    Ahhh Bless your heart and Amanda’s husband and kids. And family friends.
    I will be praying . God bless you and thank you for sharing. Love ,Polly

  17. Liz Thorson says

    Thinking of you, Shay, and all who knew and loved Amanda. I hope that your sweet memories of joyous, fun and special times spent with Manda will make your heart sing, especially today.❤️

  19. Liz says

    Love Manda and her strength. I knew I couldn’t read this without crying. She left a mark on everyone she met. Every time I wore one of her shirts I got to tell her story. I was my honor to share the hope and love Manda had.

  20. Karen Ivy says

    Prayers for all of y’all. I’ve felt grief for her and her family this past year, and I didn’t even know her! I can’t imagine for those of you who are good friends with her. Her testimony made a difference, and I’m thankful to have watched the video of her story! Thanks for sharing it with us! What a special person!

  22. Ann Marie Tennison says

    Shay! I know she is beaming looking down on each of you, her family, and all of the friends that continue to lift her up! She was blessed to have each of you as friends. Praying for each of you today.

  24. Angela Ellingson says

    So bittersweet! My heart especially aches for her family and her little ones, but so thankful for the hope we have in Jesus. I watched her service live last year. Very moving. Hugs to you Shay!

  25. Katie says

    I watched the celebration of life and her testimony when you posted it last year and I was absolutely blessed by it. I remember she talked about crying and falling apart and knowing that in the midst of it all she knew He understood where her hurt was coming from.
    Your friend Manda and her family have crossed my mind several times over the last year, and I pray for them. Her faith has definitely inspired me. ?

  26. Natalie says

    Beautiful Tribute Shay. Praying for her husband , kids family ..? my heart aches for this family. She was very lucky to have such wonderful friends like yourself Shay..

  28. Erin Port says

    I watched her service last year and bawled, I don’t even know her but I can’t wait to meet her in heaven :). What a blessing you all are as friends to her family, holding them up this past year and the many to come. I am reminded of the story of when Moses was weary, his friends held up his hands for him. True friendship! xoxo ERIN

  29. Kristy Moore says

    Wow! One year already. I remember reading this post a year ago and my heart was filled with sadness even though I have never met her. She is lucky to have been surrounded by such sweet friends. How special for her family that her friends keep her spirit alive.