Transitions

As I type the cat is lying at my feet so I am not alone, but the house is empty of all human companions. This morning for the first time in his 14 years of life my son entered the public school system as a student. It appears that our homeschooling days have officially come to an end.
God has been preparing me for this moment for awhile now. At times it seemed the day would never arrive and that we would keep my boy home throughout high school. Yet, I sensed that the transition was coming. While he is in no way excited as his sister was, he too is ready. I am sure he will do fine. Some have asked, why start at the end of the year? It is a valid question. When we finally made the decision I sat down with the dean to go over our options. We both felt it best to start now for a couple of reasons. At their school they do placement tests three times a year. His class is scheduled for these two test this week. So he will be taking them right alongside his peers. This will help us determine many things. Where is he at academically? Their school has three tiers for placement; novice, grade level and honors. They also offer summer school for those currently behind. Since he is more hands on and mechanically minded, there is a possibility he will need some assistance to get up to speed in some areas. Or, he could be totally on track. It is hard to say. The test will tell. Another reason to start now is to ease any anxiety. The end of the year is more relaxed which will give him a chance to make a few friends, get to know the routine and get his mind around all things school. Anyone can do just about anything for 4 weeks. This will help over the summer too as he will not be worried about transitioning in the fall. He will know what to expect.

So what about me? What do I do now that both kiddos are in school? Career? College? Continue with community involvement? As it will only be four weeks until summer break, I am not making any decisions right now. I will take the time to relax, clean, set up some routines, visit with friends and spend time at the garden. I will take a moment to breathe. Maybe I will finish going through the math program or read a whole stack of books. Maybe I will go on long hikes and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Maybe I will blog more. Oh the possibilities.

I don't know completely what next year will look like and that is okay. I am trusting that is the right thing for now. I am trusting that God has a plan for me and my house. He's got this and we have Him.

Lord, as we walk through this transition be with us. Guide us through the unknown. Bring my boy, your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. Help him to make friends. Help him to focus on the tasks given. Help him to thrive and succeed, in whatever or wherever he is. Protect him and keep him safe. Be with me and help me to know what I am to do. Guide my steps as I pursue my future. Help me to not rush the process but be content with each day. I thank you for the many wonderful years we had together. All the adventures. The memories. The blessings. I thank you! May my children continue to find favor, now and forever. In Jesus Name. AMEN!

Chrysalis prayer

It is time for another Chrysalis flight, where many will come and feel the Love of Christ. This is my prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father I pray that this weekend I will used for your glory. Be with these ladies that are coming Lord. surround them with your Holy Spirit. Show them your love. Encourage them. Break down walls; help them to let go of things in their life that are holding them back from you. I pray for healing in their lives. Lord, reveal yourself mightily this weekend. Teach them who you are. That they may not deny your goodness, your love or your Son. I pray for the brokenhearted, that you would heal their hearts. For those who had experienced loss, let them know you see their tears. Lord bless these girls. I pray for this team you have established for such a time as this, for this moment. Minister through them and to them. Let them be your hands and feet, let Christ be seen in each and everyone one of us there. For those giving talks boldness, honesty, clarity of speech and content. Thank you for each testimony you have given. For our lives to be used for your glory; the good and the bad, bearing fruit in your name. I pray for those working behind the scenes. Give them strength and endurance. Eyes to see what needs to be done and obedience to see it through to completion. Bless them for their work O God. Father protect our families who remain at home. Send forth your angels to guide and protect. Keep them safe from all harm intended by the evil one. Let our families draw from your strength. Bless them Lord. Thank you for the leaders. Thank you for their faithfulness. Give them wisdom and understanding. Guide them by your Holy Spirit. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for lives changed and renewed. For freedom and wings to fly. Praise and Glory be to you alone. In Jesus Name Amen!

Swoosh

Where did the weekend go?
Chrysalis was yet again a beautiful time with God. Lives were changed, hearts were healed and some got a new beginning.
For me this weekend was about seeing myself as a parent. There were so many different speakers that spoke about how their lives were forever changed by their parents. The bad, child abuse, sexual abuse, longing for affirmation that was never found, the lack of loving words, the absence, lack of protection... the list goes on. The number of both speakers and girls in attendance that had been harmed by their parents was astounding to me. It left me praying, I hope I do not screw up for my children's sake. Things I say could drive them to an eating disorder. The things I do, could drive them into the arms of an abusive mate. The things I don't say or don't do, will affect my kids, perhaps eternally. I shudder.
And then there is the good. The mom that spent every morning in prayer. So that the daughter had to tiptoe up the stairs as not to disturb her. Knowing that her mother prayed for her and her sister without fail. This has eternally blessed her. And still another mother's close communication has allowed her daughter to make wise choices. Walking on paths of righteousness.
The contrast was so vivid and so extreme. A life of goodness or a life of pain. And the common denominator was the parent.

As I have come back home and tried to settle in. I have been head on with illness in the home. My boy crawled into bed with me in the night and I immediately felt the heat radiating from his body. The thermometer read 104.3, add the degree and it was determined HOT! I took him in today and he has started a round of antibiotic. Little girl has a low grade fever and not quite herself. There were moments today that were scary for me as a mother. My boy, laying there lethargic. Barely conscience. He slept the first half of the day away. Literally. I had to wake him periodically to get liquids in him and access him. His eyes glassed over. Scared the crap out of me. I had to ask him questions to make sure his mind was still there. Praise the Lord he still knew that 8+8=16. As he went to bed tonight he was back to himself. Eating and smiling. Still has a low fever but it sure beats the lifelessness of the first half of the day.
Not sure what the remainder of the week will look like for me and the kiddos. No school today and I have decided to take it one day at a time. If I get 3 or 4 days behind on my curriculum, so be it. I just want my kids to be healthy again.
If you think of us, say a prayer.
Our verse for this week is Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Thank you Lord, for my children. For your blessings. For doctors and medicine. For your Holy Spirit that is with us. For songs of praise.

I'm Ready To Fly

Amazing what 2 days on antibiotics can do for you. I am feeling much better. My voice has returned. And I am ready to fly.

This weekend I will be participating in a Chrysalis weekend. Where high school girls will hear the amazing love of Christ and draw closer to him. I am excited for all God is going to do this weekend. Lives will be changed. Hearts renewed. Hope for the weary.

Have a blessed weekend! If you think of me, say a prayer for this flight and the girl's who will be touched during it.

Diagnoises-

Bronchitis.

Did I mention I am leading worship for a three day even this weekend? Please pray that God restores me back to full health.

I'm Gonna Stand on the Rock

Little girl has been dancing around the house for the last couple of weeks singing this song. We videotaped it this morning for your listening and viewing pleasure. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me.

In the midst of frustration over bodily functions, she has remained full of joy. If anything she is more full of praise and joy than normal. I know right now she is covered in prayer. So many have heard our prayer request and are lifting her and our family up before the throne. It is so evident. And so appreciated.
This afternoon we go in for the renal ultrasound at 3pm (EST) She isn't scared. She has a peace about her. I think she is intrigued about seeing inside her body "and they aren't even going to cut me open to see in there."
The frequency of bathroom trips has lessened, she actually went an hour and a half yesterday without visiting the bathroom. Praise God, this fills me with hope. I don't know what is going on inside my daughters body, I have an idea of what's going on inside her heart. So for now we're gonna stand on the rock and believe that he has a plan and a purpose and His name will receive all the glory.

Prayer for Little Girl

It's been a bit of a stressful week. I have not been blogging much lately and trust me it is not because there is not anything to talk about.
On Saturday we took little girl to Urgent Care and were told she had a UTI (urinary tract infection) We went to the pharmacy and started her on a course of antibiotic.
Tuesday there was no change in the frequency of her bathroom needs so we stopped in quick to the Urgent Care to see if the culture report came back. The doctor had said he was sending it in and they should know something Monday or Tuesday at the latest. The culture came back as no growth. Odd but ok. The doctor was curious about her blood sugar so they pricked her finger and the number was in the normal range.
Today I took her into the family doctor as there has been no change and was feeling concerned. The news NOT GOOD.
They decided that it was NOT a UTI. What it is? There are no definite answers yet. The top 4 things on their list:
1 Kidney Malformation or abnormality
2 Diabetes
3 Inappropriate touch
4 Brain Tumor

Let's just say any and all of these things make me shudder. To think that there is something wrong that will not be fixed with a simple prescription is frightening. I was ok with UTI, taking a 10 course of antibiotic and being all better. Thinking that it is more, makes me want to cry. I haven't yet, simply because I am trying to keep a clear mind and wait for true answers. And at the same time none of the 4 options given really make sense. How do any of these things just randomly show up? Her issue is frequent urination (every 3-10 minutes) She is in no pain. Anywhere, not her abdomen, not her head, nor her kidney region. She does not have a long list of symptoms, just one. Frequent urination. And now that we are just over a week of dealing with it she is emotionally frustrated. Who wouldn't be. We can not go anywhere without having to use their facilities (many times.) She says no one has touched her and I completely believe her. She hasn't been in any situations in the last 2 months were I could even concieve something happening to her. But she says no one has touched her and I have to believe her. After the stink she raised about getting her finger pricked the doctor said she was not the typical victim. She is one to speak her mind, LOUDLY, if necessary and would not let it go unnoticed. She communicates effectively and is private about private parts. She doesn't even like her brother to see her in her underwear. Having someone get close enough to even consider harming her, highly unlikely. And again the thought makes me shudder.

I really need prayers for little girl. We have a renal ultrasound on Monday to take a look at her kidneys. Pray that we find out what the issue is.

I am off now to Google frequent urination. There has to be other options to consider.

Ministering Words

I just got news that my sisters father-in-law has passed away unexpectedly.
On my computer at the time was this link I was planning on watching. God's timing is perfect. I was just ministered to by a 13 year old boy from Texas. Listen to this broadcast from Sky Angel(89.3) Logan Henderson is wise beyond his years. I hope this ministers to you as much as it did to me.



Please pray for my sister and her family as they mourn.

Please Pray For My House

Hello All...
Please be in prayer for the safety of our home. This morning the neighbors tree was struck by lightning and remains standing. However the integrity of this huge tree is uncertain. Our house is directly in the line of fire as is our neighbors depending on how it comes down. The neighbor is not sure when it will be taken down. I have chosen to evacuate until further notice. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE staying in the house as our bedroom is directly under it. I will try and update but please PRAY!!!
Thanks!

Prayer Request

My friends, Bartt and Laine have a 3 year old daughter. She has Guillaume-Barre Syndrome, where her immune system attacks the nervous system. She is almost paralyzed, and only has the ability to talk at this point. The next concern is that she will have full respiratory failure. She is in Sparrow Pediatric ICU. This syndrome is not always permanent, she may come out of it, but it takes time. The risk of her having very severe complications is the problem now.

Please pray!

Praying for Heather

Today is the day and the hour is near. Heather is under going surgery. Brain surgery.

Click on the button to read her last post. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
And please, pray! Kellie has organized a prayer vigil if you should choose to participate.

More Than A Name

For weeks now I have had a list of names before me. The girls listed are all attending the weekend I have been organizing and will be directing this weekend. Last night I received the paper work for each of the girls including information from their sponsors on personalities and home life. Reading their stories I am moved at what God is doing in their lives and excited about what He will continue to do over the course of this weekend. They come from all different walks of life. The each have different strengths and weaknesses. They each have a story. God has called them for such a time as this to strengthen them in their faith and love them with an everlasting love. I love seeing them as God's daughter and being able to pray more specifically for them as the time draws near.
Please, join me in praying blessings over each of these girls and the weekend that is nearly here.

Oh and before I go, you are more than a name as well. You are loved by the King of Kings, Your Heavenly Father. He knows you by name. He knows your story. You are more than a name to Him. You are His precious child. And He longs to bless you with an everlasting love.

Frankly My Dear

I have been a poor manager of my time the last two days.
The reasons are many. I have a lot on my plate. I wanted to finish reading my book. My bloglines had been severely neglected. And I am feeling selfish.
With school done I have been checking out on the kids the last two days. Quiet time in their rooms, more than enough TV time and lots of free play.
Good has come from it. The kids are playing fabulously with each other. I finished my book. I caught up on bloglines. I handled the many situations that have arose this week in regards to the weekend that I am directing.
I feel like I am running downstairs to cope though. The "quick check" of my email turns into an hour reading blogs. On one hand I have amazing peace about everything that has happened this week. And on the other I ask myself, "Are the kids handling this well?" I think so. When I look at the big picture, my kids have so much of my time. With school and meals and our time at the YMCA and the everyday play that I do partake in. My kids are not deprived. Even in the midst of this whirlwind of a week we have had some great moments. I am here except for about 2 hours of the day other than those I am completely and wholeheartedly paying attention to them.
Two more weeks of this distracted mom, dealing with the responsibility of things beyond the home. Then it will be nice to settle back into a more relaxed environment. YEAH!!!
Perhaps it is not helping that Dear Dad is out of town for the week and I just found out his trip will be extended by two days. Thankfully it is only two days and not a week or more.
If you think of me say a little pray. Balance, good steward of my time, wise in decision making, peace in the home and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Oh and hubbies safe return would be good too.