1) I’m speaking tonight at a homeschool support group, and am sharing a bit of our story. I’d love prayers – that the words aren’t just about me, but are words that reflect and direct back to the Father above. Oh yes, and prayers that my heart is calm. But most importantly, that the Lord can use me to bless those around me as I speak about His faithfulness in ALL circumstances.
2) Want to know what I’m talking about? It would be finding joy.
(I wonder where I got that idea)
3) Samuel had a great week last week. I’m having to relearn how to surrender and let go of worry. It’s as if I’ve had to reteach myself to recognize that not every cry is one of not feeling well. He’s approaching 17 months and has a wee bit of a temper at times. It’s balance. And relearning. And trusting. And praising for the good days.
4) Over the course of the next week we have a follow-up visit with his amazing Pediatric GI Doctor (next Monday) and our visit with the Pediatric Immunology/Infectious Disease Doctor (tomorrow).I’m eager to visit with the doctor tomorrow and have been praying that he takes a serious and thorough look at my Samuel. I’ve been praying for good news and answers. And for that calm heart again. 🙂
5) I have only missed gluten a couple of times. I can hardly believe that I don’t miss gluten more than I do — considering it’s in 90% of everything Target sells. I honestly believe that my determination in NOT eating gluten comes from seeing the change in my Samuel. A month ago he could hardly get up from the ground and now today he’s going up and down stairs, climbing, walking without falling, and playing. He still has hard days, but they are less severe and shorter than they were previously. In fact, right now, he’s been squirming on my lap while I’ve been writing this post. God is good.
6) Samuel’s weight? UPDATE: I just weighed him and he’s lost close to a pound in the last week. When I wrote this post this morning the last weight was sitting steady. Then when I checked the plot on the Wii Fit he lost almost that pound. I don’t get it. Sigh. **** He hasn’t lost anymore weight, but he hasn’t gained either. I don’t get the no gaining because I see him eat and eat and eat –all gluten free. We’ve also taken him off lactose for 3months, and I chatted with his GI Doctor and we are repeating the biopsy in early summer to check healing of his gut. However, let me tell you, not losing anymore weight is a huge step in the right direction.
7) Last bit of info about me — I wrote my post for 5Minutes for Faith. It’s about rejoicing in the Lord — in all times — and is based off of Philippians 4. (I know you all are shocked that I used something from Philippians.) I love that book. One of my goals for the next year is to memorize Philippians. I’m starting with chapter four. Anyone game to memorize it along with me? And click here to read my article at 5Minutes for Faith.
Kind of a serious miscellany monday. I know I haven’t updated about Samuel for a bit. I’m in a quandry right now about the medical updates. I’m debating starting a caringbridge site dedicated just for him and his journey with Celiac Disease. But, then again, I want my life interwoven and real on this blog — and Samuel’s path speaks directly to my heart and my relationship with the Lord. Thoughts?
18 comments
Thanks for sharing all your misc! I love reading these kinds of posts.
In my humble opinion, I would enjoy reading everything in one place. I think it would be easier to keep track of one blog. You can have a separate medical label for all posts updating his health. You are good at including all your children in your blog, so if you continue to write about them all, and then once in a while update Samuel’s health in a separate post, it would be more interwoven with your life, like you were mentioning. Your relationship with the Lord can continue to flow through the entire blog like it does already! Just my 2 cents.
Oh my goodness your little Samuel is adorable. Good luck on your speaking tonight!
Praying for you as you speak tonight!
I’m so thankful to hear that Samuel is squirming on your lap as you write! Keep squirming, Samuel!
Since you asked, my thought is that I like seeing everything all in one place! 😉
Blessings!
Serious is good even on misc. mon! Especially since you’re sharing your story and that joy down in your heart (“where!? Down in your heart to stay!” Sorry, I’m a mom and live life out in childrens songs… I’m sure you do too!). I’ve been praying for Sam’s appt tomorrow – it’s on 2/22; how could I forget! – may there be clarity and answers. So happy to hear that he isn’t losing weight… Praying for the gain to start. And tonight will be amazing, I just know it. Praying for your words and a calm heart.
Ps. I think you should share about Sam here… It would be hard to keep that separate from the rest your life.
I’m so glad things are moving in the right direction for him. That must be so scary to face. You are so strong, even in weakness, I know that’s the grace of the Lord on your life, He shines through you, and even though you probably have moments of despair and worry, there is grace for those moments as well, and those are the times when His strength takes over and carries you.
Anyway, please keep sharing about him here!!
Praying for you now. God will use you mightily. And my vote is to keep Samuel and Celiac here…such a part of your journey, your life…your finding joy….and sharing it here with all of us. We get to learn and grow right alongside you…and be encouraged through Christ along the way.
Much love,
Stacy
I like all the updates here of your life, Samuel…everything. Like you said it’s all interwoven 🙂
Praying for peace for you from the ONE who can give it…praying for healing for Samuel from the ONE who made him…praying for continued steps in the right direction and answers for your worries. God knows. He cares. He has laid this path before you…..follow HIM.
hugs~ Cinnamon
Keep it all on this site! It’s all your life–and it’s all the ways God speaks to you, including the medical *(but I am one who has it all on one blog too–homeschooling, medical, fun stuff, etc.). : )
Praying for the appointments and for weight gain while praising God for no more weight loss!
I would love to be able to attend and hear you speak. I know it will be a rich blessing to all the Moms that attend.
I think you should keep everything here. We enjoy sharing in all of your life and it would probably be easier and less time consuming to just have one entry place. But, it’s your decision.
Thinking of you!
Hopped over from Lynette’s blog early. I can’t wait to get started i guess. Nice to meet you. I guess I met your daughter Hannah Nicole too? Anyway good luck at your meeting tonight. I’ll say a prayer. And sorry to hear your little guy is sick but glad he’s feeling better on the new diet.
You’re blog is so real and heartfelt, your experience with Samuel makes it so, could you “market” your present blog to reach those going through the same thing? Hope your talk goes well, wish I could hear it!
I’m still praying for Sam! And I’ll be praying for your speaking engagement tonight.
I am wary to say I’d like to memorize Philippians with you only just because it sounds like a monumental task. But I think the accountability will help me keep up with it, so I’m going to just jump off the ledge and say, yes, Rachel, I am game to memorize Philippians with you!
Praying for you and also for your son right now.
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my blog today!
Praying your speaking went well tonight. I know you did a fabulous job and that many lives were blessed. I continue to pray for Samuel. I love how you post about Samuel here. He is a part of your life and I like how you interweave it all here.
Hope all went well tonight!
Always praying!
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
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I like reading updates on all your children. I think medical posts should be interwoven with everything else. I think we all understand that medical stuff is a big part of your life right now, so it is ok to post more frequently about it. It will settle down in time and become nicely balanced.
Love you girl, it’s a season, leave it all together, that’s how our lives are… all mixed up together, the good w/ the bad, the fun w/ the not so fun. I like your updates and love reading your blog.