Waiting

While waiting is definitely hard for me to do. . .  it often allows for precious time spent with the Lord.  I'm reminded of the story of David. . . My wait is so small compared to David's.  He certainly understood what it meant to become fearful and discouraged.  David's willingness to wait sure has been a blessing to me.
"wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Elaina's new doctor should be calling within a week to let us know when the new treatment will start.  A team of physicists are hard at work doing what they do best.  and I sit back praising God for offering them the wisdom that blows my mind.  One of the many things I have learned along the way is how little I understand about all our body systems and what each specialist offers. . . how all these specialists come together with the knowledge they have and collaborate coming up with a specialized plan.  I appreciate all their work and the care they pour out on our sweet princess.
Elaina has such a courageous spirit.  She had an appointment before Christmas to have the typical "pre-radiation" stuff done. . . I'll spare you all the boring details. . . She was never scared and did amazing! but it was stuff that made ME uneasy and to be honest there was a moment I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. . .  and then I heard. . . "For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9  

God so sweetly reminded me through his Word yesterday that He will be with us through it all.
"When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:2-3
Elaina was chosen by God and He loves her far better than I could ever try.  I can't forget the road of Faith that He led me down not too long ago. . . I am continuing on in prayer! Praying for His will and that I choose to trust the plan He has for us knowing that His plan is perfect.  

Thank you so much for partnering with us in prayer! 

Simple Truth

This was from about two weeks ago and I think I figured out how to post to the blog ha! 

Tender

This boy is a special, tender warrior! He has probably had it tougher than I'll ever know on this journey we've walked for the past several years.    From the time he was three he has been quietly watching from the background.  He has seen so much love poured out on his sister. . . so hard for one so small to understand the why.  Why Elaina gets so many treats and presents. . . . why so many people hug her and ooh and aww over "how good she looks."  I really wonder sometimes what goes on in his sweet head. . . tonight I got a small glimpse.  During his routine bedtime prayer he states all that he is thankful for and then he says, "God please, please, please heal Elaina, take those tumors away so she can be healthy." I saw the love he has for his sister and it melted my heart.  Journeys like these are so hard on the siblings in so many ways.  God is working in him and nothing is going to be wasted. . . .NOTHING! So thankful for my Buddy! He also loves his little brother!  They are a strong team those two!. . .

but put the three of them together and they are unstoppable.

The Key to Courage

I received this key in the mail and I knew . . . God had a message for me.  I am so thankful he prompted this sweet sister's heart and she obeyed by placing it in the mail for me .  God is so good! I asked, "God please tell me the key to courage."  . . .. Me. .  . feeling somewhat of a fool for forgetting so soon . . . was ready to hear straight from Him . . . and He is FAITHFUL!

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight" . . . Proverbs 3:3-6

I have many verses within my heart that God helped to sow in regards to fear over the past several years.  And as I asked God to steady my heart and quiet my soul I began to hear truth surface. 

"When I am afraid I will trust in you" Psalm 56:3

"Be Strong and courageous! Do Not Tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27-1

Are just a few. 

So WHAT is the KEY to COURAGE? 

The key to courage is to get into the Word of God. . . meditate on it day and night! The Key to courage is to focus on God's Truth and not my circumstances.  .  . Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 

All that trust in Christ as Savior and Lord can declare these promises spoken in Joshua 1 verse 5:   No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Amazing PROMISES!!!

We have an appointment with the neurosurgeon on Friday (tomorrow) so we ask that you pray for wisdom and peace of mind for this appointment.  Thank you so much for partnering with us on this tough journey.  All 6 of us are needy in our own way.  . . ALL needing intercession!  Only God knows truly what's on our hearts. . . that's one reason why we ask so often to just pray. He hears all!