Easter Ideas

                                 Share "Jesus is the Good News"
                                                 This Easter!
   

 Over the next two weeks I thought it would be fun to share with you some Easter gift ideas. I usually give a little candy and then something else (Which I will share more later).

The creator of Veggie Tales had created a new series called, Whats in The Bible.

I think this would make a GREAT Easter "basket" gift! I wish I could purchase some for my girls.












You can check them out and make a purchase here: Whats in the Bible 20% off


For His Glory,

One Year Later Part 5

Whew! Sorry this is SO late!.

Today is day 5 and the final part in my week long story of my son's 1st year of life. You can read the first four parts by clicking here:

getting ready to come home.

     It's funny I thought bringing Josiah home wouldn't be that big of a deal. Ha! Was I wrong! *smile* I was planning on coming alone with the girls and packing him and his stuff up and leaving. Praise God. my mom offered to come with us!!! First off, once again they want to go over everything, finish getting him ready and fed for the trip. There is ALL kinds of paper work to go over and sign. Our car seat didn't pass the inspection and I kind of panicked because we couldn't afford to buy a new one on our way to the hospital. The hospital provided a free one.Thank you Lord! The problem...it's one for bigger babies and sat straight up. And I me STRAIGHT up. Even my girls car seats recline some what. It took me FOREVER to get it buckled in, because it had to face backward and the straps weren't long enough. Augh! Then it took several trips and finally my van was FULL of baby items, oxygen tanks, and medical equipment. A couple of hours later, we were ready to leave! I was so excited and nervous!!

Our very own oximeter

Our hospital grade suction machine.

Josiah's new feeding machine.

     With my mom and a nurses to help we got the kids down to the car. It was freezing out and Josiah couldn't breath in the cold hair. So I was trying to hurry and get everyone settled so we could be on our way. WELL....the straps were too tight and I couldn't get him in all the way. I was already worried because no one knew how he'd handle driving in the car.Would his oxygen drop? Would he scream? Would he go into distress and stop breathing? I started to get very upset at that point and was in tears. I couldn't figure out how to loosen the straps!! He looked so uncomfortable sitting straight up like that and I was worried he would have trouble breathing. I finally got him strapped in good enough to drive home. It was the LONGEST drive home of my life!!

Josiah at home. His special sling is above him.

     We finally got home and my dad was there to help me unload the car and get us settled in. I am so thankful to the Lord for his help! Josiah started screaming and I couldn't get him to stop. It took my dad many, many strips to unload the car (we live on the second floor). By the time he was done, there where boxes piled up every where! It finally found some items that I would need for the night. Such as, his feeding machine, oxygen, monitor, and his special formula and meds. I really wanted and needed a good cry! But, I didn't want to upset the girls. It was overwhelming to say the least and a long night!! But we survived! *smile*

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

     When Josiah came home he was still on oxygen and strapped to a monitor to check his heart rate and oxygen level. He was on a G-tube feeding machine and a STRICT eating and medicine schedule. He had to eat every 3 hours, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 12am and repeat. *smile* It was exhausting and I started to sleep through my alarm at night and would miss feeds. Because, start the feed, say at 9pm. Then the machine goes off an hour later to say it's done and you have to get up and shut it off. Then two hours later at 12 you have to start it again.   There was a lot to do and a lot to learn. We didn't leave the house expect for doctor appointments (which there where MANY of those).It took a while to get use to traveling with Josiah and all his equipment when we would head into Boston. Sometime's it felt like we lived there! But it got easier as time went on.

Grammy and Naomi checking on Josiah.

     During that first winter Josiah got sick once and almost had to be hospitalized (he was so fragile and a cold could be deadly). It was nerve racking. But I have gotten use to what the warning signs are and not to panic so quickly. He has to sleep elevated and had a special pillow that elevates his mattress  As time has gone on I have learned that it's better for him to sleep in his little reclining seat because it doesn't irritate his feeding tube site. We had to have the site cauterized at one point, because it was so irritated! I have also learned not to worry so quickly when it does become irritated and he to treat and help heal it.

Dakota, Dad, and Josiah.

     We've had lots of help, from visiting nurses, to therapists and feeding specialist, to all kinds of different doctors and nutritionists. Josiah finally came off the oxygen in August and has FINALLY gained weight after losing it and then getting "stuck" at that weight. He had 4 different surgeries, but each time there was more then one surgery scheduled for that day. Now that we are done with surgeries for a while, we have been able to start teaching him how to orally eat. Praise God!!

"Rock on"

A VERY tired Mommy and Josiah.

 














        The Lord is merciful and mighty to save! He has given us a son with such a sweet disposition and fighting spirit. People have wondered why God has given us so much to handle as a family. I don’t have the answer to that question, all I know is that God promises to not give us more then we can handle. Throughout everything one of my biggest concerns was pointing the way back to Christ through my actions and attitudes. When we weren't sure if Josiah would make it or not, I wanted the medical world to know that we wanted him to live and would fight for that precious life, but ultimately God is in control and we would submit to His will. I am so thankful that God has answered our prayers and allowed our son to live!

before first lip surgery.

Before the palate surgery.

"Beware of fretting, murmuring, complaining, and giving way to an impatient spirit. Regard your sickness as a blessing in disguise – a good and not an evil – a friend and not an enemy. No doubt we should all prefer to learn spiritual lessons in the school of ease and not under the rod. But rest assured that God knows better than we do how to teach us. The light of the last day will show you that there was a meaning and a “need be” in all your bodily ailments. The lessons that we learn on a sick-bed, when we are shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere. "

~ J.C. Ryle

I loved that quote, what a great reminder whether it's you that is not well or a child, God is using it to sanctified.

Interview

Hello ladies


I just wanted to ask for prayer, my husband has a job interview tomorrow, Friday the 16th!! Please be praying for him, the interview, and the Lord's will. That if it is His will that my husband gets the job! 

Thank you!

It has been a crazy week! Josiah had the stomach and has spent most of the week crying/whining. Which means very little sleep for my husband and I. *smile* We are just praising God that Josiah is doing better. His body is still so fragile and it takes a toll on him.

Today we had several specialist come over to go over the swallow test we had done, so Lord willing, I'm planning on sharing with you all updates and what's going on with our little guy. We still can't believe his on a feeding machine, but we are thankful that he is interested in learning to eat. That is HUGE!

Anyway, I can't wait to share it with ya'll. Thank you for your prayers!


For His Glory,

God is Bigger

Do you spend more time telling God how big your problems are, or telling your problems how big your God is? - Jason Meyer

I've been really having a hard time with everything. I was especially struggling the beginning half of last week. The tension was think in the air and I wasn't sleeping well. I would wake up with feelings of anxiety. Psalm 37:8 I struggled with fear, anxiety, bitterness, anger, hurt, betrayal, etc. 

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

I know it's wrong and I am struggling with feeling terrible about it! I don't want to question and worry! I want to keep my eyes focused on the Lord and trust Him in ALL things!

"Trust in HIM at all times, you people; pour out your heart before HIM; GOD is a refuge for us. Selah" Psalm 62:8

God has been showing and reminding me this week that I am not fully trusting Him and that HE is BIGGER then everything that is going on! He is perfectly able to change hearts and protect the vulnerable, that He will provide for our needs. We/I just need to trust and keep my eyes above.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. " Col. 3:2

 I was talking to a friend and she was sharing her struggles and her husbands lack of employment the past couple of years and she said, "I can attest to the fact that  God is BIGGER than I ever gave Him credit for."

"Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

I realized that I was telling God how big my problems are and not remembering that God is BIGGER!! Eph. 3:20 I keep focusing on the fact that my trials include hearts and children, not just unemployment, not just me...and well...that scares me! But God is bigger then anything! He created everything and can change hearts...and protect the hearts of children...and provide all our material needs...provide employment...and strengthen my marriage. 

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

I know God is using this time to sanctify me and make me more in His image. 

"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Heb. 12:6

Though I'd rather not have to go through these trying times, BUT I know they are for my good! I can find peace and joy in that!

"My brethren  count is all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3

Here are some wonderful reminders from Michelle at Above Rubies:

He is able to:
do exceedingly abundantly above all! Eph 3:20
Make all grace abound! 2 Cor 9:8
Aid those tempted! Heb. 2:18
Save to the uttermost! Heb 7:25
Keep you from stumbling!
Present you faultless! Jude 2:4
Keep us until the Day! 2 Tim 1:12
Subdue all things! Phil 3:21
His ability has no end, and He lives in us!
"According to your faith let it be to you." Matt. 9:28-29

What has the Lord been teaching you lately?

For His Glory,

Hear My Cry

Credit: scripture prayer

God has given me "one" particular verse (actually it's 4 verses) during these very trying times. I keep crying out these verses over and over again.

Credit: Pegitboard

Hear my cray, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cray to You, 

when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher then I.

For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your 

tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

Psalm 61:1-4

Has God given you any particular verses during trying times?

For His Glory,

Acne Face Mask

Acne Face Mask

Here is a great all natural recipe, with ingredients you can find in your home.

Ingredients:

-         1 avocado

-          egg

-         Honey

Why it will help acne:    

     Mash the avocado. Mix in the egg and about a tablespoon of honey. Apply it to your face (WARNING: It will make you look like a green monster and may frighten your husband or children. *wink*) and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

      Honey helps kill bacteria and is used in many natural remedies to help kill the bacteria. The honey kills the bacteria by dehydrating it.

    

       Eggs are rich in retinol (vitamin A), which helps heal your skin. But make sure you use the right part of the egg for your skin type. If you have oily skin, use the egg whites. It acts as an astringent. The egg yolk is high in fat, so is good for dry skin.

       

     The avocado moisturizes the skin.

Enjoy! How did it work for your?

For His Glory,

You are Mine

Credit; juliefor jesus

Happy Monday!

Well, life has been really hard and challenging. We have been going through several trials. My husband still doesn't have a job, there is almost no money coming in and that alone is scary! We have been in the middle of two other trials on top of it. I can't really talk about it. But trust me... it's HARD!!

The Lord is using this time to draw me near to Him. Though some days I want to give up, He reminds me that He is here and He alone is my strength and protector.

Here is a beautiful verse that I find as an encouragement and I hope it ministers to you as well.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43:1-3

For His Glory,