Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Brandt!

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Brandt!
Busy as can Be--2 Years Old!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Lists...

As I've worked to complete endless lists this week -- certainly enough to drive my poor husband, if not myself crazy -- I have found my mind unwillingly going to many "What ifs?" So I decided to start a "definitely true" list instead.

FIRST of all -- God has abundantly provided. He's given me a wonderful loving supportive hard-working husband I just adore. My mother to come over and help me check things off my never-ending lists :-), and who would take all the unknowns and uncertainties of the coming weeks far away if she could. My sister to attend long doctor visits and answer analytical medical questions for me -- in the middle of launching a permanent medical missions transfer to Africa over the next couple months, no less. Amazing in-laws willing and able to watch the boys during doctor appointments and surgeries as needed, or get them back and forth to Charleston. Two employers willing to work with us through a severe physical hardship. Brother and talented writer sis-in-law sharing, ordering parts for, and ASSEMBLING crib so I can see baby nursery put together before I leave. Dear family and friends offering to come for surgeries, make meals, share baby equipment as needed, mow our lawn, help with the boys, watch our dog, you name it. Church family gathering for send-off prayer for Brandt. Co-workers texting encouragement and offers of help. Neighbors and school families bringing send-off gifts and baskets for baby and our family. STRANGERS, but family in Christ, providing extended housing, a church home away from home, meals, groceries . . . um COUNTLESS cards, e-mails, texts with spiritual strength and wisdom that is most important of all through this trial.

To share a few of these truths I've read or encouragements I've been sent over the past few months since we found out about Brandt's condition and SECOND in my "definitely true" list: God doesn't have to provide . . . He already IS everything. We attended a timely class at our church discussing how to teach your children about suffering. As usual, we parents needed the lessons more than the kids at this time, most likely! But the instructor shared a quote from Oswald Chambers:

"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant JOY in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. 'We are more than conquerors through Him.' In all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it."

From Fearless by Max Lucado:

"The Canaanite mother. The father of the epileptic boy. Jairus. These three parents form an unwitting New Testament society: struggling parents of stricken children. They held the end of their rope in one hand and reached toward Christ with the other. In each case Jesus responded. He never turned one away.

His consistent kindness issues a welcome announcement: Jesus heeds the concern in the parent's heart. After all, our kids were his kids first. 'Don't you see that children are GOD'S best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?' (Ps. 127:3 MSG). Before they were ours, they were his. Even as they are ours, they are still his.

We tend to forget this fact, regarding our children as 'our' children, as though we have the final say in their health and welfare. We don't. All people are God's people, including the small people who sit at our tables. Wise are the parents who regularly give their children back to God."

And another friend challenging me regarding Scripture memory as it applies to our everyday life mentioned Psalm 121 (NIV). So the boys and I have been working on that chapter, and what inspiring thoughts!

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you -- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Oops, I've written another book today . . . more later, but these TRUTHS fill me with hope and confidence . . . that's what a beacon's for, right? Thank you if you've taken the time to read this long record -- I know a printout of today's post will serve as a wonderful reminder to me to trust during long periods of waiting or uncertainty through the coming months.

2 comments:

  1. Dear Lindy, I have prayed for you much over the last few weeks. I will be praying lots and lots on the 25th. I do not know what to say except that God makes no mistakes and "His grace is sufficient." I have had to remind myself of this over and over and I hope it is a helpful reminder to you and yours. Love and Prayers, Becca Gilliam

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  2. Lindy, precious post. I teared up at times reading it.
    I have read a lot of Oswald Chambers the past few years - I may have told you I've been plugging through his complete works, a huge textbook size book - though easy to read small portions. One of my favorites! - Heather

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