Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year
Happy New Year (and belated Merry Christmas)!!
As I sit here, one hour away from 2013--a new year--I'm torn with so many mixed emotions. I'm deeply thankful for the Lord's provision in 2012. He has taken us on quite a journey of faith!
This year brought a close to twelve years of work that we loved and saw ourselves doing for years to come. But God clearly had other plans... As we resigned, due to the medical needs of Jonathan, we knew that God desired something new for us though we didn't know what that was. It took over six months of waiting and searching before He revealed the next step for our family.
Since then, we find ourselves working in a totally new line of ministry, living in the western hemisphere in a new home, transitioning to life in the States and trying to adjust to the pace of life. God has graciously taken care of and provided for our family every step of the way. Though it hasn't been easy, we are learning what it looks like to depend on Him in a culture of abundance and yet in desperate need of the Savior.
Given everything we've been through, our family is doing well. We long to be doing so much better, moving out of survival mode and into thriving mode! Noah is 8 years old, in second grade and taking baby steps forward in school. He is a self-professed hater of all things "school." That's mostly because he struggles through several of the basic subjects. He still loves anything with wheels and prefers to be outdoor playing and running above all else. He is tall and thin and eats just about anything and everything. He definitely fights our guidance in his life, but we keep reminding him that we love him and God crafted him to be a part of our family.
Grace is 6 years old, in first grade. She is doing well and enjoys sitting down trying to read books, keeping all kinds of papers to look through, playing with little dolls, and dressing up. She loves helping mom around the house and really works hard to keep the peace in our home.
Ruth is 4 years old. She is so funny at home and yet shy around strangers. She loves music and I often find her singing with a broom or brush or whatever looks like a microphone (flashbacks to my childhood!). She loves to laugh and makes herself laugh louder and harder on cue. She certainly can conjure up some good tears, though, when it comes to cleaning up her things around the house. She's learned a lot about life, by being home with me and Jonathan, while Noah and Grace go to a coop on Mondays. We do our grocery shopping and little odds and ends around the house. (Not to mention, watching the paramedics arrive after I called 911 and helping dad rescue someone on the side of the road, all on the same day!)
When I think of Jonathan and where he was this time last year, I'm simply amazed and overjoyed. He is a delight to our entire family and everyone who meets him. His smile lights up his whole face and is extremely contagious. His laugh is precious, though somehow unvoiced! He is doing so many great things. He rolls, he babbles, he claps, he plays, he eats well, he started pulling forward every so slightly while on his belly. He is healthy. He is loved.
2012 brought much change. No idea what 2013 will bring! But one thing I know... God is good and all He does is good. He is teaching me how to press on through fear and fatigue and to cling to him when I don't know what else to do.
As I sit here, one hour away from 2013--a new year--I'm torn with so many mixed emotions. I'm deeply thankful for the Lord's provision in 2012. He has taken us on quite a journey of faith!
This year brought a close to twelve years of work that we loved and saw ourselves doing for years to come. But God clearly had other plans... As we resigned, due to the medical needs of Jonathan, we knew that God desired something new for us though we didn't know what that was. It took over six months of waiting and searching before He revealed the next step for our family.
Since then, we find ourselves working in a totally new line of ministry, living in the western hemisphere in a new home, transitioning to life in the States and trying to adjust to the pace of life. God has graciously taken care of and provided for our family every step of the way. Though it hasn't been easy, we are learning what it looks like to depend on Him in a culture of abundance and yet in desperate need of the Savior.
Given everything we've been through, our family is doing well. We long to be doing so much better, moving out of survival mode and into thriving mode! Noah is 8 years old, in second grade and taking baby steps forward in school. He is a self-professed hater of all things "school." That's mostly because he struggles through several of the basic subjects. He still loves anything with wheels and prefers to be outdoor playing and running above all else. He is tall and thin and eats just about anything and everything. He definitely fights our guidance in his life, but we keep reminding him that we love him and God crafted him to be a part of our family.
Grace is 6 years old, in first grade. She is doing well and enjoys sitting down trying to read books, keeping all kinds of papers to look through, playing with little dolls, and dressing up. She loves helping mom around the house and really works hard to keep the peace in our home.
Ruth is 4 years old. She is so funny at home and yet shy around strangers. She loves music and I often find her singing with a broom or brush or whatever looks like a microphone (flashbacks to my childhood!). She loves to laugh and makes herself laugh louder and harder on cue. She certainly can conjure up some good tears, though, when it comes to cleaning up her things around the house. She's learned a lot about life, by being home with me and Jonathan, while Noah and Grace go to a coop on Mondays. We do our grocery shopping and little odds and ends around the house. (Not to mention, watching the paramedics arrive after I called 911 and helping dad rescue someone on the side of the road, all on the same day!)
When I think of Jonathan and where he was this time last year, I'm simply amazed and overjoyed. He is a delight to our entire family and everyone who meets him. His smile lights up his whole face and is extremely contagious. His laugh is precious, though somehow unvoiced! He is doing so many great things. He rolls, he babbles, he claps, he plays, he eats well, he started pulling forward every so slightly while on his belly. He is healthy. He is loved.
2012 brought much change. No idea what 2013 will bring! But one thing I know... God is good and all He does is good. He is teaching me how to press on through fear and fatigue and to cling to him when I don't know what else to do.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Day in the Life of Jonathan...
Every day when I wake up, Mommy feeds me. I’m pretty picky about new textures, so I
still prefer to eat mostly from her. She
doesn’t even try to feed me breakfast because I don’t take to it very
well. After I eat, sometimes she gives
me a sponge bath because it’s much easier than getting into the water. I can’t feel much from the waist down, so
this also affects how I control (or don’t control) my poop! This can make baths very interesting, so I
think she prefers to just sponge me off right now. Sometimes, though, she lets me sit in my
booster seat and play with some water on my tray since I don’t get to do this
in the bath.
Usually after this, I hang out on the floor and in my chair
just playing and watching my brother and sisters. Mom helps me move from place to place and
reposition, since I’m not scooting around any.
I just got some new glasses because my right eye is stronger than my
left eye. Mom has a lot of fun right now
because I like to pull them off and won’t keep them on! Most mornings I take a little nap. A couple of days a week, after my nap, my physical
or occupational therapist comes and works with me. They are great and help me learn to do new
things! It’s very hard work, but I enjoy
doing new things and working to gain more strength.
I eat a tiny bit of lunch, but only pureed baby foods. Mom’s working hard to introduce me to new
temperatures and textures. One of my
favorite things to do is “eat” food through a mesh feeder, so I get all of the
flavor without any chunky things in my mouth.
It’s taking a while, but I will be able to eat other things soon. I already have my first two teeth and more
are on their way. After I eat some
lunch, I’m pretty tired again and take my afternoon nap.
In the evenings, I hang out with my family again. I like this time because I get to hang out
with Dad some. He makes me laugh and
smile. Mom also practices some of the
things I’m learning. Right now, she’s
showing me how to roll from my back to my belly by pulling on things around
me. I can hang out on my belly, even
sleep that way, by I like to lay on my back and play.
Some days, we do some running around and get errands done
around town. Mom takes me in the
stroller or my car seat since I can’t sit up in the cart at the store. I love to be around people (prefer them over
toys!) and like to be on the go too!
I’m pretty set in my bedtime routine. I like for Mom to feed me at the end of a
long day, and then she lays me down to sleep.
I know she wishes that I could sleep completely through the night, but I
get a little stiff at night or hungry at times and that makes me cry out once
or twice a night.
I know that my life looks different than other little guys
my age, but I’m working hard and growing every day. With all that I’ve been through, I feel
pretty blessed. I am surrounded by
people who love me and want the best for me.
And Mom and Dad are sure to tell me often how much God loves me and that
He must have a special plan for me since He created me just the way I am. I also hear Mom at different times talking
softly to me about the day she will get to see me completely whole one day,
walking with Jesus. From the way she
describes heaven, it’s going to be an incredible place. Mom and Dad both pray over me, asking that my
life will point others to God and shine as a testimony of His goodness. I’m so very thankful.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
hi-a-tus
hi-a-tus "An interruption in time or continuity: break; especially: a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted"
That definition sums up the lack of posts since the end of March when Jonathan left the hospital. I've written hundreds of mini posts in my head, but none of them have actually made it online. In fact, it's been so long since I logged on, that I had to look my password up again and also found that blogger has a whole new face that I'm trying to navigate!
I guess I needed the hiatus. When Jonathan first got home from the hospital again, life was consumed with taking the next step and getting things done. Then, as he healed and my fears calmed, I've found it hard to put into words what I am feeling and experiencing. It was all I could do just to live it!
I'm talking about living with our precious son who brings a whole new reality to our family. And living in a state of change while we await the next step for our family. And living with a great deal of uncertainty about anything from when our next trip to the hospital will be, to what school will look like this year for our children.
And much has happened in our family since the end of March. Jonathan went back into the hospital in May for hernia surgery. We took a trip to FL for my sister's wedding. My husband is now working, in an entirely different setting though with a similar emphasis. We've "almost" bought a house and are searching for a much-needed second vehicle! Not to mention, enrolling our kiddos in a home school coop (a first for all of us!).
I feel as though the entire last year was a bit of a hiatus for our family. A sudden break in all that was familiar. And, yet, it's one of those funny things where time never really stops and life keeps rolling along. So, we were "suspended" but still living. I've got some precious memories from this last year, ones that I will treasure in the quiet places of my heart. Honestly, I've also got some memories I'd like to forget but will be better and stronger for remembering them instead. For today, I'm thankful for our hiatus. And, I believe, that with time I will be even more grateful for the "interruption" graciously given by our heavenly Father--in order that He work all things together for our good, for those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose.
That definition sums up the lack of posts since the end of March when Jonathan left the hospital. I've written hundreds of mini posts in my head, but none of them have actually made it online. In fact, it's been so long since I logged on, that I had to look my password up again and also found that blogger has a whole new face that I'm trying to navigate!
I guess I needed the hiatus. When Jonathan first got home from the hospital again, life was consumed with taking the next step and getting things done. Then, as he healed and my fears calmed, I've found it hard to put into words what I am feeling and experiencing. It was all I could do just to live it!
I'm talking about living with our precious son who brings a whole new reality to our family. And living in a state of change while we await the next step for our family. And living with a great deal of uncertainty about anything from when our next trip to the hospital will be, to what school will look like this year for our children.
And much has happened in our family since the end of March. Jonathan went back into the hospital in May for hernia surgery. We took a trip to FL for my sister's wedding. My husband is now working, in an entirely different setting though with a similar emphasis. We've "almost" bought a house and are searching for a much-needed second vehicle! Not to mention, enrolling our kiddos in a home school coop (a first for all of us!).
I feel as though the entire last year was a bit of a hiatus for our family. A sudden break in all that was familiar. And, yet, it's one of those funny things where time never really stops and life keeps rolling along. So, we were "suspended" but still living. I've got some precious memories from this last year, ones that I will treasure in the quiet places of my heart. Honestly, I've also got some memories I'd like to forget but will be better and stronger for remembering them instead. For today, I'm thankful for our hiatus. And, I believe, that with time I will be even more grateful for the "interruption" graciously given by our heavenly Father--in order that He work all things together for our good, for those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Fighting Fear
Can you tell that I've been at the hospital with some time on my hands? More new posts!
Yesterday, at the end of the day, with the surgery behind us, when all was quiet (except for the hospital beeps), I found myself fighting fear once again. Fear is one of those funny things that can sneak up on you. Before you know it, it's waging war against you.
Fear of starting all over with this new shunt. Fear of more incisions to watch for leaking. Fear that this shunt will stop working or get infected. Fear that now Jonathan has five "healing" wounds on his body, which translates to five locations for infection to seep in. Fear that we will be sitting in this hospital again way too quickly. My list could go on...
I've known different kinds of fear in my life. There's the fear that I've had since I was a kid--the one of bad weather, particularly related to the wind! This fear has revisited me lately, especially with all the crazy weather sweeping across the States. There's also the fear of a controlling and evil government system, with eyes and ears everywhere. Yes, we've lived in it and that fear is pervasive. I do have a fear that likes to come back to visit every once in a while, usually about my husband or our children. A fear that something will happen to them. One of the deepest fears, almost suffocating, that I've ever experienced came in the nights the first couple of weeks after we found out about Jonathan's diagnosis. I imagine anyone standing on the precipice of a major life change struggles with this fear.
I've found the very best thing I can do to fight fear is start reading the Word and/or listening to music that leads to worship. By reading the Word, I am filling myself with His truth and drawing close to Him. I have a deep love of music that takes my focus off me and this world and draws my eyes heavenward. These two things, especially together, drive away my fears quickly. Sometimes I know His peace and then turn right around and start replaying those fears in my mind. I have to pick up the Word again and fight to rest in Him. And, yes, on some nights you'll find me sleeping with the light on--symbolically driving back the darkness!
This morning I was reading in the Word and listening to music and these particular words ministered to my heart:
Yesterday, at the end of the day, with the surgery behind us, when all was quiet (except for the hospital beeps), I found myself fighting fear once again. Fear is one of those funny things that can sneak up on you. Before you know it, it's waging war against you.
Fear of starting all over with this new shunt. Fear of more incisions to watch for leaking. Fear that this shunt will stop working or get infected. Fear that now Jonathan has five "healing" wounds on his body, which translates to five locations for infection to seep in. Fear that we will be sitting in this hospital again way too quickly. My list could go on...
I've known different kinds of fear in my life. There's the fear that I've had since I was a kid--the one of bad weather, particularly related to the wind! This fear has revisited me lately, especially with all the crazy weather sweeping across the States. There's also the fear of a controlling and evil government system, with eyes and ears everywhere. Yes, we've lived in it and that fear is pervasive. I do have a fear that likes to come back to visit every once in a while, usually about my husband or our children. A fear that something will happen to them. One of the deepest fears, almost suffocating, that I've ever experienced came in the nights the first couple of weeks after we found out about Jonathan's diagnosis. I imagine anyone standing on the precipice of a major life change struggles with this fear.
I've found the very best thing I can do to fight fear is start reading the Word and/or listening to music that leads to worship. By reading the Word, I am filling myself with His truth and drawing close to Him. I have a deep love of music that takes my focus off me and this world and draws my eyes heavenward. These two things, especially together, drive away my fears quickly. Sometimes I know His peace and then turn right around and start replaying those fears in my mind. I have to pick up the Word again and fight to rest in Him. And, yes, on some nights you'll find me sleeping with the light on--symbolically driving back the darkness!
This morning I was reading in the Word and listening to music and these particular words ministered to my heart:
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
When the storms of life come, the wicked are whiled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. Provers 10:25
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalm 103:1-4
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever... No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there--no need for lamps or sun--for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 21:3-4, 22:3-4
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