Friday, October 24, 2008

Day 4 - Getting Partway UP

Today is the day that we will get E half-way up (recline her steel crib 30-45 degrees). As long as she doesn't have any swelling at her incision site and there is no leaking of fluid, she will be able to get up all the way and do "normal" things on Saturday. As long as she tolerates that, Dr. Fuchs said she may be able to go home Saturday afternoon. YAHH!!! I can't wait to hold her and I can't wait to get her home. 



On another note, I wanted to share (probably more therapeutic for any other reason) some things I have been reading this week. This year at our church, our pastor has been preaching through the entire Bible, highlighting the Mission of God throughout Scripture. Not coincidentally, last week, he taught through James and 1&2 Peter. James is one of my favorite books of all times (maybe partly thanks to Miss Susie and our mission trips to Knoxville) and so of course I have enjoyed reading that. But I have a new appreciation for 1 Peter. I don't know the last time I read through 1 Peter, but as Larry mentioned in his sermon, its a book for people who are going through trials/suffering. So I have gleaned much from it this week and wanted to share a few passages. 

"In this (hope) you now rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuinesness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is refined by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1:6-9)

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.... for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps." (2:19,21)

"Behold, do no be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." (4:12-13).

"Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you" (5:7) - (anyone remember this song from Montgomery Village???? Heather, Jess, anyone?? )

So these are just a few of the amazing Scriptures I have found hope and comfort in this week. I often don't think of these difficulties we have gone through with Eden as "sufferings", but as my pastor taught through these books, it became more clear that it is part of the sufferings we face as believers - things that seem unjust, unfair and are just plain difficult to swallow. My pray will continue to be that above all, I bring glory to God.  I want to be able to rejoice through this and one day be able to tell Eden how God was so specifically at work in her life when she was just a few months old (and even before, really!). I want this to shape me into a better mother and a better wife. I pray the the Lord is honored with my life. 

My favorite song of all time is definitely, "It is Well" - and the words of it have continued to ring in my mind these past few weeks:

"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul"

3 comments:

Lorren said...

Praise God for the work He is continuing to do in Eden's life! And what an amazing example you are to her and so many others as you draw strength from Scripture during this time!

Staci said...

amen and amen... you are a blessing. God picked you both out of all the people who could have been Eden's parents. What a sweet time you have had in such a hard place.

Anonymous said...

steph i remember that song! cast your burden(cast your burden) on jesus (on jesus) for he cares(for he cares) fooor you. (foor you). now its stuck in my head. glad you are home..hope we can come visit soon!