Never Ever

Last week when we had Dan's eye doctor appt we only had to take Elijah. Madelyn stayed with a friend. We arrive settle into our seats. Elijah opens his little computer, gets comfortable kneeling on the floor and says, "I am never ever taking my shoes off again." He just kept playing. I was just thankful that he had sandals on so his toes would have room to grow :o)

Life Changing Books

I love books that stick with you, that make you want to better yourself. I just read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. What a bittersweet story of suffering and grace. I always look forward to heaven, but now I do even more. How great to think of no suffering, no sorrow, or tears, just heavenly wonder and peace unimagineable to us while here on earth.

Another book that was life changing for me was Mimosa by Amy Carmichael. Mimosa lived an incredible life under extremely hard circumstances. I can't even put into words her story. It's just amazing, and leaves me with no excuse to not persevere through hard times.

I love God so much, and I am so grateful that He does not give up on me. I also love that He has provided so many people with such great testimonies of His grace at work in their lives. Mimosa lived so long ago and her story is still touching people's lives. She was just a woman living in India who I am sure had no idea how God planned to use her.

We don't always know why God allows certain things to happen to us, but He may be able to use us to minister to others for years to come just as He has used Mimosa and Don Piper.

Transparency

I admire people's transparency. I should probably be a little more transparent with things. I had a professor tell me I should speak up more because I have a story I can share with people and experiences that many could learn from. I appreciated him telling me that, but I can't say it's made me speak up more in class.

I went through a lot this past year and have only told a handful of people the horrid details of it all. I did realize that there are many others who struggle with what I went through. It was quite eye-opening and completely humbling. Praise God though. He is good.

Family

We had a fantabulous time this past weekend. Vern (Dan's brother) and Pam (Vern's wife) came to visit us. It was so great. They are so great, and the kids had a blast. Jennifer (Dan's cousin) came on Saturday too. She's so fun, and I look forward to seeing her more. She lives in Harrisburg now and she offered to come and babysit. Boy is she going to regret that ;)

This summer has been fun, even amidst all the trials with Dan's health. Susan and Josh came to visit, along with Vern and Lois. Shannon and her kids, along with my mom, were here for a bit. Nick spent about a week here too. Good times all around.

Along with those fun times came Dan getting really sick, pneumonia-like sickness, for about two weeks. We had a couple appts at Georgetown and after the last one he spent two days in the hospital getting IVIg treatments. So far so good on the vision front. No episodes as of late. Praise God! We go tomorrow for another appt and prayerfully there will no new activity in his eyes.

The kids continue to grow and it's so fun to see their little minds develope. It's interesting having Madelyn home all day again too. I love it, but she needs a bit more to do. So, it's been somewhat of a transition for us. She and Elijah just love each other so much though. It's so cute to see them hug in the morning when they wake up. They are both so sweet (and that's a completely unbiased opinion ;).

So, this is just a little post to sum up what our summer has been all about so far.

God Speaks To Me

It's true. I can't describe it, and I'm not saying that it's a simple thing. But, He does and I am grateful for His clear voice. I thought I was to do something today. I had it all planned out, was about to do it and God told me not to. I don't understand why, but I am supposed to wait. I'm not sure what will happen as a result. I may never know, but I am grateful for His voice. I just wish I listened more closely at times :P

He is a wonderful, merciful God. I give Him praise even from the depths of heartache. If not for His grace, I shudder at the thought of where I might be.

Praise Him with me this day.