Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Happy Birthday to Luke!
Luke is my second born. Luke is my child who is always happy and upbeat. Luke can always make me laugh. He is so sweet and cuddly. He loves his brother and sisters. He adores his daddy. He loves Jesus, and is learning and grasping so much about what He did for him on the cross. I love him so.
It's hard to believe that it's been four years since we welcomed him into our family. He is such a great son. We are blessed to have him. We are excited to see what the Lord has for him over the next year.
It's hard to believe that it's been four years since we welcomed him into our family. He is such a great son. We are blessed to have him. We are excited to see what the Lord has for him over the next year.
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Strength of the Lord
The day has come. My treatment starts this morning at 8:30. I am excited to get things started, but this morning the reality of it all has hit me hard.
It's been almost a year since my diagnoses. I haven't had to think about it much since I was pregnant and have been busy with a newborn. But this morning it is so real. The reality that I am living with a disease is really scary right now. I am scared about the infusion. I am scared about the potential side effects. I feel so heavy.
As I was nursing Grace for the last time, the Lord was so gracious to bring scripture after scripture to mind. He was comforting me with His words. I am so glad that I have stored scripture away in my heart. I needed those words this morning.
While I am scared of the unknown, I really have learned how to rely on the strength of the Lord. The past year has been a whirlwind, but God has been so faithful to teach me to trust in Him, and Him alone. It's only by a divine miracle that this disease will be cured, but this is what I am asking. I am asking the Lord to make my body whole, and to take away this disease. I am trusting He will answer. I am believing. I have to.
I also know that I may live the rest of my life battling this disease, but this doesn't change God's goodness to me. He is faithful no matter what. He is still on the throne. He is still in complete control.
It's been almost a year since my diagnoses. I haven't had to think about it much since I was pregnant and have been busy with a newborn. But this morning it is so real. The reality that I am living with a disease is really scary right now. I am scared about the infusion. I am scared about the potential side effects. I feel so heavy.
As I was nursing Grace for the last time, the Lord was so gracious to bring scripture after scripture to mind. He was comforting me with His words. I am so glad that I have stored scripture away in my heart. I needed those words this morning.
While I am scared of the unknown, I really have learned how to rely on the strength of the Lord. The past year has been a whirlwind, but God has been so faithful to teach me to trust in Him, and Him alone. It's only by a divine miracle that this disease will be cured, but this is what I am asking. I am asking the Lord to make my body whole, and to take away this disease. I am trusting He will answer. I am believing. I have to.
I also know that I may live the rest of my life battling this disease, but this doesn't change God's goodness to me. He is faithful no matter what. He is still on the throne. He is still in complete control.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be on my lips. Psalm 34:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 136:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:1-5
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thankful for....
Claire Elizabeth.
I love this little girl so much. She is a ball of energy right now. She loves to sing. And I mean LOVES to sing, which I absolutely love!
Claire is very smart. She knows what we say and what we mean. Sometimes she acts like she is clueless, but all who know her, know that this is an act:-)
She loves all things pink. She is very girly. She loves clothes and shoes. I love that she loves for me to put bows in her hair, and she is very picky as to which ones I choose.
She is very lovable. She loves to be hugged and kissed, and her latest love is for Jordan and me to give her butterfly kisses. So sweet!
I love this little girl so much. She is a ball of energy right now. She loves to sing. And I mean LOVES to sing, which I absolutely love!
Claire is very smart. She knows what we say and what we mean. Sometimes she acts like she is clueless, but all who know her, know that this is an act:-)
She loves all things pink. She is very girly. She loves clothes and shoes. I love that she loves for me to put bows in her hair, and she is very picky as to which ones I choose.
She is very lovable. She loves to be hugged and kissed, and her latest love is for Jordan and me to give her butterfly kisses. So sweet!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Psalm 46
This is what I studied this afternoon in my time with the Lord. It's amazing how much God will use and re-use His word in our lives. I have reflected on this Psalm a number of times, but today it was like brand new to me. It's such a great reminder that I am not in control of my life, it is the Lord's and His to control. He is to be my refuge and strength.
It's sobering as I approach my first treatment because I want to know when and how and if this medicine will heal my body. I so want to be whole again. I want to be able to run. I want to be able to see clearly, all the time. I want to be refreshed and not tired all the time. But, I know these things may come back to me, or God may keep them from me. He is sovereign and He is in control. I must trust Him!
My faith has been weary the past few weeks. I am sad that I will have to stop nursing my daughter. I hate this. I feel like she is getting the short-end of the stick. I KNOW she is not. And I know that she will be fine, but it's still hard. I would be lying if I said otherwise. God is on His throne and He is in control. And this is what I must stay focused on.
Here are the words of this great Psalm, which inspired Martin Luther to write the great hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though
the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake and its
swelling pride.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
This song I am sharing with you is one of my favorites. I absolutely love when we worship the Lord with this song on Sunday mornings.
It's sobering as I approach my first treatment because I want to know when and how and if this medicine will heal my body. I so want to be whole again. I want to be able to run. I want to be able to see clearly, all the time. I want to be refreshed and not tired all the time. But, I know these things may come back to me, or God may keep them from me. He is sovereign and He is in control. I must trust Him!
My faith has been weary the past few weeks. I am sad that I will have to stop nursing my daughter. I hate this. I feel like she is getting the short-end of the stick. I KNOW she is not. And I know that she will be fine, but it's still hard. I would be lying if I said otherwise. God is on His throne and He is in control. And this is what I must stay focused on.
Here are the words of this great Psalm, which inspired Martin Luther to write the great hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though
the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake and its
swelling pride.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
This song I am sharing with you is one of my favorites. I absolutely love when we worship the Lord with this song on Sunday mornings.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy 2 Months to Grace!
Grace is growing and changing so fast; I really need to be better about taking pictures of her!
It's so hard to believe that it's already been two months since her birth. It has been a wonderful two months. Grace is such a sweet baby. She is an incredibly easy baby. I am so thankful that God has given us an easy baby! She is sleeping through the night, and sleeps most of the day!
She had her two month appointment yesterday. I had all four children squeezed into the small room, waiting for the nurse and doctor to give Grace her exam and shots. I am still amazed that we have four children. Of course I know this, but it's always so sweet when I have them all together. Claire was playing in the sink, while Jack was reading a book to Luke, and I was holding Grace. This was an appointment I enjoyed because I loved watching the children as we waited. I couldn't have asked for the appointment to be any better.
Grace is growing and the doctor said she is perfect!
Weight: 11lbs. 9oz.
Height: 24 in.
Friday, February 10, 2012
A New Book to Read
I am so happy that Bible study is back in session. I love the teaching, and my small group so much. I need this weekly encouragement from older women, and moms who are in the same season of life as me.
We are reading Elyse Fitzpatrick's book Give them Grace.
We are two chapters in, and it is so challenging!
I have also been listening to Revive Our Hearts this week. I noticed that Elyse was the featured guest in which she is talking about another one of her books Love to Eat, Hate to Eat. It has been SO good. She talks about the consuming powers of food, and how food can become an area of besetting sin in the lives of believers, especially women.
This book is not just for those with eating disorders, it's for any person who struggles with her diet. Even our eating should bring glory to the Lord, it should not consume us.
We are reading Elyse Fitzpatrick's book Give them Grace.
We are two chapters in, and it is so challenging!
I have also been listening to Revive Our Hearts this week. I noticed that Elyse was the featured guest in which she is talking about another one of her books Love to Eat, Hate to Eat. It has been SO good. She talks about the consuming powers of food, and how food can become an area of besetting sin in the lives of believers, especially women.
This book is not just for those with eating disorders, it's for any person who struggles with her diet. Even our eating should bring glory to the Lord, it should not consume us.
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