This is something I feel should be addressed. So many people believe that their prayers go unanswered. In fact, there is even a country song about it..."Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers, remember when you're talking to the man upstairs, that just because he may not answer doesn't mean he doesn't care, some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." Thank you Garth Brooks (and now you will all be singing this song all day long!). I think this is wrong, but so many people believe it's true. If God doesn't answer your prayer, exactly how you want it answered, in exactly the time you want it answered, then He doesn't care, wasn't listening, isn't going to answer, or whatever. Forgive my bluntness, but that's a bunch of crap! It has taken me several years to learn this, but God ALWAYS answers prayers. I know it's hard to see that when you're staring down the barrel of a loaded gun, per se, but it's true. It may not seem like it when your world is crumbling down around you. If God answers prayers, why did I lose my job? Why did my spouse/child/parent/best friend get sick? Why did my spouse cheat on me? Why aren't my kids following the Lord? Why is there so much war and sadness going on all around the world? Why? Why? Why? I have asked these exact questions. Why is my son disabled? Why can't we figure out what's wrong with him? But over time, God has shown his greatness over and over. Will can say more words than any other child I've met with his condition. He is a sweet boy who loves his family. He brings joy to every room he enters and blesses others beyond belief. God always answers prayers, but it may not be in the manner or timing we desire. We must remember that God's will and His timing are perfect. I know that's easier said than done, but it's true. Spend time with Him in His word and in prayer and you'll see it. I have several friends and family members going through some pretty serious trials right now, and I hope if you're reading this that you'll remember that in His perfect timing, God WILL answer your prayer with His perfect answer. I pray that we have the peace and understanding to accept God's will and answer to our prayers. So don't think you're prayers are going up into the big empty sky and that no one is listening. He is there. He is always listening. And, He will always answer.
Parenting 101 (By Pastor Rod)
I want to be sure everyone is aware, this information is not from me. These awesome words of wisdom come from my pastor, Rod Loy, who is a very Godly man and a much more experienced parent than I am. He has two sons, one who is around age 20 or 21 and the other is 18. He shared this with us last night at church, and it's too good to keep to myself. So, here goes...
Principles for effective, Godly parenting:
1. Be physically affectionate with your children.
Don't let a day go by without telling them that you love them and hugging/kissing them.
2. Model sacrifice.
Sacrifice should not be unusual. It is a part of following Jesus. Let your kids see that.
3. Teach your children an outward focus.
Be open with your giving. Let them know it is a habit and a lifestyle. Open your home to people who need you and your family. There is joy in giving to others.
4. Don't interfere with your children's peer problems and conflicts.
They have to learn to manage conflict at some point. Let them do it while they still have a safety net.
5. Encourage other healthy voices in their lives.
Kids need other spiritual leaders in their lives they can talk to and with. It needs to be the right people. It doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes a church (that's one of my favorites!).
6. Worship and pray in front of your children.
Your kids need to see you visibly love God.
7. Apologize when you make parenting mistakes.
Your kids already know you made the mistake. You will gain respect from them when you do this.
8. Don't try to be fair and equal if you have more than one child.
Kids need to learn that life is not fair and equal all of the time. You don't have to treat your children the same because they aren't the same. (Bet that stings for a lot of you!)
The other thing he shared is what I consider to be the most important thing of all, what he and his wife wish they'd done differently. Here it is:
Don't raise your children based on your expectations or what other people may think. Raise them to please God first, not you or other people. The only thing that should truly matter is that your children become life-long followers of Jesus Christ. Consider what matters to you most - it shouldn't be all the little details or making you or someone else happy; it should be that your children become life-long followers of Christ (noticing a theme here?). Make that decision now, and parent toward that one goal. There will be a lot less stress in your life and your home if you put aside your expectations for your child and concern for what others think. What is the absolute best place for your child? (My Daddy has told me this every day) In the center of God's will.
So, I hope this helps some of you. I know it was eye-opening and helpful to me. I plan to put every one of those principles into action and to focus on what really matters - raising kids who know and love the Lord and seek to follow Him daily. The rest is just details.
Principles for effective, Godly parenting:
1. Be physically affectionate with your children.
Don't let a day go by without telling them that you love them and hugging/kissing them.
2. Model sacrifice.
Sacrifice should not be unusual. It is a part of following Jesus. Let your kids see that.
3. Teach your children an outward focus.
Be open with your giving. Let them know it is a habit and a lifestyle. Open your home to people who need you and your family. There is joy in giving to others.
4. Don't interfere with your children's peer problems and conflicts.
They have to learn to manage conflict at some point. Let them do it while they still have a safety net.
5. Encourage other healthy voices in their lives.
Kids need other spiritual leaders in their lives they can talk to and with. It needs to be the right people. It doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes a church (that's one of my favorites!).
6. Worship and pray in front of your children.
Your kids need to see you visibly love God.
7. Apologize when you make parenting mistakes.
Your kids already know you made the mistake. You will gain respect from them when you do this.
8. Don't try to be fair and equal if you have more than one child.
Kids need to learn that life is not fair and equal all of the time. You don't have to treat your children the same because they aren't the same. (Bet that stings for a lot of you!)
The other thing he shared is what I consider to be the most important thing of all, what he and his wife wish they'd done differently. Here it is:
Don't raise your children based on your expectations or what other people may think. Raise them to please God first, not you or other people. The only thing that should truly matter is that your children become life-long followers of Jesus Christ. Consider what matters to you most - it shouldn't be all the little details or making you or someone else happy; it should be that your children become life-long followers of Christ (noticing a theme here?). Make that decision now, and parent toward that one goal. There will be a lot less stress in your life and your home if you put aside your expectations for your child and concern for what others think. What is the absolute best place for your child? (My Daddy has told me this every day) In the center of God's will.
So, I hope this helps some of you. I know it was eye-opening and helpful to me. I plan to put every one of those principles into action and to focus on what really matters - raising kids who know and love the Lord and seek to follow Him daily. The rest is just details.
What's Really Important
As many of you may have read on my Facebook page yesterday, I got called pathetic by a coworker for couponing. Well, this set off a flurry of comments and excitement that I totally didn't expect. And, after reading them all, I started thinking. What's really the big deal about this? All I could keep coming back to is, taking care of my family is important to me. Right now, that requires more (financial) sacrifice than it hopefully will in the future, and I'm willing to make that sacrifice. If you don't know, I'm the sole bread winner for my family right now. While pediatric fellows do make more than pediatric residents, we still don't make much money. Especially when you compare it to "real doctors" who are in practice and done with training. On top of the not-so-great salary, I have a husband and two children, one of whom has special needs. We have student loan bills, credit card bills (unfortunately), and medical bills just to name a few. I know you've all felt this way, but it seems like just as we start to make a dent in one of them, or maybe even get one paid off, here comes another one, bigger and badder than the one before. Anyway, back to the point of this post. I felt like it was important to reflect back on what's really important in my life, my priorities. So, here they are, in order:
1. God. He is and always will be the most important thing in my life. Yes, more important than my children or my husband. More important than my family or my job. To be a true follower of Christ, He has to be the most important thing in your life. Without Him, I am nothing, I can do nothing, and I have nothing.
2. Jeremiah. Yes, my husband and my marriage is the #2 priority in my life, more important than my children. I may not always act like it, and it hurts me to say that. This is something I'm actually working on right now, to make my wonderful husband know how much I love him and that he is the #2 (#1 earthly) man in my life. Those of you who think it's crazy to have your marriage and husband above your children in your list of priorities need to read your Bible. This is a biblical thing!
3. Will and Cate. The cutest kids on the planet. Most of the time the sweetest kids too! Being a mother is one of the greatest gifts a woman can be given, and I cherish my children greatly. I will do whatever I have to (as long as it is ethically and morally sound and legal) to take care of them and provide for them. And yes, if this means couponing, well then show me the inserts and hand me a pair of scissors!
4. My family and friends. I mean my parents, siblings, nephew, etc. They are the world to me. Any of you who know me well, know this is true. I love my family. I talk to them daily, alright, multiple times a day, on the phone. I go home to my sweet home Alabama whenever it's possible. I crave the time I have with them and wish I had more. They are my support system, the walls that hold me up when all the crazy storms in my life start brewing. Love you guys!
5. My job. I love my job, and I feel it is God's calling for my life. But, that does not make it more important than my relationship with Him, my marriage, my children, my family, or my friends. I think the world has this one totally wrong, and it makes me sad. Yes, I do on occasion have to sacrifice time with my family for my job, but this is temporary, and I make every effort to never miss the big stuff. And, it goes back to my desire to provide for them. The long hours of residency are over (hooray!!!!!). And fellowship too will end (although the hours are awesome compared to residency!). My point is, a job is nice and necessary, but it does not provide what is truly important in life. A good job cannot provide you with eternal life, and that is what really matters. This life is temporary, but well, eternity is forever (duh).
I could go on and on down the list from here, but I think you catch my drift. I hope you'll take time to look at your priorities and make sure they're in the proper order. Just remember what's truly important in life. Let the nay-sayers be just that.
1. God. He is and always will be the most important thing in my life. Yes, more important than my children or my husband. More important than my family or my job. To be a true follower of Christ, He has to be the most important thing in your life. Without Him, I am nothing, I can do nothing, and I have nothing.
2. Jeremiah. Yes, my husband and my marriage is the #2 priority in my life, more important than my children. I may not always act like it, and it hurts me to say that. This is something I'm actually working on right now, to make my wonderful husband know how much I love him and that he is the #2 (#1 earthly) man in my life. Those of you who think it's crazy to have your marriage and husband above your children in your list of priorities need to read your Bible. This is a biblical thing!
3. Will and Cate. The cutest kids on the planet. Most of the time the sweetest kids too! Being a mother is one of the greatest gifts a woman can be given, and I cherish my children greatly. I will do whatever I have to (as long as it is ethically and morally sound and legal) to take care of them and provide for them. And yes, if this means couponing, well then show me the inserts and hand me a pair of scissors!
4. My family and friends. I mean my parents, siblings, nephew, etc. They are the world to me. Any of you who know me well, know this is true. I love my family. I talk to them daily, alright, multiple times a day, on the phone. I go home to my sweet home Alabama whenever it's possible. I crave the time I have with them and wish I had more. They are my support system, the walls that hold me up when all the crazy storms in my life start brewing. Love you guys!
5. My job. I love my job, and I feel it is God's calling for my life. But, that does not make it more important than my relationship with Him, my marriage, my children, my family, or my friends. I think the world has this one totally wrong, and it makes me sad. Yes, I do on occasion have to sacrifice time with my family for my job, but this is temporary, and I make every effort to never miss the big stuff. And, it goes back to my desire to provide for them. The long hours of residency are over (hooray!!!!!). And fellowship too will end (although the hours are awesome compared to residency!). My point is, a job is nice and necessary, but it does not provide what is truly important in life. A good job cannot provide you with eternal life, and that is what really matters. This life is temporary, but well, eternity is forever (duh).
I could go on and on down the list from here, but I think you catch my drift. I hope you'll take time to look at your priorities and make sure they're in the proper order. Just remember what's truly important in life. Let the nay-sayers be just that.
Not What I Was Expecting
Will had a neurology appointment this afternoon. He had an 8 hour video EEG back in April because he was still having seizures despite a fairly high dose of Keppra and hadn't had an EEG since December 2007. So, we had one, and it was abnormal. His first one was as well. He is having subclinical seizures. For those of you who aren't familiar with medical terms, it means that even when we can't see physical symptoms of seizures, his brain is still having seizure activity. It's not constant, but it is frequent. Don't misunderstand, Will is also having clinical seizures (ones we can see), but since the last medication increase about 3 weeks ago, they have gotten better. But they have not stopped completely. Anyway, today at the doctor, she was pretty concerned that his EEG was still abnormal and that he is still having seizures on such a high dose of medicine. In fact, she said she probably wouldn't have even gone that high on this medicine, but her partner did. He doesn't seem to be having any ill-effects from it. So then she examined him, and it got worse. His reflexes in his legs are more brisk than they have been before. They're actually pretty brisk. For those of you in medicine, they're at least a 3+ if not a 4+. She also illicited clonus in both legs, more beats in one leg than the other, but I can't remember which.All of these are neurological changes that are abnormal. In and of themselves they are worrisome, but add that to the fact that there is a questionable cyst on his lower spine, and it's pretty scary. Will has been seen by neurosurgery a few times for the cyst and has had a few MRIs to watch it. The last MRI showed that it was stable and that it may actually just be that his spinal cord is wider at that point than normal and not actually a cyst. This was good news. We were supposed to have one more MRI in March and see the neurosurgeon again. If everything was stable or improved, we would be discharged. Well, the appointments got cancelled because the neurosurgeon was leaving...but not until the end of June. So why was his appointment for March cancelled you may ask? I have no idea. Well, today Will's neurologist said she wanted Will to get back in with this neurosurgeon before he leaves because this needs to be addressed. This, and the fact that Will is becoming tighter in his heel cords too. He's getting tighter in his feet, ankles, and lower leg. Also not good. His physical therapist at school was the first one to notice, and I'm glad she did. So, neurosurgery is referral number one. Now, onto a different neurologist. Because Will continues to have seizures and an abnormal EEG despite a good deal of medicine, his doctor wants him to see an epileptologist. This is a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy. She's hoping that this doctor will be able to recommend any further testing that needs to be done to figure out why he's still having so much trouble and any medication changes that might help. Referral number two. Finally, she says Will should see one of the geneticists here at Children's. He has had a genetics work-up before, but because his diagnosis of Angelman is clinical and he is having all these neurological issues, she wants a different doc to take a look at him and see if there is any other testing that needs to be done or any other diagnoses to consider. Now, this is referral number three. I'm sure you all realize this, but when you take your child to a specialist for an appointment, and she wants to send your child to three more specialists, that's not a good sign. I'm not sure when all of these appointments will occur. I'm assuming the neurosurgery appointment will be within the month since that doctor is supposed to be leaving at the end of the month. A perk of being a doctor is that I can get in a little quicker, well, sometimes. The neurologist spoke with the geneticist who said for me to email or call him and we'd set it up whenever was good for me. I don't know when the epileptologist appointment will be. I think within a few months (or at least I hope) because we usually have to increase his medicine every 3-5 months (at least we have over the last year or two). Anyway, that's what happened at the doctor today. I hope it's clear. If you have questions, feel free to ask, and I'll try to answer them. I do ask that anyone who is willing pray for Will. Pray that whatever is going on won't require any major interventions like surgery on the spine. But regardless of what happens, we know God has Will in his hands and that He has a plan for all of this. It's a little scary not to be in control, but it's pretty great that God is. So, to leave you with a smile on your face, here is a picture of the cutest little guy on the planet (with his beautiful little sister)!
The Greatest Day Ever!
So, if you live under a rock, then you may not know that Monday, May 23, was the first annual Will Saunders Day at Wild River Country, a local water park. This was a gift from our church to Will (and us of course) so that he could enjoy the water park and we could enjoy him. You see, as part of Angelman Syndrome, Will has a fascination with and love for water. I mean it too! If he sees water, he's in it. You name it, and he's played in it - the sink, the bath tub, the toilet, the dog bowl, the water hose, a puddle, a cup with water in it, and even the deep end of a pool (that was scary!). So when our church said, we love you enough to give your son something he'll love, we were elated! Okay, maybe that's not exactly what they said, but that's what I heard. Anyway, I want to show you some pictures from our day. There was a "real" photographer there, and when I get his pictures, I'll share them too. But, for now you're stuck with our amateur photography.
To say the least, the day was amazing. I don't think I can really put into words what it meant to us to get this opportunity. But you know me, I'll try! We never thought we'd be able to take Will to Wild River Country. We knew he'd love it, but we would be way too stressed out trying to keep up with him and prevent him from getting lost, kidnapped, or drowning. This day allowed us to be "normal." We got to see our son do something he loves and something that "normal" kids get to do all the time. We've heard story after story from other families who felt the same way. We love our children, and wouldn't change them for the world, but I think deep down, every parent wants to get to do this type of thing with their child.
First Assembly North Little Rock is a church that, as my mom says, puts feet to their faith. Their motto is "Every soul matters to God" and when they do things like this, they prove that they mean it. To anyone who participated in organizing, setting up, working, or attending Will Saunders Day, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for loving our son, and my family, so much. Thank you for loving other families too so that they could enjoy this day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot wait for next year!
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| Posing in front of the Will Saunders Day sign (I'm covering the "S" at the end of Saunders) |
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| She was ready to swim! |
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| His lips were blue and his teeth were chattering, but he was not getting out of the water. |
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| I'm pretty sure he could have stood there all day and played in that little toy. |
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| Her parents were in tears and said "Thank you. We never thought we'd be able to bring our daughter to a water park. This was amazing!" |
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| Me and Will with Blythe and her mom, Donna. Blythe also has Angelman Syndrome, and her mother had never met another child with it. It was pretty neat getting to meet them. |
To say the least, the day was amazing. I don't think I can really put into words what it meant to us to get this opportunity. But you know me, I'll try! We never thought we'd be able to take Will to Wild River Country. We knew he'd love it, but we would be way too stressed out trying to keep up with him and prevent him from getting lost, kidnapped, or drowning. This day allowed us to be "normal." We got to see our son do something he loves and something that "normal" kids get to do all the time. We've heard story after story from other families who felt the same way. We love our children, and wouldn't change them for the world, but I think deep down, every parent wants to get to do this type of thing with their child.
First Assembly North Little Rock is a church that, as my mom says, puts feet to their faith. Their motto is "Every soul matters to God" and when they do things like this, they prove that they mean it. To anyone who participated in organizing, setting up, working, or attending Will Saunders Day, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for loving our son, and my family, so much. Thank you for loving other families too so that they could enjoy this day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot wait for next year!
I Have a Plan for You!
Anyone who grew up in or around church probably knows the bible verse "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11. Sunday morning in our current sermon series "Post-It Notes from God," Pastor Rod put this verse in context. You see, it's usually quoted alone, without the background information, to encourage someone who may be having a hard time or not sure what the next step in life is going to be. When you learn about what was going on when Jeremiah sent this mighty word to the Israelites, it means so much more. God sent this word to his people after they had screwed up royally. They had disobeyed God's instructions, and were suffering the consequences. Even in their sin and disobedience, God said (my paraphrasing), "I still have plans for you. Even after you ignored what I said, I still have plans for you. And they are great plans. Plans to take care of you and protect you." Personally, I think that's pretty amazing.
Even though I've never done anything the world would consider major sin or really bad, I, like everyone on this earth, have sinned and unfortunately disobeyed the Lord. Anyone who said they have never sinned or disobeyed is lying (which is a sin!). Anyway, I find it comforting that no matter how much I screw up, He's still there and still has a wonderful plan for me. His plan isn't quite how I pictured it would be. Isn't that usually how it goes? We plan this awesome things we're going to do as we grow up - what job we'll have, who we'll marry, where we'll live, what our kids will be like. It's not until we deny ourselves and listen to God that we realize the mighty plan He has for us. I was always going to be a doctor. It's the only thing I've ever said I want to be. But, I was NEVER going to be a pediatrician. I was going to be an orthopedic surgeon. Then I was going to be an OB/GYN. It wasn't until I was able to ignore my plans and focus on His that I realized the plan He had for me. And yes, for anyone who may not realize it, I am a pediatrician. In fact, I'm in fellowship now to become a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. I certainly never planned on having a child with a disability, but God knew what He was doing when He gave us Will. Why do we question if God knows what He's doing? We always seem so surprised, and say, "I guess God knew what He was doing." Duh! Of course He does...He's God! Anyway...
One more example of God's plan and the incredible faith it takes to follow it is the story of my best friend Jessi George and her family. They recently picked up and moved from Mississippi to Papua New Guinea to be tribal missionaries with New Tribes Missions. This has been their dream for six years now, and yesterday, they realized that dream. They are now in their temporary home there and are loving it. Many of us, even me at times, thought "They're crazy! Taking those three little girls (ages 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years) all the way around the world to live in a mud hut. What are they thinking?" But we're the crazy ones. Following God's plan may seem crazy to some, but if you don't follow His plan, that's when I'd question your sanity! This family has demonstrated unwavering faith despite many worldly setbacks, and now has been rewarded with the desires of their heart.
Just think, following the Lord, living for Him and in His word daily, will allow you to see the unbelievable plan He has for you too! No matter what you've done, where you've been, or who you are, God has a plan for you. Never doubt that. You're NEVER too far gone for the Lord to bring you back. Just read Jeremiah chapter 29, and you'll see how far the Lord can bring you.
Even though I've never done anything the world would consider major sin or really bad, I, like everyone on this earth, have sinned and unfortunately disobeyed the Lord. Anyone who said they have never sinned or disobeyed is lying (which is a sin!). Anyway, I find it comforting that no matter how much I screw up, He's still there and still has a wonderful plan for me. His plan isn't quite how I pictured it would be. Isn't that usually how it goes? We plan this awesome things we're going to do as we grow up - what job we'll have, who we'll marry, where we'll live, what our kids will be like. It's not until we deny ourselves and listen to God that we realize the mighty plan He has for us. I was always going to be a doctor. It's the only thing I've ever said I want to be. But, I was NEVER going to be a pediatrician. I was going to be an orthopedic surgeon. Then I was going to be an OB/GYN. It wasn't until I was able to ignore my plans and focus on His that I realized the plan He had for me. And yes, for anyone who may not realize it, I am a pediatrician. In fact, I'm in fellowship now to become a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. I certainly never planned on having a child with a disability, but God knew what He was doing when He gave us Will. Why do we question if God knows what He's doing? We always seem so surprised, and say, "I guess God knew what He was doing." Duh! Of course He does...He's God! Anyway...
One more example of God's plan and the incredible faith it takes to follow it is the story of my best friend Jessi George and her family. They recently picked up and moved from Mississippi to Papua New Guinea to be tribal missionaries with New Tribes Missions. This has been their dream for six years now, and yesterday, they realized that dream. They are now in their temporary home there and are loving it. Many of us, even me at times, thought "They're crazy! Taking those three little girls (ages 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years) all the way around the world to live in a mud hut. What are they thinking?" But we're the crazy ones. Following God's plan may seem crazy to some, but if you don't follow His plan, that's when I'd question your sanity! This family has demonstrated unwavering faith despite many worldly setbacks, and now has been rewarded with the desires of their heart.
Just think, following the Lord, living for Him and in His word daily, will allow you to see the unbelievable plan He has for you too! No matter what you've done, where you've been, or who you are, God has a plan for you. Never doubt that. You're NEVER too far gone for the Lord to bring you back. Just read Jeremiah chapter 29, and you'll see how far the Lord can bring you.
Gonna Make You Stronger
I'm totally over this whole knee surgery thing! I'm tired of hurting. Tired of being limited in what I can do. Tired of hobbling around. I'm ready to be better and get back to my life. I'm not used to sitting around with my leg propped up while I ask other people to get things and do things for me. Frankly, I hate this. It's been three weeks now, and I am getting better. But, I still hurt. And the hurting is the thing that seems to limit me the most. I'm doing well with my rehab and bending and straightening my leg. It's getting stronger everyday, and my therapist says I'm right where I should be. But...I still hurt.
The other night I had a break down and threw myself quite the little pity party. Why me? That is the dumbest question ever. (By the way, if you want more answers to that question, come to First Assembly NLR on Easter Sunday.) I don't even know why I ask it. As if leg surgery was the worst thing in the world that could ever happen to me. All I have to do is turn on the TV and I'll see people who are suffering so much more than I ever have. Earthquakes and tsunamis. Tornadoes. Women killing themselves and their children. I mean, really, knee surgery? "Get over it!" I told myself.
"You will get better. It just takes time." I'm really tired of hearing this, and I think it's because this is the hard part for me. I am not a patient person by nature. I have to pray for patience on a daily basis. I also have to remember that God tells us we should consider it pure joy when we face trials. It's hard to think of knee surgery as pure joy, but if it develops my perseverance, character, etc. then I should be joyful about that.
The morning after my glorious pity party, I got in my car to drive to work and was listening to K-LOVE. (I love that station! You guys should check it out.) A song by Mandisa titled "Stronger" came on. What a wake-up call! It was exactly what I needed to hear. So, I thought I'd post the lyrics because I have a sneaking suspicion that one of you may need to hear them too.
Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don't hang your head. It's gonna end
God's right there, even it it's hard to see him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head, it's gonna end
God's right there, even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares
'Cause if He started this work in you life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
The other night I had a break down and threw myself quite the little pity party. Why me? That is the dumbest question ever. (By the way, if you want more answers to that question, come to First Assembly NLR on Easter Sunday.) I don't even know why I ask it. As if leg surgery was the worst thing in the world that could ever happen to me. All I have to do is turn on the TV and I'll see people who are suffering so much more than I ever have. Earthquakes and tsunamis. Tornadoes. Women killing themselves and their children. I mean, really, knee surgery? "Get over it!" I told myself.
"You will get better. It just takes time." I'm really tired of hearing this, and I think it's because this is the hard part for me. I am not a patient person by nature. I have to pray for patience on a daily basis. I also have to remember that God tells us we should consider it pure joy when we face trials. It's hard to think of knee surgery as pure joy, but if it develops my perseverance, character, etc. then I should be joyful about that.
The morning after my glorious pity party, I got in my car to drive to work and was listening to K-LOVE. (I love that station! You guys should check it out.) A song by Mandisa titled "Stronger" came on. What a wake-up call! It was exactly what I needed to hear. So, I thought I'd post the lyrics because I have a sneaking suspicion that one of you may need to hear them too.
Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don't hang your head. It's gonna end
God's right there, even it it's hard to see him
I promise you that He still cares
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head, it's gonna end
God's right there, even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares
'Cause if He started this work in you life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
