Go Crusaders

It has been so great to be here in Springfield MO attending Volley Ball games and watching a "healthy" Alysse run around the court. Attending the sporting events of our kids was such a major part of our family life.  I have missed it. I met several local parents who attend the games on a regular basis.  Part of me wants to envy them- but I know envy robs our joy.   I choose not focus on what I don't have but to thank the Lord for what I do.  It really was a gift from God that the timing, the airline points & the hotel points were all able to work together & I was able to come for no cost! (Except for the trip to the mall that Alysse immediately took me to, she had boots all picked out- I of course got them for her!)  So, with a grateful and joyful heart I want to thank the Lord for the blessings of these past couple of days.  God is good.

Happy Birthdays

Tomorrow my oldest turns 23!  I am excited because I am going to get to spend his birthday with him this year.  Something that I haven't been able to do since he went away to college.  I loved celebrating the birthdays of my children- we had huge  themed parties each year until they turned 18!  I still hope to get a few more parties in for them!  I especially remember an indian party with a tee-pee, tom-tom drums and shooting bows & arrows (age 5) Another favorite was a murder mystery! (age 15) Poor Alysse (AJ's sister had to be the dead body- all night!   Birthdays are a wonderful event  no matter what the age (It beats the alternative!)  I love to celebrate life.  I know the Lord does too.  As even this week the angels were rejoicing at the new spiritual births of those entering the kingdom.  We were blessed at Hope to witness some of those birthdays this week in a very real way!  Thank you Lord for all kinds of Birthdays!

Talking & Driving!

The miracle of technology never ceases to amaze me!  I was driving down the road yesterday talking on the cell phone to my dear fiend in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East- doesn't that just mess with your mind? I guess if man can figure out this incredible communication feat how much more we can have faith that God does talk and listen to us everywhere & everyplace-  

God is Faithful!

Many times over the years Greg & I have housed young people, invited many into our homes, and tried to  be a family towards them.  We enjoyed every moment of it- it was easy for us.  Now, as a parent I find myself on the other end of this equation and it is strange and not so easy!   With Alysse 1,000 miles away, we have humbly had to rely on others that the Lord has brought into her life.  And I am so grateful to them-they have taken my daughter to the hospital and emergency room, pulled strings for Dr. appointments, made numerous meals, done tons of laundry and gone to get her prescriptions.  I am called with updates.  I am not new to the blessings of God, however it still amazes me as we sow in one place and receive a blessing from an entirely different place.  I didn't think of it so much when the kids were little but as these instances have arisen the Lord once spoke to my heart- to  take care of those God has put in my path and God will put people in the path of my children to take care of them, and boy have I seen that promise in action- once again this past week.  Thank you for your faithfulness God!

 

Nothing gets to a moms heart quicker than a phone call from one of her children miles away needing help.  (Yes I know they call themselves adults-but they are still "kids" to me)  Alysse has had such a hard time getting healthy- especially since her bout with mono almost a year ago- she seems to get something constantly.  This past issue was getting unbearable and after a few tearful phone calls & the words "Mom I wish you were here"  I found myself on a plane by 6 AM the next day   (Thanks to those frequent flier miles!) After a few days of caring for my daughter & literally tearing apart a dorm room to sanitize it from top to bottom- Lysol & bleach my constant companion- Alysse was on the mend.  Her system is still very compromised- she came down with another infection right after I left.  Her immune system (According to the Dr.) is as fragile as that of an infant or elderly person!  But I was so blessed.  She has some wonderful folks in her life- Her room mate, Jill  & her Mom, Connie worked nonstop with me- We were treated to nice meals & I was greeted with such hospitality from several folks. It was such a treat to go to her church, and talk to people there who also care for her  It made it so much easier to leave her knowing she was in such wonderful care when I was gone. (It also made it easier knowing her dad was coming out- for work-  the following week & I would be back in three weeks)  Needless to say I came back exhausted.  I needed to go to Florida, to attend a bridal shower for my future daughter-in-law.  While I was looking forward to this event- I was so tired & not really up for the drive- but off we went.  When we arrived Greg and I had the pleasant surprise of a free upgrade with a gorgeous room - a huge balcony overlooking the Ocean- what a pleasant end to a difficult week.  Again I experienced such hospitality  from Joelle's family & truly enjoyed my time.  Isn't that just like the Lord!  He gives us strength when we need it & provides surprising blessings along the way.