Truth and Lies

Have you ever been lied about? Had your integrity attacked? 

These were the questions that opened our Sunday School lesson this week. I think we've all been there at one time or another. Whether it is a misunderstanding or an intentional attack, it can be discouraging and stressful to be wrongly accused.

The lesson was from Galatians chapter 2. We discussed the fact that Paul's credibility had been questioned. In verse 5 we learned by his example that when we are facing these accusations, we should not be deterred from our goal. We also learned, based on verses 1 and 9, that it is good to surround ourselves with strong believers we can trust for prayer and guidance.

Good encouragement for when we face those times of trials when someone is attacking our character, whether it is a family member or a stranger, or anyone in between.

But there is more. Here's my take on it:

Those times, hopefully, are rare. However, we are all attacked daily in this manner.  The book of Revelation (12:7) tells us Satan is our accuser. We can see an example of this in Job 1. He wants each one of us to fail, and to be distracted from the plans God has laid in front of us, so what does he do?  He lies. Not only does he lie about us, but he lies directly to us.  Jesus said Satan is a liar, and the father of lies. (John 8:44), so we know he must be good at it. 

We have all heard that voice in our head, and it sounds deceptively like our own:
You will never be good enough...
You blew it...again...
Do you really think you can make any difference?
They will all find out what you did...
What if they knew who you really are...?

The accusations fly at us, drag us down, discourage us, and most importantly...distract us from what we should really be doing.  And that is just his point. When we become discouraged and fearful we step away from a purpose that only we can fill. 

So what do we do?
Just like we learned from Paul, we must not be deterred from our God-given purpose. Also as seen in Galatians, we need godly people that we can trust. People who will encourage us and point us to the truth.  Jesus called himself truth and life (John 14:6). It is only in him that we can answer those accusations in our heads and hearts.

You will never be good enough. - No, I won't! But I am covered by the righteousness of Jesus, and he is more than good enough! (2 Corinthians 5:21)

What if they knew who you really are? - Who am I really? I am the imperfect, flawed, loved, child of the one true God! (Galatians 3:26) That's who I really am, and if you aren't, you can be too. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is a liar.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

9/11/13

An "odd" day. Ha. Sorry to make light of such a serious day. But you have to admit 9/11/13 is a pretty cool date.

Today was our first storytime at our new library.  It was their first one (back from summer break, I presume), so we got in on the beginning.  Because it was 9/11, they planned a special patriotic theme and balloon release.

I knew ahead of time this would be the theme.  I didn't know exactly how they would address it, so I thought I'd prep the boys ahead of time.  

Dale has heard the basics of what happened that day, but Alan never had.  So as we finished up breakfast yesterday (the 10th) I told them I had a story to tell them.

"One fall morning, right about this time of year, people all over the country were busy going to work and going to school.  It was a pretty fall morning, and almost this very time of the morning...."

I proceeded to tell the story, in my own words, and with only as much detail as they asked for what happened on that day 12 years ago.  Much to my surprise I found myself with tears in my eyes and an occasional break in my voice.  The memory of the emotion came back so easily.  Not only that, but (and I remember feeling the exact same way when I told Dale about 9/11), I felt there is a bit of a loss of innocence for them to know that such evil is alive and well in today's world.  But along with the evil there is goodness and kindness.  There is courage.  And there are heroes.  That is what I remember so much about 9/11.  

Without the evil would the heroism mean as much?

As it turned out, the librarians weren't anybody's fools, and the preschool program was all about the good ol' U.S.of A. - red, white, and blue, the founding fathers, and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Balloons for everyone.  There was no mention of plane crashes or falling buildings or terror.  Or even heroes, for that matter.  

Still, it was a nice program, and we're glad to be out making new library friends.  And now, for one more of my children, September 11 is a part of their world, just like it is for all of us who remember that day, and always will.

The more things change...

May 11, 2007.  

My very first blog post.  It begins, "I can't believe I've started a blog!! What's gotten into me?!? Ah, well...I thought it would be fun to chronicle some of our goings & comings...because there are a lot of them!"

In it I mention Greg's job, Alan's liver, Vacation Bible School, and redecorating our bathroom.  I say they are "likely to be recurring themes."

I was right.  Those 4 things occupied more of our time and thought than I would have ever dreamed.  Well, except the bathroom.  Even though we did get that redecorating done.  Twice!

Six years later and those things are still relevant.  The ins and outs of daily life. Both big and small.  I've blogged almost all of it.  Job changes.  Homeschooling.  The birth of 3 babies.

Through those six years of blogging I can point out to you more than one long periods of silence.  Almost every time that silence is due to changes brewing.

If anyone has actually stuck around to read this ('hello? is this thing on?') you may have noticed a particularly long period of silence this time.  To be honest, part of that is a result of homeschooling 3 and tending to babies 13 months apart.  My plate is full.  I'm still finding my groove.

But part of that lengthy blog silence is, as before, the result of me withdrawing.  Contemplating.  Retreating into the safeness of privacy while we sort and pray and wait.  Because the silence this time is not just due to changes, but very big changes.

After months of prayer and waiting, we believe that God is calling Greg into further service for Him.  Although we don't know exactly what that means long-term yet, the next step is seminary.  This August, Greg will become a full-time student.

The change is definitely bittersweet.  While it is exciting to see God work and to step out in faith and service to Him, there is a lot of sadness at what we are leaving.  We will be moving away from our home of 10 years, parents, grandparents, and the best church family anyone could ask for.  A simple one-line list doesn't even begin to describe the depth of what we are walking away from.  I know people do it all the time, but not us.  This is new for us.

Even so, we are moving forward with joy, not dread.  We train our children to obey us with a smile, not a pout and a sigh, so should we expect any less from ourselves?

This is God's idea. He's got this.

Meanwhile, I make no immediate promises about the ol' blog. But I do have a plan for the direction of my blogging once we are settled in our new home and routine.  I began this blog with an audience of 5.  I sat down at the end of each day and shared the highlights of the day, and what was on my mind.  A few pictures of my kids and what they were up to.  

It won't win any blog awards, and I won't gain an audience of hundreds or blogging recognition, but who cares?  That's what I'm going back to.  I'm finally content to be 'just another mommy blogger.'  I would do it just for that same audience of 5, but I hear through the grapevine there are more of you out there than that.  I thank you so much for reading along, waiting through the silent times, and following our little adventures.  I hope you'll keep reading through this next one.  

(And leave a comment once in a while, would ya? ;) )

Round and round...

The end is in sight.  Once next week is complete we are calling an end to the 2012-2013 school year.  The end is pretty arbitrary, though.  Current math and phonics books were finished weeks ago.  We've only loosely been following our schedule the last few weeks, and our learning will continue to a certain extent throughout our summer break.  It's just what we do.  Nevertheless we all see next week as a closing point and I think I am just as ready - or more so - as the boys.

At a time when I have so much on my plate and on my mind, I am trying to slow down.  Breathe deep.  Enjoy the dailiness of life with these 5 people of varying ages and personalities.

So yesterday morning after our Bible reading and morning routines we ditched the schedule and to-do list and headed for the hills.  Ok, it's not that hilly, but we drove out to the country to check on the garden after the previous day's storm.  We also had a turtle that had been captive in his box in the laundry room long enough.  It was time for a new life for Sammy Turtle.

Before heading to the garden we stopped off to visit with my Dad and Grand-dad.  What a privilege to be able to sit and visit mid-morning on a weekday, a baby in each lap.  Checking the balance scales.... yep....definitely out-weighs "doing school".  

Then it was on to the garden where some of us dodged the standing areas of water from all. of. the. rain., and some of us sloshed right through.  For Tyler, who was wearing his trusty rain boots, that was no problem.  But as I loved on Alan in a brief moment of stillness that afternoon I asked him his favorite part of going to the garden.  "Getting my shoes wet," he answered with a smile.  Wet tennis shoes...again.  They'll dry.  They always do.

Mr. Turtle was released, camouflaged in the brown leaves beneath the oak tree.  Marked with a 'B' (I'll just leave you to wonder about that one) in case we ever see him again.  Bees were watched.  A butterfly observed.  A slilpper squirmy tadpole was caught (and released).  A tiny katydid was spotted and examined.  Slimy mushrooms that looked like squished raisins were plucked.  The garden was explored.  All of this weighed against "doing school"..... and real life wins again.

Upon our return home routines resumed, math worksheets were done, spelling words practiced.  Rooms cleaned, dishes washed.  "Real life" of a different variety, but necessary.

My last slow-moments of the day before the hectic rush of brushing teeth and tucking in and straightening up the messes the whirlwind left behind were spent combing my sweet girl's hair after her bath.  She loves singing and being sung to lately.  She sat with her vintage Fisher Price van in her lap - one little person left to ride - and I combed as we sang "The Wheels on the Bus" over and over and over again.  I'm glad that song has lots of verses anyway!  We'd barely finish one set of "alllll ...through...the townnn!" when she'd be asked for "moe! moe(more) town!"  So off we'd go again.

And here I sit, the verse of yesterday's trip all through the town complete and the wheels on this bus are already going round and round.  I've ditched routine again already just to write this blog post and one little person has woken early and joined me.  We'll proceed with this day, trying to soak up all the good parts, not fret over all the not-so-good parts, looking for balance in all the "real life" - the parts that demand our attention, and the parts that quietly wait for us when we're ready.  And the wheels go round and round....

Bringing Easter to Life, Part II

This post is a continuation of our Easter Week family devotions.  Read Part I here.

Wednesday - 
We read about Judas agreeing to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Luke 22:1-6), but first, since it also involves Judas and his greed, we backed up and read from John 12:1-8 about Mary anointing Jesus a few days before.  To illustrate, I found a pretty jar and mixed a little bit of baby oil and some perfume to pour into the boys hands.  We talked about kings being anointed and the significance of her gift.

Thursday - 
Using information from Passover for Kids and Order of the Passover Seder from The Jerusalem Connection, we talked our way through a Seder.  Along the way we sampled homemade unleavened bread and grape juice.  In years to come I would like this to grow into a full Seder.  So meaningful!  Also in the future (I thought about it for this year but it was too cold!) I want to end the meal by going outside in the moonlight to pray.

Friday -
The day Jesus was crucified.  We read passages from the gospels about the crucifixion and then went outside where each boy got to hold a large nail before watching Daddy drive 3 into a block of wood. We talked about how it must have hurt to feel those nails go in with such force.  And that Jesus could have come down at any time, but he stayed on that cross for each of us.  Because he loves us.

Saturday - 
Made Easter story cookies.  The ones where each ingredient tells a part of the Easter story, then you leave them in the oven overnight.  When you check them the next morning they are supposed to be hollow, just like the tomb was empty!  Ours however, were still slightly gooey.  Oops.  Next time I think I'll have the oven a little hotter before turning it off.  They were still more than slightly yummy, so it was still a win.

Sunday -
Hallelujah, Christ arose!  All week long we sang the hymns One Day, and Christ Arose.  We also worked together to memorize Luke 24:1-6, which begins, "Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they and certain other women with them went to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared." (We went with New King James on this one, opting for 'tomb' instead of sepulchre')  So, we ended our week of Easter devotions by waking our boys up 'very early in the morning'.  Thanks to the clouds it didn't have to be as early as it would have on a clear day. :)  We wrapped the boys in blankets and went outside to watch the world grow lighter and read the gospel accounts of Jesus' resurrection.  

Such a fun and meaningful 8 days together!  

Bringing Easter week to life, Part I

Easter is hands-down my favorite holiday.  Nothing compares to standing in the sanctuary with family and church family and singing of Jesus' victory over death and sin.  I want to blubber over with tears of joy/gratefulness/emotion every time.  Of course, all of the bunnies and chicks and pretty colors of spring just add to it.

I have no problem with said bunnies and chicks (and yes, I know the pagan origins), and we'll even be dying eggs later this week.  But I have always been at a loss with how to best share the true beauty and meaning of Easter with my kids.  Until this year!

It came to me on Sunday afternoon, and Greg and I decided to spend time each evening this week studying with our kids what the week of Jesus' crucifixion was like.  What was he doing each day of the week, knowing his death was only days away?

We are all loving our study and activities so much that I already know I want to do this again next year.  I also know myself: I could write it all down on a piece of paper and a)lose the paper or b)put it away and forget where I put it.  The safest way to record what we are doing is to blog it.  So here it is, Part I.  :)

Palm Sunday:

Read the account of Jesus' 'triumphal entry' into Jerusalem from Matthew 21, and from a story book.
Each child cut palm leaves from green construction paper.
They worked together to create a donkey.
We sang a couple of "Hosanna" songs, then laid our leaves in the floor for our donkey to walk on.  I wouldn't have been opposed to a paper Jesus to ride the donkey, but I'm pretty much just winging this!

Monday:

Our study began with a quick discussion of the Old Testament practice of sacrificing.  We named some of the animals that were sacrificed, then each boy made a paper dove.

We read on Sunday that Jesus was spending the nights this week in Bethany and traveling into Jerusalem during the day.  On Monday we read from Mark 11:11-14 about Jesus cursing the fig tree on the way into town that morning (important for Tuesday!).  We then continued in verses 15-19 about how Jesus cleared the temple of all the money-changers and sellers.  While we read the boys colored pictures of the story.

Tuesday

Tuesday started with the disciples discovery of the fig tree Jesus had cursed on Monday being wilted.  We made a quick note of that before going on to the rest of the lesson.
There is a lot recorded in the gospels of Jesus' teachings on Tuesday.  He spent time in the temple (where he was tested by the religious leaders) and on the Mt of Olives (where he taught his disciples).  We read 3 selections from all these teachings:
The question of paying taxes to Caesar - Matthew 22:15-22.  Each boy drew on a circle of paper what he thought a Roman coin might look like. 
The Greatest Commandment - Matthew 22:34-40.  We covered this partly because verses 37-39 are one of our weekly memory verses and the boys enjoyed hearing it in context.
The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30.  As I read the passage from Matthew, we did our own re-enactment of the story. Daddy grabbed a handful of pennies and the boys lined up in front of him oldest to youngest.  I was the 'marketplace' where they did there trading and investing to double their money.  Except for Tyler.  He 'buried' his under the table and went back to working on his Roman coins. :)

We ended the evening with a discussion of how these three passages are related.  If we love God with all our "heart and soul and mind" we are going to surrender all that he has given us and serve him.  When we give him what is duly his (our life that he bought with his blood) we show him our love and are in return "good and faithful servants" to him.  

Each one of us is enjoying this time together in God's word and I think the readings and activities are definitely adding meaning to Easter week!  Can't wait to see what we pull out of a hat the rest of the week.  Thanking God for his inspiration and praying he blesses it!

True Love

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Jesus laid down his life for us to take our penalty for sin.  At the end of this fun day of hearts and candy, that is all that really matters.  Have you accepted the gift of Life?

Gift of Life

On this day (Sunday, December 30th) 5 years ago we sat in a Children's waiting room while our 13 month old baby boy got a new liver.  (Click here for a play-by-play look back at that day.)

Because of our own experiences, I am always touched by similar stories.  The most recent was one I saw on the news just before Christmas, the story of a little girl living at 'our' Children's for over 4 months waiting on a heart transplant.

My emotional connection to that particular story probably had a lot to do with it being Christmas, since Alan's own life-saving transplant came less than a week after Christmas Day.

Her story stayed with me enough that she came to mind during a middle of the night feeding.  As I nursed Daniel, I began to pray for the little girl.  I prayed she would receive her new heart soon.  As it often happens in these situations, I realized all over again what that would mean.

For her to get a new heart means someone will have to die.  Someone that is living right now, laughing, and loving.  I have come to believe that to pray for these situations is not to pray for someone to die, because that is,sadly, going to happen anyway.  We are praying for that poor family to say 'yes' to donation.

That still doesn't make the thought any easier that someone has to die for another to live.

Then I think about myself, and my own once-terminal condition.  All of us, at some point, are dying.  Except unlike the girl in the news story, who has done nothing wrong to cause her body to fail,
our spiritual death is the result of our own wrongs.  Our hearts are broken, diseased, and filled with selfishness and sin, and the only way for them to find new life is death.

The death that paid for my own condition began as a tiny new life in a manger many years ago.

The Lord of all Creation was born as a baby that grew into a boy, and a man.  He lived and laughed and loved, too.  And then he died.  For me.  For my diseased heart.  And for you and yours.  But praise God, Jesus conquered death and lived again. He lives today, waiting for each of us to come to him.

In this season of gifts and giving, let's not forget the One gift, the only gift, that really matters.  Our Children's hospital's motto is "The One for children".  Just so, Jesus is The One for you.  I know from experience that when the gift of physical life is offered we humbly and gratefully fall to our knees and accept it.  It is our only hope.  The gift of life that Jesus offers is our only spiritual hope.  Without it, without Him, without humble acceptance of our broken, sinful condition and his perfect gift, there is no life and healing.

We are spending this day thankful for Alan's life and the willingness of his donor family to say 'yes'.  

We praise God for the help and healing he has given us these past 6 years.  We pray for our precious donor family, and we pray for you, to know the Gift of Life that God has given, his own Son, for each of us.

Being still

Today was one of those Sundays that we thought we were doing great on time and then realized as we headed out the door to church - we were late.

As I ushered everyone out the door to the van, I went back in for one more thing and realized not one child out there buckling up had their hair combed.  Apparently being rushed and late wasn't bothering me too badly, because as I reached into the bathroom cabinet I heard this little ditty in my head:
"Oh the hair outside is frightful,
but the clothes are so delightful.
And since we won't be at home,
Grab a comb, grab a comb, grab a comb!"

Why yes, I was quite amused with myself.

Turns out we were just a few minutes late - no big deal.

During Sunday School I sat in a quiet room nursing Daniel and thinking.  (Ok, I'm not gonna lie - I also put a second coat of polish on my nails.)  First I thought about how fast the first 10 weeks of Daniel's life have flown by.  Then I thought about the week of Christmas festivities ahead and wished they would pass slowly.

It seems like when you are busy with a list of things to do time rushes past, but when you are waiting on something things go slowly.

So I wondered, even with all of the Christmas preparations left to do, how could I reverse that and savor these days instead of rushing through them?

And then it hit me:

"Be still, and know that I am God" -Psalm 46:10

and 

"Wait on the LORD" - Psalm 27:14

With those verses in mind, my goal over the next few days is to be able to stop in the midst of the busyness and enjoy God's presence and his presents.  The gifts of his son, his word, my kids, family, and even this season itself, to celebrate.  I want to savor and enjoy this week, not just look back on it later and wonder where it went as I stayed busy preparing for it!

Merry Christmas to you!  Slow down and enjoy it! :)

Growing little men

Some while after sending the boys out to play in the beautiful birthday sunshine today, I was informed that....

..."Since Alan is 6 [today], we are trying to find hard and/or dangerous things [to do] and tough them out."

Sure enough, I could see they were climbing high and testing their limits.

Apparently our backyard couldn't contain them (or maybe I put a kink in their style when I wouldn't let them climb onto the shed roof), because before long they asked if we could go play at the park "for Alan's birthday."  

Their reasoning?  They could find much more adventurous dare-devil things to do there!

And so... we did.

Recently Greg and I over-heard an adult (female) admonishing a stick-waving little boy, "Put that down! It looks dangerous!"

Greg's comment to me (out of the woman's hearing) was, "I think that's the point!"

We want our boys to be wise, but to also be brave. To not be afraid of getting dirty, or even a little "bunged-up" if the situation calls for it.  How will they ever learn to be real MEN other-wise?

Something inside them calls them to push the limits.  To do things that look - and might be! - dangerous. 

 If climbing everything at the park builds their confidence and fills a little of that need, then it's worth an hour out of our day now and then.

 Full disclosure: I didn't get pictures of Tyler's most daring feat because both of my arms were fully extended over my head acting as his spotter.  But I didn't stop him or do it for him, and even if I don't have it recorded, his smile upon reaching his goal was priceless.

 I didn't know what I was getting into when God made me a Mama to boys.  But I'm honored to be along for the ride! 

Christmas all year

Christmas in August: a project from a recent family devotion.  We liked having a reminder of Jesus' humble birth sitting in our dining space for the week.

One morning when "everything" was wrong and I felt overwhelmed and frustrated, I thought of our August manger scene and reflected on what it means for all of us who can call Jesus 'Savior'.

No matter how wrong "everything" gets - whether it is the simple frustrations of daily life, or the tragedies and hard times that come along less often (thankfully!), I can be reassured that not everything is wrong.

Because the King of Kings was born in that manger, lived a perfect life, paid the punishment for my sins with his death, and then rose again, I can have hope, no matter what circumstances come my way.

So whether I am facing a major crisis or a minor one, In August or December, I can see that baby in the lowly manger and know that "because He lives, I can face tomorrow" (and today)! :)



Devotion and manger scene patterns from:

(Amazon Affiliate link -I may receive a small percentage of your Amazon purchase)

Not back to school blog hop - Student Photo Week

Dale.  My firstborn.  The one with enough energy and enthusiasm for 3 kids.  The one who is often so tender and loving with his two youngest siblings.  The one who was most excited when we said a 5th baby was coming.  The one who has caused me more doubt and challenges than the other three combined.  The one with whom I am falling in love all over again.  He'll turn 9 this week.

Alan.  Our miracle boy.  He's been through four surgeries.  He's living life with a gifted liver.  And I do mean 'living', as he often seems to treasure every moment.  He's a charmer, easily winning over many hearts thus far in his life.  He trusted Jesus as his Savior this summer, and for a person who was already tender and sweet, seeing the transformation to "new creature" has been amazing.  He'll be 6 in November.

Tyler.  My big eyed, don't-let-him-out-of-your-sight, B.O.Y.  He thinks he's every bit as big as his brothers, and he just about is.  He ate more weird found objects in his babyhood than I care to recall.  Ditto for things broken and misused.  The boy is hilarious.  Not a day goes by we don't all crack up at something he says.  He keeps us on our toes, but he makes it worthwhile.  He's 4 months from his 3rd birthday.

Brooklyn.  Our girl.  The bit of pink and softness in a sea of maleness. 

A laughing, crawling, playing baby that everyone here loves to play with, feed, change, and dress.  We're never in want for willing hands and eyes to keep her company for a few minutes, and she enjoys being the recipient of such affection!  She is 11 months old.

Peace in the storm

Not long after tucking the boys into bed last night we heard the first rumbles of thunder.  

Thrilled at the promise of coming rain, I still winced at the timing and hoped the boys were already asleep.

Soon the flashes were brighter and closer, and the rumbles turned into claps.  Sure enough, around the corner peeped a wide-eyed 2 1/2 foot blondie.  With sheet and pillow.  

Greg and I were halfway visiting, halfway watching the Olympics with no volume, so it was easy to bed Tyler down on one end of the couch.

It wasn't long before the other thunderstorm-wary brother appeared.  Skeptical of it actually coming off without poking, kicking, wrestling and tattling, we settled Alan in next to Tyler on the couch while the storm boomed on.

It didn't take long, and only a few reminders to "lay down" and "close your eyes" before we looked over to see this:

Oh, the sweetness of sleeping babies.

This morning in our family devotion time we talked about God caring for us, and I thought about those two peaceful boys.

How often do we do what we think is the "right" thing and run to God when problems arise, but we run to him begging or demanding that he fix it.  "Do something, God!" we cry out.

Our boys came to Mama & Daddy afraid of a storm, but never once did they ask us to make it stop.  They simply rested in the comfort of nothing but our presence.

If only we can learn to follow their lead!  To simply rest in in the comfort of His presence.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Exodus 33:14

O that today they might fall!

We sang "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing" at church today, and although it is one I have heard a hundred times before, today spoke to me in a new way.

Maybe it is because I am often juvenile enough to get a kick out of singing it on rainy days or in the middle of August when the ground it parched and we are seriously needing some rain. :)

Today I actually paid attention to the spiritual side of the song.  (Imagine that!)  Our summer weather so far, literally speaking, has been wonderful.  Even though hot it has been so much milder compared to June/July 2010 & 2011.  I thought about how grateful we have been lately for the occasional thundershowers that come over, keeping the gardens growing and the grass green.  We get encouraged over even the hope of rain.

Who gets excited about rain at the end of January when or the middle of April when it's been pouring for 3 days straight and at least 11 of the last 15 days??  Remember those times?  It's not those days, but in the dry times when we are most grateful for the showers.  It's in the heat of summer when the ground is thirsty and so are we that we get a thrill at that wet smell in the air.

Honestly, our family is in a dry season, figuratively speaking.  Nothing earth-shattering, but just one of those times when thing after thing after thing piles on and makes you weary.  We have all been there at one time or another.  

So today it was encouraging to be reminded that even though things now are dry and our faith is feeling a little scorched, "there shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Savior above."

"...I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

One tiny piece of The Greatest Story Ever Told

In the middle of May,

after a couple of months of questions,

a little boy lay in his bed one night,

and all by himself talked to God,

expressing sorrow over, and asking forgiveness for, wrongs done.

He told God he didn't want to sin anymore, 

and asked Him to save him so he would someday live forever with Him in Heaven.

I know these are the things he said, because he told me.

The little boy soon glowed with joy as he shared his decision over and over again with others.

Today, we joyfully shared in the boy's next step of obedience, 

shedding tears of happiness, and rejoicing over a life eternally saved.

Are you written into The Greatest Story Ever Told?  A Savior came and gave his life to pay for the sins of the world: Alan's, mine, yours.  Jesus' gift of life lies waiting for each of us to take.  Have you accepted this gift? 

In which we get medical and slightly technical

1. Thank you all for kind messages and prayers.  They are very encouraging and much appreciated!

2. Our nephew/cousin Logan is home from the hospital and doing much better. 

3. Alan:

The short version is this: Alan woke up Monday morning with a fever of 104.3.  We took him immediately to our pediatrician, where we found out his white blood count was over 24,000.  (Average/normal is 4,000 - 10,000).  From there he was moved to the local er to be treated while waiting on a transfer to our Children's hospital.  The fever responded very well on Monday to iv fluids and an antibiotic injection.

Greg and Alan spent Monday night at Children's.  That evening and much of the day Tuesday involved a lot of tests and a lot of visits from specialists.  

The bottom line seems to be fairly uncomplicated, as far as medical things go.  

 - Alan has had a cold/junky cough (we knew that).

 - He has pink eye.  We suspected that on Saturday / Sunday, and figured it would mean a dr. visit on Monday.  He got it from Tyler, who had a mild case and recovered on his own in just 2-3 days.  We don't know where Tyler got it.  It is viral, as opposed to bacterial, which means no meds to treat it, just let it run its course.

 - Alan has an infection in his ear canal.  More commonly known as: swimmer's ear.  No, we haven't been swimming.  Alan has had mounting issues with his ears in the last couple of months.  Since December, we have had an appointment scheduled with an Ear/Nose/Throat dr for the first week of June.  Things just came to a head (ha! Alan's head!) before we could get there.  We will be keeping that appointment, because...

 - Alan's tonsils are about as big as a kid's can get and will need to come out at some point.  Here again, this is something we were aware of, hence the ENT appointment next month.

To recap: it was the incredibly high fever and the high white count that landed Alan in the hospital. After evaluation we know those were most likely caused by the ear infection.  I think I will always laugh when I look back on this admission: my kid was hospitalized for pink eye and swimmer's ear!

In truth, however, my kid was hospitalized because he has a compromised immune system.  Infections are never a thing to be taken lightly with him, because we can never know for sure how well he will - or will not - be able to fight something off on his own.  Sometimes, a little thing can turn to a big thing way too fast.  

We are thankful for God's blessings and care.  We are thankful for cautious doctors that stay on top of things.  We are thankful for the simplicity of pink eye and swimmer's ear!  We are even thankful for the compromised immune system.  It protects the beautiful gift of life Alan was given on December 30, 2007.  As always, we are thankful for that gift, and the courageous family that gave it.

My little karate kid....

...isn't feeling so well.

My mom's blog has a bit more info on why mine is so quiet.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

He is Risen!

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome had bought sweet spices, that they might come and annoint him.

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Mark 16:1-2, 5-6

Guilty, vile and helpless we,

Spotless Lamb of God was He;

Full atonement! can it be?

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Song Lyrics: Hallelujah, What a Savior! - Phillip P. Bliss

Artwork credit: unknown

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood - 

Sealed my pardon with His blood:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Song Lyrics: Hallelujah, What a Savior! -Phillip P. Bliss

Image credit: Unknown