Laughter

Anytime my babies laugh, I consider it a moment to live for. But on this extra joyous occasion, Joshua's FIRST REAL LAUGH was super exciting! I'm so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with the opportunity to have joy and laughter in our lives.

Perspective

"This is the day that the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Today was, in the words of Jennifer, a blog-worthy day.

After picking Julie up from tumbling this morning, we stopped by Nonie's for a quick hello, and headed off to Sonic for corn dogs. The weather was beautiful, so I suggested that Julie and Jonathan have a "picnic" out in the front yard, with ulterior motives...the house was a disaster. I took the opportunity to quickly clean up the living room. I threw out the trash, put toys away, picked up some laundry, vacuumed, and wiped down the coffee table. As I delivered the laundry to the laundry room, which is also our pantry, I discovered an entire bag of sugar, previously unopened, had been dumped onto the floor. Before having the chance to clean it up, I ran to the front door in response to Jonathan, who was screaming frantically. Julie had decided to take a small shovel full of potting soil from the planter on the front porch, and throw it in Jonathan's face. It was everywhere! His nose was clogged with it, his head and shirt were covered, and it was quickly turning to mud as the drool and tears dripped down his face. He couldn't even open his eyes.



Why? Julie says it was because she just wanted to have some fun. I stripped him down, left his clothes and poopy diaper on the front porch, and took him in for a bath. All the while, Julie was crying hysterically, out of guilt. As soon as our short bath time was over with, I cleaned out the tub, refilled it, and put Julie in. Then, I cleaned out the tub, again. Since we were doing baths, I decided to go ahead and give Joshua one too. As I was bathing him, I heard a loud smack, followed by Julie's painful scream. Jonathan had apparently decided to take matters into his own hands and retaliate.
Joshua and I headed off to his room to get a diaper and clean clothes. He was decidedly very unhappy about the temperature, and wailed loudly to inform me of it. Nevertheless, we succeeding in dressing, and returned to the clean living room. Then, I was pleasantly surprised with opened Pixie Sticks that had "spontaneously combusted" all over the freshly Pledged coffee table, and vacuumed rug.
At 4pm, a few minutes after Mike came home from work (to a messy living room), Jonathan and I hurried to our Dr.'s appointment, which we were, of course, late for. I had a "fun" postpartum pelvic exam, blood drawn (in both the right and left arm, after the first attempted vain had failed to produce enough blood for the necessary tests), and learned that Jonathan has RSV.
I'd discovered earlier in the day, that our planned baby-sitter had gotten a stomach virus, and we no longer had a child care solution for our 6 year wedding anniversary date, which was to take place on Friday. So after our trip to the clinic, I proceeded to make phone calls, in an attempt to save our big date night. I was also late for a dinner date with a few of my friends from school (which rarely happens). So I came in the house, to find Joshua crying, ready for a bottle. As I combed my hair, and discussed our ruined plans with Mike, Jonathan was unattended. Therefore, he decided to take some liquid hand soap from the bathroom, pour some on the tile in the hallway, on the arm of the recliner, on the coffee table, and still had enough left to rub in his hair. Mike was urging me out the door so I wouldn't be any later than I already was for my "girls night". As I headed out, Jonathan was hanging onto one leg, Julie on the other, both crying and begging me not to leave.
I made it to dinner, 30 minutes late. We had a great time. After dinner, in the parking lot and freezing weather, I realized that the door to Mike's truck was locked, and the keys were sitting contently on the console. I called Pop-A-Lock, and the problem was resolved.

This was my blog-worthy day.


On my drive home, my mind wandered back to the past. On this day 6 years ago, I had no worries, no stress; only excitement and happiness. I was getting a leg wax, a manicure and pedicure, trying on my wedding dress one last time, and decorating a church auditorium.

I was high on love and smiling at my future.

Today, and all the events of it...this is the future I was smiling at.
Here I am, 6 years later, coming home to this...
and I am high on love, and smiling at my future.

WOW! I am blessed, to say the least. Today, I thank GOD for the innumerable blessings He has given me...including the ability to laugh and rejoice in the days He has made, and all that goes along with them.

"...and she laughs at the time to come."
Proverbs 31:25

"Blessed be GOD, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!"
Psalm 66:20

P.S.
Happy 6 year anniversary Mike. I am so in love with you.

Smiles

Today was a good day...a few things worth mentioning! I was reminded how GOD decides to bless us daily, even when we sometimes don't realize it.

Joshua smiled! Not the "Oh that's just gas" smile, or the "accidentally while sleeping smile". He stared at me with his big beautiful eyes, and really smiled. A few times even, over the course of about 10 minutes! It was amazing! I only wish I had gotten a picture!

Jonathan loves cookies. Who doesn't? Well, it is absolutely adorable when he wants one, because he says "cook-cook", and points. "Mama, cook-cook!" It is precious!

This afternoon, I offered to "draw a bath" for Mike, because he's been feeling flu-ish (poor guy). So he said "You've drawn me a bath? You didn't even know when I was going to be back!" HAHA!! Am I the only one who thinks it's hilarious that I have turned Mike into the kind of man who quotes the Banger Sisters? Love it.

These are the moments I live for.

Medical update, Gracious Lord

Today, I was telling Mike that the last week seems more like years to me. It has seemed very, well, dark. I had a Dr.'s appt. this morning, and the 2nd blood test results were in...still not completely normal, but better! She said it was 57 points lower, which I guess is good, even though I really have no idea what it means. Most likely, it is some kind of virus causing this Myositis, that seems to be improving on its own. CORRECTION: NOT on its own, by GOD's mercy and love. I don't have to get another EMG for now, so that's good! I'm feeling positive about all this; and very blessed. As I was waiting in the Dr.'s office this morning, I was reading the Bible, and seeking some comfort and relief of anxiety. I found the story of the Barren Fig Tree in Matt. 21:18-22. In vs. 22, JESUS says

"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

"Believing" being the key word that struck me. A different version says "If you have faith". GOD is so amazing. It occurred to me that all this time I'd spent begging the Lord to let me be healthy so that I may live to raise my children to know Him, I was convinced I was sick. Partly postpartum depression, maybe? I had a lot of anxiety; whether it be hormonal or lack of faith, I'm still not certain. What I am sure of, is that GOD answered my prayers. I find it contemptible, outrageous that I forget so easily how faithful the Lord is to us. I am so humbled, to know that our Almighty GOD, the Creator of all things good, finds it reasonable not only to answer my prayers, but to love me as well.

Ps 31:21-24, another passage I came across this morning. What an encouragement it is to me now, and especially then (11 hours ago).

Blessed be the Lord,
For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
22 For I said in my haste,
"I am cut off from before Your eyes";
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried out to You.

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!
For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

Wow!

"Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing GOD
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing GOD"

These song lyrics accurately express the overflowing emotions I'm presently cherishing. (Indescribable-Chris Tomlin)

I am so thankful for all the lovingkindess so many of you have shown me over these past few weeks. Thank you for the prayers, and words of encouragement. I know that the trials I've been facing recently are infinitesimal in comparison too so many of the things some of you have been enduring; not to mention the anguish being experienced in distant parts of the world right now. I appreciate the fact that I may have no real perspective on tribulation. Nevertheless, I have been fortified and uplifted throughout this experience, and astonished once again by the real love of our GOD, and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

I'm hoping all those in need will look to GOD and seek Him, to share in this GOD-granted comfort and peace.

Nevertheless....

Thank you, my best friend, for being so kind and encouraging to me tonight. I am grateful to the Lord for you, and feel honored and blessed to have you in my life. I will take your advice, starting now...
"I LOVE THE LORD. I LOVE THE LORD. I LOVE THE LORD."

Count on it...I will not overcome this without thinking of you, LB. I love you!

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, WHEN SORROWS LIKE SEA BILLOWS ROLL, WHATEVER MY LOT, THOU HAS TAUGHT ME TO SAY 'IT IS WELL, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL'.".


"...for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.". Philippians 4:11-13

ALL things.
WHATEVER state.

I'm going to need some practice.

"...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope. Hope does NOT dissapoint, because the love of GOD has been poured out in out hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT who was given to us.". Romans 5:3-5

I know that it is the will of GOD for me to be selfless. (Phil 2:3). Yet I feel that the "venting" I'm doing here is just as much for my benefit as for yours, if not more. Yet, I do wish to be encouraging and edifying to all of you as well.

EMG

Today was the EMG. It went well. There are two kinds, and today I only had the one where they put sticky things on your skin and electrically shock your muscles. It wasn't too bad, just a little uncomfortable. The test results were normal, PRAISE GOD! And I don't have any muscle weakness, so that is good. Next step, have the labs redone in one week. If the liver enzymes are still high and the myositis is still there, then I have to back to the neurologist I saw today for another EMG, the intramuscular kind, where they insert needles into the muscles and then shock them. Yuck. Doesn't sound fun, but I'm hoping it won't be necessary. Maybe the labs I have done next week will come back normal, and I won't need to have it done at all!

The anxiety is still hanging around. I've been praying a lot, and Mike and I have had numerous discussions, and a couple of Bible studies with some friends from Church. I've been struggling with the choice of whether or not to take the anxiety meds that were prescribed to me. Is this problem I am having a lack of faith? After a few torturous days, and lots of prayer, I have decided to take the meds. I'm assuming that because of all the hormonal changes going on since Joshua was born, my body is just out of whack! I desperately want to do God's will and please Him, so I hope that I have made the right decision. Any opinions? Let me know.

God Is Good

GOD is so amazing. It's hard even to put into words. HE answers prayers. You just need to distance yourself from sin to realize it. I'm amazed that I've ever lacked faith at all. May HIS will be done, may we all grow in knowledge and wisdom so that our will and HIS be one.