Weekly Rewind 8/23-8/29/09

What an interesting week it has been, a potpourri of events that simply confirm His sovereignty. Only God can offer such ups and downs and in-betweens in one week....and, all for our good, too!

~The week started with a slight stomach bug traveling through a few of the Littles....Boo, Little Bit, and even Peep. After having coped with severe cases of rotovirus, I was especially praising God for these much milder symptoms. The most unsettling time was watching Peep get ill, for babies can quickly get dehydrated. Praise the LORD, she's doing better, and God has kept the rest of us healthy.

~It's that time. The new water stains this week on our ceiling, in various spots, screamed loudly that we really need a new roof. (ok, Allisons, is this contagious?) :) We'd appreciate prayer for God's provision and for suspension of pelting rains!

~You know those beautiful flower beds the men made? Well, soon after, our lovely plants just started dying. It was very frustrating since we've planted before without a problem. And, this time, Mountain Man diligently prepared a special soil, too. Since scratching our heads doesn't make the flowers grow, we knew we had to DO something. Then, my Beloved said the magic word.....MULCH. You see, the author of our gardening book might not think it necessary, but with the wind and the heat that we enjoy here, we had to have mulch! Amazing...we've watched the flowers come to life this past week....which is quite the reminder that God can make anything grow. (even me!)

~We finished up our school year yesterday! I know...most other children are now returning for the new one, but with a new baby and our trip to VA, we had to adjust our schedule a bit. But, that's one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling....you learn as you live and don't have to worry that your living will only occur at the convenience of your learning.

~I returned to the Dr. to have my stitch (and hair) removed from my forehead and was given the initial report that the biopsy was positive. I later received a phone call from the nurse who explained that this cancer is very superficial, and I have a number of treatment options!

~Mountain Man made a trip to a medical center yesterday, complaining of severe chest pain. PRAISE GOD....it wasn't a heart attack! The doctor initially thought that MM had a clot in his lungs, but that test was negative, too. So, he's been diagnosed with inflammation of the chest wall, which does cause excruciating pain...only when you breathe. The medicines are finally starting to help a bit, and he's just planning on getting a lot of rest this weekend. It's interesting, though, to note what often causes this type of pain and inflammation.....STRESS. Here are quotes from his care sheet from the hospital:

"This is pain in the chest that comes from the surface of the chest, not the heart or lungs. It is sometimes called costochondritis. This is quite often stress related. Chest wall pain can be very painful but is not dangerous."

"....try to eliminate the cause of your stress." "...you must try other means of reducing your stress level."


"Count it all joy....." We praise God for the following:

~there was only one time during the illness this week that I had to get up in the middle of the night. That might not sound like a big deal, but, it is truly a gift for most Moms, and I'm so thankful to God for his mercy!

~Though the children had a few symptoms, they weren't listless or unable to play and enjoy the day

~The roof problem reminds us of our dependence on God and His provision, and we're also reminded to be thankful for everything else about our home that we often take for granted

~that He blessed our efforts to solve the dying-flowers problem, and even brought several of them back to life

~that He helped us perservere and continue finishing the school year even in the midst of continously challenging circumstances

~that my cancer won't require a deeply invasive procedure

~that Mountain Man doesn't have heart issues, and yet, God, through His meticulous design of our bodies, is alerting us that we need to make some big decisions....the drive to work one of them

Isn't it wonderful that no matter what circumstances we're facing, there is ALWAYS something for which to praise Him ? When He presents us with the "impossible," it's just another opportunity to trust Him to do amazing things.

I am so grateful that, because of His mercies, we are not consumed. I'm thankful that the Lord's compassion doesn't fail, and His faithfulness is great. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

Please Pray

~for God's provision for a new roof
~that we'll enjoy our summer break and use our time wisely
~that the Dr. removed all of the skin cancer when she did the biopsy
~for complete healing of Mountain Man's chest pain
~for God's provision for us to move closer to his work so that we can reduce the stress from a long drive
~for wisdom to know what other ways we can reduce stress and trust Him more
~for submissive wills to His plans and that praise for His goodness and mercy would continually be on our lips

Love,
Queen Mom for the Clan