Diagnosis Day

Today began with an appointment at 9 a.m. at Texas Children’s Hospital Clinical Care Center with Dr. Rosillo and Dr. Marietta deGuzman in Rheumatology.  Well, it actually started earlier with a cup of coffee but we’ll skip all that.  Hope hopped up on the exam table, as she is so used to doing, and began playing something on daddy’s IPad.  Dr. Rosillo came in and got an update on how Hope’s been feeling since our last visit a month ago.  I’ve noticed things like her not being able to press the button on a perfume or spray bottle, open our front door; things that she needs to do with strength in her hands.  Her play activity has also decreased as the pain in her toe and foot joints increased.  After a preliminary explanation about diagnosis and medication options, Dr. deGuzman arrived.  What sweet ladies!  They are both awesome Dr.’s.  Not only do I feel they are very competent in their field, they are compassionate and take time to explain.  Dr. Rosillo is from Mexico or Brazil (don’t quote me on that) and has quite an accent.  And Dr. deGuzman has a very heavy accent from (???) and is somewhat hard to understand as well, but they are so very kind!  I wouldn’t want any other Dr’s.

Dr. deGuzman began explaining that Hope has plenty of  clinical symptoms (and in her history) to diagnose Pediatric Sarcoidosis.  To say that she absolutely has it we would need a biopsy of the granulomas in her lungs, which is very invasive, or ones that have formed in her hands, feet or elbows.  At this point we are going to move forward with immediate treatment to slow the progression of the disease.  We would have begun an infusion today but that department was completely booked.  But now I’m getting ahead of myself.

Her CT scan showed granulomas in her lungs have not grown in the last 2 years.  Since she has not been on any kind of treatment plan this is very good news!  The fact that her lungs have not been greatly affected thus far is encouraging.  Her abdominal ultrasound did not show any unusual activity of granulomous formation which is also very encouraging!  She does continue to have nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the kidney’s) but it has not gotten any worse in the last 1 1/2 years.  This is likely due to keeping her hypercalcemia (high calcium in blood stream) within normal limits by her calcitonin injections.  However, with children who are diagnosed with this disease, they usually prescribe an NSAID first, like Naproxyn.  We tried Hope on Naproxyn before Christmas and it caused irritation in her kidneys which caused blood in her urine.  So, we are unable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as these.

On Monday we will go back to TCH for an IV-infusion of steroids called Solumedrol.  These infusions should take approximately an hour and we’ll do this once a week for the next 4 weeks.  I was told to buy her some sour candies to suck during this time to keep the nasty taste out of her mouth.  She will also begin a very low daily dose of steroids in pill form (Prednisone) and a dose of Humira every 14 days for a month.  The Humira will be injected by me every 14 days with something that looks like an Epi-pen.  Darrel and Hope went into the waiting room after our appointment so I could make other appointments and get ‘trained’ to give this new injection.  When the nurse brought the ‘pen’ and showed me how it worked I started fanning my face with papers.  They asked me if I was hot and I said, “No, just trying not to cry!”  The LAST thing I want to do is give Hope more injections.  Ahhhhh! [Charlie Brown style when Lucy pulls that football away from him]   I need prayer.  Hope needs lots of prayer (I was made aware that this medication stings, like her MiaCalcin, and I have to hold the needle in 10-15 seconds while it pumps).  She is NOT going to be a happy camper.  Again, very thankful this is only every 14 days and not every day.  Since Humira suppresses the immune system we are going to be prayerful and careful about infections, bacterial and viral.  She cannot be a hermit but we will be praying for wisdom in keeping her healthy.

In a month we’ll have a follow-up appointment to see if the medications are effective.  She will continue her MiaCalcin injections every 12 hours during this time…BUT…our prayer is that, if this disease gets controlled, that her hypercalcemia will desist and she will get to stop taking these daily injections.  I have NOT told her of this possibility, as I believe the devastation of it not happening would be very great.  I can hardly ponder the thought of it myself.  There is hope.  We will need to take blood for labs during this time so our endocrine Dr. can see if there are changes occurring in her blood calcium levels.

Right now our concerns are getting the inflammation down; back, all knuckle and hand joints, wrists, elbows, hips, ankles, feet and toes.  These are the main points that are causing her such pain.  Sarcoidosis causes granulomas [medical term for tiny collection of immune cells known as macrophages.  These form when the immune system attempts to wall off substances it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate.  It's a special type of inflammation.] all throughout organs in the body including but not limited to the eyes, heart, liver, kidney’s, and lungs.  She’s had them form in her hands, feet, elbows and lungs.  We are praying these new medications will eliminate them and keep new ones from forming.

Another challenge will be to keep her active.  We’ve learned taking steroids causes the patient to be very hungry and usually gains weight, not to mention the swelling or ‘puffiness’ that naturally occurs.  Praying that the Lord will help all of us through this time.  The Dr. said taking steroids can make one very moody.  I wonder if it’s from the med’s or from people saying they shouldn’t eat so much! ha  Please pray for her specifically in this area as well… we want to feed her healthy snacks, comfort her and point her to Christ.

There’s so much more I’ve left out from the day but it’s late and time for me to rest.

I go to sleep very thankful.  I’m thankful God has let us have precious Hope for 3 more years (since initial flare in 2008); thankful for medications and Dr.’s, thankful for friends who pray, thankful for a Godly husband and children; thankful for funny movies and ice cream; and thankful to  Jesus for unimaginable suffering for the love of His people.

Holy God in love became

Perfect Man to bear my blame

On the cross He took my sin

By His death I live again!

He Cares

Hope has been complaining the last week of experiencing pain while breathing.  At first I thought it was inflammation in her rib cage but she says, “No, mommy, it’s not like that.”  After more probing I understand that it is indeed pain in her lungs.  Whatever is happening to her is now affecting her breathing.  Today was the height of my aknowlegement of this as she came into Isaac’s room, where I was teaching him, and crying about the way it felt.  I called rheumatology and left a message at the nurses desk, and although I tried to conceal my concern and sadness, ended up breaking down at the end while leaving my phone number.

Trinity has also been coughing since December 13th and I finally gave in and took her to our pediatrician yesterday.  Long story short, I didn’t agree with her diagnosis, but didn’t say anything; didn’t fill the new prescription given either.  But this morning Danielle reminded me that she and Isaac both had brief bouts with asthma at about her age; I totally forgot!  So, I do believe the coughing might be some form of allergy asthma and will be calling the Dr. back to get her opinion.

Although I feel washed over with medical issues at times [weary, not fearful] I know Jesus cares for us, loves us and is interceding on our behalf.  How kind that He would even care to have us kneel down at His feet and communicate with Him.  That He would allow us to do so; that He has bridged the gap, crossed the great divide, so that we can be His; called His children; that we may be comforted by Him.  Oh, the sweet love of Jesus!

Back to My Bacon

So, we decided to go out on Thursday to Brazos Bend State Park and use our pass before it expires the end of Jan.  It was cloudy, over-cast and windy.  But the kids had a great time.  We drove around to a part of the park we’ve not been and found a new play place.  They had a fort at least 15 ft up and they loved it!  Danielle took pictures and then sat and drew in her sketch book.  Isaac, Hope and Trinity played for a long time until Hope tired out.  She then got her sketch book too and they all drew; well, until Isaac thought about how much fun it might be to try and throw things UP the 10 foot slide.  He and Trinity were doing all sorts of things with the gravelly rocks.  He’s nuts…well, I should say, he’s creative.

We ate a picnic and I sat.  I sat in a chair and watched the clouds roll by.  It was lovely, although I kept seeing creepy faces in the clouds.  You remember as a kid all the fun animals and things you would see in the clouds?  No cute figures that day, all scary faces.  I don’t know why.

I ended up reading a book I’d just started, Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.  It is beckoning me right now!

The day wasn’t what I’d planned but it was a good day.  Came home to hear someone from rheumatology trying to schedule us an appointment.  ha  They had closed for the day.  So, Friday morning I called.  Hope has an appointment at 9 a.m. with Dr. DeGuzman.  I am, at the moment, very happy about this.

Today, I took Hope and Danielle on a couple of errands and ended up at Hobby Lobby for Danielle to find some things to make a mask for a party next weekend.  After walking around, perhaps an hour, Hope’s feet and ankles were killing her.  When we were walking out she was just hobbling and hobbling along.  Ladies older than me were trying to pass.  She said, “I must look ridiculous!” But outwardly she didn’t seem to care much, just wanted to get off her feet.  By the time we got to the van she couldn’t even get in.  So, I am VERY glad we are getting in to see the Dr. Friday.  It couldn’t come soon enough.

Good news!  Darrel’s biopsy came back as Morphea which is just a localized scleroderma (hardening of the skin).  Nothing to be worried about.  She told him not to go snooping about online about scleroderma or we might get a shock, but his is nothing to worry about.  He has some topicort to use on it for a couple of weeks and his hair might even grow back.  So, my heart has been set at ease.  Thank you, Lord!

And last, but not least, Grady was kind enough to give us a leg of lamb this week.  It was a BIG leg.  I looked up a recipe he told me about and got it roasting this morning.  Roasted that leg for over 8 hours. {I must insert here a very strange occurance today.  For reasons unknown to us, Luther has a ‘no tolerance policy’ to roasting lamb in this house.  From about hour 2 of cooking, he ran upstairs sniffing the air, hid under the bed and wouldn’t come out.  When we finally coaxed him out he would only sit under Darrel’s desk, walk a foot or two out, sniff the air and go right back under.  It wasn’t until the lamb was eating and all the dishes washed that he came out of the room.  Weird-y!!!}   The lamb turned out  fall-off-the-bone tender.  The children all liked it, Darrel thought it was prepared well, but wasn’t too hot on it and me, well, the one who tries it all and loves it all…. Bleh!  I ate it, but I won’t be eating it again anytime soon.  It’s that after taste.  I don’t want to spoil the lamb eating experience for anyone else, so I won’t share my reason with anyone, but I have farm issues in my past that won’t allow me to enjoy goat cheese and now leg of lamb.  Oh well!  Back to my bacon. [I love bacon]

Waiting

Trying to be patient while waiting for a phone call from rheumatology to get Hope back in.  Hoping it will be early on this week.  Also waiting on biopsy results for a place off Darrel’s arm.  Trying to decide whether to teach today in the house or to take a family outing as it promises to be a lovely 74 degrees.

Praying for our friends, Leslie and Jessica Padilla.

January 10th

Jan. 10th was officially Hope’s birthday but since we celebrated on the 9th I had plans for a regular day and school work.  The day was full of challenges and training but we made it through and prayerfully, God was glorified.

I am working on de-cluttering our home as to have more time to do the things I love, to spend more time with the ones I love and to have more time to serve without feeling like our ‘things’ rule us.  I am so thankful for all we have but the moment they rule me they become a burden and not a blessing.

Today I take Hope to TCH for her CT scan.  She’s had quite a horrendous night cough the past 4 nights but praise the Lord, she didn’t cough at all last night.  I was concerned about her lying on that table, having to be perfectly still for at least 5 minutes.  I didn’t want to put this off any longer so I’m so thankful the cough is leaving her.  I’ve noticed her appetite has decreased significantly and her coloring is changing too.  Where she normally scarfs down her entire birthday waffle, she ate 3/4 and said, “I’m stuffed!”  What? [very surprised]  Then at lunch she ate her side salad and started in on her meat and said she was too full to eat it.  And same at dinner.  So, not that I’m upset, because frankly she’s probably over-eaten in the past, but there’s a change going on for sure.

Praying we can get results soon and get on a plan to slow down this Sarcoidosis, if this indeed is what she has.  Should know soon, Lord willing.

Celebrating her life

We celebrated Hope’s 9th birthday yesterday; a day early!  Danielle and I stayed up late Sunday night getting the dining table ready.  Danielle set up such a beautiful table of plates, folded napkins, dainty tea cups and homemade paper flowers she’d made.  She also made a homemade cloth banner; so cute!  I made a blue balloon bouquet by taping them onto bamboo skewers and putting them in a little cup.  We wrapped her gifts in blue paper with pretty bows to match.  As she descended down the stairs she got a view of the table and she loved it.  I made homemade waffles with butter and powdered sugar [less sprinkles than usual *grin] and blackberries but she still enjoyed them; birthday waffles have been a tradition of ours for years now.  For lunch we picked up a box of fried chicken; that girl loves fried chicken!  Hope received a beautiful Swan Princess ballet Barbie doll from Grammy of which the girls played with  while I vacuumed my room and cleaned my bathroom [ha].  Then I steamed asparagus and c-r-a-b legs.  In the 20 years of our marriage we have not had crab legs, but Hope asked for them a few weeks ago and I figured, “Why not!”  So, we had quite a mess and ate rather slowly, as that’s the only way you can eat crab legs!  Plain cheesecake with strawberries to finish things off.  Over-all I’d say she had quite a successful birthday celebration.

Schiel Life

Making low carb cookies today so Hope can enjoy something at our Care Group meeting tonight.  I made them out of flaxseed meal and almond meal which means they are more ‘fattening’ but low in sugar content, which should mean they will be more satisfying.  They look good but tonight will put them to the test.

Hope’s had an abdominal exam this week which was painful because I believe her organs are inflamed, especially her liver.  Her rheumatological exam last week was also painful but possibly very telling.  Until her CT scan is complete and all labratory results are in they [Dr.'s] won’t say for sure, but they put a diagnosis of Sarcoidosis on her check out sheet.  It was exciting for me to see and emotionally exhausting as I sat in another room while she had pulmonary tests and mused over this new finding.  To hold back the tears of joy and sorrow were very stressful on my body.  God was with me, and her, and we now wait for the next step.

Lab results a few weeks ago showed her to be pre-diabetic.  The warrior rose up in me when I found out these results and I cried, with brandish held high, “NO! NO! NO!  We will not deal with diabetes too!”  And we made a drastic change in carbohydrate consumption in her and a little bit in us as well.  In less than 2 weeks her sugars came down from 118 to 95 which is now in normal range.  Praise you Lord Jesus!

It is possible that they want to start her on steriods, which every time I think of I cry.  Another option is methotrexate.  There are several more I cannot remember, but they need to see what her other organs currently look like in order to know how to best care for her body.

My fox of a husband has lost 40 pounds since August and is a running maniac. [4 mile run every other day and 15 mile bike ride on the other days]  That is said in a good and loving way.  I am very happy, proud and thankful that he is taking better care of his body to the glory of the Lord, to feel better and to give me a tiny bit of peace of mind that he might stick around for a while.    I know, we could all be called home today, but I appreciate his efforts and know that he feels better.

Although this daily journey is hard, sad and frustrating at times, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.  I may not always be smiling but I do have a deep rooted joy and thankfulness because of the Holy Spirits work in all our lives.  I feel like such a failure at the end of many days but His mercies are renewed every morning and I know that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.  All praise to the King!

In God We Trust

Hope has been going through more the last year.  More, as in, dealing with more pain.  This post isn’t about going into great detail about Hope’s health but how her brother was so kind on Monday.

I’d just made another appointment for Hope to see her pediatrician and knew she was going to have to give blood for lab work.  She’s sick and tired of needles and shots so when I mentioned us going she broke down in tears.  Isaac, being the kind and compassionate brother that he is, went into his room to get something, of which none of us knew.  BTW, he’s just lost 2 of his last molars and received $2 from the ‘tooth fairy’ that very morning.

He emerged from his room and walked up to Hope.  “Here,” as he handed her a dollar bill, “maybe you can buy something with mom after you are finished with your labs.”  Hope graciously takes the dollar and he finishes with, “And remember…”, as he points to the words on the dollar bill that states In God We Trust.

No promises

Hope: “Mommy, we’re done with our chores and everything…can we please play Mario Cart?”

Me: “Why haven’t y’all given that back to the Yohe’s yet?  Y’all end up fighting when you play that game.”

Hope: “We won’t fight. I pro— I prom— I pro—  I can’t promise you anything, but can we please play?”

ME: Totally cracking up I say yes.  How can I say no to such honesty?

First Book

  Hope read her first book today.  We are most proud of her and let her pick out some icecream at the local Giant; M-n-M  icecream cones.  As we were leaving she said, “the only thing that would make this day better would be if daddy were with us.”  That was so sweet!

September 11

  So much going on today.  I would say most are internal.  I’ve got new physical issues going on with Danielle, physical issues going on with Hope, all 3 younger ones dealing with colds but Trinity in particular dealing with quite a cough in the late evening and early morning hours.  Then I think back to this day 7 years ago and my heart is burdened for those who lost family members in New York.  We pray for them. 

   I’m really seeing God working in Darrel.  It hurts me to see him ‘suffering’ but I know it is God peeling away lots of ‘self’ that needs to go.  He is so humbled in his prayers with us.  Tears fall much easier than they used to and that is an evidence of humility to me.  We still marvel that we are here and experiencing the grace that He’s pouring out.  Our first care group last night with the Ricucci’s was good, very good.  God is doing such a marvelous work in so many lives from humbling people, giving them a boldness to speak out when they would rather not, faith to renew marriage relationships that have been through difficult times, faith to become better leaders in their homes, to become true servants of Christ and not servants of ourselves.  The list goes on and on. 

  I get ready to tuck all the kids in and glance through the doorway at Isaac.  He has an angry look on his face and then I see tears.  I walk in, sit down and ask what is wrong.  He shares that he’s sad for all the people who are dying and don’t know Christ.  This opened a door for really good dicussion about the Holy Spirit giving us a passion for the lost, a boldness to proclaim the gospel to a world separated from God.  It was sweet.  (I have this in my personal post but) Isaac made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ on the 8th.  It was a day filled with conversation that he brought up each time and at night he could not go to sleep.  He shared with Darrel and me that he does things because he knows they are right to do, not because he really wants to do them.  He said, “when I do something nice for Danielle or you, my heart doesn’t really want to do it.”  He shared that he doesn’t want to pray, doesn’t want to go to church, doesn’t want to read his bible, but he does because he knows it’s right.  By the end of the day his heart was so grieved he wanted to repent.  He said ,” I pray that God will make me want to do it.  I know I’m a sinner.”  There was more…so much grace poured out on him, it was evident on his face and through his tears that the Holy Spirit was doing a great work in his heart. 

  Today we learned that Brazoria County has issued a mandatory evacuation for hurrican Ike to hit sometime tomorrow through Sat.  Our friends, the Sinclairs, who are renting our home in Rosharon, left today to head north to Spring, TX and stay with Joni’s cousin.  Many other friends are boarding up their house and leaving, others are staying to see how bad it gets, I guess.  We have been praying for all those down south, for their protection and salvation for those who do not yet know Christ.

  And last but not least, SpiderMan came to our house today!  We’ve had this thing with spider’s in the house and our sweet friend Jeannie said she wouldn’t set foot in it to visit or babysit unless the spiders were gone!  hahaha    So, she quickly arranged to have a new exterminator come out today.  I have faith that his job did the trick!  Take dominion over the earth, right?

  I read a friends’ blog tonight and was reminded of a quote we heard in our ladies meeting that wow’d a lot of us.  I forgot to write it down so here it goes.  I was sharing this with the family at dinner that Sat. night, Hope sitting on my lap and read, “If you see a spark of grace in someones life get down on your knees and blow it into a flame.”
- C.H. Spurgeon            Then Hope took a deep, deep breath and blew on me. 

   Oh yeah, and I have this great story about Trinity meeting a new ‘best friend’ at the park today while SpiderMan was setting off his bombs, but that story will have to wait.  It’s better to hear in person anyway.  It requires LOTS of animation!

Hurricane Ike

  I woke up every hour last night with prayers coming off my tongue for those in Texas who were experiencing the hurricane.  One time I woke up singing (in my head, not aloud) Psalm 150.  Praise the Lord, praise Him in His sanctuary, praise Him in His mighty expanse.  When I got to the word expanse I thought of the hurricane and it’s massiveness.  He reminded me of His massiveness and His sovereignty.

  Amy, Miran and I had our women’s accountability group this morning.  It was wonderful to share and very fruitful.  We have much to pray about and much to be thankful for! 

  Tomorrow, 9-14, is our 17th wedding anniversary.  Darrel has been planning something for the day and it’s a surprise.  Just getting to spend some alone time for an extended period is going to be wonderful.  Anything above that will be like having baklava and a Pumpkin spice latte.  I don’t like ‘icing on the cake’. 

  Since the Sinclair family (renting our home) evacuated the area on Wed. or Thursday there is no one in our house.  I’ve been concerned, wondering what our area looked like and so I called a neighbor and left a message on voice mail.  She called right back and talked with Darrel (I was bathing Luther, our dog).  It seems one of our neighbors decided to ride out the storm.  He indicated what he’s sees right now is that all fences are down everywhere.  There is siding off one side of our house but doesn’t appear that windows were busted out.  Amazing!  We’ll know more in a few days once people start going back home but the power companies are down and could be down for 1-2 weeks. 

  Darrel and I are praying for our cousins (Darrel’s specifically) and more than dear friends.  Billy and Jojo Schiel lost their home.  They are further up north west in Magnolia, TX which is even further north than where Darrel and I used to live in Tomball.  A 100ft tree blew down on their house, smashed it completely.  They’ve been working on it for months now as it’s been for sale.  They just ‘happened’ to go stay the night at his father’s house that night.  The tree fell right on top of their oldest sons room and livingroom.   They are rejoicing in God’s mercy and protection on their family!  They have 3 little boys and a little girl on the way.  Please pray peace and joy during this time of uncertainty. 

  I love all you Texans out there who can’t get on your internet or phones!  WE are praying for you and trusting God for your safety.  Please let us know you are ok as soon as you can.

  And all I have to say about the new picture header on our blog is, who needs toys when you have a basement and old mops and brooms?

Argh! God’s word is a mighty 2 edged sword

I am very busy.  So busy I am making myself write this blog.  Tonight we had dinner at Ben and Erin Wikner’s house.  What a blessing they are.  The children had a wonderful time playing and we were blessed to hear their testimony of how God has brought them to the pc and Sovereign Grace/ CLC.  Amazing stories of God at work.  Not to mention her homemade pizza was delicious.

  Today we babysat for the Armstrong’s across the street.  Little Tyler, 3 and Cori, 12 wks or so, came over for a few hours.  I loved holding her and caring for her.  Such a sweet age and she’s so light!!  No, it didn’t make me want another one but I’d sure like to watch her again.

  Schooling is going well.  It takes up the majority of my day teach 3 subjects of math and grammar and then joint classes of science, history, PE, health and 1 hr per week of music and art.  Yesterday we went to Seneca State Park and got samples of fungi and algea since that is what we’re currently studying in science.  It was FUN and we got exercise. 

  Darrel blessed my socks off with the anniversary of the century.  I told him he was off the hook for our 20th.  This whole thing goes back to 7 years ago.  On our 10th wedding anniversary we had accumulated airline miles on our cc and I had made all these plans to fly to Baltimore, MD, take him to a baseball game, stay at a nice hotel, go to the symphony, etc.  Well, 9-11 happened and airlines shut down.  So we ended up driving to Galveston and spending time at a B&B there.  Now that we just ‘happened’ to be in this area, he planned an outing for us.  It was more than I could have imagined; not just what we did, what we ate, etc., but God’s mercy and grace in healing some old wounds I’d held on to for about 5 years.  Prior to our trip I confessed this in our accountability group and went home to repent.  It’s not something I thought of every day or even monthly, but would pop up maybe 1-2x a year.  I so don’t deserve such a wonderful husband like Darrel but am blessed beyond measure by and through Him.  We went to a baseball game and every inning he gave me a card.  Interestingly enough, a few weeks ago God had been dealing with me and convicting me of not showing forth the fruits of the spirit.  God used Darrel as a means of grace to show me that I indeed had some.   9 innings, 9 fruits.  He wrote notes to me sharing how he saw each fruit evidenced in my life.  By the 9th inning I was bawling…joyful, but bawling.  Many more surprises awaited us together that I will keep.  But it was a blessed and great time!  My sweet friend Jeannie Harvey and her husband Craig, kept the kids the whole time!  Woo hoo…they don’t have kids, but 2 chocolate labs.  I think they deserve some kind of award for keeping 4 kids, don’t you? 

  Well, I am planning another field trip, thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Von Hoff.  We’re planning on going to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island this Friday if all goes as planned.  If I can get my camera to download onto MY computer I’ll post some pictures.  I’ve gotten some great ones lately but unable to download.  Tomorrow I take the kids to the church for pc gym kids day.  The pc mom’s get the gym for 1 hour and the kids of all ages can play ball, frisbee’s etc.  We didn’t go last week due to colds but the kids are pumped about tomorrow!  And at night we have our first meeting with CJ and Carolyn Mahaney.

  For my devotional time I’ve continued to read and be blessed by Susannah Spurgeon’s book and devotional.  I will read it again when I’m through.  Darrel finished up the Pentateuch last week and this weeks studies are Biblical hermeneutics,  methods of interpreting the Bible.  They have several labs to do plus their reading but he’s smiling!

New York or Bust

I should be added to the CLC ‘crazy ladies’ group.   From what I learned tonight at our Mahaney q&a session there is actually a group of ladies who meet under this title, of which they like and are very pleased to be associated.  It’s nearing 11PM, I have my alarm set for 4:45AM and I’m blogging.  There ya go!

Food is packed, freezer blocks and water bottles ready, tickets printed out, van gassed up and tire pressures checked, sweaters and camera on the stairs.  Kids are already dressed!  How much easier can that be?  I had Danielle bathe the girls and get them “dressed” for bed.  Ever done that?  I’ve done this on many occasions when taking trips during early hours.  It sure beats trying to wake a 4 year old who just wants to SLEEP and dressing them while they’re either a total limp noodle or crying their eyes out.  So, for all you young mom’s…dress them for the next day before you put them to bed. 

So, this saga to be continued once we’re home.  I have no idea when that will be but I’m sure we’ll be good and tired.  And oh, I didn’t make the pc play time at the gym today.  Ooops…I thought it started at 11AM.  Nope, 10-11AM.  Do you think my kids were happy?  Ah, just another way God intended them to be stretched and to grow today.  Danielle told me later she was saying to herself, “I’m 13 years old, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry.”  Isn’t it amazing how we love gathering with friends to play and socialize.  I’m so thankful for these times and, Lord willing, I will get them to pc gym time next week!   But for now they’ll just have to settle for a trip to see Lady Liberty!  ha

Blessed Beyond Measure

  I have a large sized blog I intend to write about our trip to the Empire State and Big Apple!  But for now I have to write a note about my life.  The other night I was looking through some photo’s and got ‘sucked in’.  I couldn’t stop looking, reminicing.    I have a GREAT life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Right now I am surrounded by the sweetest children in the world.  Isaac just got out of the shower and is sitting here by me in his fluffy navy blue towel, smelling deliciously clean.  Hope is sitting next to me flipping through a children’s bible asking me about women in bible days and if they had C-Sections (I had 4 c-sections) and Trinity is trying to brush Isaac’s hair with a little brush.  It’s all so wonderful.  Oh, and if you wonder where our precious Danielle is, she is being blessed with some time away with friends in Baltimore at a baseball game! 

 After looking at days of baking, science projects, art projects, baby photo’s, park pictures, kids trying to fish, Christmas photo’s and dozens and dozens of more photo’s I sat in bed thinking “I HAVE A GREAT LIFE” and I don’t deserve one bit of it.  God is so good to us in the midst of ourselves. 

  Now Hope is asking to have the bible read to hear and to have her legs massaged!  hahahaha  Now Trinity is Miss Massager.  Hope’s asking for ‘relaxation lotion’ for her to use.  Oh, my goodness. 

  This song comes to mind…Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen! 

  Not that today has been an easy day…it hasn’t.  I have let Issac, Hope and Trinity bake a loaf of banana nut bread which took about 30 minutes longer than if I’d have done it myself (the point was, of course, to let them do all the measuring!  I wasn’t as patient as this 10 years ago!!),  washed 8 loads of laundry changed sheets of 5 beds, vacuumed rugs, sucked out about 100 spider webs out of our basement for about 1/2 an hour, gave the girls a bath, packed away some summer clothes, rearranged beds to more accommodate play time in their rooms, made meals and disciplined my chilrdren between tasks, and worshipped God in my doings.  I am so thankful for God’s presence in our lives in the seemingly meanial tasks, although I’ve long since realized nothing is meanial.  Every moment can bring glory to God and will more so when we are doing it with joy.  I was able to encourage Danielle without realizing it…until, of course, she thanked me for the encouragement, which in turn encouraged me! 

  So, I hope you will stop and take a moment to reflect on your day even if it’s seemed a difficult or challenging one and realize that we are all blessed beyond measure!

Shrimp Allergy Discovered

  I just looked up a past post on Aug. 16th when I made Shrimp Scampi for the fam.  Isaac got sick that night.  I thought it was from the buttery sauce but after tonight have made a great discovery I’m sure Isaac will be VERY happy to have written in his books.  He is obviously allergic to shrimp and other seafoods.  This is somewhat sad because he does like to eat them.  But this evening I had shrimp, cooked scallops and fried clams.  His head is pounding like a sledge hammer is hitting him and he’s thrown up twice.  I know, I know…TMI.  Too much information!  BUT, you need to remember this is my blog and you are intering into Schiel territory here.  You never know what you might get!  All this aside…. I feel TERRIBLE!!  Poor little guy.  But I’m so thankful God made us to rid ourselves of harmful things.  As Dr. Robinson used to say “fever is your friend”, “vomit is your friend”.  hahahahaha  It really is!!! 

  I recall months ago when I was going to take the kids to a play at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in downtown Houston.  We just happened to eat fish that night and before we left the house Isaac was acting a bit strange but wouldn’t admit to anything being wrong.  He probably wasn’t sure at that point.  But by intermission I knew we were in trouble.  I headed to the car with all 4 kids and 1/2 way home….well, I’ll spare you the details but I sure was glad I had a LARGE glass of homemade frappuccino before the play that was empty in the car!!! 

  I am about 90% sure at this point that Isaac has some type of allergy to seafood or the toxins therein.  Darrel, the girls and I are fine and we had the same food he did. 

   Thank you Lord for exposing this allergy to me fairly quickly and thank you for helping him feel better and sleeping peacefully tonight.

  If any of you have information concerning this topic please feel free to share it with me!

What I Dislike Most

  I am at once dealing with a situation that makes me sick to my stomach when I think about having to do this ‘which is the least thing I’d like to do’, and at the same time, because of God and truly God alone, I realize this situation He’s put in front of me is just what He wants to grow in me.  In our ladies meeting I was taking notes.  I went right to those notes today because as I was writing them I couldn’t think of a situation that fit me.  But I wrote down, “EMBRACE YOUR DEPENDENCE– THINK OF THE THING YOU WOULD LEAST LIKE TO DO.  WE BECOME TOO AWARE OF ‘US’ AND NOT OF HIM.  TRUST GOD AND DO IT– STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN.  HE GIVES ALL–ALL I HAVE IS JESUS.  WHEN YOU FEEL DESPERATE, THAT IS A GOOD SIGN.  FALL ON HIM.”

  I know now that He gave those notes for today, for what I’m about to step into.  This new trial… or gift…depending how I look upon it, is so great!  He’s giving me yet another opportunity to trust Him fully.  Yes, Lord, use me.  Keep reminding me of my inadequacy and give me boldness in You to step out and encourage those in need, obey You and have faith for what YOU will accomplish through this vessel.

  Never let me forget that there is no such thing as a Godless moment.  (I am praying for His presence and His words when I speak to a friend in desperate need of looking at her life from another perspective other than self… over the phone.)

LONG blog about our New York Trip

  …..and there I was, lying in my warm bed after being woken up about 3 times during the night by little people….sleeping soundly….when my eyes just POPPED open and were clearly focused on the clock that said 5:27AM. 

  Now let’s rewind.  I got everything ready for our New York trip the night before, had the kids dressed for the day already and set my alarm for 4:45AM so I’d have plenty of time to drink a cup of coffee and finish loading up last minute stuff before leaving to pick up Jeannie at 5:30AM.

  You get the picture now?  Yep, my alarm did NOT go off.  For no aparrent reason except that God obviously wanted to start my day with a little more rest and definately wanted to remind me 1st thing that HE was in control, not me!  Ok, now that I had that straight I started to scramble.  Threw on jeans and a short sleeved t-shirt, ran in Danielle’s room to beg for help and threw the water bottles and cold foods into the cooler with freezer blocks.  My clock is actually 10 minutes fast so that gave me a teensy tinsey bit of leeway.  We did make it to Jeannie’s before 6AM and hit the road. 

  The drive up wasn’t bad except that there are at least $20 worth of tolls.  Thank God I brought cash.  I had NO idea we were going to encounter that. HA  Not good planning on my part, but then again it was a grace.  I might have changed my mind had I known ahead of time!  hahaha  So, we make it in record time.  Our ferry over wasn’t set to leave until 11:15AM and it wasn’t even 10AM.  We would have taken an earlier one but the on-line ticket sales said the 10AM one was SOLD OUT.  So, we meandered around, used the restroom, walked into an old train station there where there wer lots of 9/11 memorabilia, took pictures of Manhatten, watched some boats, then ate an early lunch.  As it was nearing 11AM we decided to go park in the ‘proper’ place and did so.  In my mind we were to get there by 11AM but actually our tickets said 11:15AM.  Since I had 11AM in my head I was hookin’ it!  I mean I was pretty much at a running pace while pushing Trinity in her stroller.  Later I found out Jeannie was thinking “Why is she in such a hurry?”  ha  So, we get to the ticket gate, I give all our tickets and then this really loud horn blows.  The sweet lady looks at me and says, “Oops, sorry, the ferry is leaving. You’ll have to wait until the 11:45 ferry comes to get a ride.”  A million flies could have entered my mouth at that moment.  I stood there looking like a total dummy and said, “what?”  I could NOT think of what to do.  I mean, it was obvious she couldn’t get us on, the ferry was leaving right then and we weren’t near it to just JUMP on, which I would have done if it were just me!  We said 1/2 laughing and 1/2 crying, “we’ve been here for over an hour waiting for this ferry and we miss it?  Our tickets say 11:15AM.”  She said, “Oh, after Sept. 1st they changed the time, it’s 11AM now.  You should have taken the 10AM ferry if you were here that early.” To which I replied, “the on-line tickets sales said it was sold OUT.”  To which SHE replied, “Oh, we are NEVER sold out on the New Jersey side.”  And smiled so sweetly. 

   HAAAAAA.  We were just beside ourselves.  What were we going to do for another 45 minutes.  So, we got out of the way and found a table and chairs.  I said, “well, how about I run back to the van and get some chocolate chip cookies?”  Everyone agreed that was a great idea.  So I got them and we ate them.  We did get on the next ferry and took it over to Ellis Island.  The kids and I have been studying about it, the Statue of Liberty and the state of New York for the past 3 weeks, so we were able to finally see in person what we’ve read and heard about all these days.  It was really amazing.   I have some great photo’s but have yet found the time to download a new driver for my camera.  Will do sometime.

  Next we took another ferry to Liberty Island.  The ride was pretty, seeing her from the water, very moving.  Once there we got in another security check line. This line was about a 20 minute wait I’m guessing.  They had you remove all items like at an airport and then you stood in this big ‘thing’ and they puffed air up and down you 2x.  It was weird.  I don’t know what it was for but Trinity was NOT happy about having to go through.  I thought it was hilarious.  Watching everyone in front of me was a riot!  Long hair was flying about, one lady was totally unprepared and she wiggled around like someone was tickling her.  So funny.  But Trinity, Hope and Isaac got to go through with us so it wasn’t as scary. 

  We walked through her pedestal which has a museum inside.  Most of it was a recap of what we studied but got to see things in person…the size of her foot, moldings of how they made her parts, information on the French and then men who put it all together.  So, once through there it was time to make a decision.  Do you ride the elevator to the observation level which is right under her feet, or take the 156 flights of stairs?  Well, Isaac wasn’t going to pass that up for a second…thus I had to go along…and Danielle wasn’t going to let her little brother out-do her.  There was NO way the Hope and Trinity could have made it so they went up the elevator with Ms. Jeannie.  By about step 30 my hips and bootie were burning!  OUCH.  Isaac was flying up the steps and I could hear him saying, “If I can ride 5 miles on my bike with daddy, I can do this…I can do this.”  It was so cute.  I did stop once to take their picture but it was in great effort to give myself a little break.  Whew….we made it and he was quite proud of his achievement.  We walked all round (very, very crowded), took in breath taking views of Manhatten and the Hudson River and other bridges. It was pretty if you can imagine that.  After nearly losing Hope I decided to go back down via the elevator.  

  Once down we walked to the very front of her base and sat for a while just taking some pictures and taking in the scenery.  We were tired too so a break was needed.  Perhaps it was a little too long though as we’ll later find out.  After letting the girls chase a few sea gulls and Isaac running to touch the base to “prove” he was actually there, we went back inside to get Trinity’s stroller and pick up a Christmas tree ornament as a keepsake for the kids.  OK, now we’re tired and ready to go.  So we head toward the ferry landing and see a big boat.  Oh, this must be it.  No, that is the one to New York.  Then as we’re kind of rounding a corner Danielle says, “There’s ours, and there it goes. We just missed it.”  I couldn’t believe it.  We missed it by 1 minute.  HA  We just sat down and laughed.  The kids were tired and starving.  So, what’s a mom to do when things don’t go right?  Get some FOOD.  I went inside and got an order of french fries to share of which we ate really fast, so I got up and ordered another one.  ha  It did tide us over until we got to the van where our picnic stuff was.  Once we got on the next ferry we enjoyed one last look of Lady Liberty from the water and the sun beginning to set on the very tall city of Manhatten. 

  Heading home we decided to stop and get gas in New Jersey.  Craig told Jeannie it was the cheapest place to get gas and they pump it for you.  Can you believe that?  It is LAW that someone working there pumps your gas.  Bizzare!  So, after a while we stop for gas and I notice that cars are only on one side of the pump…well, I’m not one to waste time here people, so I just pulled up and started turning right around to use the other side of the pump and WHOOOOA did I get a verbal thrashin’, New Jersey style!  “One way, one way, one way.”  Ooops.  I didn’t see the teeny little sign on the gas pump I passed that said one way only.  So, with my windows closed of course, I gently reminded these fellows to look at my license plate.  I was a TEXAN and didn’t know any better.  hahaha  I don’t think they would have cared anyway. 

  Well, we got our gas, used the restroom and headed home.  The evening was a great time for Jeannie and I to share and get to know one another more.  The kids listened to some Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House in the Big Woods audio books and Trinity stole Danielle’s pillow and was sprawled out all over the seat. 

  It was a great trip and one that we’ll not soon forget.

Isa. 38:14

  In my devotional time this morning I read Isa. 38:14, Mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

  Susannah Spurgeon sheds light on much of this but one part in particular that stood out to me was this.  The two words ‘with looking’ are not in the original Hebrew.  The meaning is, literally, “Mine eye-lids droop, mine eyes are too weak to look upward.”  It is as if Hezekiah was saying “I am utter weakness, Lord; a weight of sin, and sorrow, and sickness oppresses me, I am brought so low that I cannot even lift up my eyes to you; but come, sit by my bed, close to me, Lord, so that I need not look up, but can shut my weary eyes in the joyful knowldge that you are looking down in tenderest pity on me, and saying, “Fear not, for I am with thee.”

  She also went on to say that God does nothing in halves.  He does everything wholly.  For HIS OWN Name’s sake, he will turn our affliction to his glory, he will turn our sorrow into joy.

  For those of you are feeling oppressed, trust in Christ Jesus our savior for every need.

Labeled

  It’s after dinner and after play.  Darrel goes to study Greek, Danielle goes to shower, the kids are playing with dominoes and I rush out for a quick walk with Luther.  We walk at a brisk pace for about 20 minutes…I must get back to the house.  Now inside I head to the restroom and what do I see when I look into the mirror.  My shirt is covered with stickers.  Not on my back, oh no, all over my front.  Did I even notice this when I was out?  Not in the least!  And what were the stickers?  Trinity had stuck 10 fruit stickers on me.  YES, they were fruits of the spirit!!!   Now, can’t you see God’s kindness?  Not only does He show me evidences of grace through my husband that indeed I am showing forth fruits of the spirit, then He uses my 4 year old to do it again but in a very humorous way!  I had an apple of love, a pineapple of goodness, grapes of joy, a peach of kindness…and on it went.  I stood in the mirror and had a great laugh!  One for His kindness to me and two, because I could not BELIEVE I went out of the house looking like this!  HA

  This morning my dear savior has brought me to pray this prayer.  A reminder from David’s prayer.  ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; try  me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’  May we all be willing to be searched by The One who sees and knows us fully, in order that we may be more like Christ.  Psalm 139:2 You know my downsitting and my uprising, you understand my thoughts afar off.

Studying Greek cultivates humility

  I just had the priviledge of being reminded how blessed I am to be at home teaching my children how to read the English language.  As difficult as it may be at times, I do know it. 

  Greek, now there is a language I do not know and am, at this stage in my life, very thankful that God is giving Darrel the opportunity to learn it. :)  I helped him by going through some flash cards a few moments ago.  Wow.  The beauty of the Greek lettering reminds me of my dear friend, Miran’s writing…from South Korea.  I told her that her note pages look like art!  They really do. 

  But I wanted to blog about the hard work Darrel is putting into His studies and am so thankful to God for giving him the desire to learn, the strength to study long hours, the desire to please Him, to know Him more fully, to study His word in order to share the gospel and proclaim His word more fully and with clarity.    I have no doubt that God will use the learning of this language to draw us all closer to Himself and to bring deeper meaning to His word in our hearts by his spirit.  I also have no doubt that for the new students at least, learning and studying Greek cultivates humility.  Isn’t that just like God?  To allow us to learn a language that will draw us deeper into the riches of his word, to know Him more fully, and at the same time show us our fallability and inability to do anything apart from Him?  Lord, I’m amazed by you, Lord, I’m amazed by you, Lord, I’m amazed by You…how you love me (us).

Dirty Laundry

  Well, I don’t know about others but we love dirty laundry in this house.  It brings such joy and fun times.  Crazy, I know.

  It begins with a scurry around the house by 5 warm bodies in search of all dirty laundry.  Most are in baskets but some socks and pj’s are left scattered about.  One child then gets the ‘kings chair’ and the rest of of begin strateigically throwing laundry bombs down on top of them from the 2nd floor.  Today Isaac was in the ‘kings chair’ and we covered him good!  The girls particularly love throwing them from the top floor and giggles sound throughout the entire house.

  Then the kids run down the stairs to the basement where it’s mom’s turn.  I can throw the clothes down without them getting stuck on the stairs…and the games begin.  I begin throwing wads of clothing that they either catch with their hands, head or feet.  Totally hilarious.  I will catch it on film one day.  I won’t mention some of the comical comments that are uttered when underwear hits someone in the face but we are all in histarics by the end of the pile. 

  I love doing laundry.  Years ago I wrote myself a note and hung it in my laundry room that reminded me to give thanks to God for dirty laundry.  This meant I have a houseful of blessingings; and I am ever thankful I have a washer and dryer IN my house and that I’m not loading up piles and piles along with 4 children to take to the laundry matt. 

  I hope you are encouraged doing your laundry today and are able to pray for all the big and possibly little bodies that fit into the clothes you are getting clean;  the clothing that covers their earthly suits which hold their souls that will never die!

Praise Him

  Time to take my exercising seriously and get it in control.  I have set apart a time to walk every day now until it gets cold *grin* and then I will do something indoors.  But today I took Luther with me and began a glorious and brisk walk.  The day is gorgeous, oh I don’t know, 70 something degrees.  I’m walking along and inwardly praising God for His creation, for my heatlh, family…you know, all the things we usually thank him for or perhaps forget to give thanks enough.  And then He so sweetly and graciously poured out His Spirit on me. What a glorious gift…I was not asking for such a strong presence but He gave it.  I am crying right now with overwhelming thanks to Him for being so kind to me, to us.  As I was walking I felt like He was saying yes, praise Me Shari, praise Me for all the things you are pondering in your heart.  But praise me for My gift of giving you My people to worship with.  Praise me for your freedom that you get to come together and encourage one another, praise me for my Word, praise me for the ability to read it, to comprehend it, to share it in order that you all might be sanctified.  Praise me for music, praise me for voices that you hear singing out to Me, praise me for hands lifted high, praise me that I give you all the desire to gather together in My name.  Praise Me for my mighty acts, praise me for rain, storms, hurricanes, that cause little ones to cry out to their parents in the night, that cause people to lose their homes, that cause people to think and wonder.  My ways are so much higher than yours, you cannot begin to comprehend my power.  Think of the vastness of the hurricane that hit Texas.  Think on and ponder how if I did not hold my Sovereign Hand of Power on the earth what terrors might occurr.  Praise me that I have mercy and grace upon my people and even those who hate Me.  Praise Me, I am worthy of Praise.  Give me priase from the depth of your heart and soul for it is I who give you the desire to do so.  Never cease praising Me.

  When we are in what looks like a scary, terrible or uncomfortable place, Praise Him all the more!

Psalm 89:5-9

⁵      Let ^rthe heavens praise your ^swonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of ^tthe holy ones!  ⁶      For ^uwho in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings⁴ is like the Lord,  ⁷      a God greatly ^vto be feared in the council of ^tthe holy ones, and awesome above all ^wwho are around him?  ⁸ O Lord God of hosts, ^x who is mighty as you are, O ^yLord, with your faithfulness all around you?      ⁹ You rule the raging of the sea;  when its waves rise, you ^zstill them.

^r Ps. 19:1; 50:6; 97:6; See Rev. 7:10-12

^s Ps. 88:12

^t ver. 7; Job 5:1; 15:15; [Job 1:6]

^u ver. 8; [Ps. 86:8]

⁴ Hebrew the sons of God, or the sons of might

^v See Ps. 47:2

^t [See ver. 5 above]

^w [Ps. 103:20, 21]

^x [1 Sam. 2:2]; See Ps. 35:10

^y See Ps. 68:4

^z Ps. 65:7; Job 38:11

The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001, S. Ps 89:5-9

Praise Him II

  I just saw that you can download a mp3 off Sovereign Grace Ministries music area for free, called Praise the Lord.  It’s a good song, so…go get it!

Nosey Trini

Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face (and not where Trinity can reach you..sss)

Be glad your nose is on your face, not pasted on some other place, for if it were where it is not, you might dislike your nose a lot. Imagine if your precious nose were sandwiched in between your toes, that clearly would not be a treat, for you’d be forced to smell your feet. Your nose would be a source of dread were it attached atop your head, it soon would drive you to despair, forever tickled by your hair. Within your ear, your nose would be an absolute catastrophe, for when you were obliged to sneeze, your brain would rattle from the breeze. Your nose, instead, through thick and thin, remains between your eyes and chin, not pasted on some other place– be glad your nose is on your face! Jack Prelutsky

Hope you got a nice chuckle out of this one!

Children

  Trinity is quite the singer.  Sometimes she just stands in the livingroom and belts it out.  I mean she REALLY belts it out at the top of her lungs.  Right now she is singing a praise song extemporaneously and singing “My Lord is my heart, help me, help me, we need your help to thank you thank you from my heart.  Thank you thank you for my Lord.”  She just stopped and said “mama, clap”.  Now she sat down with a bible and flipped the pages and said “My husband is allergic to earth worms.”  WHAT kind of thinking is this?  I am totally laughing.  Kids are so funny!!!  And one of my favorite songs of hers is The Glories of Calvary, but this is her rendition…”Lord take me deeeeeeeper, into the gloooory for CALORIES.” 

  Yesterday after school Isaac and Hope were playing in the livingroom.  The girls had left some dolls and other toys scattered on the floor and they did not clean them up when they all began spinning round and round and round like little tornado’s.  You know what I mean, you’ve done it yourself!  Well, Isaac trips on a toy, stops himself and once stopped the room keeps spinning round and round.  He loses his balance and POW falls and hits his head on a table in the livingroom.  I am in the other room talking to Desiree Van Essen and I hear this squealing cry.  I walk into the kitchen and see Danielle down on the floor comforting him while he’s wailing “Mama, mama.” 

  My children tend to be a bit dramatic so I didn’t go right in, but after about 30sec to a minute of this I realize I should really get off the phone.  Once I walk into the room and Isaac lifts his head to look at me I inwardly freaked out.  I’m so greatful God gives mother’s the ability to conceal fear.  He had the biggest goose egg on his forehead I’ve ever seen!  WOW!  It was about 1 1/2″ long and stuck out at least 1/2″ or more.  I laid him down, put some ice on it and had Danielle google ‘goose egg’ for me as I couldn’t think of what to do.    Ice was the right thing for 20 min on, 20 min off a few times.  I said, “yeah, I know you just didn’t want to finish school today and you knew I’d let you lay down to watch a movie.” *grin* He’s such a sweet boy.  He watched Huck Finn and ate an entire bag of popcorn so I knew he was going to be fine.  Today the egg is much smaller, just blue in color. 

  We’re currently studying about the Liberty Bell and about to have a snack, so I’m closing.  Did you know the bell was originally cast in 1752 in London, England?

One Of Those Days

  My alarm went off at 6AM.  It was quite cool in the house and quite warm under my covers so I hit the snooze button 2x.  Thankfully the Lord enlightened me while laying there in a 1/2 sleep that it would be so much better for me to arise and spend quality time alone with Him…so I got up.  Once downstairs I fixed a cup of coffee and opened up my Libronix Digital Library System, thanks to my sweet husband, and began musing over Ephesians 1:6.  I was able to read some commentary and was so encouraged, smiling and praising ‘to the praise of His glorious grace’.  Soooo good!

  Danielle was up next, then Isaac, Trinity and then Hope.  I fixed some egg and cheese sandwiches and we began the day.  Since we have gym on Thurs. mornings at 10AM this day flows a bit differently and feeling the pressure of getting some things done before we left was not pleasing me.  ha  It started last night, and not making excuses for my sin, I am a bit hormonal. (If Dani read this she’d probably say, “a bit?”…no, she’s very gracious to her mother)  I was very testy last night and here it came again.  Every little pencil, book, toy clothing article, shoe, plate, paper…you name it, if it was laying around it was annoying me.  So, while giving orders to get math done I’m sure I yipped and snipped at Hope and Trinity.  What happened to the Shari who was just reading Ephesians 1:6? 

  Well, we went to gym.  The kids had a good time playing; Isaac running with a bunch of boys and tossing around footballs and other balls, Trinity talking to whomever she ‘chose’ today, Hope trying to hold the babies and Danielle practicing volleyball with other girls her age.  I talked with a few other mom’s while watching the kids do their thing. 

  Once we got home we got a couple huge packages in the mail.  One was some school stuff for Isaac and another was a package of mail from our house back in Texas.  I went through all that stuff, which took quite some time and realized that it would take me quite a bit longer to get some of it taken care of, filed, some papers filled out, insurance info…the like.  I just didn’t feel like teaching today.  I felt the grouchies coming on just thinking about havin to pull everything together and teach another 5 subjects.  So I prayed!  In His goodness He reminded me that these children are blessings and gifts and to enjoy them!

  So, I went into the livingroom and read 3 books with the kids.  It was a great time.  After that they watched a short film on Florence Nightingale while I took Luther for a walk.  I got home before the film was over and we all went outside to enjoy the fall weather here.  Isaac and Hope climbed trees, Trinity found a stick and a little puddle of water and told me she was fishing and Danielle played with her dog and talked with me.  Trinity and I ended up breaking up a bunch of dead twigs to make a pretend fire in order that she could cook her fish for our dinner.  Then we were pretending to roast marshmallows so I went inside and got some real ones, small as they were; we still had fun.  Isaac and Hope wandered back and we all sat there with sticks and baby marshmallows ‘fake roasting’ over our fire in the backyard.  It was a hilarious blast!  Roasting marshmallows made Isaac think of yams at Thanksgiving, so I came inside to check my pantry and Lo and Behold I had a can of yams.  Trinity and put lots of brown sugar (snuck a few chunks while we were cooking), dollops of butter, and pecans over them and put them in the oven.  Later we put the marshmallows on.  I had a crockpot full of chicken cooking throughout the day, so I thought to myself, “what goes good with chicken?”  Then I thought, “mashed potatoes.  The family loves mashed potatoes!”  So I started making them, NOT remembering that I had just put sweet POTATOES in the oven.  OK?  THAT’S what I mean about having one of those days.  HELLO!!  Potatoes and potatoes.  Whatever!  hahaha  When I discovered this I just laughed and thought, “well, this will be another one to remember.”  

  We ate our yummy chicken, mashed potatoes AND sweet potatoes around the table and read an art book from the library.  Had a few laughs from some of the art work and had to pass one by Isaac since the lady on the trapeze was scantly dressed!  Good grief.

  Darrel came home and was quite pale.  Said he was achy and didn’t feel well at all, so I gave him 2 Tylenol and he went to bed.  He’s been sleeping ever since.  It’s very difficult to keep 4 kids quiet for 3 1/2 hours!  When is the last time you tried?  I mean, we’ve already been here all day long and now NO DADDY to break up the day?    I don’t even think the girls knew he’d come home.  Anyway, Danielle had a real hankerin’ to cook something.  Lots of little things got in her way like, not enough butter, not enough eggs, mother doesn’t want to mess with any cooking things so “If you want to make something you have to do it on your own!”    I ended up letting them make taffy for a good ole fashion taffy pull.  Am I nuts?  Yeah.  Danielle already knows it’s the simple things in life that make great memories.  She and Hope began mixing the ingredients and dissolving the sugar while Trinity ‘read’ me books and pretended I was someone else while I was writing a letter on email to a friend.  Isaac was looking at a costume book we got from the library trying to figure out if he would look better as an archer or a knight.

  Yesterday the kids and I spent quite a bit of time cutting out the shape of 4 different leaves on different colored card stock to make a leaf garland.  It is hanging in our livingroom giving fall colors to the inside of our house.  Since we have no decorations here it’s nice to have something homemade, even if it’s made of paper.  Isaac sat down next to me tonight looking up at the garland.  He said, “I go places and see things and thing ‘i really like that or want that’, and then later we end up doing something better or making something just as neat with stuff we have around the house.”  I could tell he liked the garland we made, but more than that, that we all sat on the livingroom floor together for over an hour cutting, laughing, talking, listening to music.  It’s great doing things together.  What huge gifts God gives!!!

  Alas, they needed my help on several occasions.  It ended up with all of us in there, butter coated on all our hands and pulling, pulling, pulling taffy.  1/2 the taffy was actually being kneeded, but who’s looking right?  Little bits of it are falling on the floor, Luther is running and getting it and we are laughing our heads off because he is eating taffy!  Can you get the visual here?  Dog/taffy…smack, smack,smack, lick, lick…that poor dog didn’t know what he got himself into.  And he not only did it once, twice, but about 4 times until I made Isaac get over the counter top. 

  Once we were done I made Isaac, Hope and Trinity march down to the basement with me to get a scrub down with stain stick.  They had so much butter and sugar on them it wasn’t funny. 

  Teeth brushed, pj’s on, tucked, hugged and kissed, it was time to sleep.  And here I am in the dark on the sofa to sleep.  Nope, I don’t share a bed with Mr. Schiel when he’s sick!  I have to stay well to take care of my family. 

Grace Upon Grace Flows Down

  Here I am writing.  I have 1 minute until my timer goes off on the oven for dinner.  I am going to take the kids out to spend $5 each from their Granny for a treat.  Who knows what they will buy.  I cannot remember the last time they did this, thus, it is very special for them to have $5 of their own. 

  God is so good to us.  The gospel is becoming more precious to me every single day.  (My timer is beeping)  Chicken parmagiana (spelling, whatever!!! ha) and garlic and butter bread sticks.  My kids will LOVE me for not preparing a vegetable.   

  My daughter Danielle is such a blessing.  She’s kind, precious, giving, loving, self-sacrificing.  She has her moments but overall God is shaping her in such a lovely way.  I must share these evidences of grace with her right away.

  The kids just came in from playing in the court yard.  Trinity has a 1/2 eaten apple in her hand.  From where she got this I do not know!  Hmmmm.  Hope is asking about dinner as she is ‘starving’.  Isaac silently walked in and is washing his hands in the 1/2 bath.  What a treasure they all are.  God has given me such gifts.  I pray that I will lead them and be an example of Jesus Christ.

  Hope just informed me there was a couple in the courtyard who were hugging and kissing and she knows they weren’t married…she can ‘just tell’.  Isaac just walked in and said, “Yeah, that was really gross!”  haaaaaa

It’s time to EAT!

Fellowship Group

  Our family spent the day with the Briley’s and Kangs at the Kang’s home yesterday afternoon.  They are living with a family from Covenant Life Church whose basement is made into another ‘home’.  It’s got 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchenette, living area, eating area and another little area.  Which is about the same size as their living space in South Korea.  Living is very expensive there!   Off their living area here is a sliding glass door that exits into a beautiful woods.  About 5 minutes through the wood is a little stream where the children ran down to jump in.  ha  Not really.  I think they would have liked to though.  

  I learned that in South Korea the women does not take on the husband’s name.  Here, in the states, I know my friend as Miran Kang; her husband as SongWan Kang.  But in their land she is Miran Kil, and they actually call her Kil Miran.  They say the last name first.  So if I went there and said to someone, “Oh, you know my friend Miran Kang?”  They wouldn’t know of whom I was speaking.  So, I would be Von Hoff Shari.    (Now you guys know my maiden name.  Von Hoff and Schiel are both German, by the way) 

  Miran made many South Korean foods for us to try.  The Kangs sang a prayer in Korean and then SongWan prayed in Korean.  It is a very beautiful language.  She made a sticky rice that looked white and purple.  It had many different beans and spices in it, although I have to say it was the most bland thing we ate.  I liked the textures, however.  There was a beef dish with different colored bell peppers and some spices.  I noticed a salty taste, probably some soy sauce…it was good.  A pumpkin, sweet potato and carrot dish that was my favorite!!!  Kimchi (sp?), which is a cabbage that is flavored with saltiness and hot pepper.  I liked it…Darrel did not.  After learning exactly what the ingredients were I now know why he didn’t like it!  They soak the cabbage for 4-5 hours in cold salt water (pickling effect going on here).  Then they use this stuff…well, I’m going to really botch up the explanation now but I’ll try.  There is a jar of little shrimp, eyeballs and all; very, very salty.  The mix this all up, ground up, with other spices and put it with the cabbage.  Kimchi is very spicey, of which I like!!  But Darrel could taste the seafood, of which I didn’t even notice.  They eat so much Kimchi in South Korea that each family there has huge refrigerators JUST for Kimchi.  They have another refrigerator for other food.  Miran said Kimchi takes so long to make that they make lots of it at a time and so they have to have much room to store it.  That made me laugh.  The generation before Miran eat Kimchi with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  But her generation up to now eat other things for breakfast, like American’s, and eat Kimchi with lunch and dinner. 

  SongWan had us try a Korean drink he loves that is cinnamon w/ Persimmon.  I thought, “I am NOT going to like this.”  The only time I tried a Persimmon was at a farmers market with my grandma Ina and I did not like it, to say the least.  Well, to my delight I liked the drink.  It is very, very sweet.  We tried another one that was more a rice flavor I think, and I didn’t care for it as well.  It wasn’t the taste, but when I would go to take a drink I didn’t like the smell.  Strange huh?  But the taste was good and sweet.  I just couldn’t get past the smell.  hahaha   Later Miran cut up a lot of fruit (this is her dessert as she doesn’t like sweets) and pulled out a package of these little peanut shell looking things.  Darrel ended up naming them Korean pretzels, but they weren’t.  They were crunchy, had a sweet coating and I think they had some sesame seed on them.  So fun to try new things!  And now Miran says we need to start saving for airplane tickets so we can go visit someday. 

  Danielle tried all the Korean food but Isaac, Hope and Trinity stuck with the nuggets and macaroni and cheese I brought for ‘just in case’ kids.  They loved me.  ha  While Danielle was trying the Kimchi, Minyu, one of their boys, was watching her closely.  She smiled and said she like it.  He was so surprised  because even he doesn’t like Kimchi.   

  We had a wonderful afternoon of sharing our testimonies and how we met as couples.  Then we began a wonderful conversation about the gifts of the spirit.  The children played outside, played card games inside and ended up picking a boxful of apples from one of the apple trees.  And to end our day Mingu and Minyu gave us a private recital on their violin and cello.  They are very talented young men.  It was a wonderful and memorable afternoon!  ( I forgot my camera AGAIN!)

PS.  Interesting facts about Kimchi.  I was looking up info to try and find out the name of the salty fish used in it and found this info!  Perhaps we’ll start eating Kimchi each day! 

The probiotic bacteria in Kimchi will help kill off any bad bacteria and yeast that are colonizing your intestine.  Kimchi is full of enzymes that help digest a meal.  If you use garlic, red pepper, and ginger, those spices are also digestive aids and help with general health.  All those good vegetables you use in Kimchi are uncooked, so they retain more of their vitamins and minerals. In addition, the bacteria create vitamins during the fermentation process.

Pouring It On

  God has just been pouring it on in my life.  I am highly hormonal right now and very easily irritated.  Well, not so much today.  I am sure I am less irritable because the Great Pysician, as my dear friend Tiffany reminded me in an email concerning her dear Abby, heard many prayers lifted up to Him on my behalf from many sisters here in the PC. 

  Yesterday Darrel took the kids on an outing while I sat and drenched myself in God’s word.  I had much to plan while they were gone but couldn’t do anything until I calmed my soul and spirit with His word.  I am so thankful that His word is so accessible to us; we are blessed beyond measure.  And that He would allow me to understand it and give me wisdom and the ability to apply it…even more amazing and reason for thankfulness and praise!!!!!

  So, I got 4 very detailed schedules typed out.  It took me about 4 1/2 hours but well worth it.  When we moved into our house back in March I made schedules such as these and it helped us so much with the flow of the day.  We’ve been a MESS without them and today has been the most wonderful day of learning.  I’m not a slave to schedules but it certainly helps me.  The kids are so much more productive, Trinity and Hope feel cared for and with little ‘down’ time, they are less likely to argue and fight over things.  We had a wonderful devotional time this morning for 20 minutes to start the day and when our timer went off this afternoon after ‘health’ class we prayed and thanked God for his grace to us!!!  Then I sang the hallelujah chorus!  LOUD!!!

  Prior to all this, after my planning last night, I layed in bed listening to a sermon by CJ Mahaney called “Encourage”.  Miran told me she has listened to this and God has used it in her life to watch her words more carefully.  Since our women’s fellowship time a couple weeks ago I’ve been meaning to listen to it but haven’t taken or found the time.  Well, last night I got everyone to bed early and took the time.  I wept and wept with conviction and at the same time was so encouraged.  I stopped many times to discuss some of it with Darrel.  Poor thing; he’s so gracious to listen to me as I’m weeping, seeking for answers.  He patiently listens and encourages me.  What a patient man he is! 

  Well, my time is up to blog.  I have much to plan for schooling tomorrow and things to look up for the Philadelphia trip we are planning.  I highly, highly encourage anyone who reads this blog to ‘take’ the time to listen to the CJ Mahaney sermon called “Encouarge”.  Go to the Covenant Life Church website and click on ‘resources’.  Then type in Encourage under the ‘search’ area to the top right side of the screen.  It will pull up there.  The sermon was from 2004, Ephesians 4.

  Another wonderful day full of God’s blessing.  I am so thankful for the scripture hung around the house.  I’m sure to hang some more.

  2nd day of new school schedule; went great.  Everyone seems to be very pleased with it, including Luther.  He gets an additional 15 minute walk with me before lunch!  ha

  Tomorrow is first day of new Thursday schedule.  We’ll see how that works.  Going to try and start on a new art project for our Christmas decorations since we brought not one single Christmas item from Texas.  I lean toward being sad but then realize God designed it this way.  So, we are going to make things we can keep to remember our MD Christmas at the PC and make great memories together! (oops, not true, we brought my White Christmas movie. thx cy!)

  And things are just starting to resemble this around here.  I’m excited for the cooler weather coming in this weekend. 

 

I could indeed write the entire chapter this morning but will only write this part from Susannah Spurgeons ch. 18 titled, Testing Times, the Proof of Love.

  “I remember once reading words to this effect— that, the moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how may we lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how we can best glorify God in it, and most quickly learn the lesson which he desires to teach us by it.  …The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing god’s hand in all that concerns it, cannot be a prey to fear; it looks beyond all second causes, straight into the heart and will of God, and rests content, because He rules.

  My soul, think how great must be his love to you, that he should stoop to search for your heart’s obedience and devotion!  Think of the infinite God, your Redeemer, longing, desiring, yearning to be assured of your supreme affection!”

Conversations

  The setting is post lunch.  I’ve set the girls down for a movie on my computer with ear phones for each of them so as to not disturb the rest of us during study time.  Isaac is clearing his plate from the counter.

Isaac:  Mommy, thank you for teaching me.  

Mommy:  Well, thank you for being willing to learn from me.  (Isaac smiles.  We give big bear hugs and walk to his table.)   

Isaac: When I get married I want my wife to be willing to homeschool our children. 

Mommy:  This is something very important to look for and to discuss when you find someone you think you may want to marry.  Start praying for her now. 

Isaac: Did you and Daddy talk about that before you were married? 

Mommy:  No, we didn’t.  It is only by the grace of God He brought us to a conviction that we were to homeschool you guys.  Sometimes one parent wants to homeschool and the other doesn’t.  But God was so good to us to give us both the desire and we were in agreement.   It started with Daddy, I followed his lead and then God brought me along. 

  This conversation was packed full.  God is doing so much more in my children than I realize.  He gives me little glimpses every now and then.  I was able to share the grace of God to my son, show him how a wife should follow her husbands leadership and at the same time I was so blessed to know that Isaac wants to homeschool his children.  It is evident he enjoys learning at home with his sisters and me and that gives me such hope!

Tomorrow we go to Washington, D.C. with the Pastor’s College.  I’ve heard the tour guide is just fantastic.  We’re to dress in layers as it will be very chilly in the AM.

Danielle and I just got home from a ladies meeting with the speaker Carolyn Mahaney.  She gave such a blessed message concerning Beauty.  It was great to discuss with Danielle what spoke to her specifically and vice versa.  You won’t understand the vastness of these if you didn’t hear the message, so this is mainly for my memory but Danielle said it was God ‘sharing’ our days.  Not just that He knew our days before we were born, knows tomorrow, but shares them with us.  Mine was servants hands and how God views my beauty.  If you’ve seen my hands you know they aren’t beautiful to the worlds standards or even to most ‘Christian’ beauty standards.  They look very different.  But, God willing, they will be servants hands in all effort to glorify Him and not me or my vanity.  I want to be beautiful as He sees beauty.

  My camera battery is recharging so I can’t download my pictures from DC yet.  AND we had the Hanson’s over tonight for pumpkin carving fun and dinner…so I’ve no time for blogging.  ha 

  Actually, I just spend about 45 minutes organizing my bookmarks and looking at all the blogs I have in there AND adding a couple more Jeannie sent out.   

  I’d love to keep up with some things at home (hint, hint Houstonians) so if you guys would email me your blogs I’d like to read them.

  I’ll update later.

The Schiel’s at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC with the pastor’s college families.  (pic taken by Jonathan Leslie)

HA.  Jeannie corrected me.  Thank you.  Whew…get the history right.  No, I wasn’t listening well but I’m unable to write on my blog whyyyyy I wasn’t listening well.  THIS IS AT THE FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL. 

Pumpkin Fun

We drove out to Butler’s Orchard to pick our own pumpkins.  It was fun but I wouldn’t recommend it for those of you who want a nice big pumpkin.  They are much cheaper at the store…of which I didn’t know, because I don’t buy a lot of pumpkins.  In TX if you buy a pumpkin in October and set it out it will probably rot within the week from the heat.   But the kids and I enjoyed the fun anyway.

We had Tiffany, Abby and Katie over for some pumpkin carving fun.Hurry with the pics mom, we want to start cutting!Hope scooping out the seeds and Isaac cleaning his out...Trinity didn't like the 'goop'

 

Pretty neat lit up!

Cold

  Ok.  I’m from Texas.  Southeast Texas to be exact.  I generally keep flowers outdoors year round.  It’s warm there.  Currently at 5:51AM it is 62 degrees F.  Here in Gaithersburg it is 38 degrees F. 

  This morning I found it quite difficult to get out of my warm bed to spend time with my Lord.  Any encouraging words other than setting my thermostat up?    (this should get interesting)

  My heart is heavy and burdened for the Hamrick’s.  She has been battling cancer for a very long time and is now undergoing surgery for a sinus infection.  She is asking for white blood cells from our church members and anyone they know in Houston as they are not even from this area and know very few people.  You can read more about their story on her blog at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/melissahamrick.  If God prompts you to pray for them please do so. 

  I cannot begin to imagine their weariness.  I was so weary in only 2 weeks with my childrens’ illnesses.  They have been battling this for months.  Oh I am praying that they/she would be able to sing out these words from dear Susannah Spurgeon’s devotional:

  ” ‘I will wait for the God of my salvation.’ Though bruised and wearied by the roughness of the way, I have at last reached a safe shelter and resting-place where I may wait till my Lord reveals himself to me as my Deliverer.

  How blest am I to know that One so mighty both in love and power watches over and directs my steps– One who is not only ‘God’, but ‘the god of my salvation’!  He has a more tender and personal interest in me than in the angels of heaven, for I am, that marvel of marvels, a sinner saved by grace, a soul redeemed unto God by his most precious blood!”

Sisters

  I have many sisters whom I love dearly.  Sisters in Christ.  But I have only 1 blood sister who is also a sister in Christ.  Her name is Shelly Ann Jones.  She is my lifelong friend and continues to inspire me by her devotion to her family and God.  She’s also hilarious.

  She said I should gain some weight in order to stay warmer here and unbeknownst to her, I have!  ha  Due to the change in the way my clothes are fitting I would guess I’ve gained about 5 bls since we’ve been here.

  So the ‘COLD’ dilema has been solved.  After setting my coffee pot last night, putting my warm slippers right by my bed (from my niece Elizabeth) and gaining a few pounds, I’m sure to survive the cold here and get myself up in the morning.

  Now I’m going to go bake a pumpkin pie and eat the whole thing myself!  ha  Just kidding. 

Me and My Sis in 2006

Kindness

Sisters out to eat: Shari cold again.

‘Be ye kind, one to another’.  This picture is for my beautiful sister.  The other silly one didn’t do her justice.  She’s as sweet, kind, loving, tender-hearted, fun and crazy as she is beautiful.  God is so kind to us to give us family and friends, isn’t He?

Schiel Crazies

Well, what would you do with your toddler while you are teaching 3rd and 7th grade math? 

We’re actually going to use these little pieces to make paper mache Christmas ornaments.  Now…don’t you know I had a PLAN here? 

PC in DC

I don’t mean to blog so much today but I just looked at a friends blog and realized that I have not put this great photo online for those of you who would like to see Darrel every so often.    Here is the PC class of 2008 less at least 1 student as they were at a wedding.  Darrel is on the back row. (click on the photo to get a closer look)

On the far right is SongWan Kang from South Korea and 4th from right is Walt Briley from North Carolina.  They are in Darrel’s fellowship group which meet every Wednesday afternoon to hold one another accountable and to encourage each other in the Lord.  Our pastor is on the far left in red, Mr. Gary Ricucci.  We meet with he and his sweet wife, Betsy, once a month in their home for care group.  They are all a means of grace to us while here at the pastor’s college.

Fellowship

  I don’t dare go to bed tonight without writing this down.  God is too kind to me.  Amy Briley and Miran Kang are in my ladies fellowship group by the sovereign hand of God.  I have been so encouraged tonight by their words of wisdom, their compassion, their prayers.  My heart is overflowing with thanks and faith in Jesus Christ.  Specifically prayer and encouragment to serve my husband and to encourage him.  I have had a very difficult time in doing that this week.  We have not made it a habit in our marriage to point out graces.  Let me rephrase that.  I have not made it a habit to point out graces in Darrel’s life.  I have been critical and judgmental.  I have not been compassionate.  Oh, I can be compassionate toward my children, toward friends, toward people I do not even know but when it comes to being compassionate to the man who is to be my dearest friend I have failed.  Ah, but the grace of God and His forgiveness give me a hope that none can take away.  I am filled with hope that because of what Christ has accomplished on my behalf, I will be able to do those things which seem so hard to me.  I have much faith for His work in me and am so thankful for Godly women like Amy and Miran to share needs and concerns and to know they will be lifting them up to the Father.  Now to go and see if I can help Darrel study for his Greek quiz tomorrow!

Quiz and Chee

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This is the pc students 2nd week of Old Testament.  It’s hard.  It’s a lot.  It’s basically Joshua through about song of Solomon.  Be praying for these guys that they will be able to learn all the material needed!

Their professor during all this fun Old Testament time is Bruce Chick.  He loves taking them out for bowling matches, taking them to eat 20 ounce Chee Burgers…all to drop their worst test score if students rise to the challenge.  Can you eat a giant 20 ounce cheese burger?  I’m sure I cannot, and neither could 3 other men, but the students rallied together to get the burgers eaten, and that’s what counted! My kids look at it and say ‘eeeeeewwwww’. 

Perhaps not the exact burger, but close to it.

Today is test day in Greek as well, so if you are looking to add another prayer request to your list, please lift up Darrel and this class of men who are learning to the glory of God.

Freecycle

  We’ve all heard of recycling.  Well, I just heard of a website called “FREECYCLE”.  They are all over the US and it’s basically a site where you can post something you want to give away instead of throwing away and filling more landfill space.  The sites are by cities so you or the person getting something don’t have to drive far.  And you can also post requests of things you need.  My neighbor told me their girls needed some things for a girl scouting trip and had a reply for what they needed the same afternoon.  Sounds interesting.  You do need a yahoo account to become a member but I figure this will help in keeping any other emails off my main email address.  So, if any of you have something you want to donate to someone in need or you’re in need of something and willing to take a used item, you might check out FREECYCLE online.

This Day

  Oh that this day You will be glorified through me.  I’ve no doubt you will receive praise and glory for You tell me that if I do not praise you the rocks would cry out.  I’ve prayed oh Lord that you would humble me and this you so tenderly do by wonderful words you’ve brought me to read.  I am reminded of my need for you every moment and today you so sweetly brought an old hymn to mind. ‘I need thee every hour, most precious Lord, no tender voice like Thine can peace afford.  I need thee oh I need thee, every hour I need thee, oh bless me now my Savior I come to thee.’  Let this day make you more precious in my eyes.  Let this day my actions bring you glory and praise.  Let this day our hearts sing of your glory and the total mercy you showed at the cross.

Focus for the Day

John 15:4-5

Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the brances.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Do we truly realize apart from Him we can do nothing?  Or are you like me at times who loses focus and thinks “I can do this?” 

I am so thankful for Christs’ kindness to remind me day by day that I am completely and utterly unable to do anything good without Him.  This truth gives me such a love for Christ and what He’s accomplished on the cross.  The gospel is indeed more precious today than yesterday.  Is it for you?

Night at the Harvey’s

 

   This photo was taken by Siobhan Slack (first name sounds like Shuvon/ short vowel sounds).   From left is Mr. Craig Harvey, Mr. Matthew (Matt) Slack and Mr. Darrel Schiel (my sweetie). 

  Mr. Harvey works for Verizon and travels a lot.  When Jeannie (his sweetie) realized he would be home on a Tuesday evening, which is when the Schiel’s and Slack’s typically take date nights, she was pumped and ready to invite us over for dinner.  How sweet is that?  Well, they did invite and we all accepted.  What an exceptional meal, not to mention the kindness and service they gave us.  They got up for each course to serve us and/or give refills.  They were so kind and have such servants hearts.  They are both on the Administrative Team for the Pastor’s College so they plan all the extra events for the PC. 

Now here’s a picture of the ladies (a little blurry..ha).  From left, me, Siobhan, and Jeannie.  We had such a great time of fantastic food and sharing our greatest joys thus far at the pc and greatest challenges.  This is a common question we ask during times of fellowship. 

After dinner we had the pleasure of taking the stairs to the basement to meet Ms. Warrene, Jeannie’s mother.  She blessed my socks off!  To see an elderly woman filled with such joy and greatfulness is such a testimony of Christ.  She was beaming with joy and is soooo witty.  

Thank you Craig and Jeannie for a fantastic evening of fellowship.  You two are such a blessing to our family. 

What has been your greatest joy this year?  What is your greatest challenge?  Whatever the challenge may be, bring it to the Lord in prayer, seek wise counsel and find scripture to meditate concerning these matters.

Thu, October 30

Time

Condition

Feels Like

Chance Precip

Dew Point

Humid.

Wind

Sunrise 7:35 am

Read about National Parks

Morning Commute

Outdoors Message Board

8am

Sunny 34°F

28°F

0%

26°F

72%

From WNW 7 mph

9am

Sunny 37°F

31°F

0%

26°F

64%

From NW 8 mph

10am

Sunny 40°F

34°F

0%

27°F

60%

From NW 9 mph

Quote for a Lifetime

God’s word is life.  Nothing else truly feeds and sustains.  But there are men who have taken God’s word and made profound statements.  This is one that I now have on my freezer door that has encouraged my soul the last 4 days and I’m certain will continue doing so for years and years to come.

“He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more.  He overlooks ten thousand of their faults, because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and therefore, he is not disappointed when he does not find it.”

~  Charles H. Spurgeon

Harvest Party Fun 10-31

  The kids had a lot of fun at the Harvest Party at CLC last Friday night.  We don’t usually participate in this sort of ordeal, but since we were here we set aside our Reformation Party and went with the flow.   Hope already had the pink dress given by Heather Adamik years ago, made by Grandma Grace…added accessories of our own.  I painted red stripes on a pajama t-shirt for Isaac, bought some red ribbon at Michael’s craft store and had all the rest.  Danielle wore her beautiful Civil War dress given to her by her Grammy for her 13th birthday; we made the fan out of card stock and gold spray paint.  And Trinity wore the Eore suit that matched Jeannie and me.  Lots of games, lots of laughs, lots of fun….lots and lots of heat (those costumes were HOT).  I told Jeannie she needed to let me borrow them for the winter months. 

Isaac ready to fire pre-Harvest Party

 

My kids posing pre-party with Abby Hanson.  She and her little sister were Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Cat in the Hat book by Dr. Seuss…with blue hair and all (blue hair not shown)  ha  Isaac the pirate, Danielle the Civil War belle, Hope the little princess, Trinity the adorable Eore.

Trini, Jeannie, Shari, Hope and Isaac

Danielle with her new and dear friend Mariah from Corning, NY

I’ll post more later.  Everytime I try to put more they are sideways and I’m tired!   

   I have 2 other blog posts that are unfinished.  So much going on all the time.  Tonight in our Care Group Betsy said something or quoted someone about a dimmer light…where when the light is dim (looking in at your sin) things look pretty good but when the light is turned up you see all the mess.  Darrel and I chuckled on our 2 minute drive home that the Schiel’s have no dimmer light.  The light is shining as brightly as the sun and there’s sin everywhere.  I guess the way I communicate makes it sound like God is doing so much in our lives…and in such a great way that some of our new friends wonder what this is, what this looks like, or why this is happening?  All I can say is that God is a faithful God and He has just chosen this time in our lives to really shed this light upon us.  There aren’t BIG things…but isn’t that what life is?  Yes, it is the million little things we live out every single day.  And we are seeing the sin for what it is in many ways.  But is it all good.  (please understand that…not that the sin is good but His faithfulness to let us see it and repent)

  We chuckle because we are tired today.  It has been such a grace filled week with God’s love and mercy all over us.  Today the men in the PC met for a time of prayer before class.  There were words of encouragement for a few of them and specific prayer prayed for Darrel by a couple of the men, Songwan from South Korea as one of them.  He prayed in Korean.  It is amazing how the Holy spirit can move over a group of men in a very powerful way when none of the men know what is being said.  Darrel was affected greatly from this time of prayer; God is doing such a work in his heart.  Actually, I think he has a new blog that is called Humility U.  U is for University.  But I don’t think he has time to write in it!  ha

   God has so powerfully affected me with a renewed passion and understanding of the gospel that I am daily in tears with a greatful, repentant heart.  I am so desirous to know Him fully and live out the gospel with my family and those around me.  He is giving grace in the lives of my children…even Hope and Trinity who have not yet made a profession of faith.  Today Hope got up from her school work just to hug and kiss Trinity.  Then she purposefully shared her Polly dolls with her during a play time when she typically says “don’t play with those, they’re mine”.  We have 6 scriptures on the wall to memorize concerning serving , loving and being kind to one another during our morning devotions.  The hymn for the month is Amazing Grace which I cannot sing without tears of joy flowing down my face.  What a testimony to my kids.  Sometimes I think “I am the biggest cry baby in the world”.  I even prayed tonight before our care group, seriously, that God would allow me not to cry tonight…but, also said that I would be willing to do so if it was His will to grow me or to help someone else.  BUT, the tears are a part of who He has made me and I will shed a million more if it pleases Him to have my heart in this place. 

  Julie Purswell was sharing on the spiritual disciplines last Sat. at our women’s meeting.  This meeting is from 9-12pm so this wonderful encouragement was only one grain of salt in an entire shaker.  But she shared with us how she had a basket next to a specific chair that she uses during her devotional/quiet time with the Lord every morning.  I took this to heart and filled my basket with several of the items she recommended, not all…but I put my Bible, Psalter, another song book, pen, note cards, journal, and several other books pointing to the gospel and encouraging my soul.  God has been so faithful to meet me every morning.

  This is a glimpse of what’s going on here.  By the way, David…Darrel was taking pictures of us and holding candy bags at the Harvest Party.   He’s such a great dad!  I wish I had more time to write but God has given me 5 lives to serve and care for and I am trying to be more faithful in serving them and not myself!  (I love writing too.)  I am praying for everyones hearts to be stirred as mine has been by meditating and remembering what Christ accomplished on our behalf.  There is nothing more precious than the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Updating

Last Thursday we “had” to take Luther to the vet.  Danielle gives him a very thorough washing every single Saturday and by Sunday evening he S-T-I-N-K-S !  Is this normal?  I think not.  Darrel and I have both had dogs growing up and I never remember this being such an issue.  We’ve tried all kinds of soaps, conditioners, and special dander/deoderizer sprays and washes from PetCo and PetSmart…to no avail.  So, it’s either to the vet or to the pound. (Not really)  We thought he needed his anal gland squeezed (I know, TMI) but even though they did it, that wasn’t causing the stink.  Come to find out he hs very allergic…allergic to most likely everything.  The vet here was the best!  I wish we could take him home to TX next summer but, of course, that’s laughable.  He’s just the best vet I’ve been to.  Even though I had to muzzle Luther the vet totally dominated him.  It was hilarious.  Luther would have bit his head off if he hadn’t been muzzled.  The man had him by the throat, (not hurting him) and stared him in the eyes and talked to him for about 3 minutes until Luther gave in.  He said what Luther needed was to be put on a farm with about 4-5 other dogs and be put in his place!  I laughed.  Anyway, his skin turnover is about every 3 days where it should be  about every 20-25 days like most dogs.  This is due to his allergies.  So the stink we’ve been smelling is his skin.  Really no surprise to me but we now have to use a prescription soap and conditioner on him for the rest of his life.  He’s on sterioids for a few months to help with the scratching but we feel we’re on the road to recovery and a life without a stinky dog.  Danielle is especially excited for once we get his skin under control she’ll only need to bathe him once a month.  The vet called to check on Luther’s progress today…now that’s what I call service!  I’ve never had a vet call to follow up.   Wow.

  Ok, on to other news.  That night I started feeling bad, sore throat, a little achy, burning in my chest.  The next morning we were scheduled to go to the zoo in D.C.  Well I woke up feeling fine, so started packing up the picnic.  After about 2 hours I was feelin’ mighty poor, but how could I tell my sweet little babes I wanted to stay home and sleep?  ha  So, we went to the zoo.  They kids had a good time looking at all the animals.  Our favorites being the HUGE hippopotomus, I mean, that guy was massive (or girl…I didn’t look), the panda, & the red panda’s (which are acutally part of the racoon family).  We were able to go with Tiffany Hanson and her sweet little girls.  We got to ride in her van which saved us the parking fee at the zoo, quite a hefty one!  The Slack family and Amanda Welton and her two little ones came along as well.  We had quite a day and enjoyed a picnic lunch together. 

Sweet natured Red Panda

Panda bear at the D.C. zoo.

Big honkin

 

Saturday we started with school and then Hope was able to attend a tea party for little girls her age and a few older at the Briley’s.  They had a story, crafts, tea, painting of nails and lots of play time.  Eden gifted her guests with some clothing that she could no longer wear and Hope was the proud beneficiary of a pair of tennis shoes and sweat shirt.  Trinity even received a pair of panty hose and a pink shirt.  What a great thing to encourage your children to do.    It was a great success.

  At the same time this little tea party was going on Isaac was invited to play at Alexander Nugyen’s home.  They made Lego guns, homemade kites and had all kinds of fun…too much for me to write in detail.   That evening Darrel and I were invited to a dinner at our adopted care groups leaders home in Adamstown just north of us.  Scott grilled salmon and steaks and Charrie made homemade cheese cake.  It was a delightful time of getting to know and visit with many of their friends.  We are so blessed.

  My sister sent a huge box full of Thanksgiving crafts and reading.  There were pages and pages of interesting facts about Thanksgiving which I’m sure took her hours to print off.  She sent wax paper to make wax leaves, leaf patterns and wooden pieces that you use to make turkey napkin holders…wrapping beuatiful thread around it for the body.  You’ll have to see the final product to understand. 

  Sunday we went to hear a fellow PC student, Ben Wickner, preach at a nearby church.  I think its name was Solid Rock church, but don’t quote me.  He did a very good job preaching out of Luke.   It can be quite easy to get spoiled with the music aspect of worship at CLC as they do it so very well.  It was good to go to a church where the music/singing was more like home and I hope to visit some other Sovereign Grace churches in the area while we are here.  I like to see each church’s uniqueness.

  Yesterday was a day full of planning, banking, library, pet store, grocery store and the kids favorite…flu shots.  No, the kids were not happy in any way that I had chosen to get flu shots here but we headed off to get them nontheless.  I did have chocolate as a prize if they wouldn’t cry .  I got to the signing desk and told them I had 4 children to received flu shots.  The lady said “shots or a nose mist?”  I could hear cheers going up around me as we greatfully chose the nose mist instead of needles.  The kids took their flu nose mist with greatful hearts and got watery eyes from it but that’s about it.  Today they all seem to be feeling well. 

  So, that brings us up to date.  We’ve had a blessed day of learning today and we are finally finishing up the John Adams HBO series today.  It’s quite a bit over the girls’ heads but they are hanging in there with plenty of popcorn. 

  Darrel is plugging along with his studies and digging in hard with Greek memorization.  We pray for him often and are thankful for the blessing of learning more of His word in order to love Him more!

Hard days grace filled

  It’s been a hard day.  I look back on it and think, Lord, did anything good happen today in our home?  Did we bring glory to your name? 

  Isaac and I had one of those heart to heart talks today during grammar.  It was really good.  We built out first fire in the fireplace this morning, had hot apple cider and read the first chapter of Lassie Come Home.  God led me to His word time and time again while teaching the children.  Darrel helped me find a new writing cirriculum for Danielle.  Oh, there were more but those are easy ones for me to remember at this moment.

  The hard things were the girls whining, Hope complaining of being tired or some part of her body hurting. (long story but I need wisdom and discernment)  And this evening was especially hard when I’m tucking Trinity into bed and she starts crying that she wants to go home… to Tomball.  We weren’t in our new home in Rosharon long enough for that to feel like home to her.  It’s one thing to feel pangs of home sickness yourself and give them to God but when your little baby girl starts crying about missing home it’s tough.  I wanted to cry with her but instead I held her and prayed. 

  I have 1 long sleeved pj top my sister gave me about 8 yrs ago and one pink t-shirt I wear to bed with bottoms …I’m lacking in warm pj’s…until today!  I put out an email yesterday to see if any of the pc wives had an abundance of warm pj’s that they were just needing to rid their drawers of and…do we doubt?  I have a brand new pair coming and an additional pair of warm pj pants.  They aren’t fitting them currently for different reasons.  Once again, God is kind and provides for our every need. 

  Currently, I’m praying that Danielle and Isaac will continue growing closer to their Lord and are drawn to read His word. I pray that Hope and Trinity’s hearts will be changed by the Holy Spirit and that God would grant them sweet peace while living here in MD.  I pray for continued growth and a greater love for the gospel in my and Darrel’s heart and that I will continue being convicted of my self-righteousness and pride as has been revealed to me of late.  I sincerely thank God for His grace.

  Hallelujah, All I Have is Christ! 

   John 1:7-9 ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Autumn beauty

The sun is almost 93,000,000 from earth.   It’s light shines down upon us and give us warmth and life. 

As Moses was behind a large rock and God passed him by, only his backside he saw and was glowing for days and days and had to cover his face from the people. 

God is all powerful.  The only thing brighter than our sun is almighty God.  I’m in awe when I study of His creation with my children.  And I’m in awe when I see the sun shining on my husbands face.  I know that God is imparting wisdom and strength to him.  God is fulfilling His purposes in our lives; in Darrel’s life.  It’s truly awesome to know that nothing will thwart God’s holy will.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.,  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Gettysburg

Isaac and William eating lunch on Little Round Top at Gettysburg

 We had the priviledge of going to Gettysburg with the Wikner family and Josh Blount a few weeks ago (PC families).  AFter a tour of the museum and the new Cyclorama we headed out for a picnic.  The fall foliage was at its peak and we marvelled at God’s beauty.  The kids were climbing all over the hug boulders.

Another photo at Little Round Top

I couldn’t get this one attached to the one with Isaac and William! 

Darrel, Trinity, Abby, Grace, Hope, Ellie, Danielle

Reminiscing

Fireball (Hope 22 mo) & Peepers (Trinity 5 mo) playing

I can hardly believe my babies are so big.  This picture was taken 4 years ago.  Amazing.  God has been so good to our family and especially gracious to the hearts of these little girls.  So excited to see what God has for each and every one of their futures.  For now we will strive to be faithful to the call of Godly parenting.  I love my babies!!!

Winter joys

Who said footie pajamas are only for toddlers?

 

Wed, November 19

Time

Condition

Feels Like

Chance Precip

Dew Point

Humid.

Wind

Morning Commute

Outdoors Message Board

9am

Sunny 29°F

20°F

0%

14°F

46%

From NW 10 mph

10am

Sunny 33°F

24°F

0%

14°F

46%

From NW 13 mph

11am

Sunny 35°F

27°F

0%

14°F

42%

From NW 12 mph

12pm

Sunny 37°F

29°F

0%

14°F

39%

From NW 11 mph

 

Brrrr! I really do wear the hat but not the mittens.

 

It just so happens that Darrel saw a sale at Super Target for footie pajamas.  Now, fortunately for me I can wear certain items in the girls department.  We are very thankful for homes with heaters and fireplaces, mitten, coats, scarves, hats and lots of hot drinks.  This morning the kids discovered Butterfinger hot cocoa.  Mmmmm…

Danielle took Luther for a walk this morning and made a declaration once re-entering the house, “I know for a FACT that it is at least 32 degrees F or below!”  Then she went outside and took this picture of a hole in a tree full of water. (the picture was supposed to be captioned “Danielle’s proof that it’s freezing out)

Danielle

And this was our first fire last week.  There is something magical about sitting around with family having hot cocoa and reading a good book.  These are some great things about winter.

Enjoying our first Maryland fire.

Auntie Shelly’s Turkey’s

Thank you Auntie Shelly for the huge box of Thanksgiving goodies!  We have the turkey napkin holders made and are reading through all the historical info you sent.  We color while mom reads. 

Working on our turkey napkin holders from Auntie Shelly

 

  While working on these lovely turks we are talking about giving thanks.  During times the kids or mommie want to complain we are gently reminding one another to do this.  Hope’s legs hurt a lot due to growing pains so we remind her to be thankful God gives her legs to walk and run.   And last night when Trinity spilled her red, red drink on our bed and pillows, Hope gently said, “Well, Mommy.  Thank God that one of us kids didn’t just die!”  Ya gotta love that thinking!

Girl Talk

  Last night while catching up on a few blogs I decided to click on Girl Talk (http://girltalk.blogs.com/), which is Carolyn Mahaney’s blog with her 3 daughters.  I do not check this blog everyday nor even every week but last night was prompted to go.  When I read the blogs Mrs. Mahaney wrote for the week I was awed, thankful and convicted.  The very things she was discussing about mothering have been some of the trials I’ve been dealing with the past two weeks..probably longer.  It was God’s mercy to lead me here and I am so thankful for those who have walked before us, learned how to apply God’s word to every day situations.  Even talking last night in my ladies fellowship group about my self-sufficiency and fears…this just confirmed.  I HIGHLY recommend reading her blogs for the week.  We have such hope in the gospel.  We just need each other to remind us to keep looking to the cross!  The gospel does give us hope as mothers (trusting in Christ to save our little ones) but it gives us hope for every single situation.  When I am anxious, fearful, discouraged, what am I believing about God?  Jesus Christ IS mighty to save. (Isa. 63:1)

Let it Snow

  Danielle walks out the back door to take her pooch for a potty break this morning.  She runs back in exclaiming wide eyed, “I’m not sure.  I mean…I think it’s starting to snow!!!”  The next few minutes were a blurr.  Coats, hats, gloves, socks, shoes, running, screaming children…”it’s snowing, it’s snowing…woooohoooo!!!!”  We all run outside; the kids are trying to catch snow on their tongues.  I decide that the fast pace action needs a video camera and not still shots so I run inside to get it.  They had a great time for a few minutes and then the flurries faded.  Sometime later we were watching a video on the US and Hope yells out “IT”S SNOWING”.  We all jump up and here we go again.  The flurries were much thicker this time but Trinity and Hope didn’t want to do the whole socks, shoes, coats, etc.  again so they watched Danielle and Isaac run around like crazy children.  It was fun!  Nothing stuck, of course, and only flurried for another 10-15 minutes.  I can’t imagine what’s going to happen when we actually get some stuck to the ground for snow balls and snow angels.  Even I’M excited.  There’s something to warm an ole mama’s bones in that 30  degree weather when her kids are grinning from ear to ear and bubbling over with joy.  As Winnie the Pooh sings, “Snow, snow, on my eyes my ear my toes. I suppose it even froze my nose.  Snowflake, dripping like a honey cake.  Snow drop, gonna fall ker-plop!”  (no, I couldn’t remember all the words to that so my sweet little Danielle filled in the rest.)  And that reminds me:  Isaac was running around and was getting hit in the eyeballs with flurries.  It was hilarious!  I’ll have pictures to post when we get thick snow.  Now, back to baking.  I promised each of the children individual time to bake.  Trinity and I made short bread cookies, Isaac and I made oatmeal/chocolate chip and oatmeal/craisen cookies. (His took a LONG time because I let him do everything!  Whew.  Tries a mama’s patience, but I told him I was glad he’ll know how to bake cookies with his kids when he lets his wife take a day off for relaxation!  Oh yeah!  Training starts here.)  Now, Hope and I are going to make Blondies and I’m not sure what Danielle picked out yet.  I feel my pants getting tighter as I write.

Little man baker.

Friends

Before we left Houston we had the opportunity to unite hearts with some new dear friends, the Yohe family (Yo-ee).   They are spending Thanksgiving with family in Delaware and will be arriving at our house tonight to spend a day with us.  They’ll come to church in the morning, hear Jerry Bridges preach, and then we’ll head home for food and fellowship.  They will be leaving on Monday, late morning.  Mark and Carolyn have 3 great boys, Daniel, Micah and Andrew.  Of course, you know Isaac will be having a ball with 3 boys in the house.  We are so excited to see another family from home.

  What a blessing friends are!  We had the best time with our dear Yohe friends.  Isaac and Hope played like crazy with the boys and we got some good visiting time in with Mark and Carolyn.  Oh the joy to bless and encourage one another in the Lord.  Mark built a lovely fire in the den and we had a yummy taco salad while visiting.  We had lots of Carmel Apple Spice and hot tea with short bread and oatmeal cookies.  I got another pair of fleece snowman pj’s from Carolyn which were very warm in bed last night!   Sweet notes of love were sent from our church family and even Guerrero Tortillas.  Carolyn gave us a pack of 10 pr hand warmers to put in our gloves and pockets.  Danielle will use them on those freezing mornings when she has to walk Luther and I’ll just use them all the time! ha  I got some nice blueberry green tea packs to put in water bottles.  We miss them already but are so thankful they were able to come at all!!!

Our dear friends, the Texas Yohe

  Tomorrow I am taking Hope to Dr. Niu’s office to check a lump on her right shin bone.  He is a member at Covenant Life Church.  Tonight she is running a 100.9 fever and I wouldn’t know if this is related to the lump or not.  There’s a lot related to this that I won’t expound on but we are trusting in God’s loving hands for our little girl.  God is good!

Hope

  We have no answers about Hopes leg other than it’s a tibial mass.  First step is to have it X-Rayed.  He cultured her raw throat and will send the culture in but thinks it is strep-throat.  She currently has a temp of 102.1 but is resting well on the couch.  It also appears she is suffering from excema so we’ll apply some antibiotic to her elbows and once healed will begin using vaseline regularly.  God is good and we are in complete faith and trust Him to touch her little body.  Dr. Niu is a blessing and also shared names of good cardiologists in the area.

In the Hospital

  Well, after Hope complaining of her heart hurting, her heart beating funny and then all this stuff with her leg, fever and then 2 more complaints of chest pains today while lying on the couch, I thought I should make sure her heart was ok.  We came to the Shady Grove ER at about 3:30pm this afternoon.

  We are sitting in the ER waiting for a room at 11:20pm.  After an EKG, which came out normal, chest X-rays, lung X-rays, Leg X-rays and inserting an IV to draw blood for testing they haven’t determined much, which isn’t discouraging or surprising.  At first they thought she had a bone infection but are leaning away from that.  We will see the bone Dr. tomorrow morning for him to actually examine her.

  I will now close as Hope is extremely tired and the wrist band is driving her nutso.   We are still in good spirits, just ready for bed.

More updating

  It’s 1:15AM and we are finally in a room.  Hope couldn’t sleep in the ER but is now resting well.  After her last examination the attending physician does not think she has strep but we’ve yet to get a throat culture.  We will be seeing a doctor or two (?) sometime in the morning, hopefully later.   

  Thankful for God’s loving hand upon us.  He has given me many opportunities to pray with Hope and to lift several children’s needs to the Father as they were suffering.

New Update

  After taking a throat culture and nose cultures we now know that Hope has RSV.  You can look that up by ‘define rsv’ on google to get more info.  That could possibly be an answer to her chest pains; not sure.

  She will have an MRI at 3:30 PM today on her leg.  They are looking for Osteo something but I don’t remember.  I’ll update that later.  If she is positive for this we’ll stay longer to get an antibiotic through her IV.  She has not eaten since noon yesterday and is VERY hungry this morning.  She cannot eat, however, due to a possibility of needing sedation (not planned at this point) for MRI.  She has an IV drip right now to keep glucose coming and hydration but she is very upset as her tummy is talking quite loudly. 

Be Thou My Vision

  Thanks to Dr. Niu and others, we are sleeping in our own beds and will have Thanksgiving at home.  After a traumatic time pre-MRI I am totally wiped out.  I went to our room and sang Be Thou My Vision, as I needed to get the last vision out of my mind.

  Her rsv is not an issue.  She is resolving the virus on her own which is what older children usually do, and don’t even know they have it.  It’s symptoms are much like a cold.  Dr. Niu recommended her staying away from children 2 yrs and under for the next 2 weeks.  We are thankful she did not have any breathing or lung issues with this.

  The lump on her leg still remains a mystery.  There are 4 different scenario’s I could expound upon but at this time I will leave it at this.  We might go on an out-patient basis for a bone scan.  I will be in touch with Dr. Niu next week. 

  I will watch her for heart palpitations or complaints of irregular heart beats but the monitoring over the last 24 hours coincides with what they have at Texas Children’s Cardiology.

  Thank you everyone for praying and we will continue trusting God for wisdom on the bone scan. 

Thanksgiving Day

  So thankful to be together today and give thanks to God for many, many things. 

  Even though some of the verses to this song aren’t as theologically sound as many of the hymns or psalms we have grown to love, I distinctly remember singing it with my family as a quartet.  I can still hear the 4 part harmoney.  The chorus went …

  “In everything, give Him thanks, give Him thanks.  In everything, give Him thanks…… In the good times, praise His name, in the bad times, do the same, in everything, give the King of Kings all the thanks.”

  Thank you dear friends for praying with and for us.  We love and miss you all.  God brings each of you to mind at different times.  We smile at fond memories and pray for you as well.  May we continue on this journey toward our eternal home with faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Perspective in Trials

  I got a call from Dr. Niu today checking on Hope.  He referred me to a pediatric orthopedic doctor.  Mentioning again that her tibia has a thickened cortex drove me to ‘google’ it.  This led to tears and fear.  My gentle and patient husband encouraged me not to do that again and the Holy Spirit once again reminded me that God does not give grace for my imaginings.

  I am now reading in the book, A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love by Milton Vincent and read the chapter mentioned as this blogs title.  I am going to write it out for my benefit and for anyone else this might minister to and encourage. 

     PERSPECTIVE IN TRIALS

  More than anything else I could ever do, the gospel enables me to embrace my tribulations and thereby position myself to gain full benefit from them.  For the gospel is the one great permanent circumstance in which I live and move; and every hardship in my life is allowed by God only because it serves His gospel purposes in me.  When I view my circumstances in this light, I realize that the gospel is not just one piece of good news that fits into my life somewhere among all the bad.  I realize instead that the gospel makes genuinely good news out of every other aspect of my life, including my severest trials.  (69)  The good news about my trials is that God is forcing them to bow to His gospel purposes and do good unto me by improving my character and making me more conformed to the image of Christ. (70)

  Preaching the gospel to myself each day provides a lens through which I can view my trials in this way and see the true cause for rejoicing that exists in them.  I can then embrace trials as friends and allow them to do God’s good work in me.

(69) Romans 5.  “(1)…having been justified by faith, we have peace with god through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2)…and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; (4) and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; (5) and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

(70) Romans 8.  “(28) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) for those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…”  James 1.  “(2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  (4) And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”   2 Corinthians 12.  “(7)…there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a mesenger of Satan to torment me–to keep me from exalting myself!  (8) Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.  (9) And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  (10) Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

  I am praying these words.

Crockpot Ideas

  I am in need of some healthy but tasty crockpot meal ideas.  If you have a favorite would you please pass it my way?

Encouraging Words

  If you haven’t left a crockpot recipe from my last entry, please don’t hesitate to share your favorite! 

  I got an email from a dear friend back home today speaking about trust in the power of the gospel.  We both read from Carolyn Mahaney’s blog and were greatly encouraged.  She shared that pointing to the truth encouraged her confidence in the Lord and enabled her to rest.  This was an encouragement to me as well while waiting to see what this lump is on Hope’s leg. 

  She continued sharing medical information to me as she was a pediatric nurse in the last years of her medical career.  Some information she found related that cancerous lumps are not usually associated with pain (which Hope complains of).  She went on to read in some medical journals and shared with me that the thickening of the tibia is often associated with injury.  She said “Most of the articles I saw from pediatric orthopedic journals say thickening is often the ostoid osteoma or the result of trauma to the tibia from kids who are very active and often ”jumping and very active.” Therefore repeated shin traumas which in turn cause the thickening.[I wonders if this description fits your little butterfly.]“

  So, although we do not know the results and won’t know until after the first of the year most likely, this new perspective was definately a gift from the Father of Lights, the Lord of Love!  I am also being even more intentional in preaching the gospel to myself daily, embracing the gospel, hoping in the gospel, and trusting in Him completely. 

  I read this last night which was enlightening.  Sometimes we doubt.  We doubt God has our best interests at heart.  Without verbalizing it most of the time, we ask if He is withholding something from us that we’d be better off having.  The author referred to Genesis 3. ‘The serpent said,…God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate…’  This, obviously, is disobedience.  Just another reason to preach the gospel to ourselves on a daily basis.  “When controlling my thoughts…the gospel cures me of my suspicion of God, thereby disposing me to walk more trustingly on the path of obedience to His commands.” Milton Vincent

Back to School

  We were fever free for the first time yesterday so we’ll start back to our studies this morning.  I have an appointment scheduled at 9AM on Jan. 8th, 2009 for Hope to see the orthopedic Dr. Tuck in Rockville, MD.  Since we’ve already had an MRI and X-ray’s performed while in the hospital I’m hoping this visit won’t be too invasive or at all.  This was the first available appointment but I asked about cancellations and they said I could call periodically as they do have cancellations occasionally. 

  Praising God for all He’s accomplished and all He’s doing.  Standing on Romans 5 being thankful for the peace He brings us through His death on the cross and salvation for us a sinful people.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth be pleasing to you, the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to you.  Oh, Lord my strength and my redeemer.

Phillipians 4:8  Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good… think on these things.

Things to do

I found this off a website and thought some of you mom’s with little ones might have fun with these!  We’re going to give them a go.

Make Vintage Marshmallow Snowmen

By DIY Maven

For a vintage little Christmas, you might want to make a few of these adorable Marshmallow Snowmen. A perfect project with the kids on a blustery weekend!

What you need to make one Marshmallow Man:

• 2 large marshmallows
• 4 mini marshmallows
• 3 wooden toothpicks
• wrapping paper
• glue (Elmer’s or tacky craft glue)
• scissors
• Sharpies or suitable markers; OR you could use food coloring pens so the little dudes are edible.

For the entire tutorial, go to gingerbreadsnowflakes.com. Via.

Here are a few different ones.  Use your imagination. 

AND if you like the story/poem, ‘The Night Before Christmas” be SURE to get this one from the library.  The art work is the BEST…Tasha Tudor is one of our favorite illustrators.

Pictures from the last few weeks

Being home on Thanksgiving Day left a lot of time to fill.  I made some icing and had the kids make edible crafts with it and peanut butter as the ‘glue’.  Then used different cereals, candies, nuts, sprinkles, etc. for their designs.  It was fun to see how each one made a unique picture or pattern.  Some of them just wanted to eat.

These beautiful daisies and carnations were brought to our home last Sunday by our sweet friend, Teresa Nguyen.  She felt like we were probably going through a bit of cabin fever and thought we could use something to cheer the place.  How kind of her.  The flowers are still smiling at us a week later. 

Dani has the best picture of this on her blog, but this is a photo of her and her poochie, Sir Martin Luther Schiel.  The Slack family sent us a packet of doggie biscuit mix with cute dog bone cookie cutter.  It’s a good thing she read it better than I did because we almost ate them!  hahaha  She had lots of fun mixing the batter and cutting them out with her sisters.  Luther loves them and does the cutest little ‘doggie dance’ for his treats.

Not the best picture taken by me, but it shows a bit how he dances.  He spins around on his hind feet in a circle while she says ‘dance, dance’.  It’s cute! 

I didn’t take any pictures of the kids in snow this time.  But after Isaac got a huge snowball made I told him to eat it.  He began biting into it and then began spitting it out saying ‘ooh, gross, it tastes like dirt.”  ha  I was cracking up!

More Photo’s

After her bath our dear Trinity gave us a superb concert at the piano mostly singing her heart out.  She is quite entertaining and shows us the depths of her heart by sharing songs about how much she loves God and how much He loves us.

With such an applause she had to take a bow. 

Nothing like an old fashioned, homemade Christmas.  Since we left every Christmas item we own in the great state of Texas we knew we’d have some work to do to make it feel Christmassy around here.  The Christmas tree on the mantle left was made by the kids.  They all have little stuffed animals and Webkinz so they thought they’d make ‘them’ a tree of their own.  Very creative, they made it out of a paper towel roll, pipe cleaners and other items to decorate.  The napkin covering the bottom is the snow.  We bought red and green felt pieces at Wal-Mart several weeks ago to design stockings.  While everyone was laying around with fevers I sewed our designs, even including a doggie stocking for Luther on the far right with a paw print.  And why, do you ask, are there tin cans lining the mantle?  Another idea to save money by using our corn, green bean and kidney bean cans.

View of our cans at night.  This was the phrase the children wanted as we all agree that there is nothing more JOYFUL to us or the world than when Christ came. 

More homemade craft pictures to come but the kids are now waiting for some singing and storytime.    They are currently playing with little hats Danielle crocheted that they put on their thumbs and make ‘thumb puppets’.  Another hilarious moment. 

Hope asked me to write this in my blog.  She is sitting in my lap, is very sleepy and loves her mommy.

Psalm 63.    Fernando Ortega, one of my favorite singer/songwriter/pianists, sings this Psalm in the most beautiful and soothing way.  I have listened it this song about 25 times in the last 2 days.  My soul has been thirsting for God but my flesh has been very weak.  There are so many facets and aspects of what God is doing in Hope right now I don’t dare try to explain all I see or this blog entry would be way too long.  God knows.  But the last week has been very tiring.  When she wakes up in the morning she says she is sleepy, her poor skin is so dry, her lips are cracking, she’s fighting excema, she has dark circles under her eyes (we are using a new bath oil and cream by Eucerin which seems to be helping).  It just breaks my heart…she just looks worn out.  Seeing her lay on the couch  most of the time with little appetite is hard.  But God….but God…but God knows.  I will rest in His Sovereign hands, continuing to walk in trust.   And then Hope hears Danielle, Isaac and Trinity playing in the basement tonight.  She gets off the couch with me (we were sewing together) and makes her way down.  Danielle took her by the hand and entered her right into what they were doing.  What a blessing that caring older sister is to her siblings and parents.  At that point Trinity came up to play with me but Hope stayed down.  It was so wonderful to hear her playing and getting some stimulation.  She came back up to put on slippers and said, “I’m not feeling as sleepy now.”  They all went to bed smiling and encouraged which highly encouraged a weary mama.

Hope almost finished her stitching tonight of a Christmas ornament.  She loves to sit and ‘sew’ with me.  Isaac and Danielle are also working on their own which I’ll post another time.  Trinity tries to sew but then messes up and decides we need some entertainment.  You can imagine the rest.

Gotta show the kids handiwork at making a snowflake garland this year.  After our autumn leaf garland was up for well over a month it looked so bare when we took it down… thus the snow. 

  Along with these household ‘crafts’ the kids made a model of Mercury today as a science project.  Quite, uh, interesting.  ha  Not much you can do with flour, water, salt and a little oil.  But they had a good time.  We began a new garland for the other side of the livingroom today.  We’ll finish it up in a few days if Luther won’t eat it.  Will post pics later.  My camera isn’t downloading right tonight!

  I’ve been so encouraged by God’s word and wonderful hymns sung by many.  Great is Thy Faithfulness has been one of my favorites for years and I’ve sung it with gusto this week!  Looking forward to a couples night with CJ and Carolyn Mahaney this Thursday evening at the school.  I’m continually amazed by God’s love and mercy. 

  Darrel is really enjoying the PC.  There is a lot of reading, writing, study, meditating, praying, self-evaluation, reading, writing, study…  and GREEK.  He’s not making an A+ but he is passing (A’s & B’s), passing school that is…not necessarily Greek.   (I have a LOT of fun working with him on Greek vocab. with his flash cards.  I get to laughing so hard…we come up with some pretty good mnemonic devices…A device, such as a formula or rhyme, used as an aid in remembering.)

  God is showing Himself, stretching Darrel and blessing him.  One of the greatest challenges for Darrel, I think, is that he’s been out of a classroom setting for nearly 20 years.  But, it’s amazing to see the Holy Spirit work in his life and see the struggles and growth first hand.  It is such a priviledge for our entire family to be here and we are ever thankful God brought us and is walking with us every step of the way; for His glory.  We both realize that we cannot do it… I cannot serve my family, encourage my husband, be his helper, teach the children, example Jesus to them…apart from Christ I am unable.  Darrel cannot fulfill all required of him; student, husband, father, leader,  example Jesus to us, to all those he is with during the course of a day…apart from Christ he is unable.  Each day I am more aware of my need for Him and thankful for His word which feeds my hungry soul and spirit to lead and guide.

FEELIN’ CLOSE TO HOME TODAY.

Rosharon, TX

  44°F

Current:Clear
Wind: N at 8 mph
Humidity: 31%

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Gaithersburg, MD 20877

41°F

Current:Cloudy
Wind: E at 0 mph
Humidity: 91%

Learning to stitch

Here’s the one Danielle is working on.  She gotten further the last few days but this is the last photo I’ve taken.

Isaac is working on one too but he’s been busy playing.  ha  His is a sprig of holly berry.

God’s Kindnesses

  When are you most enlightened by a word from the Lord?  Is it during prayer time, bible reading, reading another book, meditation, singing praise, listening to a friends’ encouraging word?  I have been blessed by God’s kindness in all these ways but He also ministers to me in the bathroom.  I guess that’s because I’m usually alone and quiet.  HA  Many nights or mornings of ‘enlightenment’ have come during a nice warm shower but tonights came most unexpectedly.  I was brushing my teeth. 

  Brushing my teeth, thinking over Psalm 23 as my dear friend Betsy reminded me today.  And at the same time thinking, ‘you know, my mother just sent me Psalm 23 a few weeks ago.’  What a confirmation from the Lord to meditate, feast and dwell upon this scripture.  And then it came.  One of those little packages given that you think, ‘oh, this will be sweet.’  And when opened it is so overwhelmingly more colossal than you’d ever expected you’re moved to tears with wonder and thanks.  And it’s not that it is so colossal to anyone else, but this gift was chosen specifically for you, the perfect thing at JUST the right moment…and you are speechless.

  Well, tonight I received such a gift from my Father.   Musing over Psalm 23 ‘The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He maketh my to lie down in green pastures…’  wait a minute…. go back.  The Lord is my shepherd.   The Lord is MY shepherd.   I stopped there and visualized a vast area filled with green rolling hills.  On it was a flock of sheep.  There I was, one of those sheep, and many other sheep around me…Darrel, family members, church family and friends.  But what ministered to my soul the most, due to the current physical situations we’ve been dealing with in Hope Lauren, was seeing these 4 little lambs around me.  They were much smaller than I, all grazing about me.  I was remembering  carrying them in my womb, birthing them, feeding them, little lambs suckling; me licking their wounds when they got cut by thorns or licking their faces when there was dirt.  We looked so small.  Then I looked up and saw our Shepherd.  Standing out a few feet from the herd he was tall, strong, sure, a very mighty man standing guard over us with His staff.  While looking at Him I saw my frailty, my inability to protect myself much less these little lambs around me.  I had no teeth with which to bite, no claws with which to tear, no way to defend myself, the wee ones or any other lamb in the herd.  But just one look at Him, I saw total protection, provision, love and care.  I visualized a massive and vicious wolf stealthily stalking us, thinking he would attack and conquer his prey.  The first time I thought of this I stood shaking and tremoring with fear.  But MY Shepherd took flight and knocked him completely out of my sight with mighty blow, not a drop of sweat leaving His brow.  Again I visualized an even more hideous creature coming to attach and I stood in awe and watched, fearless as MY Shepherd flawlessly defended His lambs.

  All of this was wrapped up in a gift to me tonight within about a 3 minute period.  Being totally overwhelmed by His care I wept in thanksgiving.  Thanking Him that He is Almighty, our Protector, our King, our Shepherd, our Victor.  And thanking Him for once again letting me see that He is the Creator and I the created…small and weak, defenseless and needy; so entirely thankful to be His child.  He did not show me this to tell me we will not have pain, cuts, bruises, times when we’re a bit thirsty, waiting for water or new grass to graze upon, but that He is totally faithful to care for us when we hurt, bleed, will lead us to the stream quickly and feed us when we are hungry.   How sweet for Him to remind me ever tenderly again that I am His, Hope is His, Darrel is His, Danielle is His, Isaac is His, Trinity is His.  And He will take care of us all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5oEvyadLac  A beautiful rendition of the Lord is my Shepherd.

3 Phase Bone Scan

  Hope needs a 3 phase bone scan to help determine if there is infection in her bone/s.  Sharlean Wilson is the women working on getting our insurance squared away; I’m praying for high favor in order to get this processed quickly.  Due to my failure to follow up on paper work filed when we moved here we only have insurance on the kids through CHIP which is usable only in Texas unless they go to the emergency room.  We’re working on getting this remedied.  The following is the procedure we hope to have very soon.  I took her to see Dr. Niu yesterday.  Hope has lost 2 lbs since she was last in before Thanksgiving and is very tired all the time.  Many more symptoms, but no need to write.  We are trusting in God’s sovereign hand and we’re giving her a lot of lovin’. 

    A bone scan is a nuclear scanning test to find abnormalities in bone. It is primarily used to diagnose or help diagnose a number of conditions relating to bones, including: cancer of the bone or cancers that have spread (metastasized) to the bone, locating sources of bone pain (e.g. lower back pain) and abnormal bone, diagnosing fractures that may not be seen as easily in traditional X-ray images, and detecting damage to bones due to infection or illness.

Bone scans are one of a number of methods of bone imaging, all of which are used to visually detect bone abnormalities. Such imaging studies include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray computed tomography (CT) and in the case of ‘bone scans’ nuclear medicine. In the latter case the patient is injected with a small amount of radioactive material such as 600 MBq of technetium-99m-MDP and then scanned with a gamma camera, a device sensitive to the radiation emitted by the injected material. In order to view small lesions (less than 1 cm) especially in the spine, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging technique may be required. In the United States, most insurance companies require separate authorization for SPECT imaging.

About half of the radioactive material is localized by the bones. The more active the bone turnover, the more radioactive material will be seen. Some tumors, fractures and infections show up as areas of increased uptake. Others can cause decreased uptake of radioactive material. Not all tumors are easily seen on the bone scan. Some lesions, especially lytic (destructive) ones, require positron emission tomography (PET) for visualization.

About half of the radioactive material leaves the body through the kidneys and bladder in urine. Anyone having a study should empty their bladder immediately before images are taken.

In evaluating for tumors, the patient is injected with the radioisotope and returns in 2-3 hours for imaging. Image acquisition takes from 30 to 70 minutes, depending if SPECT images are required. If the physician wants to evaluate for osteomyelitis (bone infection) or fractures, then a Three Phase Bone Scan is performed where 20-30 minutes of images (1st and 2nd Phases) are taken during the initial injection. The patient then returns in 2-3 hours for additional images (3rd Phase). Sometimes late images are taken at 24 hours after injection.

Approved

  We are hoping to receive a letter of approval in the mail early this week for MD medical care.  After an emotional roller coaster ride on Friday (too lengthy to write out here) it looks like we will have the bone scan on Jan. 5th.  We are going to have to go to Shady Grove Hospital to do it, which is why the wait is a bit longer than if we could have just gone to Shady Grove Radiology.  Since Hope is 5 she’ll need to be sedated to lay perfectly still for 20 minutes or more to do the second phase of the scanning and they don’t sedate at the radiology outside the hospital.  Hopefully this will be only a day thing and we won’t have to spend the night.

  I am rejoicing GREATLY that we were approved for medical assistance and that Darrel will not be back in school.  He goes back the 6th.  HA.  Isn’t God’s timing amazing?   I am praying that Hope will have peace prior to and during the procedure as she continues telling me she’s not going.  The MRI experience was a very bad one.  We will probably have some blood work done prior to this but until we get paper work in the mail I cannot take her to the lab to have blood drawn.  We’ll do that asap.  Also still praying God would sustain her weight or help her gain but she doesn’t want to eat.  It’s strange…today she said she was hungry.  So, very excited was I….I will make her anything at this point.  But I ask her what she wants, let her look through the pantry and refrigerator and nothing sounds good.  Then when something does sound good and I make it she takes one bite and then leaves it.   Dr. Niu recommended Pediasure so I bought a 6 pack of chocolate and, you guessed it, she doesn’t like it.  I’ve tried dressing it up or diluting it with milk and Hershey syrup but she says it’s gross.  So then I’ll freeze it a while and make it like a slushy.  At this point I just insist on a sip or two.  So throughout the day she is getting a bit of nourishment and she’ll drink water and juice. 

  The Axelson family is here from Houston spending the week with us and they brought along a good friend of Danielle’s, Sarah Smythe.  Right now the older girls are supposed to be sleeping but are giggling their heads off.  But this has been a great distraction for Hope and she was quite active today in the basement with everyone so that was very encouraging. 

  I have my ups and downs.  The downs usually come when I’m tired and on the phone with health care facilities but through it all “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus Name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.  When darkness veils His lovely face I rest on His unchanging GRACE, in EVERY high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil!!“  I keep a 3×5 index card in my pocket with scripture to read when I’m feeling like I’m heading down a road of fear or anxiousness.  There are scriptures lining the walls of my house and on my kitchen cabinets that lift my eyes to Jesus. 

  We are blessed in a myriad of ways; first and foremost that He would love us enought to send His son to die in our place…what more could we ask for?

Christmas company

The Axelson's inside the old Smithsonian CastleFriends from our church back home in Pearland madethe very long 1400+ drive to visit us during Christmas time. They so kindly brought along a friend of Danielle's, Sarah Smythe, and her parents were unselfish enough to let her. Other than some runny noses and coughs we enjoyed quite a bit of time together. Danielle played Christmas carrolls on the piano and Heather brought her flute. The both played lovely songs and tried duets a couple times. We all drove into DC and went to the Air and Space Museum. We walked to the Smithsonian castle part but there wasn't much inside but a lovely Christmas tree. Then on Christmas Day they, including Sarah, went in to see many of the memorials and monuments. The kids made a gingerbread Christmas tree and colored large letters to spell Merry Christmas to put up on the diningroom wall. I must say we watched quite a few movies but it helped pass the time when they weren't feeling too well. Danielle and Sarah had many a giggly night and I had to wear ear plugs. ha Darrel took Eric to the Sovereign Grace library one night to talk and read and then out to have a Chi Burger one afternoon, but no 20 ouncer this time. It was so nice to spend time with friends and to get to know one another better. Danielle, Hope, Sarah, Isaac, Darrel and Trinity going inside a shuttle

 

Sarah and Danielle posing outside the Smithsonian

A note about Hope: this visit was a great gift for her as well.  Having company provided her with much distraction.  Sat. night she played in the basement for a long time.  Sunday after church she just sat on the couch all day but each day after that she seemed to gain more energy and appetite.  She’s not eating like she was but she’s certainly eating more than the previous 3 weeks.  I’m highly encouraged and even wondering if some of her added loss of appetite and energy loss was due to the anesthetic during the MRI.  I should be getting her blood work done next week, a physical and have the nuclear bone scan set for 1-5.  Thanking the Lord for all His promises and the fulfillment of all at the cross.

First Infared Schiel Photo

Infared Shari Just having a bit of fun at the Space Museum! I could have spent a lot more time there if the kids wanted to read more. I stuffed a turkey for the first time this year. It was ok but I prefer stuffing un-stuffed. Stuffed turkey Christmas day

(I had a photo of the lovely bird here but it’s not showing up so I’ll leave that as the providence of God that you not see it. ha)

And how can I leave this one out.  The girls were having a lot of fun in this section of the museum.  I had them hop up on the bed to get a feel of what the sleeping quarters were like.

Hope and Trinity in sleeping quarters at Space Museum

  The other 3 children have colds but God has been so merciful to Hope.  She seems to be feeling fine, no cold symptoms and overall she just seems to be feeling better.  We heard her singing in the bathroom today!    She’s eating more  and was chasing our dog Luther while he played with his new squeaky toy, thanks to Matthew, Sarah and Katherine. (thanks guys)  I am seeing a great improvement in Hope and am thanking God for increased appetite and energy.  Still planning on having this bone scan on Monday the 5th and blood work but very encouraged at her overall improvement.  No doubt God is at work.

Rescheduling

  We’re going to have to reschedule Hope’s bone scan for another day due to congestion.  She and I both received the colds we thought we were going to miss out on and they won’t put her under anesthesia until it has passed.  I’ll post a new date once I find out for those of you who have been praying. 

  Darrel has prepared a video presentation for us to watch tonight for New Years Eve and is out buying some food for dinner.  Even after a 2 hour nap I doubt we’ll be able to stay up to bring in the New Year, but it will be fun trying.

  Happy New Year!

Prov 16:9 A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.

The Lord has a plan for us and He directs us according to His plan, not our plan. When we are being lead by the Lord, we will plan according to His will and not our own.

New Year

  Darrel made the sweetest video for us to watch tonight.  It capped a lot of things that we went through this year, friends we made and haven’t seen for years. 

  We’ve lived in 3 different houses in 2008, thus 3 moves.  It’s been very ‘full’ indeed and we are so thankful God has held us in His hands every single step of the way.

  If you are reading this then you are probably a friend or family and we love and cherish you more than words can say!  God has provided us with so many blessings and you are one of the many dozens of them.  Happy New Year.  We look forward to all God has in store for 2009.   

  WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darrel and Hope

  Darrel has been trying to keep up with Greek studies and his reading while off for Christmas break but it’s been hard as he’s not felt well.  I try to encourage him without sounding like we want to get rid of him (ha).  He takes it very well.  Right now he’s reading many books to get ready for a 13-15 pg. paper he has to write on John Calvin concerning his doctrine of scripture, due sometime in Feb.  He will also be preaching in January at the school and then presenting that sermon to a congregation in Virginia on Feb. 1st.  This plus all of his new assignments, Greek and reading will begin another full week.  Yesterday I was beginning to get a little depressed about being sick during this time off I began thanking God that we were sick now instead of during class.  What a great blessing !! 

  Dr. Niu called to check on Hope this evening.  He was very encouraged to hear about Hope’s improved appetite and activity level.  We will wait until this cold has passed before rescheduling any blood work, physicals and bone scan.  I’m certain she doesn’t mind as she is hoping to be very well for her 6th birthday next Saturday.  I hope to have a very special ‘Snowflake’ party for her with a snowflake cake and homemade snowflake marshmallows with hot chocolate. 

  Aren’t they adorable?    Please pray mine will turn out as fine.  If you’d like to try these out for yourself here’s a recipe:

Snowflake Marshmallows

Ingredients

Makes about 100 (I’ll probably cut this recipe in 1/2)

• 2 envelopes (each 1 scant tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Directions

1. Coat a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; line with parchment paper. Spray parchment; set aside. Pour 1/3 cup cold water into the bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle with gelatin; let mixture soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Place sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/3 cup water in a medium saucepan. Cover; bring to a boil. Remove lid; cook, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup reaches 238 degrees (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
3. With mixer on low speed, whisk gelatin mixture, and slowly pour the syrup in a steady stream down the side of the bowl (to avoid splattering). Gradually raise speed to high; beat until mixture is thick, white, and has almost tripled in volume, about 12 minutes. Add vanilla, and beat 30 seconds to combine.
4. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet; smooth with an offset spatula. Let stand at room temperature, uncovered, until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Coat a 1- or 2-inch snowflake-shaped cookie cutter with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking. Cut out as many individual marshmallows as possible; coat cutter with more spray as needed. Use marshmallows immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

New Photo Tradition

Thanks for the new Christmas photo tradition Harvey friends!   In our new house we have a stair case somewhat similar to this one and think we’ll be able to get a shot of this each Christmas. 

Blanket Huggin' Christmas Bears @ Linden Hall House

Squealin’ Like a Monkey Poll

   Ok.  How many of you have had stopped up ears from sickness or on an airplane and done the following to open your ears?

1. Pinch your nostrils shut
2. Take a mouthful of air
3. Using your cheek and throat muscles, force the air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and fingers of your nostrils

   Probably many of you.  NOW, how many of you have done this and 1 or more of your ears squealed like a screeching monkey?  NOT just in your head, mind you, but so loud that the person next to you heard it? 

    Darrel and I are driving down the road and my head is so stopped up that I have to do this.  I call it ‘ploating’ my ears.  I don’t know where in the world I got that word from but that’s what I call it nonetheless.  Never in my 37 years of life have a had this happen before nor have I heard of it or heard anyone’s ears do this… it was loud and hurt my ear.  So, me being me, I quite loudly shared my discomfort with my hubby.  I said, “Oh man, my ear just squealed like a monkey!”  And he replied, “I know, I heard it.”  I said, “WHAT?  You heard it?”  So, I did it again, and again it squealed and again he heard it.  This led into a conversation where he figures this happens all the time and that I lead a very sheltered life.  SO, please take my poll.  Have your ears ever squealed so loud someone heard it, or you heard someone else do this or you’ve heard a story of anyone who has had this happen?      Lots of laughs!!!!

Back to Life

 1-5-08   Well, Darrel is off to study most of the day at the student library.  I have a feeling a LOT of the guys are going to be there.  Should be interesting to see just how much studying they get done.   

  The kids and I have been in the house all week and are itching to get out.  It’s going to be 47 degrees and we are going to bundle up and take in the Adventure Park in Germantown for a while.  It’s a great park with castles, ships, catapults and more.  Then it will be back home to ready ourselves for a week of school and party planning.  I don’t know how I’m going to get schooling done well with this party on my mind.  I am pretty good at multi-tasking but when I’m getting ready for a party I tend to get into it pretty seriously, esp. this one.  Hope has been through so much I’d really like to bless her! 

Hoping it won't be this busy today! ha

1-6-08

  Today has been hard.  

  I’m so thankful for God’s word esp. the book of Phillipians.  I’m thankful that God uses Danielle to remind me God is in control.  I’m thankful Darrel is being blessed, learning and growing in a God centered, gospel centered, pride killing, grace filled and humility cultivating Pastor’s College.  I’m thankful Trinity and Isaac play together well.  I’m thankful they smile and are giggly.  I’m thankful God provides all our needs and loves us when we are unloveable.  I’m thankful for life in Christ and the promise that one day we will see Him as He is.  I’m thankful for insurance coverage and for kind people.  I’m thankful for God’s common grace in this fallen world.  And although I have probably spent an hour on hold today, I am very thankful for computers and phones.  Imagine having to drive everywhere instead of calling!  Communication devices are great.

Cold and Hot…Relative? HA

  So, I’m in the bathroom reading a Smithsonian magazine our neighbor gave us.  I’m reading an article about the dry season in Niger’s bush country and these men looking for some of the only giraffes in the world that roam entirely in unprotected habitat.  The guy writing it says ” THOUGH IT’S WELL OVER 90 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT BY 10 A.M., THE GUIDES FIND IT CHILLY AND ARE WEARING PARKAS, AND ONE OF THEM HAS PULLED A BLUE WOOLEN TOQUE OVER HIS EARS.”  

  I don’t feel so bad now.    So, to Amanda Jordan, Tiffany Hanson, Teresa Nguyen and Crystal Law…my Southern Belle friends, this article is for you!  

  (and then I read the hilarious comment by Megan that she wasn’t going to wear a coat at 47 degrees!  She’s from Massa, Masse, (yes, I’m googling how to spell it!)  Massachusetts. )

1-8-08

  The dermatologist thinks Hope has excema and wrote several prescriptions for some creams.  The red behind her little knees sure didn’t look like excema to me and there is no itching invovled, so I have my doubts.  Then again, I am not a doctor am I?    Her bone scan has been rescheduled for this coming Monday, Jan. 12th in the AM.  It will be an all day event as they put in her IV, then give her the nuclear injection, do a scan, then wait 3 hours, sedate her and then do the other scan.  We hope to be home around 3sih that afternoon.  I am praying peace for her soul as she’s fearful about being sedated again. 

  Tomorrow we’ll celebrate her 6th birthday a day early with a few friends coming over for a party.  I made the cake today and worked on some decorations.  The cake did not turn out like I’d hoped but I don’t think she’ll be displeased.   Hopefully I’ll get some good photo’s of the event to share.

  Tonight I had my ladies fellowship group and what a blessed time it was!  Such grace and encouragement from Godly women.  There are several books I’d like to start reading, one of which is Jerry Bridges book The Disciplines of Grace.  Miran also gleaned a lot of good information from Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh De Moss. 

  Also being very encouraged by the book of Phillipians this week.  I started to type in some scripture here but it is all so good that you should just read the entire book yourself.  I believe I’m going to try and memorize this book.

Hope’s Party

  Hope’s 6th birthday party was a TOTAL success.  Everyone was able to come, we decorated a lot, had lots of fun games, yummy cake and hot cocoa (thanks to Teresa fixing it), and made snowflake head bands and snowflake book marks.  I think I’ve lost my voice!  ha 

  God was so good to bless this time for her and I am so thankful!  Tomorrow she’ll open some cards and gifts with us as a family and she’ll get Chic Fil A for lunch. 

  I will probably post the pictures tomorrow. 

Hope’s Party

Friends at Hope's 6th Birthday Party

 

I will post more pictures of all the fun we had but it’s late.  This is for my sister who loves parties and is very eager to see all the action!   Ok, she also makes way fabulous cakes and will want to see this one.  DON’T compare mine to yours Shelly!!!    I didn’t use fondant to save $17 (crazy!) but just buttercream.  We got cardboard punchouts and glittered the snowflakes and hot glued on the wire to poke into the cake.  It was interesting and fun.

Lemon, chocolate, lemon...yes, we turned everyones teeth blue!

More Party Pictures

Hope and her friends playing a stacking game.  

Can we have the glue gun yet?

Here’s the partiers making snowflake headbands.  So Cute!

Oh, yeah! Here comes my cake!

Hope wanted a lemon cake but chocolate for her guests.  She didn’t know I was going with a snowflake theme until I started decorating.  She did wonder why the icing was blue!  But one of her favorite colors is blue so it really worked!

Snowflake princess what?

Toilet paper and a little imagination is all girls need to compete in a snowflake princess dress contest.  The toilet paper was a TOTAL hit and I highly recommend it for your next party.    I mean really, how many times are they told, ‘don’t use so much toilet paper’?   Now we say use as much as you need.  ha Unfortunately Danielle’s team didn’t win.  Way to go Mariah, Hanna and Eden! 

Snowflake princess Hanna with Hannah the helper!

And how can I leave out the boys in the basement.  It was a bit too girlie for them upstairs until cake time and they spotted the TP. 

Christian holding the mummy, Alexander laughing and Trinity trying to find her brother!

Next we made snowflake bookmarks, still wishing for another glue gun!  ha  Some girls didn’t get them done but took them home to finish.

Making snowflake book markers. I love my Hopie.

The girls were having such a great time.  They began spinning all around the livingroom.  It was so sweet.  Interestingly Hope and Trinity both fell during their spinning.  Perhaps we don’t play this way enough? 

Spinning too fast...spinning too fast!

And what would this party be like without a snowflake relay race.  Through the livingroom, office, hallway, kitchen and back.  It was not easy and we ended up having some serious cheaters in the end!  HA

One foot on this snowflake, put the next down, other foot on this snowflake, over and over and over...

I prayed that God would really bless Hope’s party this year.  Being away from home, all the physical things she’s been going through recently, I just hoped it would bless her.  God answered my prayer…everyone has a great time!

Thank you Lord for the great blessing!

In Everything Give Thanks

  This scripture keeps a’comin’ up around here.  In Everything Give Thanks…  we just watched Extreme Home Makeover tonight with a little boy named Jake.  This 8 year old who looks liek he’s 18 months has a rare bone disease  where one little fall can break his bones, even kill him, along with other physical problems.  What a blessing for his family to get a make over and to get a bathroom, room, etc. where he can function on his own and have some independence and free up the family as well.

  After a bath, excema cream and good tooth brushin’ I tucked Hope into bed.  She wanted me to tell Danielle everything she was going to have to do at the hospital tomorrow.  As I began telling Danielle, Hope began crying.  She said, “if I didn’t have this troublesome bone thing I wouldn’t have to have a bone scan.” (know she’s upset about an IV and oxygen mask)   Fresh on my mind, I brought her back to the tv show we just finished watching and the joy that little Jake exudes even though he is in pain all the time.  I asked, ‘aren’t you glad you have bones?  That little boy has to scoot around on his little bottom, he can’t even walk? We should thank God we have bones, and healthy ones at that.’    Her eyes softened and she said, “Yes, I am thankful.”  We talked for a while and she went to bed peacefully.  Isn’t God good?  We are blessed beyond measure.  Tomorrow: 7am arrive at hospital and get IV; 9am injection and 1st scan; 3 hrs later sedation and final scan.

Update on in-patient hospital tests

  Everything went wonderfully at the hospital yesterday for Hope’s bone scan.  They did take an extra set of x-rays which weren’t needed (more radiation) but perhaps they can compare them to the ones taken in November.  ??  We will be waiting to hear from our pediatrician, Dr. Niu, for results.

Hope’s Bone Scan Results

  The bone scan came back with abnormal results however it is not an infection.  They do believe it could be cancer.  We have the soonest available appointment scheduled with one of the best oncologists in the US, in DC on January 26th.  Thank you for continued prayer.  She will likely have to have a biopsy on the lumps. 

  I am in faith for what God has for her and our family.  Prayer request would be that we would continually be in His word and be reminded of His love for us and Hope.  And we are praying for wisdom whether or not to share this with the chilren.

Newer oncology update

  A nurse Dr. Niu spoke with in Dr. Malawar’s office (oncologist in DC) thinks Hope needs to be seen sooner than 1-26-09.  We are going to see his partner, Dr. Robert Henshaw this Thursday 1-15-09 at 10:15AM in DC.  We will be there several hours.  Most likely a biopsy will be scheduled at a hospital within several days and she will be sedated for that.

The One Who Knows

  I just wanted to share my heart today.  I just got back from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital picking up copies of the MRI, X-rays and Bone Scan to take with us on Thursday to the oncologist.  Driving gives one a lot of alone time, as a mother with children, to think and pray.

  Before I left the kids and I read a bible story together and Trinity asked to sing Holy, Holy, Holy.  Then we turned on some music to do some exercises together.  We were doing leg lifts, sit ups and praising God together.  I had my hands lifted in praise and singing the whole time.  I am very encouraged and and trusting God fully for each moment through this doctors visit.  We do not have a definate diagnosis that this is malignant cancer, thus I am not going to be anxious or fearful.  During one of the praise songs the words reminded us that He is in heaven on His throne…Let everything that has breathe Praise the Lord, let everything that’s in me Praise HIM.  From His hand comes everything…He knew we would be here at the PC when this occurred.  He knew Hope would go through these trials even before she was named Hope. 

  We did take Hope to the front to have elders of the church pray for her before Christmas and after that day her appetite and energy level did rise from what it had been the previous 2 weeks.  We are thankful for God’s sustaining grace and peace that is with our family right now.  I am not dispairing nor fearful for her or our future for I know without a doubt that we are being held in our Father’s hands.  We continue rejoicing that God blessed her birthday.  So many small things…her excema has totally cleared up with the cream the dermatologist prescribed for her last week, her hospital visit was totally great yesterday.  Our souls are encouraged and joyful in the midst of the unknown for we are trusting in The One who knows.

Regular Praise Session

  We have been inundated with emails, encouraging blog comments and phone calls since we got the news that Hope’s lump/s could be cancerous.  What a fabulous testimony to the body of Christ and God’s love for us!  It is no wonder at all that I have been full of peace instead of fear after the news of taking this next step.

  Well,  half way through that last sentence my dear daughter Danielle came down to say good-night.  This turned into a 30 minute conversation about trusting Christ, joy in Him through trials…you name it.  It was a regular praise session.  So, now that she is actually going to bed, so am I. 

  We will leave for DC at 8:45AM and hope to arrive home before 3PM.  I will post news from Dr. Robert Henshaw as soon as I’m able.  (As you are praying please pray specifically for Darrel in his schooling.  He will miss class tomorrow to be with us.  I pray that God will enable him to serve his family with compassion and love while at the same time trying to juggle assignments, papers and sermon preparation.  I know He will give him guidance, focus and wisdom in each area! and please pray that our coughing will subside quickly!  We keep teasing each other at night when the coughing is worse that ‘we’re all gonna die’! )   

  Oh, this was a particularly hard day physically for Hope.  It’s hard not to speculate at this point whether she is having a hard time after the anethesia again or something else but she was extremely tired.  She did eat  1/2 a waffle this morning and 5 strawberries tonight but was not hungry and head was hurting.  She wants me near all the time to “love on me mommy” and I am doing so as much as possible.  It is evident she was not well today.  Thanks for continued prayer.

  OH, 1 more thing…it is NOT snowing in Gaithersburg.  Also, this is so quick to cut and paste so I will share it.  My dear friend Melissa Wallace emailed me today and I looked this up under her recommendation.  I know it will bless others as it did me. 

“Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” ( Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Jan. 14th)

Matthew 14:30

SINKING times are praying times with the Lord’s servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him a suppliant, and his cry, though late, was not too late. In our hours of bodily pain and mental anguish, we find ourselves as naturally driven to prayer as the wreck is driven upon the shore by the waves. The fox hies to its hole for protection; the bird flies to the wood for shelter; and even so the tried believer hastens to the mercy-seat for safety. Heaven’s great harbor of refuge is All-prayer; thousands of weather-beaten vessels have found a haven there, and the moment a storm comes on, it is wise for us to make for it with all sail.

Short prayers are long enough. There were but three words in the petition which Peter gasped out, but they were sufficient for his purpose. Not length but strength is desirable. A sense of need is a mighty teacher of brevity. If our prayers had less of the tail feathers of pride and more wing, they would be all the better. Verbiage is to devotion as chaff to the wheat. Precious things lie in small compass, and all that is real prayer in many a long address might have been uttered in a petition as short as that of Peter.

Our extremities are the Lord’s opportunities. Immediately a keen sense of danger forces an anxious cry from us the ear of Jesus hears, and with Him ear and heart go together, and the hand does not long linger. At the last moment we appeal to our Master, but His swift hand makes up for our delays by instant and effectual action. Are we nearly ingulfed by the boisterous waters of affliction? let us then lift up our souls unto our Saviour, and we may rest assured that He will not suffer us to perish. When we can do nothing Jesus can do all things; let us enlist His powerful aid upon our side, and all will be well.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Singing this morning:   A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD, A BULWARK NEVER FAILING.  OUR HELPER HE AMID THE FLOOD OF MORTAL ILLS PREVAILING.  FOR STILL OUR ANCIENT FOE DOTH SEEK TO WORK US WOE.  HIS CRAFT AND POWER ARE GREAT.  AND ARMED WITH CRUEL HATE.  ON EARTH IS NOT HIS EQUAL.

DID WE IN OUR OWN STRENGTH CONFIDE OUR STRIVING WOULD BE LOSING.  WERE NOT THE RIGHT MAN ON OUR SIDE, THE MAN OF GOD’S OWN CHOOSING.  DOST ASK WHO THAT MAY BE?  CHRIST JESUS, IT IS HE.  LORD SABAOTH HIS NAME, FROM AGE TO AGE THE SAME.  AND HE MUST WIN THE BATTLE.

AND THOUGH THIS WORLD WITH DEVILS FILLED, WOULD THREATEN TO UNDO US.  WE WILL NOT FEAR FOR GOD HATH WILLED HIS TRUTH TO TRIUMPH THROUGH US.  THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS GRIM, WE TREMBLE NOT FOR HIM.  HIS RAGE WE CAN ENDURE FOR LO, HIS DOOM IS SURE.  ONE LITTLE WORD SHALL FELL HIM.

THAT WORD ABOVE ALL EARTHLY POWERS, NO THANKS TO THEM ABIDETH.  THE SPIRIT AND THE GIFTS ARE OURS THROUGH HIM WHO WITH US SIDETH.  LET GOODS AND KINDRED GO, THIS MORTAL LIFE ALSO.  THE BODY THEY MAY KILL, GOD’S TRUTH ABIDETH STILL.  HIS KINGDOM IS FOREVER!

AMEN.

Praise Report

  Dr. Henshaw does NOT feel this is cancerous and is NOT even having us go for a biospy!  Praise be to GOD!!!!

  We are now on our way to the lab to have blood drawn for 16 different tests, all the way from checking many different vitamin and mineral levels to Lyme and West Nile virus, thyroid…etc.  We won’t have any of these results for 4-5 days. 

  We were in faith and trusting God and are giving GREAT thanks for this news.  Now we continue waiting, trusting and having faith for the future.

Peace

  Several months ago I printed out scriptures on the computer and hung them all over my kitchen and house.  I  am terrible at memorizing these days and knew if I saw them often I would keep my mind on God’s word and possibly memorize them at the same time.  These are 2 which hung and still hang in the kitchen.  Isn’t God good to prepare our hearts?  I mean really.  Do you know how often I’m in the kitchen? 

John 14:27   “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Isaiah 26:3-4  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, becaue he trusts in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

1/2 Results on Hope

  I was going to wait to blog about this until I got the other results from Dr. Henshaw but their results might take a few days longer.  Dr. Niu let me know that the blood work ups he did on Hope were all negative.  No Lyme Disease, no Epstein Barr Virus (mono), cell counts are good, no anemia and the other thing I cannot remember.  I can post it when I get a copy of the results for her file.  So, more good news.    Although, at this point Dr. Niu said, “I don’t know what’s wrong but I will keep praying.”  What a blessing it is to have Christian physicians!  She hasn’t lost any weight this week so that is another praise report!

TRINI-POO

  I LEARNED WHAT NOT TO DRESS MY LITTLE TRINI IN WHILE PLAYING IN THE SNOW.  HER BROTHER, HOWEVER, FOUND IT VERY HUMOROUS AND HAD GREAT FUN PELTING HER WITH SNOW!!

"Uh, Mom. It's a little chilly out here!"

 

"Isaac hit me with a snowball!"

Then without me knowing, Trini decides to try and make a snow angel without enough snow.  Oh well.  Ya gotta love this! 

Up and down, up and down.

Yeah, it's cold but I'm a snow bunny!

Look out Mom!

Snow, Snow, Snow

Well, we finally got a good snow.  Still hoping for another one with maybe another inch in Feb. but this was definately the best so far! 

Hope's getting snow in her face! ha

I figure from here on out I’ll just let the pictures do the talking.  We were only out for a few minutes as we all began to freeze quickly.  Hope forgot to wear mittens, Isaac was wearing tennis socks (at his ankles), Trinity wore thin socks with rain boots and you’ll see what my 13 year old was wearing!  We are definately from TEXAS!!

Snow boots, Capri pants.... What's the problem Mom?

I'm followin' ya daddy!

Hmmmm.... what's going on here? Do the monkey dance!

ha ha ha. Paybacks for snow down my pants...Isaac just wiped out!

Chillin' in the Snow!

Preaching

  Darrel preaches at school today.  He’s been faithful to read for many weeks in preparation for this sermon, thought and prayer.  I’m not sure if each person preparing a sermon always wishes they had more time but I think Darrel wishes he had more time.  He was up at 3AM trying to finish his introduction and for Darrel, gettig up at 3AM is not usual.  Well, I don’t think 3AM is usual for many; it certainly isn’t for me.

  I quoted him 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and although I know this scripture is referring to our lives and salvation I thought it was applicable to his situation today.  He has had many opportunities to preach in the past but to preach in front of 19 other ‘seminary students’, if you will, and pastor’s, I know there is probably more of a fight inside him to put off wanting to impress and to deal with fear of man, although he would say he just wants to be clear and make sense.   I am praying for him and am in full faith that God will annoint his lips to proclaim His word so that God will be glorified and His message clear. 

  I have the priviledge of going to the school today to support Darrel while  listening in on his sermon and to their (other students and Jeff Purswell) words of encouragement afterward on how he can improve this message in order that it be even more clear when he preaches it on Feb. 1st in West Virginia.

Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College

 I had the priviledge of sitting in on Darrel preaching to the other men in the pc along with some of the leaders.  All I have to say is Wow!  Not to Darrel’s preaching, although I thought he did a fine job, but to the care, kindness, generosity, and encouragement given after it was over.  Many of the men shared words of encouragement on how his exegesis was good, or how he stood confident in God’s word, or how his illustrations were applicable and effective… of this nature.  Then after about 2 pages of encouragement they came in with more encouraging words on how to improve the sermon, what points to dig into deeper, how to make points more clear, etc….about 2 pages of that (we were both taking notes).  This exercise was so helpful and fruitful.  It was amazing to sit in a room with those men and hear them encourage both positively and ‘negatively’ if you will, in order that the gospel be made more clear and the people hearing the message are able to grasp it by the speaker.  I sat there amazed and remain amazed  just thinking of it.  I was going to share more specifically but my notes are out in the van but it is currently 19 degrees out there and I’m not-a goin’!!   Each of the men filled out forms and gave them to Darrel which will serve him in this and other sermon preparations.  We both came away humbled and blessed and I know Darrel will be prayerfully adjusting his notes to better serve the West Virginia church on February 1st.  This truly was an amazing, grace-filled experience! 

  Darrel and I also shared a very special date night tonight in which we shared what God has been working in us this past week.  His time in class with Steve Shank from Arizona was so fruitful and ministered to his soul greatly!  I have been reading Jerry Bridges book ‘Transformed by Grace’ and am amazed at God revealing so many truths to me; confirming His word in my heart and bringing alive and making clear God’s grace.  The fruit of this in my life is showing forth much joy!  I do not deserve His kindness but He pours it out to overflowing.

Blood Test Results

  I finally made a call to the oncologist on Friday to see if they’d received results on the other pending blood tests.  They had not, for whatever reason, and called the lab to check in. 

  Hope has a higher level of calcium in her blood than normal for her age and something came up with her liver.  I expect to talk to Dr. Niu this week.  He will likely refer us for more blood work and/or to a pediatric endocrinologist.  It is possible one or more of her parathyroid glands is not functioning properly but this is purely speculation on my part from looking it up.  Many of her symptoms certainly follow along this line ( headaches, feeling bad, fatigue, cranky, leg aches) but we’ll see what they think.  I believe another blood test could confirm this to be true or false.  Thankful for all involved and know God is caring for her life.  She is doing alright, eating is fair and energy level varies.  Some days pretty good other days very tired.    She was sick after church today but was feeling much better this afternoon.

1-26-09

  Darrel has been hard at the Greek studies this weekend and today.  Right now he’s falling asleep next to me holding his Basics to Biblical Greek book and computer on lap.  I think I’ll splash him with some water!  No…me?  do that to my honey?   

  Hope had a hard day today.  Legs hurting really bad and I took her temp at 8PM which read at 100.4  Not high but not comfortable.  I left a message with Dr. Niu’s office this morning but didn’t hear back.  I will press in harder tomorrow to make a connection with him.   I am praying for mercy anew in the morning!

1-27-09

  Another painful day for Hope.  Legs hurting terribly and now complaints of knees and arms.  She is eating chicken tenders.    Temp of 100.0 today so she didn’t get to play with a friend but did get play time with big sister.  That’s always a treat. 

  Danielle got a pair of knitting needles as a gift for child sitting for us so often.  She’s thrilled!  With help from a friend and looking in a book she is learning.  She said it’s more fun than crocheting.  We’ll see how it goes.

  We have an appointment at 1:30PM tomorrow with Dr. Ning close to Shady Grove.  Pediatric Endocrinologist.  Praying for wisdom.  Most likely more blood tests to come. 

  It snowed again today and it’s looking pretty thick out there.  Well, maybe a couple inches but that’s thick to a Houstonian.   Isaac went to a friends to play (from Florida) and am sure they played in the snow some.  Oh, the girls made a couple snow balls and covered them with caramel syrup.  They said they were good.  Since we didn’t have any real maple syrup to freeze like one of our books discusses, we thought we’d go this route. Snow…sugar…you can’t miss. 

  Dispite all the phone calls this morning to our insurance company and doctors, Isaac and Danielle still managed to finish math and grammar assignments.  We read in our science book and watched a health video.  The kids did some scootering in the basement.  I consider this a GREAT accomplishment.  God is so good to us and I’m thankful that His mercies are indeed new every morning.

Houston Vs. Gaithersburg

  Instead of hearing your neighbor mow their lawn at 6:30AM you hear a ‘BANG, BANG, BANG….SCRAAAAPE, SCRAPE, SCRAAAAAPE’.   And this can continue on for quite a loooong time depending on how icy thier front porch is and how long their sidewalk  leading to their car.   Interesting!

Hope Update

  First may I say that my dear friend, David Kline, is totally hilarious!!!  We love and miss he and his lovely wife, Betty so much, as well as many other dear friends from Texas.  I love his comments to my blog and the one today just hit my funny bones. 

   I like roller coasters…just ask Sonya VanWright.  But I’m not too fond of emotional ones; they tend to exhaust me instead of making me scream ‘Woo Hoo!”  and if I hadn’t felt like we were riding one  before today I am beginning to feel like it now. 

  I’ll try making this short.  We took Hope to the pediatric endocrinologist today and after spending about 1/2 an hour examining Hope, discussing past history, blood test results, MRI, etc., she is leaning toward the feeling that there is some type of malignancy in Hope that has not been found.  We went directly to the lab to have more blood drawn for  more tests which include checking for all forms of Heptatitis along with re-checking some things we’ve already had tested, esp. the things that point to her thinking malignancy.  We are also doing a 24 hour urinalysis over the next 2 days.  I am going to have to bring Hope back to have more blood drawn in the morning because I got a call after we got home that they didn’t draw enough for a particular test.  The lady said to tell Hope she’s very sorry but to a 6 year old I’m afraid that won’t go over well.  I am continually trying to encourage Hope in the Lord, speaking of what He has done for her, praying for and with her, asking her questions about what she believes about God.  It is surely a time of and for growth but at this very moment my heart is discouraged.  I tend to get this way when I am tired, of which I am.  Last night Hope was running a 103.4 temp and slept very poorly.  I slept next to her in Danielle’s bed in order to make it easier to give her drinks through the night and more med’s when necssary.  Her legs hurt so badly today she didn’t want to walk. We discovered another lump on her left leg today during the exam.  A surprise to everyone in the room.

  Ok, I said short and it isn’t.  More information when it comes in…we will be scheduling an appointment asap with an oncologist, not a bone (orthopedic) one this time.  She will also have an abdominal ultrasound next Monday due to stomach pain the last few months (she’s often saying her pants are too tight and pulling them away from her lower abdomen).  Even through tired mind, eyes, body and heart I know God is in control and we are fully trusting in His goodness and love.

My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord

  I wrote the bottom of this post last night before bed and thought I published it but it didn’t show up for whatever reason.  Providence of God.

  This morning has been interesting.  Got up, cereal for kids but Hope wanted eggs.  She only eats the yolks.  I know, worst part of the egg.  Danielle cracks ice off the windshield, I ready Hope’s arm for another blood draw with some numbing medicine and we hit the door.  I take Danielle and Isaac to gym day at the church.  Trinity wanted to stay with me so I brought her along to the lab with Hope.  On the way Hope got very nauseated and began vomitting.  About 3 times before we went in, while we were there, on the way home and at home.  With nothing much on her stomach it was just painful and she felt so bad.  She finally fell asleep in the couch.  Siobhan brought Isaac and Dani home and visited with me for a while.  She and her kids brought back some strawberries (Hope likes), strawberry popcicles, guacamole kit (Darrel’s gonna be happy!) and a beautiful boquet of flowers for me.  Bright orange and yellow….so cheerful and happy!  They are gorgeous!  Isn’t God so good?   After waking up from her nap she is feeling pretty good, very thirsty.  I’m supposed to be doing a 24 hour urinalysis today. Also almost ate a whole strawberry popcicle.  Dr. Niu said there is a stomach virus going around but since the other children haven’t had anything I think this is related to her high blood calcium.     

 

 It’s only been about an hour since I wrote the update on Hope.  I know many friends and family are already praying for her again and for us. 

  Earlier I went out to get some groceries.  As I was driving my mind was filled with many thoughts:   thoughts of the day, thoughts of what might be, etc.  Then I thought of how many people were going to be at Wal-Mart and took a sharp left turn to go to another grocery store right next to me.  I began praying aloud, sharing my heart with God.  In those moments He brought to mind what Mary said when she was told she would be with child.  My heart is comforted by hearing His word and reminding myself to Magnify The Lord.

  Paraphrased….  My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior! 

    Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

    Because He that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.

    He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy:

As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

So much… So much kindness

  Oh my!  Where should I start?  I’m sure I’m going to be all over the place in this entry…just can’t help it.  Too much going on at one time.

  First, I must write about what I’m starting to cry about at this very moment.  God was so overwhelmingly kind to Darrel and me this morning. 

 Well, first Hope woke up hurting, fever…I gave her Tylenol and put her in a cool bath.  NOT happy with Mama.  Once out I got her settled downstairs and was feeling a bit better.  All kids woke, we got ready to go to the church.  I gave Hope some Ibuprofen to help more and we left.  Danielle said she ate 2 pieces of toast and a bowl of cereal while we were gone.  Woo hoo!  The kids had a fine time at home just playing, etc. 

  There is a prophecy team that came from Covenant Fellowship Church in Philadelphia.  Darrel would do so much better at this point explaining all that the leader shared.  It was very clear, focused explaining of what prophecy is, revelatory and yet not infallable.  Used to encourage and exhort believers..so much more and scriptures shared.  Then they prayed for the class as a whole, prayed for the men, then the women.  Several shared that they had a word or impression from the Lord about a particular set of men and shared that. 

  Then they moved forward saying that one particular women ( cannot remember her name)felt like she had a word for someone in our group who had a sick child, possibly a sick child that they didn’t know what was wrong.  They asked if there was anyone there in this category and Darrel and I raised our hands. (a few moments before we raised our hands she pointed at us and told the leader she thought it was us)  (I’m crying thinking back…the Spirit of God was so in that room)  We went up front for them to pray for us and as they were praying she prayed for me.  She said she could see a tree, a fruit tree, blooming and producing fruit all over the place, love, joy, peace…(ok, if you knew or know what I had dealt with at the beginning of the year and throughout the year, this was just major confirmation), also said she felt like I was a writer, like there was this network of writing…so many people praying for us (blog).  She felt like Romans 5 was for us and began reading. 

5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we [1] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith [2] into this grace in which we stand, and we [3] rejoice [4] in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

She shared that we will never be without hope.  (Later we shared with her that our sick daughters name is Hope)

  Then a man named Dan began praying for Darrel.  He said that he saw bibles, all these bibles, Darrel giving out, maybe even selling bibles.  That there was a heritage of pastoring in our families, even a man, a white haired man with a white beard…that God was going to use Darrel in a mighty way in and through his preaching.  There was a pulling away and now we were being grafted in to a new family where God would use him mightily. 

  There was more but time doesn’t permit me to write longer.  The meeting was recorded and many friends wrote down things for us during that prayer time.  We felt so blessed and cared for personally by our Father.  Many other pc families were ministered to at the same time and we are amazed by God’s kindness to us.  In the midst of this unknowing with Hope’s illness, to shower us with love and care in a particular way was not expected. 

  We are praying and seeking that God would be glorified during this time and that we would be able to point our children to Christ in specific ways.  Darrel stayed home from class this afternoon in order that I might bring some more things into the lab.  Unfortunately we are going to have to start the 24 hour urinalysis over again.  I didn’t tell Danielle NOT to collect it while we were gone today and she being the super-fantastic helper that she is, collected another sample and added it to the one that was finished.  She didn’t know and was just trying to help!  And she did help, emensely!  Hope won’t be happy to pee in the cup over and over again but it’s all in God’s perfect providence.  He must have more to work in all of us.  

  I am working on compiling a very long list of pains/symptoms that began back on October and am praying over them that God will reveal the problem.  I am crying out for mercy for Hope and healing for her body, but praying as Jesus prayed…Lord, if this cup can pass from me (Hope), please take it, but Lord, above all Your will be done.  We glory in our redeemer, we praise Him for His abundant grace we so do not deserve.  So much kindness.

  Oh, I forgot.  Hope will have an abdominal ultrasound on Monday and we will travel to Baltimore Wednesday afternoon to see another pediatric orthopedic oncologist, Kristy Weber,  for a second opinion.

Kept By God

   If Hope is still running a fever in the morning we will likely be checking in to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital again.  After some conversation with Dr. Niu this evening this is the current plan.  I am keeping Hope as comfortable as possible and have no doubt we’ll both rest better at home this evening than there.  Current symptoms are nausea, severe leg pain, extended fever, sore throat, abdominal pain and blood in stool today (have had in the past).  She is drinking well and eating when her fever is kept down.  I am in a constant state of prayer and faith in God.

  As I sat on the couch this afternoon with Hope sleeping on my right and Trinity sleeping on my left I was praying through The Valley of Vision, esp. this prayer.

KEPT BY GOD

Jehovah God,  Thou Creator, Upholder, Proprietor of all things,  I cannot escape from thy presence or control, nor do I desire to do so.    My privilege is to be under the agency of omnipotence, righteousness, wisdom, patience, mercy, grace.    Thou are love with more than parental affection;   I admire thy heart, adore thy wisdom, stand in awe of thy power, abase myself before thy purity.   

It is the discovery of thy goodness alone that can banish my fear,  alure me into thy presence, help me to bewail and confess my sins.     When I review my past guilt and am conscious of my present unworthiness   I tremble to come to thee,  I whose foundation is in the dust,  I who have condemned thy goodness,  defied thy power,  trampled upon thy love,  rendered myself worthy of eternal death.    

But my recovery cannot spring from any cause in me,  I can destroy but cannot save myself.    Yet thou hast laid help on One that is mighty, for there is mercy with thee, and exceeding riches in thy kindness through Jesus.   

 May I always feel my need of him.  Let thy restored joy be my strength;   

May it keep me from lusting after the world, bear up heart and mind in loss of comforts, enliven me in the valley of death, work in me the image of the heavenly,  and give me to enjoy the first fruits of spirituality,  such as angels and departed saints know.

Thankful for Shady Grove’s :)

  We are in the waiting room at Shady Grove ER.   This morning Hope’s fever went from 98.8 to 101.3 in a litle over an hour.  She began getting nauseated and very fussy so I decided to give her Tylenol instead of letting it potentially escalate.  Her legs are not hurting her nearly as bad today as in the entire last week.  I’m amazed and praising God for this bit of relief.  Her throat is hurting severely and is complaining of lower abdominal pain especially after she empties her bladder.  I believe the first thing they will do is a throat culture and urine analysis. 

  I am sitting next to my sweet daughter and handsome husband with much thanks to God.  Danielle is tenderly caring for Isaac and Trinity at home.  Their spirits are good and are all trusting in God.  Before we left I gave Trinity some grape juice as a treat and after she drank some she said, “I don’t need anymore.  I need to save it for Hopie.  I’m spoiled.”  It was so sweet to hear her little voice and heart in wanting to share and care for her sister.  Evidences of Gods grace in her life! 

  So thankful for our friends and family who are praying and encourage us by phone, mail and blog comments.  You’re care is very evident.  Also, all our friends at the Pastor’s College who have opened up their homes and said they will do whatever we need; offering meals, child care, etc. and most of all prayer.  Isn’t God good to continue showing us our need for Him?

We’re home

  It is 9:40pm and we are home, PTL!  It wasn’t a pleasant evening but Hope is very glad to rest in her own bed and after her last dose of Motrin is very talkative with her older sister!  She was even so eager to find her she walked up the stairs by herself (then Trinity shut the door in her face).  We were so pleased…not about Trinity but that she would take initiative and WALK, much less up the stairs.  I believe Trinity is feeling somewhat neglected which brought about an anger outburst while we were gone and the door shutting.  After much time with mommy, bath, hugging, laughing, repentance and apologies, all is well at the Schiel home.  When I was tucking her in she said, “Mommy, I’m so sorry I shut the door on Hope.  That was not nice and it didn’t please God.” (grace upon grace)

  We were able to have an abdominal ultrasound tonight instead of in the morning and did get this result.  The ultrasound showed ‘MEDULLARY NEPHROCALCINOSIS‘ which may be the primary problem or a secondary effect of an elevated calcium from a primary parathyroid problem. (Oh, sorry…this has to do with calcium deposits in her kidney’s…or something of this sort)   Ok.  I am too tired to study this tonight and tried to read the 7 page report in about the #4 size font but didn’t understand much of it.  The ER doctor and nurses printed it out because they are not familiar with this (not renal specialists).  We will be calling Dr. Niu in the morning for a referral to a Nephrologist . (for the Greek students… from Greek: nephros, “kidney”; and λόγος, logos, “speech” lit. “to talk about kidney”).   We do not know why her throat hurts so badly; all cultures came back negative.  It very well could be that her legs and abdomen are hurting from this…and the fever.  

  Several ways to pray specifically.  Pray for the children that God will give them extra grace right now while Hope is so needy.  She literally wants me to sit right by her side at all times, esp. during a fever spike;  That I’ll use wisdom in my time management; For Darrel as he studies and shares our burdens here at home; For me that I will trust in the timing of all this….not about being in MD but that I won’t feel a sense of guilt for thinking I should have checked into her leg aches much sooner. 

  Praise God for His love and care.   (And I hear Darrel getting very excited downstairs over the Super Bowl)  Our appointment to Baltimore still stands as of right now.

Battle

  It’s been a long day of battle.  Spiritual battle between my flesh and God’s truth.  I’m tired with the amount of reading and study I’m trying to do on the kidney’s, researching and trying to make sure I document symptoms correctly.  There is such a close connection between cancer and parathyroid problems, I believe this can be easily mis-diagnosed or hard to diagnose.  There are so many ‘small’ symptoms I don’t want overlooked.  Please pray I will press in with these each time we see a new doctor.   I’ve kept Hope’s temp. down with med’s but her legs hurt much worse today.  Had a sweet time with the Lord during an errand.  Friends helped us with 4 loads of laundry and dropped off a pizza and some beautiful flowers.  Resting in God’s mercy and peace.

Confirmation

  Well, we got confirmation that Hope’s physical problems are not due to bone cancer.  This orthopedic oncologist also went as far to say that she does not think her symptoms are from any type of cancer.  She said we needed to see an endocrinologist, of which we’ve already seen but will now be getting a second opinion.  The one we’ve seen thinks she has a malignancy that hasn’t been found. 

  We are very thankful to know that Hope does not have bone cancer and we are rejoicing!  At the same time we do not know what is causing her pain.  The doctors we saw today were very kind and let me go down my list of symptoms I’ve compiled over the last 4 months.  So, first we will see this new endocrinologist (appointment to be determined).  I also have an appointment scheduled with a kidney specialist.  Other than her persistent fever and leg/joint pains she is experiencing much pain in her lower abdomin (bladder area) and throat.  I just noted today that her throat seems to hurt less when I do not let her lie down.  This could possibly be due to a sinus drainage problem or some type of acid reflux.  Tonight I am going to give her some sinus med’s and put a humidifier in ther room.  Her throat hurts so badly at night she wakes up crying even when on Tylenol and Motrin.  Other doctors I think we may see in the future would be a Gastoenterologist and Rheumatologist. 

  Once again, very thankful to God for His kindness in confirmation of no bone cancer.  Still praying for mercy and care for her when she’s hurting.  We will continue to trust God for His timing and guidance.  Right now remember His word that says ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ 

  I am so thankful for all those in our family and all our friends who have been praying.  From a mother’s heart, please continue praying!

Plan: Going to Johns Hopkins

  On the phone with Dr. Niu today.  I was able to share other concerns with him and he prescribed some Zantac liquid for Hope since her throat pain is so severe that this morning she was saying “I wish I weren’t born” while crying.  I could hear little burps so I do believe there is definately some type of reflux going on, why I do not know.  I’ve only given her 1 dose so haven’t seen effects yet…perhaps slightly.  Her fever elevated this evening to 101.2 and that’s enough for me to give her Tylenol.  At this point she cries anytime she moves any part of her body and was saying upon waking from a nap that ‘my arm is broken’. 

  The 24 hour urinalysis’s came in and all looks good.  The 2 things they were looking for to confirm malignancies were negative.  Another praise!

  But since she is in so much pain, her lower abdomen hurts very badly, she wakes up during the night crying in either bone aching type pain, bladder or throat, that the doctor’s feel she should be hospitalized.  We need to get her on IV fluids and begin diuretics to bring the blood calcium levels down while they are looking for the reason they are elevated in the first place.  Shady Grove here in Rockville does not have a pediatric Nephrologist or some of the other specialists he thinks we might see, so we have to choose between Childrens’ in DC, a hospital in Fairfax, VA, or Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  My  heart is at peace with going to Baltimore so I believe that is where we will be heading sometime tomorrow. 

  I have my opinions on what is going on but Dr. Niu disagrees with me, however he did say he would make the referrals to see a rheumatologist.  First she will be seen by an endocrinologist and nephrologist and we’ll go from there. 

  Please pray for Hope.  She is NOT going to be happy about this news.  At this point she hates (for lack of a better word) needles and especially IV’s.  I am praying for peace and quick pain relief if at all possible.  Pray for the children as they will likely be separated from me/us for a while.  This is esp. hard on Trinity right now.  Not that it isn’t hard on Danielle and Isaac, but Trinity is asking me things like “do you still love ME?”  I try to give her 1 on 1 attention but it has been difficult. 

  Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame but WHOLLY lean on Jesus name!  I am in faith for God to do a mighty work and am seeing the fruits of this trial abounding in many around us.  I am strong and rejoicing in God our Savior.  God is pouring out His grace and peace!

Revelation

  God revealed some sin in my life this morning and has brought me to repentance.  I assume things often due to past experiences instead of trusting in Him.  It is my prayer He will coninue helping me through this and I’ve no doubt He will give me grace each time I fail. 

  In my blog last night I stated that Hope would “not be happy” about going to the hospital when we told her today.  ‘Oh ye of little faith’ (emphasis mine).  This morning Hope’s throat hurts so severely I gave her Zantac liquid right away.  She wanted to sit up which in the past she didn’t heed me to do this and was doing it on her own this morning.  She didn’t want any Tylenol or Motrin; says it doesn’t help her.  I sat with her and told her that we were going to take her to the hospital today to get some help and she quickly said, “OK”.  No whining, no resistance.  Then she was sliding down flat from her pillows and I asked if I could lift her up higher.  Usually she cries and says no but she said “yes, if it will help me feel better.” 

  I realize she is feeling worse and is willing to do anything at this point to have relief.  I am not rejoicing in this but am greatly rejoicing that God has positioned her heart to receive what will come later today.  I have greater faith for her IV and any injections she may need to receive.  To God be all glory!

Seeing the Good in Each Situation

  My initial feeling was not joy.

  Once in the ER a Nephrologist who works here came to see us.  She had spoken to Dr. Niu this morning and told him that the entire children’s section of Johns Hopkins is full and there were no beds available.  If we were to be admitted somewhere we would be transferred to another hospital.  He did not tell us this when he called at 11AM this morning.  Perhaps he misunderstood or hoped they’d fit us in regardless.

But the time here was just another confirmation that this is where I’d like Hope to be seen.  Each doctor we saw listened carefully and was doing everything they could to arrange appointments as soon as possible.  So that this trip wasn’t for ‘naught’ they did draw blood again for Nephrology labs and Rheumatological labs as well.  In listening to our symptoms they are all leaning in the direction of some rheumatological disorder.  The Zantac I asked for yesterday from Dr. Niu seems to be working at times but it might be early to tell.   We will do another 24 hour uninalysis that will be checking for other thing related to the kidneys and calcium levels instead of cancer related items.

  So thankful we are only an hour away and that God indeed directs our paths.

Going to the Hospital

  We just want to see how much fun our friends and family are having riding this roller coaster with us!    BIG HA from Shari. 

  This morning at 7am I snuck in Hope’s room and gave her Zantac with some water, snuck back out and finished getting ready for my monthly ladies meeting at Mrs. Ricucci’s home.  Hope hadn’t woken and seemed to sleep well last night so I left.  The meeting was such a blessing to my soul and I rejoice greatly that God allowed me to go.

  My sweet husband spend the entire morning with a very ill little girl and another very cute little blonde.  Hope was sick this morning and vomitting (hadn’t eaten anything).  When I returned home she was resting on the couch with Darrel.  He told me to check the answering machine so I did immediately and there was a call from the ER Dr. from Johns Jopkins.  She left me her cell which I called immediately.  She asked how Hope was today and I shared how sick she’d been and then she shared with me some of the lab results.  Hope’s serum calcium is off the charts and she said to bring her in immedately.  She was very kind, apologetic that we were there last night and no room but that she personally was going to get her admitted.  My bags are already packed; we’ll drop Trinity off at friends and be on our way.  (Isaac and Danielle spent the night with friends last night)

  I am thankful to be going and in much faith for some answers soon.  Thanking God for His care for Hope.  High serum calcium levels are all inter-related…it’s very complicated…kidney’s, parathyroid glands, bones, intestines.  Trusting we are in Good hands.

Talking Cancer Again

  Just when we think we rule out cancer the word comes back up again.  We are having a CT scan performed sometime tonight or tomorrow from her neck to her pevic area.  There is high radiation with this so please pray for an extra measure of mercy as this needs to be done.   She going to have to drink a large bottle of juice that has ‘contrast’ in it and it sounds like we’re about to do this; a doctor just came in.

  My soul.  Where is my soul with this news?  I am trusting God.  I am in a very calm, stunned sort of state.  In no way dispairing.

Prayer Request

  Hope’s sleeping so I don’t want the clicking of my keyboard to wake her.  This will be short.  Please pray for rest & comfort.  Very difficult through early morning.  More labs today with needles; can’t use IV blood for these.

Sunday

  I am in good humor right now and I was about to title the blog, ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ from an old U2 song.  But that may not even be right.  ha  I’m a little dilerious after just a couple hours sleep the last 2 days.  Hope is sleeping well right now.  Someone will be coming in after 7PM to draw more blood for our evening labs so that is sure to change!  But change….ah, isn’t that what God is after in our lives?  Changing to be more like Him. 

  Our night was really, really rough in the ER.  She got really sick and it scared me pretty badly.  I’m not easily scared but after her being sick for so long I think we both get worn down.  She was saying “this is the end of my life” and I began yelling HELP!  Darrel was out getting our bags in the van while this was ocurring.  He does seem to miss most of the excitement…I mean really!  He is either out or just walking in after we’re finished.  Now, notice I didn’t say all the excitement just most.  I guess he doesn’t need as much as me.  

  Oh, she’s waking up.  Well, this morning was rough again but a fairly good afternoon.  She is over the top tired of needles.  I think a few of you can sympathize.  Last night they gave her Calcitonin which has decreased her blood calcium levels to bearable.  They are continuing to flush her body with IV fluids.  She gets nauseated fairly easily but they are giving her Zofran which helps.  There are several teams in on this puzzle right now.  We have a team of Endocrinologists, Nephrologists and tomorrow a team of Oncologists and Infectious Disease will begin, as well as Rheumatology.  Nothing like giving these doctors something interesting and exciting to study and figure out. 

Bathroom time!!  Trusting in our Lord and thankful for all our friends and family prayers and support.  Thanks for email pictures that will help Hope smile.

Monday news

Well, wow.  Hope has had a pretty good day today.  Throat hasn’t been hurting her this morning but lower abdominal pain some.  The calcium that went down yesterday is going back up already.  So, they are really on the search for WHY her calcium is going up.  It’s clear to them that her Parathyroid IS working since that hormone is low.  It has ‘shut off’ so as to tell the bones to STOP releasing calcium.  They are trying to figure out if the calcium is coming from inside or outside her body.  At this point it seems to be internal.  There are many ‘crews’ onboard working her case.  If they don’t come up with something from her new labs soon it is likely they will put her to sleep and get biopsies from her bone marrow and lymph glands.  Please be praying in preparation for this possiblity.  Other than a headache my soul is good and at peace.  Since she is having a good day she wants to do crafts in the kids room, so we’re off.

End of the day Monday News

  Well, it appears that everyone is still quite stumped.  The Infectious Disease team is going to do some work ups on some fungal diseases that could possibly be producing her symptoms.  They’ve already given her the stuff to check for TB (very unlikely), and will check for (spellings won’t be right) Histoplasmosis, Coccidiomycosis and Blastomycosis.  They are also going to check something else for Williams Syndrome (not likely).  They are uping her fluids through the night double what they’ve been today since her calcium is going back up and if this doesn’t help she’ll have another dose of Calcitonin in the morning.  There is more but I’ll wait to share it until I get an update in a day or two.  I don’t think they’re leaning toward toing a bone marrow biopsy from the oncology section but a possible lymph gland biopsy.  We’ll see.  Please pray for Hope as she is tired of being here and wants to see her sibblings.  It helps that we can go down to the play room but she’s getting cabin fever. 

Sing and Rejoice!

This part of God’s word was sent to me last night from a dear friend in Houston.  I hope it encourages your soul as well!!  I know many of my family and friends are going through daily trials as well and does it not just cause your heart to sing and rejoice when you read HIS words to us? 

 Isaiah  chapter 40:
 
28Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
   his understanding is unsearchable.
29He gives power to the faint,
   and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30Even youths shall faint and be weary,
   and young men shall fall exhausted;
31but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
   they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
   they shall walk and not faint.

 
2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

My prayer for Hope has long been one of soul salvation.  I trust that God is going to bring her through this illness but at the same time I remember that “the ultimate healing is to be home free.”  One day we will all be ‘home free’ and worship at the feet of Jesus.  What a day THAT WILL BE!!!

Tuesday

  We’ve been playing a game here at Johns Hopkins.  Actually 2 games.  We’ve won at the first one and that was to have a popularity contest.  Hope is one of the most popular children here.  With so many questions and no answers we have many medical teams on her case.  It’s humorous to think about and mind boggling at the same time.  The second game is to see how many different medical teams we can see per day.  Today we’ve seen a team of Endocrinologists, Oncologists and Infectious Disease.  Each team has something to share, mostly that they are waiting on labs.  But the oncology team is in the process of communicating more closely with Dr. Kristy Weber from our visit with her a week ago.  The plan at this point is for Hope to have a Bone Marrow biopsy tomorrow morning around 11:30AM.  This will require sedation.  Seeing the procedure on-line and it makes me cringe but they assure me that this is typically done on an out-patient basis and only requires Tylenol for pain as needed afterward.  They are consulting with Dr. Weber to see if she will come down at the same time and do a biopsy of her right tibia which would be some type of asperation, not a surgical procedure.  To get these done at the same time would be good to say the least.

  The IV in her hand today went ‘bad’; her hand was swelling a little and she was continually complaining of pain.  They removed it and put a new one in the top of her right forearm.  This is actually a good place as this area doesn’t bend.  Now her hands are free; as her left hand has been useless to her since she’s been here.  Then she had to receive another Calcitonin shot to lower her calcium levels again.  Right now she’s sleeping as that wore her out, although she received the new IV better than anything she’s done so far.  I was amazed at God’s grace…she began breathing very deeply on her own!!! (mama and nurse shocked and very proud of her…at this point she is usually saying that the person causing her pain is evil) 

  There is a nurse who we’ve had 2x time by the name of Sarah.  She is a jewel.  Her mother is actually at MD Anderson right now going through a second treatment for some cancer she’s fighting.  Everyone here has been kind, caring and respectful. 

  This has probably been my hardest day.  Not that Hope hasn’t been feeling better, she has!  I’m not getting much sleep due to beepers going off every 5 minutes and Hope being on heavy fluids, thus bathroom breaks every 30 min to an hour.  So, lack of sleep leaves me more venerable to emotions. I would wear the earplugs my sweetie brought but I have to hear Hope call me when she needs to be unhooked from all her wires to use the restroom.   I haven’t had a cup of coffee in 3 days as the coffee machine is broken on this floor.  So, with only about 2 hrs sleep last night  I told Hope I was venturing out to the 1st floor to buy a cup from Einstein Brothers Bagels.  I waited in line, asked for a large cup of coffee and then got my total of $2 and something cents.  I only had a $1 and some change so I handed her my CC.  She looked at me and said, “our register is broken, it’s cash only this morning.”  I handed her my cup and began walking back to the elevator.  It didn’t occur to me that I could have purchased a SMALL cup of coffee…I was so tired I almost cried!  BUT I didn’t cry.   

  Darrel brought the kids up to see me while he stayed with Hope.  She was getting her hair washed at the ‘salon’.  It’s not really a salon, they just call it that for fun.  It was so good to see the kids.  Then to our GREAT surprise, Darrel came down to the cafeteria with Hope!  She came down very upset because she just learned she was going to have to have a new IV put in later, but she finally calmed down and enjoyed some time with her sibblings.  She passed out Valentine cards she made for them a little gifts to share that she’s received each time she gets a blood draw or some needle poked in her.  I’m afraid after this hospital experience she’s going to think she deserves a present if anything painful happens to her.  Ah, the joys of re-training.  When it was time for them to leave and I saw Dani, Isaac and Trini in the hall as I walked away, that’s when I had the hardest time holding back the tears.  Even now.  Wow, it’s harder than I think to be apart from them!  Makes one SO incredibly greatful for family time, health and togetherness.  We have been so blessed.  Just a renewed sense of ‘don’t waste a single minute’ rings in my mind.

  Then I read an email from a friend here at the PC as she and her family are going through different trial and heart probing times.  The following she shared certainly resounded and encouraged my heart. 

    speaking of Ps.23, Phillip Keller writes in his book “A Shepherd Looks At Ps.23″ pg. 46:
“Many of the places we may be lead into will appear to us as dark, deep, dangerous, and somewhat disagreeable. But it simply must be remembered that He is there with us in it. He is very much at work in the situation. It is His energy, effort, and strength expended on my behalf that even in this deep, dark place is bound to produce a benefit for me.”
 
and pg. 126:
“The sheep with such a shepherd knows of a surety that his is a privileged position. No matter what comes, at least and always he can be perfectly sure that goodness and mercy will be in the picture. He reassures himself that he is ever under sound, sympathetic, ownership. What more need he care about? Goodness and mercy will be the treatment he receives from his Master’s expert, loving hands.”

 

Loving Her Then... Still Loving Her Now

6PM, very sick again.  I think it’s a side affect of the Calcitonin.

8PM and she’s been very sick this whole time, very nauseated.  Praying for some relief and rest tonight.  She hasn’t eaten since breakfast this morning and won’t be able to eat after mid-night due to her sedation scheduled for 11:30AM tomorrow.  I’m praying she’ll feel hungry in a couple hours and I can go buy her something downstairs.

ANA Testing for Lupus

  From the WWW…

No single test can determine whether a person has lupus, but several laboratory tests may help the doctor to make a diagnosis. The most useful tests identify certain autoantibodies often present in the blood of people with lupus. For example, the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is commonly used to look for autoantibodies that react against components of the nucleus, or “command center,” of the body’s cells. Most people with lupus test positive for ANA; however, there are a number of other causes of a positive ANA besides lupus, including infections, other autoimmune diseases, and occasionally as a finding in healthy people. The ANA test simply provides another clue for the doctor to consider in making a diagnosis.

  Hope’s labs did come back positive for the ANA but it is very low and the doctor said that (as you read above) even some healthy people can have readings like hers (lower +).  So, this really doesn’t help anything!  ha     It’s not funny but either chuckle, cry and sit more perplexed.  I choose to chuckle momentarily.  I’m praying the bone marrow biopsies will give more definative answers.

Wednesday 02-11-09 Events

  The last 5 days or nights perhaps, have caught up with me.  A quick recap of the day.  God blessed us with a cancellation in the OR and Hope got to get her bone marrow taken an hour early!  I got to go into the room with her and talk with her the whole time while she fell asleep.  It was GREAT!  She woke with hip pain as we figured she would, in recovery but did well and ended up eating 3 popcicles and drank an entire can of Sprite.  When we got back to the room she got Tylenol and ate some food.  Other than being sore when the Tylenol wears off she’s done well today.  We were told we’d hear from Oncology this afternoon but did not.  The new attending Pediatric doctor came and saw me about 6pm and said they have nothing new to share with me as we are waiting on other labs to come in.  They have ruled out Sarcoidosis and a few other things with names too technical for my current mental status.  Darrel picked up Grammy from the airport and came for a visit.  Her plane was delayed so they didn’t get here until 7PM and visit hours are only until 8PM so they stayed for an hour.  Hope loved it!  At the same time she really wants to go home.

  Please continue praying.  The pediatrician on floor was very candid with me and said that they pretty much don’t have a clue as to why her calcium levels keep going up.  Her abdomen/bladder started hurting a little tonight which is usually an indication that it is on the rise again.  They don’t want to keep using Calcitocin over and over, that’s not going to work long term and it makes her VERY sick, although it did bring it down substantially.  I’m sure we’ll have more labs drawn in the morning to see what it’s doing.  Please pray for a good lab technician.  The one this morning was horrible and was moving that needle around in her arm like she was poking wood around in a fireplace.  Hope was crying out to the lord literally, “Oh Lord, Lord please, please help me!”  THAT makes mama cry.  But I was also thankful that she was seeing her need for Him and that He alone could really help her.  She knows that I cannot, nor can any other person but He alone will be her Savior. 

I expect to hear from oncology tomorrow along with the Endocrinologist team.   I don’t think we’ll hear from the Infectious Disease Team until all those fungal labs come in which won’t be this week.    Now, praising the Lord for sleep.  OH, some of them are still wanting to biopsy her tibia but Dr. Weber thinks there was a stress fracture at some point and that it doesn’t need to be biopsied, nor did Dr. Henshaw in Washington.  We’ll cross those bridges when we arrive at them.

Praise

  I asked for prayer for a good lab technician and the lady we had this morning was accurate and fast!  Praise the Lord!

Now a new request.   There are some diseases that can cause character changes but my assumption is that Hope is sick of being sick and sick of being stuck with needles.  Due to this her level of anger has been increasing especially with me when doctors and nurses leave the room.  Please pray that God would move over her in ways that only He knows.  I do not know her inner most being but He does.  Also, please pray for much compassion and understanding on my part.  For the first time yesterday I had to deal with anger toward this attitude which before was bathed in compassion and care.  I’m trusting for a renewal today!

More Work Ups

  Please be praying for Hope, more.  We’ve decided to have a second IV placed in hopes that they can do at least several blood draws from that site instead of sticking her over and over and over.  They have to test her blood calcium levels at least once a day and sometimes other tests need to be performed.  I’m praying that they hit the vein they need right away and it lasts for at least several draws. And that God would give her much, much grace to endure this.  She thinks anyone who wants to look at her is going to take more blood. 

  Oncology came and told me that there is no sign of malignancy in the bone marrow.  They are talking about one last MRI of the brain.  Also going to have a biopsy of her tibia tomorrow for the Infectious Disease team as they are not convinced there is no infection there.  This will be less invasive than the bone marrow biopsy.  They might want to do a CT scan at some point but for now we will continue waiting on blood results for vitamin D levels and something called a Fish test that the Endocrinologists ordered.  This would confirm or dismiss something called Williams syndrome.  

  I pray Isaiah 40:31 during this hard time for her!  God also answered prayer today in that I was full of love and compassion toward her and although Hope had a few moments she was much kinder to me vs. yesterday.   The more kisses I give the better!

Latest on Hope

  Well, yesterday was not condusive for an update.  The Ricucci’s were so kind to pay us a visit and bring a long a huge cooler full of water bottles, snacks, strawberries, banana’s.  What a blessing!  We weren’t able to visit a whole lot as Hope had her tibia x-rayed again and had an ophthamology appointment while they were here.  But they blessed us with their smiles, hugs, encouraging words and gave them an opportunity to see the ending of the movie Father of the Bride.  ha  (Hope was watching) 

  So the X-ray showed that her bone looks just the same as it did in November which is good…they were looking for changes.  She didn’t have any calcium deposits on the sclera (whites of her eyes) which could give them more to diagnose Sarcoidosis. 

  We are waiting on the Vitamin D and Fish Test for Williams Syndrome for endocrine team which should be in next Tuesday I think.  The pediatric attending this weekend is also a geneticists.  He’s thinking of running some genetic tests.  Some have already been done to see if “all the books are lined up in the library correctly” and it seems they are, but this more in depth test would check the “chapters in the books”.  Like a thousand or so genetic line ups (my wording). 

  It appears Hope is doing pretty well with getting Calcitonin shots on an every 3 day basis.  We didn’t get it to her in time to keep nausea from getting her last night but that’s our goal from now on.  Giving Calcitocin shots is NOT a long term solution but a possible short term in order that we go home.  I can give her the shots every 3 days and we’d go to a lab down the road every other day for blood testing to see how high it’s going.  Still a lot of needles but if she will keep taking her fluids REALLY well we might get to go home next week sometime.  Everything pending. 

  Darrel came up here yesterday and I got home about 8PM to see Dani, Isaac, Trini and my mom.  We were all glad to see one another but little Trini was very tired and getting a bath was just too much for her!  ha  Isaac, Trinity and I were dancing around the livingroom this morning to the Psalm CD and having fun while praising the Lord for being our Shepherd and for all the many, many blessings He gives us!  We are so hope-filled because of what He’s accomplished for us on the cross.  When we keep our eyes on Him and eternity all of these hardships/trials seem so small.  I pray with Hope that she will not be bitter or hardened from all she’s going through but that God will use it to give her more compassion for others who are hurting and need encouragement as well as seeing her need for Him.  She’s been shown the love of Jesus through all her friends, our friends and our family.  I know she’ll never forget it! 

  So, today has just been a day of play and crafts.  The Briley’s came and spend a couple hours (I think) visiting with us while they were here on their anniversary weekend.  What a blessing!  Hope’s ready for lights out so I’ll close!  I’m so encouraged by Psalm 23.  He is there to comfort us again and again, reminding us that He is indeed near!!  Thank you, Steven Altrogge for being used of God to write such an encouraging song on the Psalm CD from Psalm 23.  It ministed to my heart and soul last night and today while driving in the car.  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!

A New Week

  Yesterday after my mom and family went to church Darrel brought mom up here to stay with Hope.  Darrel and I drove home and got ready for a Sweetheart Party given by the leaders and Admin team.  I can’t give details but it was a night to remember!  What a romantic treat, esp. with what we’ve been going through and been doing the last few weeks.   Thank you mom for being so kind and selfless.  I doubt Hope would have let anyone else stay with her over-night and it meant a LOT to Darrel and me! 

  The last few minutes I’ve been practicing sticking a rolled up baby diaper with a needle, pretending it’s Hope’s arm.  I am going to start administering her subcutaneous (fatty tissue) Calcitonin shots every day.  Darrel will also need to practice this procedure.  Can you see us practicing on each other with saline injections?  Oh yeah…really good time to have a GREAT marriage relationship and no anger or bitterness issues!!  Praise the Lord for a Sweetheart Party.  *LOL*  The Calcitonin shots DO make Hope nauseated, even with the smaller dose per day instead of every three days but tonight we are going to give an oral Zofran 30 min. to an hour before I give the shot.  We hope this helps and she won’t be nauseated at all. 

  Anyway…we are currently talking with a pulmonary doctor concerning the miniscule nodules they saw on her lungs early on with the CT scan.   Waiting to hear if they think any of that is substantial.  And someone from Rheumatology was going to come by but I don’t know where that stands right now.

  Still waiting on the lab’s to come in.  So, that’s it.  Please be praying that I’m able to gently talk to Hope about her attitude (anger, disrespectful attitudes, rebellion “I am NOT”) and remind her we’ve not let her do this at home and it needs to change.  Trusting God for the right thing to say and how to say it, much grace needed.  And prayer that she won’t indeed act out what she’s feeling when she sees me coming to administer her shot this evening.  She has told all of us several times that Darrel nor I are going to give her shot and she will hit us if we try.  I know this is fear speaking because later she tells us how much she loves us.  So, much wisdom needed and more grace from God!

What a Day

  As much as I need the sleep I cannot pass up writing down the evening events.  I must admit I didn’t feel I had the right things to say to Hope when I ‘felt’ like I needed to say them but as I took a shower tonight all these delightful things came to my mind about how the evening went.  I pray I won’t forget them and at some time in the future I can share them with her and remind her of the grace and love of God.  This is one characteristic I so admire in Darrel.  His mind works more quickly at seeing an immediate biblical application and is able to share it so kindly.  So thankful for him and his leadership in our home!

  This afternoon while I was practicing giving a diaper a shot, Hope was making a doll with a child life specialist in her room.  She was able to draw a face on it, dress it and give her an IV.  She was very excited and full of energy when they were done; perhaps this helped relieve some of her tensions, I don’t know.  Once I got back in the room there was water all over the floor.  I said, “what’s all this?”  Hope replied, “Oh, when I was putting in the IV it burst and water was squirting everywhere.  I got the teacher all wet too.”  She was grinning. 

  Not long after this it was time for Ms. Sara to come in and put emla cream (numbing) on an area where Hope wanted her shot.  Very upset she was saying , “no.  no more shots.  no, I don’t want to put it anywhere.”  Well, she finally decided on the back of her arm.  While Sara was here we were talking to her about me administering the shot and she got very upset, crying, kicking her legs saying, “no, no, you aren’t going to give it to me, no.”  I kept trying to talk to her and she just cried harder and got more upset.  Welp…that was it.  I got very upset and began to cry.  I looked at Sara and said, “I just don’t know what else to say to her!” 

  Sara left the room and I let Hope calm down, all the while praying asking God to help Hope in this very difficult situation.  Another team of doctors came and one of them, Dr. Lauren, called me out of the room.  She was so sweet and wanted me to use her arm to practice.  We pulled out all the needles and saline and I gave her a shot.  It’s really not difficult, just different and I felt so bad to stick someone with a needle who didn’t need it.  Another doctor was in the room with Hope chit chatting or trying to.  After they left I squatted down on the side of the bed I was going to need to be on to give the shot and just talked quietly to Hope about what needed to be done.  I wanted to cry again when she said, “no mommy, you are supposed to be sitting with me, helping and comforting me while THEY hurt me, not YOU hurting me.  You can’t help me if you are giving me the shot.”  I kept reassuring her that I was ‘really good’ at giving shots since doctor Lauren let me practice on her and that I’d do my very best and I would cuddle and love on her as soon as I was done.  I could feel God washing over her during that 1/2 hour, giving her assurance and comfort through my words.  Letting her know that I needed to do it here a few times before we went home.  How many times have I, in my heart perhaps said “no, no God, I don’t want this or that” and He didn’t take His presence from me but kept drawing me closer and closer to Himself. 

  We gave Hope oral Zofran an hour prior to her shot in hopes that she wouldn’t get nauseated this time.  Then Sara finally came in with the ‘stuff’.  Hope was a little upset but you know, she held still, cried and we got it done.  Sara didn’t have to sit on her like I thought she would *grin* and afterward I jumped right up on the bed with her and just wrapped myself around her.  I said, “did mommy do a good job?” and she replied, “no, you didn’t.”  But I could sense in her soul that she knew I was caring for her and did my best.  She did get nauseated about 10 minutes after the shot but it was very temporary and about 30 minutes later was asking for food and drink.   Thank you Lord!! 

  1 shot down, maybe many to go but God knows that number and I’m trusting Him for everything!  The Lord is our strength and song.

Going Home?

  Well, the pediatric team is talking about us going home today!  Yes, you heard correctly.  I am waiting to hear if this is indeed true and what time this might occur. 

  Up until today I have been a peace with going home without answers but right now I’m not settled.  Hope’s complained of lower abdominal pain more yesterday and today than I’ve noted over the past week.  I’m so thankful her legs are not aching, she’s getting up and walking around.  This morning she was dancing with me in her room.  This morning during rounds they were sharing the fact that they hadn’t expected the Calcitonin shots to remain as effective as they have been.  Apparently the body becomes used to it and it will not continue doing the job it is now with lower the blood calcium level.  If this happens they are talking about another medication to give her, of which I don’t remember the name, bio something.  I have concerns about this drug as it stays in the body for decades and can potentially cause infertility.  I haven’t studied it yet but will need to do so soon.  If any of the doctor’s pray, I think they are praying her illness will ‘just disappear’ or she’ll start presenting different symptoms to point them to a diagnosis. 

  Although situations, body pains, dispositions and moods change, there is one thing and only one thing I am sure of.  God is unchanging ( James 1:17  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”) and our hope. (Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  In these truths we can stand in faith and with joy.

  OH, and one more perfect gift if we get to come home…it’s Darrel’s 37th birthday today. 

Home Indeed

  Well, the Schiel family is finally back together…with our Grammy too!!    The ride home yesterday was rough.  Right before we left I gave Hope her Calcitonin shot and she had 2 IV’s taken out.  She was nauseated the whole ride home but made it.  Once she got inside the house the kids showered her with love.   At first it was too overwhelming for her and she cried but she calmed down and was able to soak it in.  

  This morning she woke up in a great mood but soon after was having throat and lower abdominal pain.  We hung around the house until lunch time and then decided to try and use a gift card for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  Oh yeah, it was snowing this morning so there was much giggling and laughter about it coming down!  Hope asked for salmon so I shared with her.  We all ate quite a bit but Hope’s lower abdomen was hurting throughout so we didn’t linger long.

  I had to stop by CVS Pharmacy on the way to pick up the Calcitonin and Zofran.  When I went to get it the pharmacists just looked at me and said, “I can’t get this for you”.  You can imagine my face at this point.  I’m thinking, “I have to give her this injection in less than 3 hours and your telling me you don’t have it?”  NOT a happy mama.  We drove straight home where I spent the next hour on the phone to all the pharmacies in Gaithersburg.  None of them carry this drug.  To make a long story short, I ended up having to call Dr. Niu on his day off, he got the medication transferred from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to a pharmacy near them and after they got approval from our insurance was able to get it to me.  Actually we paid for it today because it takes 24-48 hours for approval for this drug but hope to get reimbursed.  Amazing.  In truth I was pretty stressed but thankful to get it.  Once home we let Hope choose where she wanted to get it and she chose an area on her forearm which really surprised me.  (She gets Zofran an hour before hand to help with the nausea it causes.)  With Danielle and Daddy near by I administered the shot while Grammy took the others upstairs to play.  Hope did pretty well but was very angry with me afterward which has been increasingly harder for me to take.  I know she loves me but at that moment of injection…I’m not so sure.   Please pray for this process.  Oh yes, the needles I got today were even smaller than the ones in the hospital so that could have only helped.  30 instead of 25 gauge. 

  The calcium specialist from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Emily Germain-Lee is to be calling us this week to schedule an appointment.  I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped us during this time of illness with Hope.  My mother’s presence here as been such a comfort for us all along with all her hard work, laundry, picking up, cleaning, etc.  There’s just nothing like having Mom around when you need a hug!  And all the support and care we have had from our care groups, friends and PC friends/families.  I will be thanking you all for years to come.  You all are indeed some of the joys, graces and mercies God gives to us! 

  Please be praying for Darrel as he begins to get back into the swing of things at the PC.  He’ll be trying to catch up with past work as well as keeping up with the new things given from now on.  He’s very behind in Greek and would like to catch up and maintain.  We all need wisdom in how to spend our time, what will glorify God the most in this particular moment?  Schooling is waiting for all the children and I know that there will be MUCH time needed to direct, instruct and correct angry or rebellious attitudes in Hope that have grown the last couple months.  I pray my life will be the example they need right now and that requires much grace.  Faithful is HE who calls me!!

Gettin’ On

  Now that we’re home I’m trying to figure out how to be ‘gettin’ on’ with things again.  Working the calcitonin shots into our life every evening is changing the look of things quite a bit.   If we don’t have something very distracting going on around Hope after she’s calmed down she seems to get nauseated more easily whereas if there is a movie or big playing going on it seems to help keep her mind off the sick feeling.  We’ll continue praying for wisdom in this area.  We will also be going to Lab Corp every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a blood draw so they can follow her serum calcium levels.  So, this new life of 10 needle pokes a week isn’t easy but is causing us to cry out to the Lord for mercy and wisdom.  This morning I started Hope’s day by praying with her in bed (recommended by daddy), thanking God for all his blessings and naming as many specifically as would come to mind.  It didn’t seem to improve her mood but I know God’s word is powerful and will continue doing so and quoting scriptures to her in faith that God is and will speak to her heart. 

  We did see Dr. Niu yesterday and are in agreement that she needs to see a Gastroenterologist for her continued throat pain and lower abdominal pain which has not relented through this entire hospital & testing process.  The soonest appointment I could get was a month down the road   but he is going to call today and try and get her in sooner.    I’m praying for favor in this area!  I haven’t heard from Dr. Germain-Lee, calcium specialist/endocrinologist yet but am expecting a call for follow-up in Baltimore.

Danielle and Isaac have gotten back into their studies but I just finished a math cirriculum with Isaac and need a bit of time to prepare the next level.  I’ve not gotten back into the swing of things with Hope, but hope to do that next week. 

  Darrel will pick up our pastor, Grady Van Wright, from Baltimore airport this evening and spend the weekend visiting with him.  There will be some talk about semester evaluations and no doubt talk of areas Darrel would best serve him and our church once we return to Texas as well as evaluations leadership at the pc have brought concerning Darrel to Grady and his views concerning Darrel. (was that confusing?)   I’m praying this time will be grace filled, a time of growth and encouragement for them both.

  Time to try and get in a little health and science class before lunch today.  I’ve opened our home for an art class for the next 8 weeks, given by a sweet pc wife, Emily Campbell.  There will be 14 students I believe, from 3-5pm every Friday.  Danielle will benefit from this opportunity as well!  So thankful for God’s blessing.

02-20-09

  Dr. Niu called yesterday and said he got us in to see a GI this coming Friday afternoon.  Very pleased at this news!  Her blood draw yesterday was not pleasant.  I’m struggling with how to share or what to share concerning this.  Please pray for me, for her, and for the person having to draw her blood…and for those in the waiting room.   Enough said!

02-21-09

  Fantastic message given this morning by Bob Kauflin.  Psalm 24.  God gives us such faith through all times of trial.  We do not deserve this but He gives it!  Oh, to keep looking at the finished work of Jesus Christ and this redemptive work, all else in life pales. 

  One thing I forgot to share was that the FISH test results came in concerning Williams Syndrome.  It was negative.    Hope is having some pretty good days and we are very thankful to God for mercy.  It’s so encouraging to see her get up and down out of chairs, off the sofa and walk around the house. 

  Our time with Grady (our pastor) was particularly sweet especially for Darrel.  So thankful for all who made sacrifices to send him our way, esp. Sonya and their children!  Thank you.

  Have you ever seen a dog try and eat a grape?  It’s hilarious!  Ok, so I am sitting here at the dining room table trying to pick out some edible purple grapes to eat.  The majority of them are going bad and I’m thinking, “Is there ANYTHING else I can blog about right now that doesn’t pertain to what we’re going through with Hope?”  Thus, the dog eating grape comment.  I don’t know…it gives me a chuckle. 

  Hope will be going to Lab Corp every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for her blood draws.  I had a bright idea that Darrel should bring Hope on Monday’s since he’s off school.  This would serve in several different ways.  One, it will serve by sparing me having to see her hurt one less time a week and give me a break.  It will likely serve Hope as she sometimes reacts differently with Daddy than Mommy and give her a security she normally seeks from me as I’m home with her all day.  It will no doubt serve Darrel in many ways as well, of which I won’t write about but you can imagine…drawing out many fruits of the spirit.  Great opportunities for growth.  Seriously!  Ok, so along with my serious side I am at the same time chuckling…it’s a terrible thing.  Bitter sweet….going through what someone else experiences on a daily basis gives one a sense of thankfulness.  I, no doubt, should have to write a 15 page essay for Mr. Purswell. 

  Darrel had a rich time of fellowship with our pastor, Grady this weekend.  Today was going to be a day of great study and writing.  But he so kindly offered to take Hope to the lab this morning for her blood draw.  When they arrive and sign in they wait for 45 minutes.  When they called her name they asked for her insurance card.  I didn’t give Darrel the insurance card.  So, they drive home, get the card and go back to wait yet another 45 minutes.  Darrel tries to comfort and endures her screaming, although the commentary I received concerning this event was that she had a ‘new’ lady who was much faster today.  Hallelujah for that!   They came home and she cheerfully began playing with her sibblings.  I, however, had a message for Mr. Schiel concerning some time he might spend with Josh Jordan and Craig Cabaniss from the Frisco, Tx church (Craig is teaching at the pc this week) this afternoon.  I haven’t spoken with Darrel about this time of fellowship but I’m sure it was rich.  Trusting in the Lord to help Darrel accomplish the academics which lie ahead.

  I received a phone call from Dr. Emily Germain-Lee (calcium expert/endocrinologist) this afternoon.  With much frustration in her voice she explained that the first 1.25 di-OH vitamin D test has somehow been ‘lost’ or ‘mis-placed’ at the lab.  The 2nd one that began 2 days prior to our being released from Johns Hopkins somehow got ‘cancelled’, so we have no results nor pending results.  We hope to begin a new one this Wed. when she has her normal blood draw for her serum calcium check.  Okie dokie then! 

  Although she still dispises the shots, I do believe Hope is beginning to get used to them.  She is still quite vocal but is seeming to get over being upset a bit quicker.  We have laid some rules down about what she can and cannot say to me during and after the shots and tonight she violated those rules.  Please be praying that God will give her an extra measure of self control. 

  I will be driving my mother to Baltimore early in the morning for her to take a flight back to Dallas/Ft. Worth and then drive home to Texarkana.  What a blessing and solace she has been for our family, esp. the children during this time of questions and instability.  I’ve always had a good relationship with my mom but it just gets sweeter as the years go by.  So thankful for her love and care!  And I would be amiss not to thank Tony for sharing her with us as I know she is dearly missed by him when she’s away!! 

Much to do

  For those of you who read this blog to catch up with our family I must warn you that I may not be writing as much for a bit.  I’ve a very long list of to do’s that won’t get done without much work; one of which is getting our taxes filed.  And with the sale of our house, purchase of a new house, book business and our move, I have LOTS to look up.

  I received a call from one of the Pediatric doctors at Johns Hopkins today.  She informed me (after we had a new blood draw for this test today) that they did get a 1.25 di-OH Vitamin D test result in and it was……drum roll please…. perfectly normal.  They also received the histoplasma fungal results and they were negative.  They will be having their weekly meeting on Friday morning and Hope will be one of the many children as topics. 

  Hope is handling her shots better, still upset and crying but gets over them quicker and her blood draw today went well. She didn’t even scream…just a lot of crying.  So, she’s improving and God is giving her much strength and grace through it all.  She has started complaining of leg pain as of yesterday and today severe lower abdominal pain and throat.  I am looking forward to seeing the GI specialist on Friday afternoon.  Praying this will yield some kind of answer and/or pain relief.   She is eating and drinking well!

  Danielle, Isaac and Trinity are all doing well; happy we’re home together.  Danielle is working on her art skills while taking an art class every Friday afternoon at our home with 13 other youth.  Isaac is learning to concentrate harder during math.  Trinity can be very loud and he blames her for not being able to work.  He loves playing games so I gave him an idea of how to ‘beat the bad guys’…well, it’s too long to explain, but it worked!!!  And Trinity was watching a Shirley Temple movie tonight.  I was working in the office but could see her and she stood up on the piano bench to show us that she could perform and be just as sweet and cute as little Miss Shirley. 

  We’re trying to get back into a rhythm with schooling, etc. but I haven’t found the beat yet. 

Beat Found

  I found the beat!  At least for one day.  But it wasn’t me who found it…God blessed us.  I pulled one of my crazy Shari days and took the kids on a day trip to Jamestown and Yorktown in VA.  It was a GREAT day overall and we agree it was worth the drive.  More about it later.  I’m TIRED! 

Hurry up Mom, there's ice in this canoe!

Update

  Hope’s pediatric GI appointment went well yesterday.  We are going to start giving her Previcid every morning for the next few weeks to see if this helps with her throat and/or abdominal pain.  We might also have another abdominal ultra-sound and I’ll be doing a  ‘poop’ test   this week to look for Helicobacter pylori Antigen Detection which can cause abdominal pain.  It’s still quite a mystery which makes me think of God.  So many things He lets us know about Him and so many things remain a mystery.  I sit with a thankful heart that I do not know all He know and am thankful that I am the creature and He’s the creator. 

  Her 1,25 di-OH Vitamin D lab came in elevated but still does not give us a diagnosis.  I don’t really know why it was done anyway.  (eyes crossed)  Just living in thanks that Hope isn’t waking up with fevers and is walking and running around.  Thankful that, however much she doesn’t like them, she is getting used to the MiaCalcin injections and isn’t as nauseated as she used to be in the beginning. 

 

Not to shabby!This was one of our stops in Jamestown, getting to check out some wigwams and how the Indians lived. Kids really enjoyed smashing up corn, feeling the firs, scraping deer hide, watching men shape arrowheads out of materials. We got to go into the fort and also aboard one of the ships. Smash, smash, smash the corn!

Isaac and Hope loved using shells to try and scrape the hair off the hide. This was much harder to do than they thought!

Got to board the Susan Constant!

Lifting swords. French swords were thin and light. Danielle said, "they were sissy's!" ha

Naughty soldier! You get a time out and some humiliation.

Ah ha! News from the front lines...time to plan our attack!

Writing a letter to the captain with a private looking over my shoulder!

I'm hungre'! Somebode' feed me! I'm skin and bones here!

I've had a tad too much grog!

Oooooeee! Lookie what I caught Mama!

You didn't really think I was gonna let him have all the fun now, did ya?

I wanna have fun too, but I'm a Laydee!

Carding wool with carding combs. This is FUN! Will you buy me a lamb Mom?

Never too old for dress up!

Ready... Set...

GO !!!!!!!

Blogging for Shari

  I would have to say that in the past ‘blogging for Shari’ was a type of release.  It was a reflection on what was going on in her life; a pondering; journaling; sharing.  It still is, but this is perhaps why I haven’t written in a while.  Such trials… I just didn’t want to ponder it another moment.

 Ok, now I’ve been looking at some photo’s to see what to put on this blog and now I’m laughing!!  David, these are just for you!  I’m not even going to say anything about them but I know you are going to crack up…words aren’t necessary.

Now below are a couple pictures of the girls playing in the snow before the sledding, sprained knee accident.  Hope is freezing and fussing everytime the boys are throwing snowballs.  The little girls didn’t last long and didn’t go out again at all.  Too cold for usns.  And if you can’t read that word you ain’t no Texan.

 

Now here comes another photo of what happens after lunch.  Danielle and Isaac go sledding…I’ve posted Isaac before.  They really did have a good time.  Danielle just didn’t know how to run straight legged into a fence.  Actually this photo she’s in the back.  I believe the next ride down she was in the front and just couldn’t think fast enough to pull her knees in before kaphwumping.  (That’s not Texan, just Shari language)  Danielle will have to forgive me for posting this picture but…does she look like she’s having fun to you?  LOL    It totally reminds me of the picture I have of us (Danielle and I) together on a log ride in California when she was 5 yrs. old.  As we came over the hill and were about to plunge down, down, down into the water, her face looked about like this!  I have had many minutes of laughing! (I mean really…look at the seasoned Marylander on the front actually smiling and POSING for the photo)

 

Next, we have the next 9 days looking like this with bags of frozen broccoli on her knee. 

Tomorrow will be day 11 and she is now out of her brace.  Still using crutches but she is bearing weight on it and trying to work those muscles.  She’s doing well and I believe is no longer taking Ibuprofen for pain.  Thank you Lord for healing!  What a blessing this young lady is to our family…even during her time on her bum she still helps me by reading stories and helping with school lessons.  I appreciate her so much!

  Now….before this leg incident, we had/have been dealing with a new type of living with Hope’s daily shots and tri-weekly blood draws.  Around 5-6pm I give her Zofran which keeps her from getting sick to her stomach from the MiaCalcin injection…she gets that about an hour later.  After I was my hands this is my prep work…

We have just recently come to find out that if we give her a popcicle right after the injection she stops crying a lot faster….so this is now part of the program.

I’ve been keeping her used needles in this plastic case so as to dispose of them properly but am acquiring a strange affection for this jar.  I may be keeping it a while. 

  So, we are plugging along and then Isaac and Trinity get sick.  Isaac starts running 103 degree fever, Trinity tagging behind at about 102, headaches, body aches, coughing, runny nose, stopped up nose, sneezing.  Oh, WAIT a minute!  Did we NOT get the Flu Mist back in Nov. like good little girls and boys?  YES, we did.  (I doubt we’ll do that again)  Do you know how MANY strands of flu viruses there are?  Well, I don’t either, but there are too many.     Then Hope gets it too.   Fortunately, Danielle and I have not caught it but…lo and behold who gets a good dose of it on Tuesday night?  Yes, Darrel.  3 AM he is shaking in bed with chills and body aches saying he’s cold and needs another blanket!  ha  I had pulled the covers OFF me.  He’s having cold chills, I’m having hot flashes.  So, daddy has to miss yet another day of school with 101.5 fever.  Praise the Lord his fever only lasted 24 hours and was able to go back to class today.  God is so faithful and kind!

  I could write a whole lot more about all this…but let me get to the really good stuff…oh, and I have great pictures of the kids having fun now that they are feeling better, but those will have to wait.

  Yesterday while we were all sitting in the livingroom I pulled out “A Gospel Primer” for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love.  Fantastic resource!!!  I had just been upstairs repenting to Darrel for being judgemental, unkind, and self-righteous so I was pretty tender.  I opened up the book to read a snippet of some sort to the kids (all of it is so good) and just ‘happened’ upon this.  Let me just say that I couldn’t read it all.  I was weeping through most of it and Isaac, Trinity and Hope both came and literally laid on top of me and held me.  I was repenting to them for not showing gratfulness, kindness, patience and many other things during these trying times.  God is so faithful to show me my sin and I’m ever indebted and thankful to Him.  The last 2 days have been days of joy in the midst of whatever we’re facing.   Here is what we read as a family:

  THANKFULNESS ENRICHED BY RELIEF

  The more absorbed I am in the gospel, the more grateful I become in the midst of my circumstances, whatever they may be.

  Viewing life’s blessings as water in a drinking cup, I know that I could discontentedly focus on the half of the cup that seems empty, or I could gratefully focus on the half that is full.  Certainly, the latter approach is the better of the two, yet the gospel cultivates within me a richer gratitude than this.

  The gospel reminds me first that what I actually deserve from God is a full cup churning with the torments of His wrath. (Rev. 14:10, Ps. 75:8)  This is the cup that would be mine to drink if I were given what I deserve each day.  With this understanding in mind, I see that to be handed a completely empty cup from God would be cause enough for infinite gratitude.  If there were merely the tiniest drop of blessing contained in that otherwise empty cup, I should be blown away by the unbelievable kindness of God toward me.  That God, in fact, has given me a cup (Ps. 116:12-13, Ps 23:5) that is full of “every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3) and this without the slightest admixutre of wrath, leaves me truly dumbfounded with inexpressible joy.  As for my specific earthly circumstances of plenty or want, I can see them always as infinite improvements on the hell I deserve.

  When I look at any circumstance that god apportions me, I am first grateful for the wrath I am not receiving in that moment (The empty part of the cup never looked so good!).  Second, I am grateful for the blessings that are given to me instead of His wrath.  (Life’s blessings, however small, always appear exceedingly precious when viewed against the backdrop of the wrath I deserve.)  This two-layered gratitude disposes my heart to give thanks in all things ( 1 Thess 5:18) and it also lends a certain intensity to my giving of thanks.  Such a gospel-generated gratitude glorifies God, contributes to peace of mind, (Phil 4) and keeps my foot from the path of foolishness and ruin. (Rom. 1:21-22, 28-29)

 

  I got a message on my answering machine yesterday from Dr. Germain-Lee stating that Hope’s calcium levels were going up and that her level was at 12.4 on Tuesday.  (It was interesting because Tuesday night she was hurting very badly and I was sad and frustrated and got on my computer to write her a message.  I’m learning that sometimes, not all, I have to be a bit more emotional for doctors to understand our present situation.  I tend to be very calm, cool and collected in a heated medical situation, which is good, however it can cause some to think the situation isn’t as severe.  Well, showing emotion isn’t one of my struggles.    So, I wrote her a letter right in the middle of Hope’s pain.)  Normal range is 8.5-10.5, although hers were up around 15 prior to us being admitted to the hospital last month.  So, Dr. Germain-Lee said she thought we’d probably need to increase her dose of MiaCalcin or change her medication.  I thought it fairly imparative to get her levels checked today and Dr. Niu said it was at 8.9 .  OK.  Either she’s got something really strange going on or the lab isn’t getting accurate readings.  So, I’m waiting to hear and we are just keeping things the same.  She has complained of lower ab pain quite a bit this week so I would tend to the higher side, but like I keep telling Dr. G-Lee, I very likely could be wrong. 

  I have much to do this evening so I’ll leave the blog at this but with a special picture of my dear boy, Isaac.  I caught him outside alone and took this shot without him knowing.  It was through the mini-blinds, as I didn’t want him to see me, so it’s a tad fuzzy but I think you can tell what he’s doing.  So sweet!  You cannot see it in this photo but he has water splattings all around his mouth.  I was cold just watching him.

On, one more.  He worked really hard to get this one!  And lest we think he kept all the goodies just for himself, he set out after this to get Trinity one as well, at her request.  And conquer the icecicles he did! 

A few smiles

Hope loves to cook; to pretend she’s cooking; to cut, chop, stir, puree, pour, mix…make a mess.  She’s always been a very hands on kid; and yes, that is a pretty sharp knife, but how can she cut with a butter knife?  Believe me, we’ve been through this question before.  Do you see the smile on her face?  She’s in her element with an old potato!  ha

Hmmmm…looks like her daddy but wants to race cars like her mama!  HA

I’ve come to slay the speeding red dragon! 

What is my mother up to?  Yes ma’am…I am very thankful to have two legs.  I’ll be especially thankful when the left is fully functional.  But I’m lovin’ not having to walk my dog! 

Potato peelin’s over dude!  Look out cuz here I come!!!  (when she’s feeling good she likes to get in on the action too)

There were about a dozen iris shoots coming up under this hideous bush around our mailbox.  I don’t know if plants talk to you or not but they talk to me.  They said, “save us, save us!”  So I did.  I dug them all out with a kitchen knife (all my gardening tools are in Texas) and replanted them around the front of the tree where they are sure to flourish and grow this spring…Lord willing.

Many more little shoots are sprouting up around here including wild chives in the backyard.  I was outside quite a while taking pictures of things reminding us spring is on its way.

I don’t know what these pretty little purple flowers are but they come off a viney plant growing under the pine trees.

Here is Danielle’s Luther, or Woofie as he is called most of the time.  While I was out taking pictures of the kids and all things lovely…he pokes his little head out the window and says, “dearest Oma (german for grandmother), something smelleth very good in this house!  I thinketh you’d better come in.”  Yeah, I know.  It’s weird for a German dog to speak kjv.  I came in to find I had forgotten about these!!!  Oh well. 

So, we ended that night with burnt porch chops, a lovely piano recital, an indoor serenade and help with our diets.

some song from neverland I believe

 

Looking back

  I was going through my blog and came upon this from September.

“  After looking at days of baking, science projects, art projects, baby photo’s, park pictures, kids trying to fish, Christmas photo’s and dozens and dozens of more photo’s I sat in bed thinking “I HAVE A GREAT LIFE” and I don’t deserve one bit of it.  God is so good to us in the midst of ourselves.  Now Hope is asking to have the bible read to hear and to have her legs massaged!  hahahaha  Now Trinity is Miss Massager.  Hope’s asking for ‘relaxation lotion’ for her to use.  Oh, my goodness. ”

  I realize 2 things from this little part of an entry.  1.  I AM blessed beyond measure and have a GREAT life, definately qualifying the comment about not deserving one bit of it!!!  and 2. realizing again that Hope’s legs have been hurting for a very long time.  The grace and mercy of God has been so upon her even through this trial.  Having high calcium levels undetected can cause severe heart damage and at this point, not having extensive stress tests done on her heart, it appears that her heart is fine and functioning perfectly.  WHAT MERCY!!!! 

  I am overwhelmed again at God’s kindness to us in the midst of this physcial trial with Hope.  Her lower abdomen was hurting pretty bad last night which got me on the email with Dr. Germain-Lee.  I now understand that her Vitamin D levels are high which is causing the blood calcium levels to be high.  None of the diseases that cause high Vitamin D are fitting with her or coming out in any labs…usually granulomas or lymphoma’s cause this and they can’t find these in her at this time.  I am still praying!!!

Teacher This Week

Darrel is learning under Dr. Woodbridge this week.  He also had the opportunity to pick him up from the airport and visit last Monday.  Darrel is having a wonderful time of learning and growing…however, as many weeks where there are lecture after lecture, he is worn out by the end of the day.   A good worn out however!  He was sharing with the kids at the table last night about Charlamagne, lords and nobles.  They were discussing the fall of the Roman empire and this of this nature but I must confess I was day dreaming about landscaping our backyard back home!  HA 

So thankful for all the teaching he’s received this year…I just haven’t blogged much about it.  Below is information on Dr. Woodbridge.  Darrel said he is a masterful communicater and very humorous as well.

 

John D. Woodbridge, PhD

John D. Woodbridge is research professor of Church History and the History of Christian Thought at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has taught at Trinity since 1970. He has also served as a senior editor of Christianity Today.

Prior to coming to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Woodbridge taught at the University of Toulouse, France, and Trinity College. Dr. Woodbridge has also taught as visiting professor of history at Northwestern University and at Hautes Etudes, the Sorbonne, Paris. Dr. Woodbridge has done postgraduate study with fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Studies, and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany. In 1965 he was awarded a Fulbright fellowship.

Dr. Woodbridge earned the Doctorat de Troisième Cycle from the University of Toulouse, France, the Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, the Master of Arts in history from Michigan State University, and the Bachelor of Arts in history from Wheaton College. Dr. Woodbridge has done postdoctoral course work at the University of Paris in France.

Dr. Woodbridge’s areas of expertise include evangelicalism, fundamentalism, the history of the Bible’s authority, the French enlightenment and religion, the French Hugenots, and the origins of higher criticism. He speaks fluent French. Dr. Woodbridge is a member of the American Society of Church History, the American Society of 18th Century Studies, the American Catholic Historical Association, the French Historical Society, and the French-Société française d’etude du 18 siècle.

Dr. Woodbridge’s published works include The History of Biblical Authority (Zondervan 1982), The Evangelicals (Abingdon, 1975), and Revolt in Prerevolutionary France: The Conspiracy of the Prince de Conti Against Louis XV (1755-1757) (Johns Hopkins, 1995). He has edited works such as Ambassadors for Christ (Moody, 1994), More Than Conquerors (Moody 1992), Great Leaders of the Christian Church (Moody 1988), and Renewing Your Mind in a Secular World (Moody, 1985). Dr. Woodbridge also frequently writes and edits books with faculty colleague D. A. Carson. Together they have written Letters Along the Way (Crossway, 1993) and edited Scripture and Truth (Zondervan, 1983). Dr. Woodbridge has received four Gold Medallion Awards for his works related to Christian history and biography. He has also coedited scholarly works published in France and Germany by university presses.

Dr. Woodbridge and his wife, Susan, reside in Lake Forest, Illinois. They have three children. In his spare time, Dr. Woodbridge enjoys music.

6-12-08 Memories

Trinity has been talking about going back home to Tomball a lot lately.  I decided it was time to make it very clear to her the home we were going to be moving back to…and now know that she thought it was this house but doesn’t know the new town name.   It gets even more confusing when she hears us tell people we live in Houston but our church is in Pearland and our acutal house is in Rosharon.  Poor baby…she doesn’t know where she lives!  HA

So, as I looked up pictures of our house, which weren’t many, I came across these and thought I would put this one on my blog.  Many of my friends have said they’d love to meet David and Betty or have a David and Betty in their life.  David comments on my blog, oh…daily I would say, and what an encouragement!  Well, this was one of the last times we got to hug their necks before we moved up north.

So Thankful

  The past few weeks have been challenging and full of sin, repentance and growth.  We are always looking for evidences of grace in one another but some days it’s harder to see & share them than others. 

  I’ve noticed a marked difference in the relationship between Hope and Trinity this week.  Although there are daily remindings of ‘a soft word turns away wrath’, ‘be ye kind one to another’, ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ and many others, I’ve noticed the girls spending much time in play with each other which is not the norm.  It so encourages my heart to see this play time between one another.  Not only this but Danielle encouraged my heart this afternoon as she was sharing her excitement over a craft book she was reading at Barnes and Noble.  She was heading down to the basement in search of a ‘lone sock’ to make a stuffed sock doll and said, ‘Oh, I’m sorry.  I should stop talking about this.”, as she had been going on about it for quite a while.  I said, ‘No, I don’t mind.”  Then she turned and said, “Thank you Mom.  That is one thing I notice about you.  You let us go on and on and on about something and you just smile and listen.  I need to work on that.”  I thanked her for that encouraging word as it brought joy to my heart knowing that I don’t shut my kids down when they’re talking about what excites them and at the same time her realizing it’s any area she needs to work on.  What a sweet gift from God all round. 

  And I must write about Trinity’s imaginary play world sometime.  Her favorite made up characters are “Miss Stem” when I am in the basement doing laundry and a friend named Jacie.  She is just too cute!  It reminds me of a book my sister wrote of me as a child.  I didn’t have an imaginary friend with this name but it’s a name I will NEVER forget.  In her book my imaginary friends name was Smucky-stuckyip-didily-doom-dop-riggley-bing-bong-sally-sue-picky-wicky.  NOW, doesn’t that tell you something about my sister? 

We got a package in the mail with styrofoam. We hadn’t had any snow yet so I thought, “why not let them create their own?”

Oh yes, and what would life be without one of the Schiel kids NOT getting hurt this week?   Darrel and Isaac stepped out in the back to toss around the football.  Isaac takes off running to catch a long pass and…KA-BAM…runs right into a tree!  Thankful he didn’t break anything and hey, we didn’t end up in the ER!

AMAZING NEWS

  Well, if I were one to read this blog on a regular basis I would wonder right away, ‘what is the amazing news?  Is it something wonderful happening with Hope?”

  Nope, not that, however we are still greatful the MiaCalcin is still keeping her calcium in her bones thus she’s feelin’ pretty good! 

  Nope….I just cannot bring myself to say it.  I was going to put a picture on here of me smiling and say that the Schiel’s are having another baby….nope….I just can’t do it.   HAAAA

  So, the amazing new is three fold.  One, our dear friends in Houston had another baby and they named her Kerith Love.  I haven’t received details but I am pretty sure she had her at home.  AND it’s my friend, Joni’s birthday as well.  Joni and her family were the answer to our prayers when praying for a family to move into our home while we were here at the PC.  So, if you know her, be sure to write or call her and sing her a happy birthday serenade!  They have built a house right next door to us on Cherokee Rose Court and will be our new neighbors when we arrive home in Texas!  WOW!

  And finally, the last amazing news is that I wrote the owner of our rental house here and asked if he was in the market to sell the piano keyboard we are using which was in his basement with the other furniture now in this home.  After explaining what a joy it has brought our family, enabled Danielle to continue practicing her piano skills and watching her grow in playing more by ear as well as watching Hope mimic her and grow in her skills as well…Mr. Bowers wrote me and gave it to us as a gift.  Can you even believe this?  We are so overwhelmed by his kindness and generosity and are so excited to take it back home to Texas! 

  Even though our joy rings loud with the promise of our salvation and John 15:11 states “‘I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’”, this amazing news has brought us more (additional) joy! 

God’s Goodness

    There is so much grace and the goodness of God going on in our home there is no doubt I am missing much of it.  But God in his kindness lets me see bits and pieces and leads us all the way with His loving and gentle hand.

  As Hope and I were leaving the lab last week from having her blood drawn we were discussing different reasons God could be allowing her to go through a trail such as this.  This particular blood draw was hard as they stuck her left arm, it gave a tiny bit of blood and the vein just shut down.  They moved the needle around and around but nothing.  As you can imagine Hope was crying quite hard at this point because that hurts!  So, they had to stick her again in the right and finally got what they needed.  A 2 stick day is no fun, BUT this additional pain brought on the conversation in the van.  We began discussing the story of Amy Carmichael;  when she was a little girl she asked God for blue eyes and God did not grant her this request.  Then as a woman she became a missionary in India and realized that had God answered her prayer she would have terrified the babies she was sent their to save. 

  In discussing this story we began discussing how God is working compassion in Hope’s heart for those who are in pain.  OH, I’m forgetting an essential part of this story.  Hope has always had a deep love for babies.  Anytime a baby is near she wants to be there, hold it, touch it, kiss it, talk with it; LOVES babies!  So, we were in the lab waiting room and she heard a baby fussing and cry.  She thought the baby was in the back room having blood drawn and her little eyes widened and she said, “oh, oh no, that baby is hurting. Are they having to give blood?”  After a few moments we realized the baby was in the waiting room around a corner where we could not see.  She was much relieved. (showing that compassion)

  Now back to our drive home.  Discussing how God could be using this painful time in her life to give her more compassion for those going through similar circumstances, we began discussing how we could serve children at Texas Children’s Hospital when we get home.  This has always been something on my heart after both girls went through their open heart surgeries and Isaac going through Kawasaki disease.  We have and will continue bringing thing to the Ronald McDonald house there.  We discussed how God might use her to open the door to share compassion and utimately the gospel with other children who may not know Him (might get opportunities to pray with them).  She was very intent on listening to my voice during this time as she realized that she not only had compassion for them already but that she could really sympathize with their pain. 

  Then on Sunday nights we have started watching AFV to get a good laugh in before we watch The Home MakeOver show and cry our eyes out; or at least I do and Hope begs me to stop crying!  ha   Well, this weeks show was about a 14 year old girl with a blood disease who has to get blood transfusions once a month in order to live.  This girl visits children in the hospital, gives toys and smiles to hurting children and has huge blood drives to help not only herself but thousands of other people who need blood.  I watched Hope during this show and could just see the wheels turning in her head.  She said, “now I don’t know the pain someone is going through like with cancer or having to have blood transfusions every month, but I can do that can’t I mommy? (speaking of trying to cheer children in their hospital beds) 

  I don’t know if this is what God has for Hope or our family, but He’s certainly drawing our hearts to pray for those in physical pain and for their ultimate salvation.  I am so encouraged by the growth I’m seeing in her.

  Then yesterday Isaac got very angry over having to do his handwriting.  Angry over handwriting?  HA  How many times have I gotten angry over something so insignificant?  To my dismay I cannot count.  God prompted me to stop everything and have a time of learning and prayer with the children.  So for about 1/2 an hour we read through scripture on anger, the consequences of anger, what God says about anger, how the entire bible is about anger…God’s holy anger against sin and Satan’s raging anger toward God.  It was a great and profitable time of learning, seeking to kill the anger in our hearts and prayer to God in repentance and His help.  What a sweet day…full of God’s grace, mercy and goodness.  What jewels will sparkle in the light of His word today?

  Oh….to add some PC to this story Darrel is in New Testament III this week as they are going through something like 6 NT books this week.  He told me last night but if I don’t write them down I don’t remember.    Yesterday was very encouraging as he read me 2 Peter CH 1..but specifically vs 3-4 during our date night.  WHAT AMAZING PROMISES!   Ok…I’ll just write it out as it encourages my heart again…vs.3 ”His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”  WOW!

  I am reading through some material given by Julie Purswell on sinful judgement and God has convicted my heart which has lead to repentance and much prayer!  Perhaps I’ll have time to share later.

WOO HOO

Wall Decor From Hope's Hospital Room

The other night I was finally cleaning my room.  Yes, having a clean room has not been high priority for me, but it finally got to me.  I found a huge pile of sweet words and pictures that were sent to Hope while in the hospital.  While I am not a hoarder I did want to remember all the love sent her way so I spread them all out on my bed and took a photo. (ya can’t keep everything)   I did some close up shots so she could read all the notes friends wrote but won’t post those pics.  This is not the reason I wrote the title as Woo Hoo!

   What a challenging and growth filled day today has been.  I have a women’s fellowship group tonight (yeah!) so I don’t have a lot of time to write.  Hope did SUPER getting her blood drawn today.  She whimpered a little bit as they put the squeeze on her arm to swell the veins but once that needle was in she didn’t make a peep.  She sat there totally silent!  Never has she done this before and what a blessing it was to her body, my soul and the lab technician’s spirit for sure! 

  She then proceeded to be selfish, whiney and angry at home; let me not leave out her sibblings.  I was highly tempted on several occasions to lose my temper but God was with me and enabled me to breathe deeply and send those to their room who needed time to cool down and some to the couch for a moment.  We had LOTS of bible time today with no fruit exibited.  (After reading this again I should say that minutes later for most & hours later for Hope there indeed was fruit…just no immediate fruit of which I wanted…God was again faithful to show me my sin of impatience.)  I know there will indeed be MORE fruit because God’s word says in Numbers 23:19 “God is not man that He should lie, or a son of man that He should change His mind.  He has said and will He not do it?  Or He has spoken and will He not fulfill it?”  II Corithians 9:6 “Whoever sows generously will reap generously” Isaiah 55:11 “so shall My word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish what I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I send it!” 

  THAT’S  “WOO HOO”  GROUND!

Amazing Love

  I am up in my room and I hear Trinity singing at the top of her lungs, “We love you, we do ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh”  up and down and up and down the scales like you are practicing the piano.  Before this she was singing the old hymn we are currently memorizing “Amazing Love, how can it be?  That thou my God shouldst die for me.”  What a singer!  What a blessing to my soul!  I gotta go hug that little pumpkin.

  (even before I can save this draft she is now making up her own words to the tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen…I think we have a serious song writer in the making!)

Keeping Busy

  Darrel is digging in trying to catch up on past exams he missed while serving his family during Hope’s illness.  I commend him as he is working very hard and yet takes time out for me and the children.  Danielle is reading a book with Darrel that they discuss on their Monday mornings out.  Isaac and Darrel are reading through another book on their Saturday morning outings and then several evenings a week he is reading a fun book with all the kids after dinner.  You’d think he was reading enough for school but he just keeps on keeping on with our dear family.  What a blessing he is to us!

  I got an email from Dr. Germain-Lee this afternoon.  I had written her thinking she would receive it when she went in to work tomorrow but she was in the office tonight.  She told me Hope’s Vitamin D levels and calcium are elevated…not where she would like to see them.  So we have raised her dose of MiaCalcin per day and will be taking labs 2x a week instead of 1x like we’d hoped.  I’m praying specifically for the lab technicians to hit the veins the first time and that her veins will stay healthy and strong with all these pokes.  Her left arm is still bruised and very sore from the last stick that wouldn’t give blood and they are probably going to try and draw from that vein this week.    Hope has been checking out veins in her body and told me she thought they could get blood from some veins in her feet!  OUCH.  Poor baby.  The doctor is also wanting cardiology to do some follow up on her because she thinks the high Vitamin D might have something to do with her heart. 

Current busies:   I’m keeping busy with working on an end of the year program, Darrel’s busy with school and family, Danielle is busy with schooling & working on an art project, Isaac’s busy schooling & playing with his good friend Alexander and his sister’s, Hope is busy playing with Trinity more and learning how to read and Trinity is busy keeping her family chuckling and singing songs to God.  

  OH, the message at church this morning was very convicting…concerning evangelism.  I was convicted on the home front today.  There are 2 young boys in our neighborhood who have not been very kind to Isaac over the last few months and I realized today I’ve been harboring bitter feelings toward them.  God provided an immediate opportunity for me to repent today!  Isn’t He good?  These boys came and rang the doorbell to ask if Isaac could come play (Isaac was at another friends’ home).  I walked out onto the porch and shared my heart to them within about 3 minutes of how God convicted my heart this morning in church.  I asked their forgiveness and have hopes that we can spend more time together.  You can imagine their eyes!  I was indeed thankful for this opportunity especially because one of the young men comes from a Muslim home.  I see him outside often where he seems to be very alone and now I believe I can share the love of Christ with him.  I’m certain God will provide more opportunities!

Time is Flying

  When I began looking at the calendar a couple weeks ago I realized that time is flying by us here in Maryland!  There was so much time Hope was ill and we were staying home caring for her physcial well-being, then in and out of doctor offices and Johns Hopkins Hospital that many of the field trips and outings I’d hoped to do/see were put on hold.  God has been so good to give her the health she is enjoying today! 

  Although she has not been diagnosed with a specific illnes, the MiaCalcin injections are helping with pain and she is functioning like a normal 6 year old kiddo!  All praise and glory be to our God!!!!!!!!   Except for an occasional throat hurting and abdominal pain she is doing very well. 

  Looking at the weather is something I do often in this season as we are still having very cool days and much rain during the month of April (so I’ve heard) but occasionally have one in the 60′s.  This past Tuesday was one of those days.  Making sure it was ok with daddy, I made plans to visit Hershey, PA and Lancaster County.  We invited our dear friend, Jeannie to come along.  Well, my alarm didn’t go off that morning so we got a later start than I’d hoped (about an hour) but that was all in His plan as well.  We had a great time and enjoyed some yummy Hershey’s chocolate too.  Then drove down the highway and took a horse and buggy ride with a Menninite and learned more about the Amish people and their ways.  We went to an old country store and visited the 2nd floor where we were amazed with a quilt museum.  It was fantastic.  I was hoping to spend time at a farmers market but we went a bit early in the year; they weren’t open.  On our way home the kids yelled out, “SONIC”.  I couldn’t believe it!  There was a Sonic in PA.  I pulled right over, ordered them fresh fruit slushes, me a cherry, vanilla Dt. Coke and Jeannie got to try a burger and lime slush.  It was hilarious and yummy at the same time.  I think we were more excited about getting Sonic treats than going to The Hershey Factory!  ha  (I haven’t had Sonic for 8 months…whew…withdrawals.)

  All this to say, I have many more outings planned, tons of laundry to do, some pre-packing going on, schooling, end of the year planning, care group meetings, fellowship meetings, Pastor’s Conference this coming week, doctor’s appointment and the regular stuff…I’m not going to be posting quite as often.

  Here are a couple pictures from our field trip to Hershey, PA and Lancaster County.

Welcome Schiel's...to Hershey's Chocolate World...Oh, YEAH!!!

Smiling....of course...we have a sugar rush just STANDING here!!!

I mean really….just look at the faces Trinity and Hope are making! Totally hilarious! 

Jeannie and kiddo's in "Central America", after making our chocolate purchases.

Going on a horse and buggy ride with a Menninite to hear a bit of history on Amish folk.

The next day Danielle asked me what my favorite part of our trip was and I said, “watching you on our horse and buggy ride.” 

My sweet and lovely daughter enjoying the beauty of God drawn by one of His amazing creatures.

Friday Funnies

 

Loaded up, going to church, Darrel being silly waving really fast.

I so very rarely post about Darrel I thought I’d write about a couple funny things he shared about himself.  This part of the funnies happened on Tuesday.  There is a man attending the PC right now from Austrailia.  If you’ve met anyone from Austrailia you know they have quite an accent, if not perhaps you’ve heard the “Outback Steakhouse” commercials and get a taste of it there.  Anyway, Darrel arrived at school early Tuesday morning and there was this man, small in stature.  Darrel reached out and said, “Hello, how are you?  I’m Darrel.”  And Darrel thought he heard him say, “Hallo, moi name is Tiny.” Darrel makes a face and chuckles and says, “Tiny” outloud.  (He thought he was kidding)   Tiny says, “It’s Tony”…then Darrel starts laughing and says, “Oh, that makes more sense.  I’m from Texas and you have to talk slow for us!”  Tony, being very gracious says, “It’s just the accent.” 

  Much humility received from that one….although Darrel tells me he’s going to blame me for this incident.  I am notorious for thinking I hear someone say something and blurting it out while laughing or making a really strange face.  I can give you numerous examples in person. 

  The next funny thing that happens is Darrel’s called on to pray for Dr. Michael Lawrence (their professor this week) at the end of class   Right in the middle of the prayer Darrel calls him MARK and proceeds to pray.  After a few more words Darrel realizes he just called him Mark but it’s too late to turn back and fix it as he’s in the flow of the prayer.  This is funny to us because he already had a name blunder this week and Dr. Lawrence works with Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.  The entire week Darrel said, “He sounds just like Mark Dever.” 

  So, God allowed Darrel to experience more humility and the fam got a few laughs. 

Above 60

  When you’re a Texan and you’ve lived through a Maryland winter, when the weather hits 60 or higher, YOU GET OUTSIDE!!!!  Especially if you are….me.

  Thanks to many locals the kids and I decided Great Falls would be just the place on a sunny over 60 degree day and it proved to be worth the short trip.  Only about 25 minutes south we ventured out and saw more of God’s beauty…what a Creator!

Our Linden Hall North house in the splendor of God's spring beauty! Cherry blossom trees galore!

As we left the house on our day venture we couldn’t pass up snaping pics of the Cherry Blossom trees.  Actually there is a place in DC that is supposed to have Cherry Blossom trees everywhere but I decided not to try and travel down there and fight the traffic and crowds.  We will cherish the springtime in Gaithersburg…it is magnificent! 

These beauties are in the flower bed at the entrance of our sub-division. Couldn't pass them up!

My blessings from the Lord as we stand in awe at God's beauty! The Great Falls.

We waited in line to get through the ‘gate’ at this state park for over 20 minutes.  It was worth the wait, besides we had Hershey candy to snack on!  HA

First we had a picnic in the grass, then had to make a pit stop at the bathroom.  Then we walked to the observation area and on the way we saw our dear Kang friends who are also attending the Pastor’s College.   Miran is in my fellowship group and has done nothing but encourage my socks off all year long!  What a blessing they are!  Please pray that they will return home to South Korea with renewed faith and share the gospel with passion.

From left, Miran, Minyu, Mingu, SongWan Kang

And if you don’t already don’t already know this, Isaac is rarely content in just climbing on things he’s allowed to climb.  Oh yes, he loved climbing the rocks you’re “allowed” to climb but “MOM, can I Palease go down there?”  (to places he should NOT go)  Well, there was one safe place I allowed him to venture…he’s such a boy.  And I have NO doubt if I die anytime soon, Danielle will keep him in line!  lol (she freaks out when the kids go off the trails or in dangerous areas….such a little mama…but I’m thankful, not complaining)

Isaac watching the falls from a 'special' place.

You can't find me! (talkin' to the bad guys)

After the falls we had another snack in the van and went for a longer hike.  We found a tiny little stream and the kids were skipping rocks and finding treasure.  I had Dani snap a photo of me cuz I think most of the time I’m remember in ghost form.    This one she took while I was helping the girls across..again, giving directives.  tee hee

Go thisaway!

And right before the girls started whining that they were going to DIE if we had to walk any further and Hope was going to DIE if she didn’t use the bathroom, I got this sweet shot.  It was a lovely day!  I’d go back tomorrow with our free 3 day pass if it weren’t going to be raining.

Humbled and Amazed

  Last night was the beginning of the 2009 Pastor’s Conference at CLC/ Sovereign Grace Ministries.  CJ Mahaney brought a stirring message concerning shepherding the flock.  I was profoundly effected and stand humbled and amazed.  More delightful words to hear today and tomorrow from these people who love and care for pastor’s souls but more importantly are passionate about the gospel!

Snow or No Snow?

  Now, that is the question!  We are leaving the church at break time and think we see cherry blossom’s floating around in the sky.  But no, they are much too small to be cherry blossom’s or even fragments.  This is snow by jove!  We couldn’t believe it!  Then after break we head back to the church for our evening session (Pastor’s Conference) and there is LOTS of snow.  But the way it’s blowing and being that it IS April 7th, I thought, “those must be fragments of cherry blossom’s.)  So, we caused Sonya to lie to her children earlier in the day….we must repent.     Then as I’m walking out of the church last night around 10pm I hear two men in front of me having a conversation.  It was very brief but went like this.  “Could you believe that this afternoon?”  “Yeah, I know! Did you see all of that snow coming down?  Amazing.”   

  HA…So, was it snow or no snow?   I’ll need a couple seasoned Gaithersburgers to let me know today; but I think it was!

  More time assembled with leaders of the church today.  I must concur with Mr. Jeff Purswell that worshipping with all those voices the last two night, singing our hearts out with much passion…sure makes me feel mighty close to heaven!

Another Soul Home

  My grandmother, Ina Louise Adcock, 79 years, went home to be with the Lord this morning after a diagnosis of breast cancer just months ago.  I am rejoicing in several things, one that she didn’t suffer long, two that she know Jesus Christ as her Savior and is now with Him, and thirdly that God was so kind in allowing her to die today.  You see, my aunt Ana’s birthday was yesterday, she died today and my mother’s birthday is tomorrow.    Praise be to God for another soul set home free!!  May this inspire our hearts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ even more….we are only a breath away from eternity with or without Christ.  May we all be stirred to pray for and share our Love for Christ with passion!

HE IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!

  I am flying to Texas this morning on my mother’s birthday and a day we specifically celebrate our risen Savior Jesus Christ!  I say is a  specifically because as Christians each day is a celebration that Jesus died and rose from the dead! 

  I am pondering so many things in my heart this morning, leaving my family, the loss of my grandmother’s life on this earth, my grandfather and his time of grieving, my mother and aunt, all those who knew and loved her.  At the same time such joy that she is pain free, tear free, sin free and seeing face to face the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ, who loved her so much he died that she might live with him forever.  My heart leaps with joy that she is experiencing this wonder! 

  I pray that today as I am with family I will cry with those who are suffering while praising a God who has ended all suffering!   HE IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!

2 Months Ago

  There is no doubt in my mind that God uses dates to help us see His kindness in special ways.  A recent example is that He so kindly allowed my grandmother to go to heaven on the day between her daughters’ birthday’s and not on one of them. 

  Friday nights are our family movie night.  Before we start the movie we give a specific thank you to each family member or an evidence of grace in their life.  This can take quite a bit of time since there are 6 of us but it is such a sweet time!  Tonight was no exception and after we were all through I heard Hope’s voice rise above the chatter of us all.  She was thanking me for being home to give her shot.  This was how it went…”Mama, I’m thankful you are home to give me my shot…not that Daddy didn’t do good; you did good Daddy, but I’m glad Mama’s back to do it again.  I mean, I don’t like getting my shots because they sting, but I’m thankful for my shots.” 

  Even as I typed those words tears well up in my eyes for joy to God that He’s allowing her to utter those words.  I was and am so thankful that even though she says she doesn’t want them and she cries when she gets them…she is indeed thankful.  God  is softening her heart!

  Then as we were watching The Tale of Despereaux, I was thinking back to those sweet words she said just minutes before the movie.  “How long has this taken?”, I thought.  We were released from Johns Hopkins Hospital on Darrel’s birthday, February 17, 2009…exactly 2 months ago. 

  God knows my frail mind and my inability to remember things well.  What kindness to allow me to hear what He’s doing in her heart, to remember to trust Him in all things, and to give thanks.  2 months is such a short time!  WOW!  I am so thankful for these gifts.  Dear Lord, may we never take them for granted.

Teen Time

  What do 2 teenage girls do for fun?  Well, Mariah agreed to spend the night a few weeks ago and work on an art project with Danielle.  They had both been taking an art class in our home by creative & fun Mrs. Campbell and have a picture due for their art show this coming Friday. 

  As I stood in the kitchen preparing dinner I heard two lovely voices….they were praying!  Praying over food?  Praying for an ill friend?  No.  I stopped working to listen and the girls were sitting at the table giving thanks to God for one another, for His gift of art and asking for His guidance with their projects.  My heart was so encouraged and stirred to great joy and faith!  What a blessing young Christian girls can be to everyone around them.  Thank you Danielle and Mariah for bringing glory to God and encouraging my soul!

Sweet Teens!

Valley Forge or Bust

  I got a call from my dear friend Carolyn Yohe yesterday.  Texas Yohe that is.    She is here in PA serving and caring for a friend and her family after the sudden loss of her brother.  Darrel being the kind soul that he is, has allowed the kids and me to hit the dusty trails this morning for a trip to see her, meet and encourage a new friend and take in a few hours at the nearby Valley Forge National Historical Park.  To the kids possible dismay, I stayed up printing out over 50 pages of worksheets and reading material on Valley Forge in order to make this trip educational.  I pray the Lord make it alive and enjoyable to them as they learn more of our American History!  This is also another wonderful opportunity to show the love and care of Christ to those hurting and in need. 

  Oh, we have been praying for our neighbor who is not a believer and has been in the hospital all week.  He has many physical challenges right now and this new one seems very serious.  He will be going back in for surgery soon.  We haven’t had many opportunities to share the gospel with him this year but have tried to be a friend and show the love of Jesus.  He loves talking to the children and watching them play.  Well, yesterday as I was leaving the house to pick up the kids from Jeannie’s (another blog) & he was feebly walking across his lawn toward our house.  I was in a bit of a hurry so I ran back into the house and told Darrel to come quickly.  Darrel put down his studies and went outside.  When I got home with the kids Darrel had mowed his lawn.  With a smile on his face he said, “He let me pray with him!”  We are rejoicing in faith that God may be working on his heart and continuing praying for his salvation.

Full, Full, Full

  My heart is full, my calendar is full and my belly is full, Praise the Lord!  Isn’t it wonderful that He feeds us?  No, not just delicious, mouth-watering food but His word. 

  I can hardly slow my mind tonight to compose a paragraph, which is unlike me.  There are so many notes to be written to new friends up here, yes, getting ready to say goodbye, many projects to finish, regular school days to continue planning, trips to finalize (oh yeah, more trips!!).  Today was the PC ladies first day to practice (a-hem, something secret I cannot divulge) for something during our end of the year dinner on June 4th.  It was a BLAST!  Well, I had a blast anyway…I hope the other gals did too. 

  I am in ‘talks’ with Dr. Niu to have a brain MRI on Hope sometime within the next couple weeks.  Since she remains undiagnosed her endocrinologist would like to have this test since it is the only place they have not looked for a mass.  She would like to rule this out before we see her in Baltimore May 18th.  I’m sure she’s wondering what to do with us before we head back to Texas.

  Thoughts of packing, renting a U-Haul, end of the year dinners, last ladies meetings are all looming in the air here.  At the same time I have 3 children all about to celebrate birthdays, a weekend trip with some friends to a house on the Patomac River, a weekend trip to Niagra Falls and me still hoping to get a day trip into Philly with the kids!  HA 

  Today Isaac got very ill a 2nd time after eating honey.  A new food he must avoid.  Hope accidentally pulled a brand new sprout out of one of Danielle’s containers she is using to grow an herb garden from seeds.  They both cried, one repented and one forgave.  Trinity picked Dandelion fluffs for Miran Kang and gave them to her at gym day.    And while watching a PBS special dvd about Niagra Falls, Hope said, “I don’t deserve God’s grace and I don’t deserve God to let me see the Niagra Falls.”  I said, “I don’t either honey, but isn’t He so kind to give it?” 

  WOW!  This has been a life changing and grand opportunity in countless ways.  There have been numerous trials and numerous blessings.  In all I rejoice with tears flowing and my heart full, full, full, that I love Jesus Christ more passionately today and that the gosepl is more alive and precious to me than ever before.  He ALONE is worthy!

(sorry, I haven’t even downloaded the pics from Valley Forge…I hope to soon…it was a trip WELL worth taking, more to meet Diana and see my dear friend, Carolyn)

Raining in Gaithersburg

It doesn't rain like this at my house in Texas. Isn't it beautiful?

My assessment of ‘Pilgrim’

  Youth at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD are currently putting on a production called ‘Pilgrim’ inspired by the books Pilgrim’s Progress and Dangerous Journey.  All I can say is WOW!

  The cast did an amazing job.  All the behind the scene’s people did fantastically.  It is a beautiful, moving musical production with clear gospel presentation.  Singing, Irish dancing, comedy, tragedy, piano, drums, violins and even bag pipes played by one of the PC students, Josh Blunt.  Fantastic job!!!  I left having my heart ministered to and being encouraged to continue on this journey we walk as Christians.  I pray God bless this production and all the cast as they have 2 more shows tomorrow!  Amazing.

Valley Forge

Well, right now I’m getting a list ready for our next adventure in the morning to the thunderous and magnificent Niagara Falls.  I am EXCITED!!!  But I thought I’d better post a few pictures from one of our last ventures.  You might  see a lovely brown haired lady in some of the photo’s and no, the lovely lady isn’t me.  It is my dear friend Carolyn from back home in Texas.  She was up here comforting a friend who had lost a loved one.  So, enjoy the pictures.  Valley Forge was beautiful and a trip I had NOT planned on making.  But God in His kindness worked it out for us to go and we’re so glad we had the opportunity!

Kids climbing Diana's tree (a new fav. of mine) in Paoli, PA.

One of the fort replica's at Valley Forge

Arch at Valley Forge

 You can get a better view of this on-line but I took this shot getting in Carolyn and the Schiel crew. 

The United States Memorial Arch was erected to commemorate the arrival of General George Washington and his Continental Army into Valley Forge.

Valley Forge Knox Covered Bridge

This covered bridge was built in 1865 and spans the Valley Creek in the Tedyffrin Township.

Hope and Danielle on Valley Forge canon's.

Niagara Falls

  What we thought might be a 7 hour trip to Niagara Falls was closer to 9…maybe.  I wasn’t paying close attention to the time as the terrain was so beautiful.  The drive was such a pleasure driving through Pennsylvania and New York.  If it weren’t so cold I’d love to live here…there’s nothing quite like rolling hills!  Anyway, here are some pictures we took. 

Schiel Crew on Maid of the Mist in front of the American Falls

It was very windy and COLD!  The temp wasn’t too low that day but it’s very windy down in the gorge and with all the mist whipping around you get quite chilly.  There was still ice up on the sides of the gorge too so that tells you it’s still cold down in there.  (and don’t let that dad-burned Yankee, David, let you think we stayed DRY!  We were soaked!)

Wet Schiel's moving into the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Look at the water churning as we move forward into Horseshoe Falls

Another view of American Falls as we end our boat ride.

American Falls and in the distance Horseshoe Falls at night.

The kids and I hit the trails at about 9:30pm that night to see the fall lit up.  It was quite something…but mostly cold.  HA   We were glad we went out and got a few neat shots of the falls lit up with colored lights.  But since it was dark I couldn’t get the falls and the kids together so I thought I’d show you this shot.  There’s much too much tourism, casino’s etc. for my taste but I’m glad we got the experience and view.  I can imagine how beautiful it was years ago before all the hotels etc. were built up.  We also learned through a PBS video I rented before our trip that the falls are actually falling with only 25% of the water, so it’s regulated by man.  Interesting, huh?

And just to prove that I was actually there too…

One last look before we left.

We also drove to Fort Niagara which was a great history lesson.  We were on Lake Ontario and could see Ontario, Canada from our picnic spot.  It was quite surreal as I never imagined I would ever get to visit this far north.  What a blessing.  Driving through the beautiful hills, seeing the falls and Lake Ontario, which seems as though you’re staring into a great sea, just reminds me of the power of God.  It makes me long for the new earth where everything will be perfect once again.

Books

  Ah yes, books.  Books are such a blessing!  The purpose for the title ‘book’ tonight is that I am almost finished with putting together a massive binder full of information for my homeschool reviewer.  She will be coming by tomorrow to see all that we’ve done this year.  If you’d have asked me back in March how our homeschool year went I might have sounded a bit discouraged and yet trusting in God’s sovereignty at the same time.  But again, God in His kindness, has given me time to put this ‘book’ if you will, together of field trips, art projects, science experiments, hikes and all kinds of learning experiences.  After flipping through it this afternoon I rejoiced, not just a little bit but GREATLY!  God is amazing…to have taken us through all the sickness and health issues we’ve dealth with over the last 5 months and still given us the many opportunities to learn… I couldn’t have done any of it without Him.  Oh the strength, the mercy, the funds from Great grandparents and beyond for field trips, God inspired craft ideas….I mean, really…I’m so thankful for all that He’s allowed the Schiel children to experience & learn this year.  What a life changing year, what a chapter…. and it’s not over yet! 

Danielle’s Eye

Danielle's photo

Danielle has quite an eye for photography and has been practicing… a lot.  She see’s something beautiful and says, “Can I pahlease get your camera?”  It’s so cute!  Here is one of her many recent shots that I personally wouldn’t have taken but that turned out to be so interesting!  When the pink cherry blossoms began falling off a tree near Isaac’s window this is what she saw.

MRI here we come

  Darrel & I just got home from our last care group meeting with all the pc families at the Ricucci’s house.  What a time of encouragement.  I don’t know about the rest of them but I’m sure to have Ricucci withdrawals when I get home to Texas.  I may need to have her give me a WebCam video of encouragement.    Betsy shared that what she’s seen in me this year was that my joy was out of reach of our trials &  a steadfast love for God.  I am so thankful God has used us in ways we certainly wouldn’t have chosen to be used or tested.  Our walk in steadfast love and our joy being out of reach of our trials is just a testimony to God’s faithfulness and mercy to us!  Only Jesus could take us through this journey with deep rooted joy.  Our hope is in the finished work of Jesus Christ!

  After midnight Hope won’t be able to eat until after her MRI is over.  She can have clear liquids until 11AM.  Her MRI is technically scheduled for 2pm but we are to arrive at the hospital by 12:45pm.  I’ll post information once we hear from the radiologist.

  I was SO encouraged this afternoon while reading a bible story with the kids about King Nebuchadnezzar throwing Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fiery furnace.  I was reading it out of The New Children’s Bible by Anne de Vries and after reading was saying, “this God is MY God.”  What joy filled my heart to know and remember that the God who kept them from burning to death, not even a hair was singed, is the same God who will get the glory now and after this whole health ordeal is over with Hope.  As they said (paraphrased) ‘we will not bow to your false God, to your idol.  God will save us.  But if not…’  Their hope was not in this life or death but in God himself.  What hope we have!!  Whether we continue on not knowing what is wrong with her, whether she is diagnosed, whether she is healed (our desire) or whether she dies, we will trust in God.  His glory will be made known to all and what joy we can truly have knowing that He has paid the price for our ‘ultimate healing’.  

Danielle capturing a close up of her sister Hope.

MRI done

  It’s bedtime at the Schiel house so I’ll expound on today later.  The MRI is done and we are thankful.  Hope was very sick afterward and had a bad headache which isn’t typical for her, but there are several things that happened which are very worthy of praise!  I do not know when I’ll get info on the MRI but I’d assume either tomorrow or on Monday when we go see our endocrinologist at Hopkins again.  God is good and we’re thankful this part is over.

  Tomorrow is ‘war time’ for Isaac’s birthday and we anticipate much fun with Nerf guns and friends from the pc coming to play for a couple hours. 

  I’ll post more when time permits. 

Welcome be thou, faire, fresshe May–Geoffrey Chaucer

  What happened to the lazy days of May when the children left May baskets at neighbors’ doors and danced around the Maypole, planting gardens and having parties with iced tea and cookies under the crab apple tree?

  Well, I don’t know about you but I don’t even remember those days as  a child and I’m quite a few years older than some of my readers!  ha  The kids and I own a book by Tasha Tudor called ‘A Time to Keep’ with these activities in it which we long for.  BUT, right now we’re the adventurous family of travel and haven’t time for this.  (laugh)

  Our adventures tomorrow will take Hope and I back into Baltimore for a doctor visit with her endocrinologist.  I hope to get results from her brain MRI.  While taking a few moments to think about the last sentence I just wrote I think I should ask for prayer if you are reading.  In all honesty I would be totally shocked if they told me she had a brain mass.  There have been no symptoms, eye sight, headaches, etc. that this would be a possibility.  So, in preparation for this slight possibility I pray God would prepare my heart for whatever the outcome, although I have faith there is no mass. 

  So many things on the calendar that I haven’t downloaded pictures of late and haven’t blogged.  Amongst daily activities like laundry, sweeping, food prep and the like, I am trying to pack things we won’t be needing in the next 3 weeks.  The kids are enjoying more brevity in their academics as well. 

  Isaac’s ‘war time’ party went GREAT!  He said it was one of his best birthday’s ever…and very simple for mom.  He and a handful of his friend from the pc came over with their Nerf guns.  With an open field and many trees to hide behind we had the perfect spot for this behind our house in ‘the courtyard’ as the kids call it.  Younger girls Hope’s age came into the house and brought out shortbread cookies and cakes for the ‘soldiers’.  They loved this!  Marie Hughes brought over a 3 gallon drink dispenser which I kept full of iced lemonade.  It was great! 

  Did I share that the iris’s I transplanted early on in the year actually bloomed?  The neighbors are all surprised, but the secrets in the Miracle Grow and The Miracle Grower. 

  This evening we have an opportunity to go to Jeff & Julie Purswell’s home (the dean of Sov. Grace Pastor’s College) with the rest of the pc class for an ened of the year open house.  We had one at the beginning of the year which was so much fun.  We played a most hilarious game in their basement.  I wonder what the follow up game will be tonight.  We are going to enjoy a dining experience of Tex-Mex, of which we’ve missed much living up here, so we’ll see how Mexi it actually gets.  (Mexican…Darrel’s favorite food by far!)

  I have also been heading up a ‘program’, if you will, for our end of the year dinner.  The ladies have come up with something to honor the men and we are so excited to actually get to execute it.  I’ve had a blast with preparation. It’s been a great growing experience in learning how to lead through very busy schedules and yet remain humble in accepting advice and leadership from without.  I’m so thankful for this experience and eager to share what we did during our dinner…but for now it must remain a surprise.    tee hee ( I love surprises)

  On a final note, my heart was very encouraged this week when a dear friend was in need of encouragement.  Darrel reminded us  to remember in the midst of struggles, hard times, that this is just momentary…we need to keep our eyes on the eternal…pray that God will give you eyes to see past the now to the eternal.  He is faithful!!  He reminded us of the scripture found in II Corinthians 4:17  ‘For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’ 
   Then I remembered what a priviledge it is to be able to encourage one another in Christ…that when we share our burdens with one another it enables the recipient of our request to be encouraged as well and commune with Christ all the more… I thought about this verse, James 4:6  ‘But he gives more grace. Therefore it says,  “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”‘    May we all humble ourselves when we are in need, in order that we may receive more grace from God and allow God to use his people for we are ‘His hands and feet.’ 

  All to the praise of His glorious grace!

Wal-Mart anyone?

  Darrel needs a new printer cartridge and AA batteries so the kids and I are about to go make a Wal-Mart run.  I’m pretty sure they have the cheapest ones and I have a $2 coupon for the batteries.    The closest Super Wal-Mart around here is 30 minutes north of us in Frederick, MD.   I can’t believe I’ve lived this long without one.  ha  Just goes to show me what I can do with grocery store adds and coupons.  Should be interesting when I go back home and begin grocery shopping again. 

  I just got the oil changed in the van and was able to shake hands with Bob Kauflin…and hear a couple short segements to the new kids cd releasing in June.  It sounds fantastic.  All the songs are written with lyrics from the fruits of the spirit!  The FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT…isn’t this awesome?  If you’ve followed my blog since we moved here you will know how excited I am about this.  (too much in my heart to write about now)  I thanked Bob for serving us and being such a blessing to so many and he stated what an honor it was to do so and how thankful to God he was for being given the opportunity. 

  Now, concerning Hope’s MRI results…Dr. Germain-Lee has not received them.  I was just about to call Dr. Niu’s office to see if they’ve received them and this particular handset doesn’t have his office # programmed in.  ha  So, I will look it up and see.  For now we are waiting and trusting God.  Hope’s exam today was good, nothing new, she looks great.  Dr. Germain Lee has ordered a battery of labs one more time of which we will get this week when we go in for her calcium levels.  We are dropping her MiaCalcin injections from 0.25cc to 0.20cc which is the dose we first started.  I’m fairly sure if this doesn’t work I will be able to tell within a day or two just by her ‘body language’ and any physical complaints, however I will likely take her in for an additional lab if I think she’s not tolerating the change well.  We are praying that whatever she’s been going through might somehow just ‘resolve’ itself and we can wean her from her medication.  She is still restricted from dairy products. 

  Ok, Wal-Mart awaits!! 

Philly Phlop

    Before I dive into the meat of this post (or perhaps this is the meat) let me begin by thinking back to those good ole days of diving off the diving board.  I was not a gifted diver.  I saw children and adults alike run down that diving board and throw themselves out into the water head first, arms extended and hit the water with a beautiful dive.  Sometimes it wasn’t a beautiful dive, but it was a dive nonetheless.  Me?  Well, I had to stand at the edge of the pool, place my hands carefully in a V position, pull my arms over my head and have my dad hold my hips back and then kinda ‘fall’ into the water.  I was not a gifted diver.  But alas, after much practice I had the opportunity to compete in a diving competition one year at summer camp.  I was very excited!  When the announcer called out for the diving competition I began walking toward the diving board to line up, quite sure of myself at this point but a bit nervous.  I was 3rd in a line of 4.  As I stood watching those who went before me they were doing what I’d seen so many do before.  They stood at the back of the diving board, took off running and dove into the water.  “Hmmmm,” I thought to myself, “I haven’t practiced it this way.  I just stand at the edge of the board and dive in.  If I do that now I’m going to look ridiculous.”  Beginning to feel more nervous, I was trying to decide what to do.  It was my turn.  I should have put down my pride, walked to the end of the diving board and done what I’d learned, but no, I must not look ridiculous.  So, I took off running, threw my arms out over my head in a beautiful dive position, jumped in feet first and did a belly flop!  As I pulled myself out of the water the judges asked me if I knew HOW to dive?  Now I not only felt ridiculous, looked totally ridiculous but was also humiliated.    I got another chance and stood at the end of the board and dove in beautifully.    I didn’t win the competition but I learned a valuable lesson.  Pride comes before the flop. (Shari’s paraphrase)

  Well, I didn’t dive into a swimming pool this week but I did venture out with my wonderful children on our last trip while living up here in the North East.  How could I not take them to Philadelphia?  So, I got everything ready and we headed out at 7a.m. Wednesday morning.  I had grandious plans for taking in the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Square and ending the day with a famous Philly Cheesesteak. 

  Philly is unlike any place I’ve been to thus far.  Driving down the one way streets you feel like a packed sardine but you aren’t dead.  All the other packed sardines are trying to move around and get somewhere.  It’s NUTS!  But, I’m so glad to have had that experience.  Once I found a place to park we ventured out.  Asking many people directions (yes, their were signs but I was having  a hard time finding my way) we finally made our way to Independence National Historical Park.  We took a few pictures here and there and decided to take in the Liberty Bell first, no ticket required.  We walked in and some of we older of my group of 5 wanted to read the billboards and make this a real learning experience.  Some younger of the 5 did not.  This led into some pretty serious sinful responses.  Now, you’re probably thinking that the sinful responses were from the younger, yes?  Yes, they were but then the eldest of the group, namely ME, was more sinful.  I became angry, synical, sarcastic.  I was angry that the younger were spoiling it for the older.  I acted like a 37 year old baby.  The rest of the day, although we did take in Franklin Square, played a game of miniature golf, rode a carousel, played at a great park, ate a Philly Cheesesteak and toured Independence Hall, my attitude stunk.  I’m certain it was a stench in the nostrils of God, much less a terrible example to my children of how to act, or a perfect example of how NOT to act. 

  So, I called the day our Philly Phlop!  I felt it was the biggest flop of the year.  But then I think about flopping into that pool.  Everyone watching, taking in the scene thinking “oooh, she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing.”  Then getting out and having the judge say, “you get another chance.”  God’s grace is too overwhelming to me.  I am still very affected by this day and the love Christ has for me.  Tears flow down my cheeks even now as I am so thankful He doesn’t leave me in that pool to drown in my pride and selfishness.   There was much repenting to my children the next day and repentence from the younger.  I don’t like Philly Phlops but I’m thankful God uses them to remind me I can’t do anything good without Him.   And although I felt it was a flop, my kids amazingly tell me they had a great time! 

  Proverbs 16: 17-18  The highway of the upright avoids evil’ he who guards his way guards his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Photo’s of my Family

Hope Lauren

My youngest darlings, Hope Lauren & Trinity Grace

Can you say adorable? Sweet Trinity Grace.

….and more to come.  I have an errand to run. 

God’s Pleasure by Paul Tripp

Then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burn offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:19

I must admit

I am embarrassed

by

what gives me

pleasure.

It doesn’t take

much

to make me

smile.

I get

real pleasure

from

a good steak

nice chocolate

a comfortable

bed.

I want the joy

of

cold soda

and

hot tea.

I want the bathroom

to

be empty when

I need it.

I want the streets

I drive on

be free of other

drivers.

I want people

to

respect my opinions

and

validate my plans.

I want my wife

to

be satisfied

with me as

I am.

I want

 my bills all

paid

and plenty of money

to

do the pleasurable

things

that make me

happy.

But God

isn’t like

me.

His pleasures

aren’t a sad

catalog

of

low-grade

idolatries.

His desires

aren’t shaped

by

ravenous self-focus.

He

doesn’t

live

in a perpetual state

of

self-absorbed

discontent.

His pleasures

are never

regrettable

ugly

or

unholy.

When

God smiles

His reason

is holy

and His purpose

is

pure.

He finds

great pleasure

in His glory

and

great joy

when

the repentant

turn

from the pursuit

of

their own glory and

turn

toward His.

He has

great pleasure

in

the success

of

His plan

and finds

satisfaction

in seeing

His children

turn

from their pleasure

to

live for

His.

Someday

by His grace

the pleasures

that give me

pleasure

will be

the things that

please God.

Until then

my

hope is in the

fact

that He finds

delight

in rescusing those

who

have been led

astray

by their pleasures

because

once more today

I’m

going to need

that rescue.

And I’ll need

it

every day until

my

deepest pleasures

are nowhere to be found

in

the creation

and only to be found

in

the Creator.

1.  How close is what gives you pleasure to what gives God pleasure?  2.  If the glory of God was our highest pleasure, what pleasures would you no longer live in pursuit of?

Full Days

  We will begin our move back to Texas on June 12th.  We are so excited to see our friends and family back home that the packing isn’t even an issue!  To top off this excitement our dear friends, the Smythe’s, are coming up here to vacation and help us pack up and move.  (Don’t worry Matthew, most of our books are sitting on shelves in our Cherokee Rose house *smile*) Darrel and I had out last official date night out in Gaithersburg Tuesday evening.  Last night we went out to dinner with our fellowship group and remenisced about the past, present and future, all the while amazed how God has met us.  And we are hoping to reunite in another 10 years to celebrate what God has done in our lives…this time in Korea. (this is where Songwan and Miran live)  Tonight the kids have their last gym day with friends and this evening we adults have our last night with CJ and Carolyn Mahaney.  I have a ‘Ladies Night Out’ this Friday night.  Danielle’s birthday celebration with a few friends is this Sat. afternoon.  Darrel has “Guys Night Out” Tuesday night & Danielle is going to Jeannie’s with Mariah and Brooke for a special girls time and learning a special craft from Jeannie.  Darrel is usually off on Monday’s but this week they’ll have class Mon-Wed., Wed. being their last day of class.  (Whoa!  I just had tears come to my eyes with that last sentence…no surprise.)  I believe the guys are not having a final Greek Exam (if I overheard Darrel correctly), of which I am sure there will or was MAJOR rejoicing over this announcement! 

To update everyone on Hope’s health, she is doing well.  I actually didn’t even get a call concerning her brain MRI.  It was one of those ‘no news is good news’ type things.  But when I went in to pick up her records a week ago I saw the MRI results page that was faxed.  While trying to read it upside down and talking to the receiptionist at the same time, she said Dr. Niu would call me if there anything significant showed up.  Well, he never called so I’m sure all is well in that head of hers.    As stated in an earlier post, her endocrinologist has taken her calcitonin injection down from 0.25cc per day to 0.20cc daily.  She is in hopes that ‘whatever is wrong with her’ might be diminishing or dissolving on its own.  She seems to be tolerating the lower dose ok, however I have heard her complain of her throat hurting and abdominal pain again a couple times where when the dose was at 0.25 she didn’t have any complaints.  We’ll have to give this some more time and more blood calcium lab levels to know for sure.  I think we’ll know whether we’re going to keep it at this level before we move back home.  BUT, she is doing well.  It seems she’s hungry all the time, she’s gained 4 lbs back and is now riding her bicycle like a crazy lady!  She LOVES riding her bicycle. 

  Believe it or not, it’s been CHILLY here!  I know, you Texans must think we’re crazy…but I had to wear a sweater out the other evening and a jacket last night.  Brrrr!  Ok, I just looked it up and the low’s have been in the 50′s and 60′s.  That’s like December weather to me!  HA  Anyway, it’s warming up now and should be 80 on Danielle’s 14th birthday.  Perfect! 

2 Corinthians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday Danielle!…and more

  Danielle had a small party today to celebrate her 14th birthday, June 1st.  It went GREAT!  She made the cutest polka dot decorations and signs she hung on the walls that said, ‘Lots of Laughs’, “Friendship’, ‘Memories’, ’Good Times’, ‘Sharing Stories’.  She had lots of games planned and God was so good to give me LOTS of free desserts at the food drive last Thursday night; brownies, scones, chocolate cruisants, a pastry ring from Panera Bread and she made short Bread cookies.  We really invited her guests over for a sugar high! HA  Danielle had so much fun and I think it went just as she hoped.  Happy Birthday my sweetie!   

  Well,  I went for a 5 mile walk and had my spirits lifted as I sang praise to God with the group Watermark.  I remember painting and painting and painting into the hours of the night while getting our house ready to sell in Tomball and listening to the song they sing “Arise and Be Comforted”…for the Lord, He is good to the weary.  Even the young heart can tire and fall, but He knows them all.  For the Lord, He will renew their strength, they will soar on wings as eagles, they will run and never grow weary, they will walk and not faint, for the Lord, He IS GOOD!!  and there is more…

  Now here we are again at a somewhat weary time in our lives with another move, packing, Darrel finishing up school assignments (5/ 2 page papers) and reading…an emotional time too.  SO, in steps God with His kindness in pouring out more peace and grace when we are in need and encouragement from our friends and family.  So, my heart is very encouraged and soul well. 

  Update on Hope…her blood calcium levels are again on the rise since we lowered her calcitonin med’s.  Her vitamin D levels are high too.  They should be under 55.6 and her’s are at 65.  It is possible the extra vitamin D is being made from granulomas in her body somewhere (possibly those teeny tiny spots on her lungs), but we don’t know.  The only way to know if the spots on her lungs are granulomas are to have them biopsied and the only way, at this point, to biopsy them is to do invasive open chested surgery.  They are not in a position on her lungs where they can go down her throat and into her lungs, plus they are very, very small.  It is possible they could be growing after 3 months now.  Anyway, all this to say that we are thankful the calcitonin injections are still working to keep her pain free and keep the calcium from leeching out of her bones.  We are increasing her calcitonin back up to 0.25cc’s as of last night. 

  Time to give baths to my babes and read lots of lovely stories all cuddled up on the couch!! 

  Latest update….Hope just swallowed either a nickel or her new quarter from the US Philadelphia Mint tour.  She’s not sure which one.    I guess I’ll be playing poop patrol for the next week and praying that I find some money.   Please pray this passes with no problem and we don’t end up in the hospital for exploration.   And lest you think I’m in the least bit discouraged about the timing of this incident…I might not be too happy as I’m checking things this week but right now I’m just laughing!!

Darrel Graduated!

  It’s 11:30 p.m. but I had to blog about graduation briefly.  Tonight at 6pm we experienced the most amazing graduation ceremony ever.  Darrel, along with 19 other men, graduated from Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College.  I have never been more proud of him or our family.  The children were asked to stand up and were honored (I cried and made Danielle cry), then the men honored we wives in a couple different ways.  I’ll keep those a secret for now.  Mr. CJ Mahaney charged the men with a magnificent word, Mr. Jeff Purswell and Gary Ricucci did the same.  Once again we experienced the presence of God in an awesome way and ended the time with a song “Not to us but to Your name oh Lord, be all the glory, the glory forever.  For your faithfulness and steadfast love be all the glory, the glory, belongs to You!”  It is indeed bitter sweet as we leave all these precious souls.  It has been one of the biggest priviledges of our life being here and we have grown much.  I will miss seeing our friends weekly but are so excited to go home to Texas where we hope to serve our church faithfully.  I am so humbled and amazed that God would chose to use us this way.  Just amazing!

Back to DC

  Yesterday we headed out with our dear Texas friends, The Smythe Family, to DC one more time.  We went to the National Museum of Natural History.  It was very interesting and fun.  We saw more animal bones, fossil’s, gems, stuffed animals (not the kind you buy at the toy store ), wax figures and so much more.  I must have taken a hundred pictures, my favorite sure to be the one with Jonathan, Darrel and the Sperm Whale hanging from the ceiling. 

  This morning Darrel had the priviledge of taking our friends and pastor’s, Gary and Betsy Ricucci to the airport…..at 4 A.M.  He’d asked Gary early on in the week if people actually function at that hour!  ha  When he got home he’d locked the front door and didn’t have his key so he laid in the van for an hour and a half before he called me and asked to open the door.  Poor guy! 

  Well, today we are going to pack, pack, and pack some more while the Smythe’s venture back into DC to see the Air and Space Museum, which we saw last Dec. with our Axelson friends (also Texan) *grin*.  We can hardly believe we are leaving Maryland in just 3 more days.  This morning our dear friend, Jeannie Harvey is coming by to bring Trinity & Isaac (belated) a birthday gift and to say our goodbyes as she and he hubby, Craig are going on a much needed vacation.  I’ll have to pull out the tissue box again!  We’ve had many grand adventures with Jeannie this year and they have cared for our family and children on several occasions this year.  We are going to miss them greatly!

  Below is a picture of us taking the kids to Marble Slab Cremery for some birthday icecream! (Dani and Trini b-day)  It was a lovely day.

Isaac, Shari, Trinity, Danielle, Hope

Back in TEJAS!!!

  Well, after days of packing up while fighting a killer cold virus, we loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly.  Oh, wait a minute, that was from the Beverley Hillbillies.     We did load up and felt a little like hillbillies with pullin’ out our good ole’ Texas accents again.  Yeah, we can turn it on and off still.  With help from our great Smythe Family friends we woke up at 4am (I blame this on Gary and Betsy) on the 12th of June and loaded up the blow up beds and everything else lying around.  As we shut the front door the water works began for me as a wave of memories from the last 11 months washed over my mind and heart.  But once in the van and driving through my favorite hilly country of Virginia those thoughts were changed to “Creator God you are AMAZING!”  We enjoyed a beautiful day of driving through to Chatanooga, TN where we spent the night with a couple sick kiddo’s.  Off the next morning for a day full of driving through quite a bit of rain until we reached Baton Rouge, LA.  Due to the time change at this point we all sat down to eat dinner at Chili’s around 8pm but our bodies were reminding us it was 9pm to them.  Trinity and Hope ate some corn on the cob and were soooo tired I took them out to the van to rest so the others could try and enjoy the rest of their dinner.  Once in our hotel room Danielle gets in the shower.  Darrel went downstairs to get another set of sheets and I’m watching a baseball game Darrel left of the tv.  I kept hearing a kid yelling “MOM, MOM” out in the hallway and I was thinking, man do they need to get that kid under control…it’s late!! (shame on me)  After another round of “MOM, MOM”, I realize it’s MY  daughter yelling at me from the bathroom.  The whole shower curtain bar came tumbling down (it was heavy) and she didn’t know what to do.  HA 

  The next morning I woke up quite emotional as I thought, “tonight I will sleep in my OWN bed in our house!”  So, I began the day a little weepy.  I had a great time visiting with Irma and Matthew as we ventured across states, talking about what God’s done in our lives and listening to some excellent guitarists.  As we crossed the Texas state line I held down my horn and then got weepy again.  Then when things became familiar to me as we entered Houston….yes, I became weepy again.  I totally enjoyed and am so grateful to have been in Gaithersburg, but there is something very moving about ‘comin’ home’.  We pulled in our driveway and I …got weepy again.  Then I saw a little head peep out of one of my windows.  “Hmmmm….”  I thought.  One of our neighbors was out so I ran across the street and hugged her; I probably shocked her to death.  *grin*  And then my dear friend Carolyn Yohe was standing in my driveway.  Well, that did it!  I cried.  Coming into the house there were several families at our house to welcome us home as well as bring a birthday cake and icecream for Trinity.  Our friends had bought groceries to put in our pantry and refrigerator, paper goods and cleaning supplies!  What a blessing.  We even received a tomato plant, bell pepper and basil herbs on the back porch.  Can’t get much better than that!  It was a great time of fellowship and hanging out together.  We are so blessed to be with a people who love us….& we love you back!

  Since Sunday we’ve been unpacking slowly, celebrated Trinity more on the 15th when she turned a whopping 5 yrs old.  The days are passing just as quickly as they did in Maryland and I realize more and more to redeem the time God has given us.  I had a great time with my little girls this morning reading a chapter to them out of Beautiful Girlhood on Obedience.  Although it is addressed to girls Isaac came in on the reading and gleaned some good info too. 

  A highlight from yesterday…watching Hope, Trinity and Katherine play in a mud puddle in our backyard.

Two highlights of my day today…reading Charity and Its Fruit by Jonathan Edwards and eating Guerrero flour tortillas. 

The Gamut

  To start off, I learned how to spell gamut.  I could have sworn it was gammit, wouldn’t you?  Well, it just looks strange; g-a-m-u-t.   

  I am compelled to sit and ponder how my emotions can run the gamut in just 13 hours.  From blissful wakening after a good night of rest to giddy cheerfulness when I hug my children as they are awakening to frustration as they are not getting themselves ready in the time I think they should be ready in order that we might go visit Granny. Then to conviction for my selfishness and impatience to thoughtful solumnness realizing this is the last time we’d see Granny in her house as she’s moving.  Next, off to excitment as I buy flowers to plant in pots in the backyard and joy as Danielle and I bring color to the back porch, to more conviction as I read a commentary by Matthew Henry on having a quiet and meek spirit. 

  So many emotions in just a few hours.  My hearts desire is to be more like Jesus by whatever means He chooses.  I am grateful and humbled that He has chosen to be patient with this vessel and to pour out grace upon grace as I learn more of Him and strive to bring Him glory.  As I look back upon this day I have a greater desire to know Him more deeply and to love people as I love myself.  I pray the Holy Spirit with  help me make wise and loving decisions in the ‘little things’ of each day.

1 Peter 3:4  But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Bellisima! Modesty Boutique

  Danielle and I were recently invited to a mother-daughter tea with the girls group at our church, Sovereign Grace Houston (meeting in Pearland, Texas) and were thrilled with what God is doing on our young ladies.  We were served a beautiful tea with delicious finger foods, sandwiches, cookies and fruit along with delicious punch and an assortment of teas.  The place was decorated to the hilt, adorable! We heard from the leaders concerning the reading and study they’ve been doing the past few weeks concerning modesty while reading through Carolyn Mahaneys book Feminine Appeal.  Many of the girls shared something they have specifically learned during this time of study. 

  We also had the privilege to meet tow young ladies who have opened up their own business with a heart to serve the community around them with modest and affordable clothing.  I’d love to share this with as many of you as possible.  These young ladies love the Lord and are concerned with the hearts of young women in our generation.  They brought along with them an assortment of skirts, tops and accessories which were lovely and modest.  I was very encouraged by the lengthy talk she gave at the tea which shared her heart for young men and women today and the temptations that can arise by wearing scanty, immodest clothing.  Please pray for Marianna and Michelle as they endeavor to bring glory to God and serve women young and old in our community!

2 Weeks Home

  I should not be surprised that tomorrow we will have been home for 2 whole weeks.  Yet, I am surprised!  The older I get the faster time seems to pass which sobers me.  I often think of how deliberate I must be in using my time wisely as the days are passing quickly.  Just this evening I was visiting with Jojo (cousin and friend) at the dining table while watching Danielle holding Ellah, her 7 month old, and thinking, ‘it seems just a couple years ago that I was holding Danielle in MY arms.’  As she stood with her back toward me, walking to another room, I envisioned her as a mother holding her own child and the reality of life passing quickly on from one chapter to the next.  Am I doing enough?  Do I spend enough time with my children in reading God’s word and training them up to live adult lives that glorify God?  Am I leading them through example and not just word?  No, I am not doing ‘enough’ but I am striving to be the mother and wife God has called me to be.  But there is one who is and has done enough for them, and that is Jesus Christ.  It’s because of His finished work on the cross and His resurrection that I have faith for their futures. 

  So, 2 weeks home and, Lord willing many more to come.  Darrel preaches in the morning from the book of Matthew.  This will be his first sermon preached since graduating from the Pastor’s College.

Blog Changes

  I am so busy right now that I’m going to be changing up how I blog.  It’s going to be more like Darrel’s one liner ditties.  So, here goes.

Had a super day of worshipping with God’s people at church yesterday, hearing Darrel bring the word of God to the sheep.  The girls were having a hard time staying still and paying attention but God still spoke to me and I was deeply affected by the gospel.  Spent the afternoon with Billy and Jojo’s family, Robert and Marcie and family and our neighbor and friend, Gary Sincalir (his family are visiting family in AZ).  Had good conversation about growing in Christ.

Hurt my back this morning while pulling out a back seat from the van.

Brought a van load of boxes and packing materials to the Brown’s house today with Irma.  Packed up some of her kitchen.  Got to meet them ‘again’ and was so blessed by her children serving their family joyfully.  How delightful!  Enjoyed visiting with Irma to and from their house. 

Got gas for $2.39 a gal.  What a steal.  ha   Dropped by the Van Wright’s house to sing Happy Birthday to Victoria a day early with a little crafting gift.  Thought we’d get some rain but didn’t. 

Just another day in the life of the Schiel family?

  Today after doing a few things around the house Darrel says, “Honey, I’m going to get your van inspected and then go by the AT&T store to see about getting a phone.  I should be back later this morning.”  Hugs and kisses to kids and me.  The kids finish up swimming while Danielle is dipping out the flying/swimmy bugs out of our pool with one of my kitchen strainers.  She comes upstairs to ‘research’ what they are and then comes out triumphantly exclaiming, “shock it, hit it with algaecide then shock it again…shock, shock, shock.” (telling me what I must do to rid her pool of these strange little creatures).

  Then Isaac and Hope decide to ride down our steep driveway on a little toddler toy Granny sent home with the children yesterday.  This toy should have been put in the garbage many months ago but each one of them were getting some kind of pleasure pretending something as they rolled around inside the house.  I get in the shower after sweating profusely while power spraying and changing out the pool filter and pulling weeds out in the backyard with roots that were at least a foot long…NO, I am not kidding!  (I know I’m getting older.  A few years ago I would have spent hours pulling those weeds after a good rain, which we got last night, but after 15 minutes I was done!)  The next thing I hear is Hope’s voice informing me with a very upset and mad tone, “I told him not to do it, I TOLD him and now I’m mad, mad, mad.”  (she strongly dislikes her sibblings to get hurt)  Peeking through my door I see Isaac lying on my bed and Danielle dabbing his face.  I quickly dress and come out to see Isaac’s lips bloody, above his lip scraped raw, nose blue and upper lip doubled in size.  Apparently, he decided to go down the drive first and was flipped off the little thing they were riding face first.  As sorry as I was to see him this way I now think, “I am so glad it wasn’t Hope again.” 

  About 2 minutes into cleaning his face of dirt and blood the phone rings.  I hear the familiar tone which is programmed in for Darrel’s cell phone and ran to get it.  In a very calm voice Darrel says, “Hi honey.  I’ve been in an accident and need you to come and get me.”  Quickly, my mind flashes back 12 years ago when Darrel totalled his truck while driving over an icy bridge and at 2AM the first thing that came out of my mouth was, “Did you total your truck?”  Not a loving thing to say!!!  SO, this time the only thing I said was, “Are you alright?”  He assured me he was and I got directions to where the accident occurred.  Danielle put a movie on for her brother to distract him from facial and tooth pain (loose tooth…that’s where the blood was coming from on his lips) as I scurry around to find a hat for my wet head.  Remember, I just got out of the shower! 

  Getting in the car I see it’s almost out of gas so I stop on the way to get a few gallons.  I finally arrive at the intersection and pull into an area where I can park just in time to see the wrecker drive in front of me and pull away with our van.  The front drivers side was quite smashed….worse than I imagined.  Darrel walks toward me with his arms full of our belongings and 1/2 of it falls onto the ground.  I roll down the window to let myself out (the inside handle of the driver door is broken..HA) and go help him pick things up.  He’s soaking wet from sweat and I’m so glad he’s alright I nearly start sobbing!  Surprise, surprise….I didn’t cry!!!!

  As we slowly exit the parking lot, he’s explaining how the accident occurred.  We decided to go home a different way to avoid lunch hour traffic, so I took a left at the light.  Just as we’re turning the corner we see flashing lights ahead at the very next intersection.  “Is that another wreck,” I say?  “Yeah, it looks like it”, Darrel says.  We continue on very slowly, while I ask how I should get by the accident and Darrel directing me to stay to the right.  As we get closer we see 2 minivans and the wrecker. One van looking much like the color of ours.  Darrel says, “that’s our van.”  I say, “No, that can’t be our van.  Our van was pulled off by a wrecker.”  This van was completely on the road.  I’m driving thinking, “why would the guy take our van off to stop and get someone elses?  This makes no sense!”  Once closer I ended up pulling into the Walgreens parking lot to get a better look as Darrel kept insisting it was our van.  SURE enough it WAS our van.  A blue minivan broad sided our van and knocked it completely off the wrecker.  (our van’s back tires were on the road while being pulled) 

  Now I cried.      If it hadn’t been totalled in the first wreck, just 30 minutes before, it was certainly totalled now.  Can you believe it?  It was sad and hilarious at the same time.  We aren’t sure what happened, as we weren’t there, but I believe the stop lights were not working at this intersection and the man driving the wrecker pulled out and the other guy decided he wanted to go too!  What a mess.

  So thankful everyone seems to be fine, although we are still praying for the couple in the Honda that Darrel hit earlier.  He was pretty upset, esp. being hit in the face with an air bag.  I’ve heard those can hurt pretty badly. 

  After calling our insurance company and a few hours passing, Shawn, from the wrecking company calls us to come get the rest of our things and bike rack off the top of the van.  As we get closer to the shop the rain starts coming down.  *laughing*  We NEED the rain, are thankful for the rain.  It’s just hilarious that we got it while he was needing to work on top of the van.  It was actually a blessing as it kept him cool. 

  So…this was just another day in the life of the Schiel family.    Happy 1st of July!

Oh…. a quick update on the kiddo’s.  We are waiting for new lab results to come in for Hope.  Things are the same and she’s still getting her nightly injections of MiaCalcin.  This is not getting easier for her but harder.  She’s very weary of the sting so we’re praying for mercy and strength as she endures these daily.  We’re talking about trying to locate a Sarcoidosis specialist here in the Houston area to talk to them.  ??    Isaac was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse at his cardiology appointment so we’ll trust the Lord with that and take him in every year now for a follow up.  Trinity and Danielle are doing good.

Fun in the Sun

  The girls just went swimming with David for over 1/2 an hour.  That poor man!  Danielle attacks him by blowing water in his face with noodles and the other two little fish had a blast while he lifted and threw them across the pool.  After much water fun they enjoyed a Bomb Pop (one of our 4th fav’s) and came inside.  Trinity was so cute.  She looked at David and said, “Now do you want to go and watch Bambi?” 

  I’m about to peel potatoes and get ready for a night out with the Smythe’s.  They are inviting some of the younger couples over in our church for brisket.  Should be fun and the Kline’s will love being around all the babies. 

  I’m enjoying all the stories David and Betty can remember from their childhood…my favorite being David shimmying down a rain pipe at night, past his sister sitting on the porch with a beau while supposedly babysitting, walking to the corner store and filling his underpants with candy while his brother distracted the owner.  The next day his father gets a bill for a dollar something.  HA  You’d have to hear it in person to thoroughly enjoy it but, ahhhhh, what memories.  It also makes me appreciate my Schiel days more…no kids drinking turpentine and falling into the icy river down the road.  I can handle the face scrapes and vehicle collisions.    It’s all about trusting in the One who is allowing the activity, isn’t it?

July 4th

  Terry Jones 40th birthday.  (my brother-in-law)  Couldn’t be in Midland, TX to celebrate with them so I hope he had a memorable day.  I know he will this week as they venture up to Colorado for some cooler weather and moutains!

  Pearland fireworks show was less than desireable, but we are thankful we got to see any at all!  Had a famtastic weekend with David and Betty as they shared many stories with us about their childhood and past.  They say hanging out with our children takes 20 years off their life but I would submit that after hunting for an automobile in 100 degree weather and swimming with the kids we must have added a couple.

  Great time of visiting with the Hurd family.  Bomb pops, ribs, corn on the cob and swimming for the kids while the adults shared in the wonder at what Christ has done for us…rejoicing through trials and trusting Him to bring us through this journey victoriously.

  How can I best glorify God today?  The God who made the seas, sun and stars.  It boggles my mind that He would get glory from me.  But, by loving my family and being patient with my children I indeed bring Him glory.  So, that’s what I’m going to do.

Honda Odyssey

  For my friend Megan Roca’s birthday, we bought a gold 2001 Honda Odyssey mini-van.  We’ll pick it up tomorrow after it get s a good ‘goin over’ as Texans say.  God is always faithful to provide what we need.  It has almost 60,000 fewer miles than our Sienna and we’re hoping the money we get from the total will pay off the entire amount.

  Happy Birthday Megan.   Blessings to you, Dan, Izzy and that new, precious baby boy!

More Blessings

  I’m at Lowe’s buying screws for a gardening table Isaac and I are about to build out of scrap wood from Ike’d damaged fencing.  Thanks to David I have a great plan on paper.  Well, after snagging some $23.00 window panels (curtains) cur only $ 3.47 I was feeling pretty excited and thought I’d venture into the plant world outside.  How can I go to Lowe’s and not look at the flowers?  To make a hot and long story short, I ended up buying 4 hybiscus, 9 August Beuaty Gardenia, 6 Black Knight Butterfly Bushes, two Mexican Heather’s, two square pots of those really cute, chubby looking, cactus groupings and two pots of flowers that would have originally cost $274.33 for $ 19.50.  I know it sounds crazy, but isn’t that just like God?  We have a large backyard He so graciously gave us last year that had no landscaping….and I mean NO landscaping.  There are 2 different kinds of grass spreading and about 15 different kinds of weeds.    I’m working on that one weed at a time.  But God, in His infinite wisdom and kindness knew that we would not be forking out that kind of money to beautify the yard, so He made it possible. 

  Danielle and I have 3 of the Butterfly Bushes and the two Mexican Heather’s planted but the rest are waiting for their holes to be dug.  It is hard working digging into clay but worth the work!!

Being thankful in areas I’m not usually thankful for

WOW!  What a long title.  You know, titling blogs aren’t always easy and today is no exception.  Maybe I’ll end up changing it before this is over but for now I want to remember a couple things from last night.

  Last night was date night.  Fun, fun date night!  So, Darrel takes me to Sugar Land to Baja something or another.  One of his favorite Mexican food restaurants.  He used to frequent one just across the street from Grapevine and have lunch with different friends.  So, no doubt this brings back some good memories for him.  We drive into the parking lot and he says, “Oh yeah” (now I’m going to have to google this)…..OK…it’s Berryhill Baja Grill. Back to Darrel, “I haven’t eaten here in so long.” Big ole smile on his face.  I reply, “I’ve never eaten here.”  We both chuckle.  I wonder why he’s chuckling but I know why I am.  When men are out in the workplace, in my humble opinion, they eat out at least 75% more than the ladies at home.  I’m chuckling NOW because he’s so excited about the food he’s waiting to consume.  I don’t think I was chuckling 3 years ago when I battled jealousy for all the ‘going out’ he got to do.  Hind sight…ah, yes.  I’m so thankful God gave Darrel the opportunities he had to share meals, grow friendships and share the gospel with others outside our home while I was home doing what God called me to do.  It was a means of getting Darrel and Grady to meet working at Grapevine and eating out at Berryhill on occasion that brought us to the place we are today at Sovereign Grace.  Thankfully, God never gave up on me and continued working on giving me contentment in Him.  

  So, he got one of his fav’s and I tried a fish taco.  Their salsa and pickled carrots were really good but the fish taco was only ok.  Perhaps I wasn’t as hungry as he.    But, he so enjoyed his dinner he said, “Oh, yeah…this is one of the best reasons to live in Texas!  That’s what I’m talkin’ about!”  It was hilarious. 

  Well, I won’t bore you with more date night saga…it was fun and insightful.  But when we got home I ‘oh, so quietly’ put my key into the key hold and “Bark, bark, bark, bark, bark”.  There was Luther…sending out the alarm that someone was at the door and trying to come in.  HERE is where thankfulness began swelling in my heart for all the times we were in Maryland as well as at this moment.  Half the time Luther is a great annoyance and is a means of sanctification in my life.    Does that mean being sanctified annoys me?  Hmmmm…I should dwell on that more privately.    Anyway, I became keenly aware that he is such a blessing.  Yes, we have to put him away when we show hospitality and have guests over but what a great ‘live’ alarm system.  I know I should have thought of this before, but isn’t it true that God brings things to life and helps us see things through His eyes in His time?  I’ve no doubt I need to be more aware of  blessings than annoyances or that things I consider annoying could very well be blessings.  This is my prayer for the week and for weeks to come.

  Then, this morning on my walk I was thinking on my vericose veins and how important it is for me to exercise, all the while wondering “will they get worse?”  Well, likely they will, BUT what a blessing I have veins.  I mean really…that’s sounds hilarious right?  But, well, with no veins….I wouldn’t be here.    So, just another way God was allowing me to be thankful in an area I may struggle with complaint.

  “Thank you God for giving me eyes to see Your great good in things that I initially see as annoyances.  Please show mercy to me and all my friends by continually granting us this gift.”

  Oh, and so I don’t leave you hanging…all the plants from Lowe’s now have a home in sandy or clay soil.  Most of the holes were dug with love by my sweetie pie, Darrel.  He also went and got the mulch I needed to cover them and as of 7AM this morning that job is finito.  AND, my sweet Danielle was at Michael’s yesterday with Sarah and bought me the cutest pot for some flowers.  It looks like a huge tea pot with bright yellow daisy flowers painted all over it.  It’s darling, just like her!  I put some pink pansies in it this morning.

Using my sorrow

  Today God is using my sorrow to grow my desire to see Him face to face. 

I love His creation.  I love people & food.  I could easily get ‘satisfied’ with this world and be sucked into thinking this is all life has to offer.  If God had not drawn me by His Spirit…but for the grace of God.

My heart has been heavy yesterday and today for my Hope.  She’s not had the best of weeks.  She has complained some of her hips and back hurting.  Today it’s a headache and her attitude has been less than admirable.  And with that my heart aches.  At times I feel guilty for feeling this way.  I think “this is a selfish thing’ and yet my heart is full of compassion for her not just my own struggles with not knowing what is wrong with her and why. 

As I drove to Walgreens to pick up another 30 day pack of Zofran I began crying.  Kind of a deep groaning, if you will.  It is a groan from the deepest part of me; a cry to God for healing and help.  I know He hears us and love us.  I also know that this trial is giving me a deeper longing for heaven and to see Jesus face to face.

So, back downstairs I go to administer her Calcitonin injection and praise Him for His faithfulness to my little Hope.  His little Hopie.

Shots, shots and more shots!!!

  If my day had not started out with weed pulling, I don’t think I would have made it. 

I have a big yard with LOTS of weeds. 

God's beautiful weeds grown at 13409 Cherokee Rose Court

Oh, no.  Those aren’t the weeds.  Those are pretty flowers…see?  NO, these are some of the weeds, but they indeed do hold some beauty.  And with an entire field of these weeds it is beautiful!  Actually, last year our backyard was about a third of this and it was quite pretty.  BUT, when one is trying to grown a lush lawn, these creepy, crawly, long-legged, nourishment stealing ground hogs aren’t what one wants. 

I actually went out into the yard to rinse the pool filter.  I dropped the hose strategically on a grassy spot that looked parched and went on with my business.  Once that section of ground was thoroughly saturated I couldn’t help but get my shovel for what would, no doubt, be a battle of the wills.

One of my enemies about to be conquered.

I like to grab weeds and pull with my hands if they aren’t stickery or my hands too slippery.  There is something about pulling slowly and feeling the ground give way to my ‘power’.  There is something terrible about hearing a huge root snap in half as well.  But that’s another story.  With these tough cookies I have to dig down with a shovel and let more water soak deeper into the soil.  I should say let more water try and soak the clay.  I surely discovered today that when the roots get down into the clay it feels like what I’d imagine I’d feel like pulling Excalibur out of the stone, but with no success.

Digging deep to get all of the root!

And I hate to leave a cliff hanger, but it’s late and these photo’s take a very long time to upload.  I will have to finish this saga of the root business next week.  And yes, the shots, shots, shots…I am long winded.  Haven’t even gotten to the heart of the story yet.  The shots have to do with two young girls, ages 5 and 6 1/2 who went in for their yearly check ups today.  I’ll have to write about it later…..

Follow up to shots, shots and more shots!

  For those of you who also read Danielle’s blog you got to hear the scoop on Hope and Trinity, but for those of you who don’t I’ll have to finish up here. 

  And to make a long story shorter, God did a great work on my heart while out pulling weeds.  Just the correlation between sin in my life (the roots) and how deeply they can take root.  No wonder it takes a lifetime for God to completely sanctify us and even then it will only be when we meet Him face to face. 

I have been trying to get pictures of the roots I pulled out onto my blog and something is wrong.  That’s one of the reasons I haven’t posted pictures in so long…oh well.  Anyway, after that great ‘hands on’ lesson I was prepped and ready for what God had in store for us at the doctors office.

Hope and Trinity went in for their yearly check ups.  Unfortunately, Hope was due for 4 immunizations which she opted to get them all over with instead of spreading them out over a couple weeks.  Trinity was due for 1 and also a finger prick to check a few things lab wise…so, Hope was first.  She did fine the first shot but after that it was screaming and crying.  Now, my girls aren’t squirmers.  They sit still and scream and cry so at least the nurse is able to get her job done while they are doing what they do best to deal with their fears and the pain.  Hope was really upset after all this and was having a hard time calming down.  Up next came Trinity and the nurse decided to do the finger prick first.  Don’t ask me!!!  Anyway, I could actually see the signals travelling up her hand to her brain that told her it was time to scream and cry and boy, did she ever!  As the nurse was squeezing and squeezing that little finger for the blood she would scream and cry harder each time.  Well, Hope is very empathetic and was mucho upseto that her little sister was in pain so she began screaming and crying as well (let’s all join in, shall we?) and began yelling at the sweet nurse, “STOP IT!!!  STOP HURTING MY SISTER!”  Well, at this point I had tried calming them both down for what seemed minutes upon end with nooooooo success.  So, I dropped my head down and began laughing.  What else was I to do?  After that Trinity proceeded to tell me, which is totally NOT like her, “YOU ARE NOT GIVING ME A SHOT.  I AM NOT GETTING A SHOT!”  So, we had to physically hold her down and give it in her leg.

  WHAT a day!!!  Oh, but the best part was that the girls both got suckers as we were leaving.  Trinity looks at Bonnie, the nurse and says, “thank you for the finger stick”.  Bonnie says to me “I thought she was going to thank me for the sucker!”  It was very sweet.  She was trying to tell her that she was ok and was trying to be polite since she had acted out so badly.  During the ‘excitement’ we were all quite overwhelmed but once it was over there was peace and thankfulness. (Hope’s arms did hurt for 2 days but she’s ok now)

  On a Hope note: if you think of her would you please continue praying?  She’s been complaining of headaches a bit more the last 2 weeks and asking me to rub her arms legs and back, which is a sign to me that things might not be going so well with the calcium in her blood.  If the lab were closer than SugarLand I might take her in tomorrow…anyway, please be praying however the Spirit leads.  (my prayer even more for her soul than body…but I am praying for her physcial health and healing) 

Danielle’s story

  Danielle wrote a storyabout what happened with Trinity the other day.  Her blog address is danielleschiel.wordpress.com.  You can go there to read it.  I had to surpress my laughter while reading…was it because I was in the room while this was happening or because when Danielle told me about it she was cracking up, or it’s just cute?  You be the critic. 

Trinity being a doctor

Boy is this girl in doctor mode.  She has her chart and pen and comes in to see me.  “Is there anything wrong with you?”  I said, “you’d beter check me.”  She looks at my foot with a huge spot of vitiligo (no pigment), rubs it and comes up to my face.  She rubs my hands where there’s more vitiligo and says, “these white spots are no good. You need to go wash them and come back and see me.”  Then she writes down on her paper that I have cowsie disease and tells me so.  Then she says, “do you have anymore disease?”  Then she sees my veins and says, “those black things are bad for you.  I see some brown things.  That’s bad.”  I say, “what are you going to do for my black things?”  And she says, “you have to take a shot” and gets her PENCIL to poke me.  She marks with her pencil on my vein and says, “oh, sorry.  You are going to have to take shots every single night.  Sorry. ”  I say, “who is going to give them to me?”  and she says, “your husband.”  I say, ” I don’t wnat my husband to give them…he might hurt me.”  And she says, “well then you’ll have to see Dr. Noonie but he’s a little funky.  He has green teeth.”    HAAAAAAAAAA  Ya gotta love the roll playing! (she did tell me I could see her next visit instead of Dr. Noonie.)

Thank You Danielle

Well, after a full year of sibbling-sitting for the Schiel family, we finally get an opportunity to bless Danielle.  Tomorrow is set aside for a day out with Danielle.  Darrel will stay home with Isaac, Hope and Trinity while Dani and I venture out around 7AM and don’t know when we’ll be home.    I’m praying this day will be one of great memories and an awareness of how much we love and appreciate all she’s done to serve our family over the years, especially during our time at Pastor’s College.  My plan is to start with breakfast out and to head to the Galleria area.  Who knows what adventures lie ahead?

7-31-09  It was a great day!  Check out her blog for a bit more information.  danielleschiel.wordpress.com

Your Life Stories

  My grandmother has been emailing me stories, true stories about her life.  Some are hilarious, amazing, dangerously adventurous and glorious at how God answered prayer in her life.  I love hearing about them and sharing them with my children. 

  Do you have stories you haven’t written down?  They may not seem like jewels to you but someone else might think they are.  So, take a few minutes every now and then to write down your stories for generations to come.  Someone like me will thank you for it!

Schiel Family Reunion

This is a photo of the back of Nanny’s shirt. (Darrel’s grandmother)

Here’s Darrel enjoying a glass of tea on the back porch of John and Birdie’s place. 

Here’s Chelsea (my niece) and her little man while waiting on the grub!

Trinity and Grant Schiel getting some cool off time inside the house for a few minutes.

Taking pictures of Melanie (sister) and Grace (mom) during chow down time.  It was delicious! 

Trinity and Grant walking across the ‘wiggly bridge’ at Nanny’s.

Trinity resting in the shade after crossing the ‘wiggly bridge’ at Nanny’s.

Dani at Nanny’s.

Hope in Nanny’s garden.

Uncle John hunts and has cool animals in his house!

The Schiel 7.  Dan (Darrel’s father) is center then going to the right, Aunt Birdie, Uncle Bill and Uncle Richard.

And WHO is Nanny you say?  This is she.  Don’t we look related?  Well, we do have alot in common.  We love gardening, flowers and pizza ‘all the way’!  But watch her smile.  Yeah…she loves me, but watch this.

Need I say more?  Yep, Trinity has a gift.

And what was Hope doing most of the time?

Holding babies.    Hope and Ella Schiel. (cousin)

Funny Dani

  I am trying to clear out old books, clutter and trash out of our homeschool room while Danielle is trying to finish a math lesson.  I am overwhelmed…she is overwhelmed…

  Then I hear this, ” Oh… I have brain-jam!!!  It’s like toe-jam….but worse!” 

We laugh our heads off! 

Ain’t life grand?

At the Schiel’s

Ever heard of a triple decker?  Some say it’s this…

or this…

or even this…

 

But we Schiel’s think this is the most fun kind…please excuse the nudity…:)

Also, much excitement this morning when we saw this beauty off one of our newest Lowe’s blessings a few weeks ago. 

God’s glory being sung out in a chorus of orange!!!

Sieze the Day Before the Face of God

  As I walked this morning waiting to see the sun rise my mind turned to God’s eternalness, He being infinite.  I thought about babies being born and people dying; those who know Christ and those who do not.  I thought about suffering in this world and absolute  joy in heaven with Jesus.  I prayed, shared my heart, my longings, my questions.  And then when I got home and looked over some scripture to memorize I came across this verse…

Psalm 90:12  So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.   AND

Ephesians 5:15 Look carefully at how you walk , not as unwise but wise, 16 making the best use of the time because the days are evil.

I am encouraged to remember my days are numbered and to seek hard after God’s will in my every day living. 

Carpe Diem Coram Deo!

Danielle capturing a bee gathering pollen.

Creativity in Motion

  This is Isaac’s idea of fun.  He’s always played with his food and it hasn’t stopped.  I wonder when he’ll grow out of this?

Man and bull made of grapes and slivered almonds.

Now, our friend David would come over and we’d have a meal.  He’d say “I didn’t come here to talk!”  And this picture made me think of that line, but Trinity’s would be more like, “I didn’t come here to play!”

Surf Side Beach Fun

  Shelly and her kiddo’s came down for a visit on Monday.  Today we ventured out to the beach for a day of fun in the sun.  We were concerned that we might get rain but it was a great day for the beach!  I’ll post pictures after I download them but I’m too tired to get off my bed right now. 

  We swam, waded, waddled, paddled, jumped waves, drank salt water….well, I didn’t but the little ones did.  Ooops.  They weren’t happy about it either but survived.  We built sand castles and dug huge moats around them which the little ones tried to fill up with water.  After about 10 trips to the water and back they finally realized the sand was just soaking it up.    We ate a picnic collected shells and rocks and even some seaweed.  Even after slathering the kids and ourselves several times we still ended up with sun burn but not too badly.  What did we expect after being out there for nearly 7 hours?  Later in the afternoon Elizabeth and I decided to go for a walk and as we were heading back Ethan came running.  Apparently Emberleigh (one of the youngin’s) had been stung either by a jelly fish or something of the sort.  Shelly didn’t know what to use on it so they were coming to ask me.  Well, the man at the front ticket booth said to drive to the nearby store and buy meat tenderizer and something else, but I had always heard that you should use someones urine to neutralize the sting.  I know, it sounds awful, but if you are hurting badly enough you’ll find a way.  Since the man had left for the day and we couldn’t remember what else it was to buy with the tenderizer I told Shelly what I had heard about the other.  So…here we go looking for a cup to take to the port-a-potty.  When she and Ethan were telling her what they were going to have to do she stood there with a towel wrapped around her and a look on her face like, “Are you totally kidding me?”  Then she said, “actually, it’s starting to feel better now.”  Thinking about that now makes me laugh but at the time it wasn’t funny; we were just making sure she was ok, poor thing!  So, other than that episode all was well at the beach today.  

  God is so good to allow us to enjoy one another and His beautiful creation.  Sitting in the sand reminded me of the promise made to Abraham; that his descendants would be like the sands of the sea.  What an amazing and awesome God we serve that He is so personal to give him a promise such as this and that He should give us His word to bless and lead our lives.  We are rich indeed. 

Tomorrow we hope to venture up to downtown Houston to the Childrens Museum.  It is free from 5-8pm and we hope to have some fun there along with hundreds of other kids!  But first we have to do laundry.  With 6 other people in the house, going to the beach and coming home to shower we are now totally out of clean towels! 

Children’s Museum

  Unless you like bumping into a person every two steps you take, voices and music so loud you cannot hear one another speak, so many people around you have a hard time keeping track of your own peeps unless you are holding them or holding their hands in line, taking baby steps to move,  and having people cut in front of you or almost taking toys or tools directly out of your hands, I do not recommend going to the Houston Children’s Museum for free day, Thursday nights from 5-8pm. 

Nuff said.

Teach them diligently

  This blog is for all the mom’s out there; young or old. 

We heard a message a couple weeks ago about running this race together.  How many times have I been running alone and needed the strength of a friend or word of encouragement but chose not to humble myself and make a phone call or ask for help?   Too many. 

Well, no more friends!  We must be diligent to seek out friendships and Godly counsel as a means of encouragement to our lives.  At the same time we will likely be encouraging the one to whom we’ve come to ask!   So, a challenge.  If your schedule truly doesn’t allow for a trip to the park or a couple hours for tea/coffee then phone a friend (or one God is putting on your heart).  Call for prayer or encouragement and be an encouragement as well.  Let us seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added unto us…

For the mother’s about to put your children in school or teach yourself, let us be faithful to the calling of biblical motherhood and teach them diligently.  Let’s pray to be faithful with our TIME!!  The days are flying by as our children/grandchildren are growing up into young men and women.   Let us spend our time in God’s word remembering that “all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent (that’s us and our children), equppied for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17)  May we not be tempted to squander precious moments that could be spent in God’s word by doing things that are wasteful.  By God’s grace may we please God and glorify Him by ordering our day so that we may all walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.  Perhaps we may need to shorten time spent on the computer, time spent reading fictional literature or time spent watching tv or movie watching.  My bent would probably be checking email.  In order to not be as tempted I have put my laptop in a drawer in my desk…out of sight, more out of my mind.  This has been a blessing! 

Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

NOW shining

  Our pastor’s have started a new series in the book of John this past Sunday that will last about a year.  I am very excited to study this book! 

  We read through and heard our first sermon over the first 5 verses.  John 1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In himwas life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

  One thing Grady brought to our attention (my) was that the first 4 versus are past tense…was the Word, was…was…were, etc.  Then in verse 5 “The light SHINES in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  What encouraging words to know that the light is NOW shining in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

Whatever trial you or I am walking through this day or in the days to come we can be assured that the light (present tense…NOW) SHINES.  Christ has done all for us and what hope we have in our Savior Jesus Christ! 

Today (each day), my heart will not be troubled…The light shines and the darkness has not overcome it!

  School officially starts today at the Schiel School of Covenant Faithfulness! 

A day at Surf Side

  Although this was near the end of the day and we were quite the motley crew, we had a great time at the beach last week and created many memories! 

(from left) Emma, Emberleigh, Danielle, Hope, Aspen, Isaac, Auntie Shelly, Trinity, Elizabeth, Ethan Jones

Intramuscular vs. Subcutaneous

  Tomorrow should tell us the truth.  Something extraordinary has happened at the Schiel household and it is a BIG deal! 

  Sunday night I was preparing Hope’s right leg for her MiaCalcin injection.  Not purposefully, but by mere accident, I didn’t tilt the needle quite like I normally do and I believe I gave more of an Intramuscular injection than subcutaneous (fatty tissue).  She didn’t feel a thing!  She had her head burried in “snuggy”, which is a pillow Danielle gets for her to cry into and was laughing.  She lifted her head and said, “did you do it?”, which she knew full well I had because of the way I hold her skin with my other hand.  She was laughing saying, “I didn’t feel it, I didn’t feel a thing!”

   I had no idea why she didn’t feel it but we were thanking God and told her to thank God for His mercy and kindness to her for sparing her pain that night.  Well, Monday night I gave it in the arm and very much a subcutaneous injection (fatty tissue).  I could kind of see it puff up like a little ball and she cried as always.  This evening was the left legs turn and as I was prepping the area with alcohol it hit me!  “It’s like lightning went right to my brain!”  No, it didn’t hurt and I was sure hoping it wasn’t going to hurt Hope either.  I quickly remembered reading something about injections and the difference in ‘feeling it’ when in fatty vs. muscle tissue.  I read that it hurts much less in the muscle.  Less nerve endings perhaps?  I don’t know.  But I thought, “Ok, I’m going to try this deeper again and see if I get the same results.”  Sure enough…she didn’t feel a thing! 

 

  Now, some of you are probably wondering, “why would you give it in the muscle if you were told to give it in the fatty tissue?”  Well, the only reason they told me to give it sub-q in the first place was because they thought that her vomitting was due to it being given intramuscular at first.  No one thought to tell me to try it again to stop the burning once whe was taking Zofran every day! (zofran keeps her from being nauseated). 

  So, for 2 days she has had NO PAIN with her nightly injection and tomorrow I will try and go intramuscular in her arm.  If you read this please be in prayer.  I am very excited at the thought of this but more thankful that she’s had a couple days pain free.  God is so kind!!! 

  So, when we go for her check up on Friday I can tell the endocrinologist all about our findings and share it to help the next poor little child who has to have MiaCalcin shots every day or more.  Praise God!

Intramuscular vs Subcutaneous II

  It didn’t work.  The MiaCalcin injection in her left arm muscle last night hurt just as badly as the others AND it bled a tiny bit which we aren’t used to, NOR did Hope appreciate.  “WHY is there blood?” she said. (as tiny a drop as it was)  So, my theory is wrong.  Perhaps it’s that she’s getting used to the shots in her legs?  Well, whatever the reason she had 2 pain free injections this week and we are thankful! 

  Time to fix some good ole eggs and bacon for breakfast as I meditate on Heb. 12:2 “Looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before him edure the cross…”

We’re Off to See the Wiz… oh, no, the Endocrinologist

  Ok.  Blame the title on my sister.  Growing up her favorite movie was the Wizard of Oz and if my memory serves me correctly, which it usually does NOT, it is still her all-time favorite. 

  I was sooooo blessed to get the opportunity to have coffee last night with a fellow race runner.  She actually competes in Triathalon’s but I am running the race of FAITH in Jesus Christ with her while we are here on this earth.  SO, I say we are running a harder and most important race together.    Anyway, there were so many encouraging words and God used her to minister to me!  Thanks for the time. 

  But I was sharing that Hope had an endocrine appointment sometime next week…on and on and on.   My alarm goes off this morning and I am oh, so tired.  I get up, turn it off (I have my clock in the bathroom so I’ll get OUT of bed) and lay back down.  I must have been in that 1/2 sleep mode and was thinking through my day; excited about another day of learning with the children and then taking them to a light show tonight at Miller Outdoor Theatre and it hits me.  BOOM!  Her endocrine appointment is this morning!!!

  It shall be interesting to see what, if anything, is said and for me to finally find out what her calcium levels have been setting at since I’ve never gotten phone calls returned from the doctor the past two months.     Oh wait…I should be JOYFUL, not angry or bitter.  OK, refocus.

  Thank you Lord for medicine and doctors.  Thank you we have a vehicle to drive to SugarLand and see this doctor who you have pre-ordained to help serve us in this time of sickness.  Thank you we don’t have to drive into the medical center today and thank you I have my health to take my precious daughter there!

Blessings!

Reporting In

  We’re upping Hope’s calcitonin injections from .25 to .30.  Her blood calcium levels are still too high so the doctor would like to try to lower them.  Next week she’ll have a renal ultrasound to check her kidneys.   When this first began in Maryland the clue to something not being right was that a renal ultrasound showed her kidneys to be full of calcium, so we’ll be checking those little babies to see if they’ve cleared up.  She’ll also see a pulmonologist next week to get some new eyes on the CT scan she had and see if there’s anything to the three to five, 4-5mm spots on her lungs, if they are indeed there.  Have you looked at a mm lately?  Pretty small.  Anyway, she did fine, the visit was pretty long due to waiting on new prescriptions and lab forms so I became the patient while Dr. Schiel tried to tell me why I have a large white spot on my foot.  She could not diagnose me!   

  Danielle is going to start paying closer attention to how I give her injections the next couple weeks.  Darrel and I are to attend a pastoral retreat in the Dallas area next month and Hope wants big sister to administer her injections.  I’m praying for them both.  Danielle is usually the one Hope calls on for comfort while I inflict the pain and now she’ll be inflicting the pain.  Hope said she will rely on Isaac for comfort!  OK, now we really need to pray!!!!! 

  Seriously, this will be a challenge for everyone involved…. me having to let go, Danielle putting her faith and trust in God for guidance and courage, Hope  for trust in a new helper to administer and comfort, and Isaac to show forth compassion which is not his forte.  It’s a great comfort to know God is in control of this whole situation!

I just hope we don’t come home to see them looking like this!

By the Will of God

  Have you ever written something down and months or years later went back and read it again to either be saddened or encouraged by it?  This was my experience this morning.  As I was typing in a devotional journal entry in my notes I came upon en entry written just under a year ago that spurred my soul to GREAT rejoicing.  If you are reading this you can be assured it is God’s will and you too may be encouraged.

I just read Ephesians ch. 1 vs 1 that says

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God”

 I could say, Shari, a disciple of Christ, by the will of God.  Not by my will not by my parents or grandparents will, not by my husbands, my pastor, my Christian friends, my childrens’ but by the will of GOD.  I lay here right now reading HIS word and having a longing to know more of HIM to share His truth with others, to encourage their souls to the glory of Christ our Lord not by MY will or anything or anyone elses but By The Will Of God.  How wonderful!  How marvelous!  How amazing!  Nothing good we do or comes out of us is by our doing.  We are sinners saved by grace and it is only his loving hand full of grace and mercy that we have any longing to do His will.  He draws us to each of these longings.  In ourselves we are full of self, pride, pity, vanity, self glorification, but because of shedding His blood for us, we are new creatures and seen with a robe of white, pure and clean before the Father enthroned above.  Magnificent! ! !

Salvation and Baptism

  Yesterday Darrel preached a sermon out of John 1:35-51.  At the end of the sermon Grady stated the fact that we didn’t want to transition out of a state of worship but if anyone felt the spirit drawing them or needed prayer to come forward and pray.  Hope turned to me and said, “Mommy, should I go pray with Daddy?”  I said, “yes” and we went forward.  Hope accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. 

  She attests that she believes in God the Father, almighty maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ His only begotten son our Lord.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, He was crucified, buried and died.  He descended into hell and on the 3rd day rose again.  He is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. 

  Hope has been through a lot physically, especially in the last year.  She’s had hundreds of needle pokes whether shots, butterfly needles to draw bood and IV’s.  Whether it is due to these events or just her personality, she doesn’t like to cry.  But when she went up to tell her daddy she wanted to pray for salvation she was overcome with emotion and tears.  She buried her head in his shoulders and cried.  Darrel and I were also overcome by seeing the spirit at work in her life.  We prayed with and thanked God for His faithfulness to her little life!  ANGELS WERE REJOICING IN HEAVEN over another soul coming to Christ!

  Then about 20 minutes after this blessed event we had the distinct pleasure of seeing our son, Isaac, baptised.  What a joyous day!!!

What kind of JOY is this?

  What do I have that Christ has not given me?  What joy is this that is immoveable which cannot be shaken?  Even in a sea of hardships the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ stands me on a rock solid foundation that cannot move me!  I sing a joy song of a soul that’s forgiven and free!!! 

  My fullest and ultimate JOY is found in my Savior Jesus Christ!!! 

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for JOY,

                      and spread your protection over them, that those who love you name may

                      exult in you.

Pleading for Zeal Anew

  It’s 9:16pm.  I should be getting ready for bed but I thought, “I’m feelin’ a little low.  I should share.” 

We had a fantastic few days in Frisco meeting other pastor’s and elders in our region.  It was a time of rest and encouragement.  Sunday was a wonderful day hearing God’s word preached in John chapter 2.  I’m so thankful for our pastor, Darrel & Dustin who study and seek God to explain God’s word to we the sheep. 

Then today, whew…like a whirlwind…so busy.  Grocery list, shopping, laundry (which I hardly got any finished), dishes (which Danielle did mostly).  Ok, so I have forgotten I started the morning out making beignets since we were totally out of food.    Thanks to Mr. Montravadi our household was very happy…the coffee with chickory was fantastic too.    I didn’t know I’d like it so much!   Kiddo’s forgetting to leave the chlorine floater in the pool while we are gone so now it’s turning green!  Ick…lotsa cleaning out filters, adding algeacide and shocking, vacuuming….   And no, this is not a picture of our pool.  HA

Anyway, by the time I get to ‘my office’ to start working on schooling for this week, I have a phone call to return concerning a new CT scan our pulmonologist wants to perform on Hope.  We need to see if the spots on her lungs have resolved or have changed after 7 months.  This leads into another phone call I should have made several weeks ago to Johns Hopkins about how much radiation she’s already recevied from her previous CT in February…long story…I was told she should NOT have any more done (like ever).  But, after confirming information with 3 radiologists and a pediatric doctor, she had very limited radiation done with a spiral CT   (the only kind they perform anymore/ Praise GOD!!!) and it’s ok to have one if necessary.  We are now at peace.  She is scheduled to have one Monday afternoon.

Oh, I could chatter on and on about how I didn’t get any school planning done, just the scheduling mentioned above and paying some bills.  My mind is all over the place and it’s been so lovely outside, esp. this evening…I just want to sit and watch my children play.  (Actually, I did just stand at the trampoline and watch Isaac, Hope and Trinity put on their little ‘shows’.  Then we were sucked into the sunset and noticed a sliver of the moon.    I began singing a Sarah Groves song “I am the moon with no light of my own, still you have made me to shine.  And as I glow in this cold, dark night, you know I can’t be a light unless I turn my face to you, no I’ll never be a light unless I turn myself to you. Without You I’m a cold dark stone…”  Then Isaac says, “you know mom, I guess God made the sun and moon as a reminder to us, didn’t he?”)  (I know….this is the best part of homeschooling.  The Spirit at work.) 

  I feel I’ve lost my drive,   my will to teach the academic part of ‘homeschooling’.  SO, I will get down on my knees tonight (well, probably lie in my bed) and in the morning giving thanks to the Father above for His goodness to us in sending Jesus to suffer and DIE in my place.  Then ask for mercy, strength and ZEAL anew to teach my children why it’s important to know what a conjunction is, how to sound out ing, ang and ong and why 1+1=2.    “Thank you Lord for again showing forth my weaknesses so I can see my great need for you.”

God is good!  Psalm 118:1 “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good!”

Funny Trinity Sayings

Danielle points to a pig and asks, “What is this?”  Trinity replies, “it’s his honk.”

Isaac is telling her what she needs to do and she exclaims, “Stop charging me!”

Isaac keeps hitting her on the bottom and she demands, “Stop hitting my hunk!”

Mom says, “come over here and finish writing the letter ‘p’ on your paper.”  Trinity, “no comprendo”. (thanks to Larry the Cucumber)

And yes, you have to be there to experience the facial expressions given with the excalmations which cause everyone in the room to stop and laugh heartily!

Update on Hope

  Life is moving at a quick pace.  Just trying to rise early to get a walk in occasionally and have my devotional/quiet time, food preparation throughout the day, keeping the home, serving my hsuband and children and homeschooling, I literally do not find time to do the things I used to enjoy.  I’m not complaining but explaining why I don’t blog much these days.  Tonight I am leaving 5 math papers and an essay to be graded so that I can shower and get to bed on time.  The older I get the more precious rest is to me. :O)

  So, Hope had her lung CT scan on Monday.  I heard from our endocrinologist yesterday and the results look the same as in February…no change.  The spots are still there but haven’t grown.  Without going into too much detail, we will have a simple calcium lab drawn tomorrow to check her levels since we upped her MiaCalcin late August.  If her #’s are still high they are thinking about putting her on another medication due to the calcification in her kidney’s.  This is a concern.  We do have a renal appointment soon and will discuss matters with them  as well as having genetic labs drawn at Texas Children’s to see if this is a rare genetic disorder.  So, for now, she’s still taking daily injections and we continue thanking God for his extended mercy on her life.

Shari’s Ramblings

  At one point in our blogging history Darrel was going to ‘Tweet” or “Twitter” or whatever bird sound people make these days, that was going to show up on my blog; namely Darrel’s Ramblings.  Well, for some reason that just didn’t pan out. 

  As I thought through what I’d like to write down or remember today I realized my thinking was much like my sweeties in that we feel we are rambling.  So, I will lean my head back, try to relax and think logically for sweet people who will read this entry.  Who knows, one day my children might even thank me for it. 

  The papers still remain ungraded on my desk but I made some sweet corn/craisen muffins for my kids this morning for breakfast.  Hope hit the floor running as soon as she was out of bed.  She was up and reading her school book before breakfast time.  Everyone was enthusiastic about learning today which put me in a really good mood.    We were finished in record time and readied ourselves for a drive to Sugarland for labs.  I had time to call a friend, make her laugh and for her to share a prayer request.  Trinity decided she wanted to come along which was great!  Although Hope and I usually have a good mommy/daughter time on lab days, Trinity coming along was God ordained.  She and Hope played and laughed in the van coming and going which was well needed for their relationship.  Hope didn’t cry or wiggle during the blood draw…everyone was very proud of her.  When we stopped at the store Trinity and Hope were walking arm in arm, singing and being silly.  It didn’t hurt that I’d just splurged and bought them a tiny little bag of chips they were about to share in the van.  Ah, the joy a little food can bring.  

  We stopped at HEB to pick up a few little pumpkins as we are going to make pumpkin owls.  Danielle has grown to appreciate owls lately (she sees them on many things and thinks they’re cute) and I saw a picture of some in a magazine.  I thought she’d enjoy making them with me so we’ll try and finish those up tomorrow. 

Ours won’t look just like this but this gives you the basic idea. 

  I’ve just begun a new study during my quiet time.  I’ve concluded now is the perfect time to do a study on marriage while Darrel and I are experiencing a very good season than to wait for ‘crisis management’.  There is a resource I’ve had for a few years but never found time to go through it completely by Door Posts (http://www.doorposts.com/) called As Unto the Lord.   Truthfully, this morning I was distracted by another book lying by my devotional carrier that Darrel just got called                                   The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. Doesn’t that sound like a really interesting book to read? (http://www.ligonier.org/publishing_reformationtrust_catalog_christianlover.php).  Believe me, it is nothing like the title leads you to think it, at least not the first 35-40 pages.   After I read about 20 minutes I thought, this is depressing.  Is this supposed to inspire me to speak sweet nothings in my mans ear?  Well, I think the book has another purpose but I’ll let Darrel figure that out.  ha  For now I will  focus on As Unto the Lord in the morning with hopes that I will grow closer to my Lord, closer to my husband, learn how to be a better helper to him and prepare my heart and life to be the bride of Christ Jesus!

  OH, and I almost forgot something totally cute Trinity said this evening.  She and I took a stroll down to the mailbox together.  While we were out she started in on her , “So, hello Ms. Stem” thing she plays with me and we were in her make believe world.  When we got back to the house I was really into my part and said, “Oh, my goodness, these little scarecrows are just adorable here by your front door.”  She smiled and said, ” Yes, they are.  And see these?”  as she points to a pot with some orange mums about to bloom. I say, ” Those are so pretty.” Then she points to a few Zinneas and says, ” And see these?  These are zippy nuts.  Do you like them?”  It was all I could do not to crack up laughing…it was adorable! 

Weighing In

  When I think of the phrase ‘Weighing In’ I usually think of a boxer, an athlete, a jockey, or me standing on the scale hoping I had not gained a pound for the week. 

  But this morning I read these words and saw ‘Weighing In’ in a new light.  The question was posed in my new study, ‘As Unto the Lord’ and it asked, “Do I pray for wisdom and weigh my words carefully before speaking to my husband?”

  Thankfully, I have grown in this area but I have a LOOOONG way to go.  Obviously, the Lord thinks I have a way to go too because He brought me to this question with conviction.  Yes, I do pray, occasionally, for wisdom before speaking to my husband and yes, I do weigh my words, occasionally, and sometimes carefully before speaking to him.  But, overall this is an area in which I need much grace and help.  So, as I continue on in this study I hope to add to my daily prayers, the above question.   Also, if you are a close friend who has the opportunity to listen to how I speak to my husband, would you please bring it to my attention if I say anything disrespectful or my tone is sinful?  In all things, including speaking to my husband, I long to bring Him glory. 

Psalm 141:3  Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 10:31-32 The mouth of the just rings forth wisdom; but the perverse tongue shall be cut off.  The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

Ecclesiastes 10:12  The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Scarves

  I’ve inherited several dozen fabulous scarves from my Grandmother who is now celebrating in heaven with the Lord.  Not being a scarf wearer, I need a few tips on how to use them.  I found this great, short video online and thought I’d pass it along to my friends.  And if you have other tips please send them along.  Happy scarf wearing!

http://www.frugalupstate.com/2009/08/frugal-fashion-eleven-ways-to-wear-a-scarf.html

That’s My Girl

Trinity spots Darrel’s hoodie, looks at the size of the arm holes and gets a great idea!  She is too hilarious.

Here she is trying to grab me, as well as everyone else without being able to see a thing.  It was quite the morning!

Serving Humbly

  During my morning devotional the question posed was, “In all the words that I speak to my husband is my purpose to humbly serve him, to build him up, and to be a minister of God’s grace in his life?”

  Romans 14:19 says “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” 

The word that sticks out to me is pursue.  Does God really mean for me to pursue this?  What exactly is pursuing?  One definition for pursue is to follow urgently, usually with the intent of capture; to seek; to participate actively.   Am I seeking to capture what makes for peace and mutual upbuiling between our marriage relationship? 

Well, I don’t think I set out to pursue discord or tearing him or our relationship down.  But by not deliberately pursing what makes for peace and upbuilding I could easily be doing just the opposite of what God calls me to do. 

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.“  

Darrel and I have a fun-loving relationship, most of the time, and can begin joking which can then lead into sarcasm.  Sarcasm is an interesting thing, isn’t it?  How many times have you been sarcastic with someone “Joking” all the while but in your heart of hearts mean every last word you’ve spoken very seriously.  Guilty as charged! (me)   The word sarcasm comes from an ancient Greek word which means, “to tear flesh”.    There can be no good or upbuilding in my marital relationship with this type of bantering or ‘tearing of flesh’, of which I’ve just learned.  The ESV study bible states, “To ‘give grace’ in speaking means to benefit others rather than corrupt them through what is said. ”

Lord, may the words that I speak to Darrel become purposeful by your mercy.  Grant me the ability to humbly serve him, to build him up and to be a minister of Your grace in his life.  My I do him good and not evil all the days of our lives. (Prov. 31:12)

Bloody Nose

Trinity: “Mamma, I’m sorry I said something I wasn’t supposed to say.”

Me: ” Oh, honey.  What was it you said?”

Trinity: “I said bloody nose.”

Me:  Snickering under my breathe and being extremely thankful for her tender heart…”It’s ok honey.  The context in which you used the word bloody was ok this time.”

(she has heard it said as an exclamatory, in old British films “oh, bloody hell”)

Honoring Commitments

  The question I read this morning out of my marriage study in “As Unto the Lord” by Doorposts was easy for me to answer.  “Do I keep my word with my husband?  Do I honor the promises and commitments that I have made?”

  “Oh, yes.”  I said very easily and proudly.  This is something I do well.  I teach our children and am committed to this, I pay our bills on time, keep the house as well as I’m able with the time I have left over each day, feed the family, work to show hospitality on Sunday’s with whatever function or family we may be having at our home after church.  Yes, yes. 

  Then God brought to my memory Friday morning.  Oooohhh…. Lord, thank you for the reminder.  Thank you for reminding me of how prideful I am, how stubborn and un-submissive I can be in the midst of thinking how ‘good’ I am. 

  Friday morning was preparatory for a trip north to Conroe.  I was to sing for a wedding on Sat. and we were venturing up there to spend the night with Papa and Grandma Grace.  Darrel was mowing the lawn and I opted to help him by doing a little edging with the weed eater and then vacuum out some of the algea in our pool.  Doing this was selfish on my part because I am the pool lady.  I  know if I don’t get the green out before I shut the pool down it’s going to be in a terrible state next spring when it’s time to refill.  So, I begin vacuuming.  Darrel wanted me to go inside and start packing and getting ready to go so that I would not be stressed and irritated, as I can so often get, when 1PM drew near and it was time to go.  “5 minutes.”  I said, “Just let me vacuum out part of the pool for 5 minutes!”  So, Darrel relents and says, “Ok, you have 5.” 

  Well, 5 minutes ain’t long!  And after 5 minutes I kept on going.  “Just a few more minutes and I can have 1 layer of this mess out of the pool!”  Darrel kept encouraging me to ‘keep my word’ by telling me to stop or tapping the arm with his watch, but I conveniently ignored him.  

  Now, I could think, “this was no big deal really…it didn’t take me too long.”  But I was sinning against God by not honoring & respecting my husband and his wishes.  He had my and my families best interest in mind and I selfishly ignored them.  I tempted him to anger in the process as well and ended up leaving my necklace, which was a major accessory to my outfit for the wedding, toothbrush and hair spray at home! 

  Of course, I lived with out them and used Hope’s toothbrush (ew), and Grace’s hair spray and went without the necklace, but I didn’t honor my Lord. 

Deuteronomy 23:23 “You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.”  The ESV study bible states vows are to be kept because God keeps his promises and desires that his people imitate his moral character.

Fortunately, the Lord didn’t allow me to go on long without repenting to Him & Darrel.  In the van on the way I repented of my haughtiness, pride and out-right lying.  I said 5 minutes but in my heart of hearts I knew I wanted to vacuum the entire area of the bottom of that pool.  He so kindly forgave me.  My prayer is that I will be more aware of letting my yes be yes and no being no.  Too often I fear I do not remember to honor God completely in this area.   Thank you Lord for loving me enough to remind me to keep my word.  It is my desire to imitate your character as you prepare us to be your bride!     

Catechism Songs

  After breakfast the kid’s and I sing these songs.  They are a great tool in building a strong foundation for their faith and understanding in Jesus Christ and Who God is.  I have printed out the questions and words in large fonts for the ones’ who can already read, otherwise they just listen and learn.  Each childs’ learning pace is different but learning 1 per week for the longer questions usually works well.  There are 4 different cd’s but I’ve added a picture of the first only.  I highly recommend them!

Honesty

  Am I honest with my husband, not witholding information and being careful to always say what is clearly true? 

2 Corinthians 8:21  “for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”

Psalm 51:6  “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”

The ESV study bible expounds, “I Seek Restoration and Renewal. The proper posture of the penitent is to crave a fresh sense of God’s presence (vv. 8–9, 11), a deeper purification of the moral life (vv. 6, 10, 12), and a credible witness to the unfaithful (v. 13). The focus is on the inmost self, from which obedient actions flow: inward being, secret heart (v. 6); clean heart, right spirit (v. 10). The goal of this confession is not self-abasement but a renewal of the joy and gladness (v. 8) that the faithful have in God’s presence.

 

We finally made IT!

  Hurricaine Ike hit our house and thousands of others last year while we were living in Gaithersburg, MD.  When the house was being repaired and fence re-built I asked The Sinclair’s, who were renting our home, to please keep any scraps of wood that were usable. 

  One Sunday afternoon when David and Betty were here for the weekend I asked David to help me sketch out a plan to make a gardening table out of the scraps.  Wishing he could do it himself, or at least stay and help me, he still wrote out the plans with me on a little piece of scrap paper, including all the screws and bolts I would need.

  Within about 2 weeks I had purchased all the supplies I needed…now to find the time!  It’s been nearly 4 months since this sketch was made and I’m proud to say we finally made IT!  Thanks to Darrel being sick this weekend and a beautiful day, the Lord provided.  (We were to have a houseful of guests this afternoon but had to cancel due to Darrel being ill.  he is feeling better; and we did miss getting to know the singles and college age ladies and gentlement…but one day…)

  It started out as a project I wanted to do with Isaac but ended up with sweet Danielle helping me finish it.  Here are a few photo’s of us creating our new/used gardening table.

Since all the wood was scrap we had LOTS of nails to remove first.  This was pretty hard for the kids so this job was primarily mine.  Most of the larger ones came out but I let Isaac hammer the small ones all the way in or fold them over and into the board.  He liked that! 

Here’s my little buddy helping me drill holes in the legs to insert the bolts.  It’s a good thing no engineers were around or they would have been going crazy.  We were winging it but we did try and keep everything level.

Ah, yes, my Dani girl.  Standing there holding the boards for me while I cut them with the power saw.  Wearing Isaac’s airsoft gun glasses protected her eyes from flying saw dust.  She’s so like me.  Feminine (wearing her dress) while using power tools!!!    She was a huge help making our table.  Great times!

Well, this is IT!  How do you think it turned out?  Well, it’s level and JUST what I’d hoped for.  We put it on the east side of the house by the formal dining windows.  I hope to buy a couple good shade plants to set out on top since it doesn’t get a whole lot of sun. 

My two helpers posing for a picture for mama as they are filled with joy over looking at our final piece of ‘work’.  Thank you Lord for the idea, the left over wood, money for the bolts and screws, the time and health to do it!!

Do I Talk too Much?

  This is the question in my study this morning which makes me laugh!  I have been known to talk a lot but this question is posed toward my husband.  In the past I might answer “yes” to this question but with our busy lives and 4 children I don’t think talking to him too much is a problem right now.  This is a good question to ponder and hide in my heart however. 

Proverbs 10:19 “ When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Proverbs 21:23 ” Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

Due to my lack of conviction on the above questions I moved forward to the next which is where the Lord is working.  “Do I talk enough to my husband, remaining open with him, carefully communicating important information to him, encouraging him, praising him, and seeking his counsel?”

Proverbs 15:7 “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish does not so.”

Proverbs 15:14 “The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.”

Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.”

Contentment

  Thinking on contentment is something I do a lot of late because I fight for it.  There is a war going on inside me and the battle is fierce.  Thankfully, the spirit that lives in me is greater so I am drawn to feed on God’s word and fight. 

  There are several thoughts I battle right now but the biggest is one with Hope.  I know she’s God’s first.  I remember stating this with my own mouth the day she was born as the emergency team was strapping her little body in a transport box to take her from me to Texas Children’s Hospital.  “This child is God’s and He will do with her what He wills.”  I could have only said that, again, by the spirit of God which lives in me.  No loving mother lets her child go easily.  But this is something God is continually calling me to and after 6 years it seems more difficult.  You’d think after living longer, having more children and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ it would be easier…but it has not been so, or doesn’t feel so right now.

  I took Hope to a renal specialist on Tuesday as we discussed the health of her kidney’s.  They are still full of calcium but are functioning well.  Ridding her kidney’s of calcium is important and the underlying cause for them being full is her hypercalcemia, which is still undiagnosed;  I mean, we do not know why she has hypercalcemia.  Our endocrinologist, rheumatologist, cardiologist, and now renal doctor all agree that having some genetic testing is the road to take now.  So we did.  We will wait about a month to see if Hope has a genetic disorder that would have been present at birth but we would not have known it…not until the symptoms presented themselves so strongly over time to climax while up in Maryland.  The genetic disorder is known as Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH).  If this is what she has then there is no cure.  She will take MiaCalcin injections the rest of her life or if they stop working, some other form of medication available to keep her calcium levels down.

  I lie in bed singing the kids catechism song, ” What are the decrees of God?  The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of His will.  Where by for His own glory He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.” …and I cry. 

  I pray, “Dear God, ruler of heaven and earth who formed everything with your words.  Will you not heal this child?”

Then I think of sin entering the world by our disobedience and all the work, suffering and sickness which came by it.  I know our bodies will one day die; they are not eternal but only our souls.  Hope has accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.  I’ve said this once and will probably say it at least a hundred more, “she has received her ultimate healing already.” 

  It is still hard.  So, I continue reading over a devotional by Susannah Spurgeon which encourages my soul and motivates me to rest in Jesus Christ and His sovereignty over everything.  This is only a small part of the devotional:

“I remember once reading words to this effect– that, the moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how may we lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how we can best glorify God in it, and most quickly learn the lesson which he desires to teach us by it.  Had we grace and faith enough to do this, our trials and troubles would be but as so many steps by which we should climb to the mountain top of continual fellowship and peace with God.  The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing god’s hand in all that concerns it, cannot be a prey to fear; it looks beyond all second causes, straight into the heart and will of God, and rests content, because he rules.”

Enters Trinity

The Setting:  Isaac and Hope in den area; me (mother) in kitchen viewing play time while fixing lunch.

Enters Trinity:  wearing something strange & speaking to her sibblings…

“ MOMMY, LOOK AT MY NEW SKIRT.   I GOT MY BUM INTO A SHIRT!”

Outbursts of laughter errupt.     We have a comedian and a poet!

Willing to Wait

   Question for the morning: “Am I willing to wait for the right time and place to prayerfully discuss differences with my husband?”

   Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7  “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” 7 “A time to tear and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak.” ESV

   Ecclesiastes 8:5 ” Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and just the way.” ESV

   Proverbs 29:20 ” Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.” ESV

  Proverbs 29:11  “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” ESV

I also appreciate this version “A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Prov. 29:11

Prayer: “Lord, help me be willing to wait for the right time and place to discuss differences with Darrel.  Draw me to prayer, to pray hard and seek your will in the discussion.  Help me be humble, to listen patiently and show him respect.  Let me be the perfect helper for him.  Let our lives and marriage bring glory to your name.”

The Kindness of God

  Isa. 54:10 “My kindness shall not depart from thee”

 “Sometimes we like to think of the consolation that awaits us in heaven, when our warfare is accomplished, and our iniquity is pardoned; but here, in this precious word, we have comfort and help for the daily life and strife of earth.

  The Kindness of God!  It is unutterable, illimitable, unchangeable!  Every believer has experienced it; but the whole host of the redeemed, gathered from all lands, throughout all ages, could not tell the heights and depths and lengths and breadths of this ‘great’, ‘everlasting’, ‘loving’ kindness which dwells in the heart of God for his people.  “  Susannah Spurgeon

  Although I have no power to do what is right, to be obedient to my Lord, to live a holy life for Him, He reminds me that “his grace is sufficient for his strength is made perfect in weakness.” 

  Great is Thy faithfulness, oh, God my Father.  There is no shadow of turning with thee.  Thy changest not they compassions they fail not, as Thou hast been Thou forever will be!!! 

Disagreements

  “After respectfully appealing to my husband, do I quietly and peacefully accept his final decisions and actions, even when I disagree with him?”

  This questions causes a great Hmmm to come out from within me.  I believe I can quietly and peacefully accept his final decisions but what is my heart doing?  Is it screaming out angrily or joyfully submitting?  Is it building up bitterness because I disagree with him or humbly accepting the providence of God; at the same time being thankful God gave him over me as an under-shepherd and protector? 

  Ecc. 9:17   “The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.”

Phil 2:14  “Do all things without grumbling and complaining.”

Ecc 4:6  ” Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and striving after the wind.”

1 Peter 3:5-6   “For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”

Psalm 50:10  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.:

My Words

  Do my words show reverence for my husband as God’s appointed head over me, even when he has failed, sinned, or deeply wronged me?

  Ephesians 4:31  “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

  Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

Proverbs 16:21 ” The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.”

Proverbs 16:23 ” The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”

Behavior

  Well, that concludes the section about All Due Reverence in Heart.  Today begins with the honor which I owe to my husband is: All Due Reverence in Behavior. 

  She begins by defining Due, Reverence and Behavior.  I won’t type this out for the sake of time but highly recommend looking these words up to get a clear, fresh meaning.  Then I’m posed with the question, “Do my actions clearly demonstrate godly reverence for my husband?” 

  Pondering this question is sure to bring conviction and repentance as God immediately brings situations to my mind.

Proverbs 20:11 ” Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

1 Peter 2:17 “Honor all men.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the king.” 

Lord Jesus, let me bring you glory by not only demonstrating godly reverence to other men but to the husband you have brought into my life.  Thank you for loving me enough to convict me of sin and bring me to repentance for it would not be if I were left to myself.

Matthew 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.”

More Important

  Is my husband more important to me than my children, my friends, my relatives?  Wow!  This is a great question to ponder in my current season of life.  I’m a mother of four and home school.  The majority of my time is taken up by feeding, teaching and training children.  But even in other stages of life I can see how children, friends, relatives, hobbies, etc. could be placed before my husband.  The question here isn’t a time issue, for no doubt I spend more time with my children, but a heart issue.  I should ask Darrel regularly if he feels most important under God. 

Genesis 2:23-24 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Mark 10:8 “And the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.”

I always care for my own needs.  I desire to obey & glorify God, be  joyful, content, fulfilled, etc.  Thus, if I am one flesh with my husband I will pray for his needs as well and serve him in whatever way I may help him best.  (And the sure way to know how I can be the best helper to him is to ask him!)

Noah’s Ark

Shari- on computer trying to fix facebook friend stuff for my friend Irma.

Isaac- entering the room “Guess what I was playing in the shower mama?”

Shari- “What?”

Isaac- “Noah and the Ark.”

Shari- “How were you playing that in the shower?”

Isaac- “I put the wash cloth over the drain and was filling it up.” (this is a stand up shower, by the way, not a tub)

Shari- “WHAT?”

Isaac- “Yeah, I let it fill up and was pretending I was drowning and then let it out.”

Shari- (he’s done this before) “I TOLD you NEVER to do that again.” (as he’s giggling and running away from me as I’m trying to grab him to smack his little bottom.)

Isaac- “hahahaha”

Shari-  “I’m going to blog about this one as your punishment.”

Isaac- “No, no don’t blog about me!”

Gotta Admit It

Ok.  I have to admit it.  I really like these guys!!!

Before Myself

  Do I put my husband’s needs, goals, and wishes before my own?  My first thought here is, do I directly ask him what his needs, goals and wishes are?  Far too many times I assume what those might be and later find out I was mistaken.  I should always take time to directly ask what his needs, goals and wishes are in order to help and serve him better.

1 Corinthians 11:7-9  “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.  For the man isnot of the woman; but the woman of the man.  Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”

John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

1 Corinthians 10:24  “Let mo man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”

Romans 12:10  “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”

Matthew 20:28  “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Never Stop Learning

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11)

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Although reading other books and study is good, nothing surpasses the reading of God’s word and continuing to learn from Him.  Thank you Lord for your Word.

Praying for Your Children

  I was drawn to pray Friday afternoon and turned to Proverbs for wisdom.  I began rewording it a bit as a prayer for my family, especially our children.  I was freshly reminded of how powerful it is to pray the word of God and am now writing out these prayers to pray regularly.  No word of mine could surpass the words of God, so I will be praying more biblically as I write these out.  Of course, I’m sure I’ll utter my usual prayers of “HELP” when needed! 

God’s Timely Blessings

   Our garage door opener has a mind of its own and is infuriating at times.  I was trying to leave the house yesterday and tried to get it to close for at least 10 minutes while the kids waited in the van; could have been longer.  It never would shut.  And you may be asking why I didn’t just close it manually?…Well, the handle which pops it out to allow us to shut it by hand was broken off and the only way to detach it is by popping out a pin, of which I tried and failed. 

  Today the girls wanted to ride bicycles and my first thought was, “Oh, no.  Not the garage door again.”  So, they go for a nice ride and then come back in.  Garage door will not close.

  A few hours later, garage door still open, I see a man through the home school window, walk up near our house.  Inside I get a slight pang of fear as I think of someone stealing our lawn mower, bicycles or other items, so I run downstairs and storm out the door.  No man. Whew!  It was just the Energas guy checking the meters, but I thought, “This is ridiculous.”  So, I find a sticker attached to the garage door, call them and begin to inquire for help.  After a sweet lady verifies that they did install the door and opener she tells me it is $85 fee for a service technician to come out. 

  (One must get a bit of background info as to why we are so annoyed by this opener.  When we bought the house we had problems with it right away and had a tech come out 3 times.  I tried to get it replaced but they wouldn’t do it.  While we were renting our home for the 10 months we were in Gaithersburg, they too had problems with it.  It literally does what it wants when it wants.  So, now we’re home…it does fine for a few weeks and then…oops, doesn’t want to close. Grrr.)

  After she so patiently listened to my troubles she suggested I clean the sensors with q-tips and alcohol and I agree to do so but also share with her that $85 is not in our budget at this time.  She’s so kind and I thank her for her help.

  About 5 minutes after this call she calls back.  “Is this Shari?”, she says.  “Yes, ma’am, it is.”  “I am going to be sending a technician to your home tomorrow at no charge.  Will you be home tomorrow?”  “Yes, ma’am, I will.  Oh, you are so kind, thank you so much!!!”  “You be sure and tell him all the trouble you’ve been having with that opener, ok?” 

  Thank you Lord for such a timely blessing.  I am overwhelmed by how you care for your people!

Surfside Beach

  The kids and I are heading out to the beach one last time before it really cools off.  We have several fun games planned and a lot of rock collecting to do to finish off the border of our flower bed.  I hope to get some pictures this time as the last two times we just went to enjoy.  I can get a little trigger happy with the camera and not focus on enjoying myself and the kids.  Hopefully I can keep a balance today! 

I Blew It Again!

  Oh, for the day when we are in heaven with our Savior and perfected to no more sin!!  I am a perfectionist, or lean toward that type of personality.  But God, in His kindness, is changing me.  For someone like me, dealing with imperfect people gives me many opportunities to grow in patience and see my ugly sin.  (and vice versa for them! ha)Yesterday was one of those days.  See those beautiful children in the picture above?  Well, they aren’t always smiling so sweetly and being so kind to one another.  That’s what I want!  And in my impatience for what Christ is doing in their lives, I blew it again!

  So, without going into great detail, my prayer today is as follows: (adapted from Col. 1:9-14)

  “Dearest Jesus, please do not cease to plead for me to the Father that I might be filled with the knowledge of Your will.  Please give me all spiritual wisdom & understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of You Lord, fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You, God.    Please strengthen me with all power, according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,  giving thanks to You Father.  You have qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints of light!  Thank you God!!  You have delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom I have redemption for the forgiveness of sins.  Please forgive me for my selfishness and impatience.  Thank you for mercy anew today to live for Your glory.”

So Many Pictures, So Little Time to Post

  I have a LOT of great pictures on my computer!  I’d love to share them all but time just doesn’t permit.  Here are a few I really like.  It rained a few weeks ago and the kids asked to go ‘jumping’ in the rain.  Since it wasn’t thundering and lightening I said yes.  Here’s some of what went on.

 Here Isaac shows us that the rain is quite painful!

Let ME be the center of attention!

No, ME!

2 Against 1 boy!

Schiel Peace!

Punctured Lip

  Just posting about this so I won’t forget when it happened…Isaac had either his top or bottom teeth go through his bottom lip this afternoon while playing hard with boys in the backyard.  (It’s actually the skin immediately below the lip)  I’ve yet to get the whole story on the matter but will wait a few more days until it heals up better.  Talking about it becomes quite an emotional ordeal and I’m trying to keep him from splitting the wound open.  Prayerfully, it will heal well on the outside tonight and won’t require us taking him in for stitches tomorrow.  The inner lip area is quite swollen but seems to be healing nicely the first night.  Thanksgiving meal won’t be quite as fun for him but will help him be more thankful for future meals no doubt.  Very encouraged that he was able to brush his teeth without complaint, as I thought we’d have to try some other form of teeth cleaning for a few days!  Way to go son!  So thankful he wasn’t hurt worse and no teeth were loosened or busted out! 

Fairly Consistent

  I have been blogging fairly consistently from As Unto the Lord: A tool for wives who want to Glorify God.  I am needing to take a hiatus from this study as God is calling me to read more on training our children and to focus on the joy of the Lord.  No one knows better than my Father that when homeschooling 4 children one needs the joy of the Lord to be her strength and this is something that has waned over the past couple of years.  God is calling me to teach with joy.  I need to be reminded of WHY I am doing this and that it isn’t just something I/we chose to do but that it indeed is a calling on my/our life. 

    As a homeschooling mother I must first hunger and thirst for righteousness.  I must not hunger and thirst for ‘me time’ or things I want to do first, but for God.   “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

HOW fun is this?  It is snowing down south east Texas in Rosharon!  Woo hoo.  The kids are having a ball.  Right now I’m watching Trinity hold a shovel while Isaac and Joel (our neighbor) are filling, packing and dumping a huge plastic bucket to build their fortress.    It is so cute!

  Here are a few pics so far. 

 

The kids saying SNOW instead of cheese!  From left: Hope, Jolene, Joel, Trinity, Isaac and Shane

Genetic Results are In

  Hope does not have FHH (Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia).  After 9 months of blood tests doctor’s are still unable to diagnose the underlying cause of Hope’s hypercalcemia.  They finally decided to test her blood for a genetic mutation in which the Calcium Sensing Receptor (CASR) loses its function.  After 6+ weeks, the test came back negative.

  Rejoicing that the Lord knows what is going on in Hope’s little body and that He has a plan for her life.  We are growing through this journey each day and are thankful for His love and kindness toward us.

Life at the Schiel’s

  This is a very busy season at our home as it is for many.  Hope’s appointment with her endocrinologist was routine.  We did up her MiaCalcin from .28 to .30 in hope’s of lowering the amount of calcium in her urine and blood.  All lab reports were showing things up higher than last month and we need them lower.

  Schooling is going….well, let’s just say it’s going and I’m trusting God.  Danielle is trucking along with all her subjects, English, Logic, Spanish, Algebra and Science and I believe she is making all A’s.  Possibly a  high B in one of them but it can fluctuate from one week to the next depending on how well she did on a quiz.  Isaac is a great student and just finished writing his first narrative on some knights conquering a dragon.  We were very proud.  Hope also excels in reading and math as things seem to come easy to her.  One added blessing in all her medical trials.  Trinity is going through a phase where she’d rather play than learn but God is teaching her, along with all of us, how important it is to be consistent.  She is such a joy to teach as we frequently have giggles time together in the midst of learning how to blend letters together. 

  I just finished hemming about 6 pair of pants for the children and am working on repairing a skirt of mine which had a hole.  Every day there are papers to grade (piles), laundry to wash and many other ‘things’ calling out our name. 

  WOW!  Right now Trinity is humming Deck the Halls so loud I cannot even think!  ha  She said, “Is that good mom?”  Well, what would YOU say? 

  Time has once again gotten away and I have chicken on the stove waiting to be diced up, sliced up…to be made into some chicken chili.  So, I will have to find time to write again another day. 

Reminded Once Again

  Don’t you love to be reminded?  Isn’t it wonderful when a friend reminds you to bring something to a church function or you husband reminds you of an errand you must run or a child reminds you to stop working and spend quality time with them?  I love being reminded. 

  God reminded me once again this morning through a blog entry of another about dying to self.  Being reminded by God’s word is the most poignant word of all.  Whose words moves my soul to conviction or brings shouts or tears of joy?  Whose words soothe my worried heart or stir a passion for lost souls?  My Lord Jesus Christ.  And this morning being reminded again brought fresh zeal and mustered a hearty, “Yes, yes Lord!” from my mouth. 

  After hours and hours spent grading papers, loads of laundry, skipping out on a date night because “I don’t have time!” and feeling like I just cannot keep up the pace, again my sweet Jesus whispers in my ear Galatians 2:20.  Shari, you are crucified with Christ, therefore you no longer live.  Jesus Christ now lives in you.  And the life you now live in the flesh, you live by faith of the Son of God, who loved you, and gave himself for you.

  There are, indeed, many days I think we have bitten off more than we can chew related to homeschooling these blessed children God gave us.  This involves so much sacrifice, I just don’t know if I can do it.  Truly, truly, without Him I cannot!  And again, I am sweetly reminded in Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”    

  Then in 1 Corinthians 10:13  “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

  When  I am tempted to listen to my own words (ie. I can’t do this) and not His, He shuts my mouth and brings me back to hear His words and gives peace.  He will accomplish all He sets out to do and nothing I can or fail to do will thwart this plan. 

  Thank you Lord for loving me enough to bring me through temptation and feelings of failure only to remind me that you indeed will accomplish all Your holy will.

Heart of Anger

  I am reading through a book by Lou Priolo called The Heart of Anger.  If you or anyone you know is having a hard time dealing with anger this is an excellent resource.  I bought it initially to read in hopes that it would help with someone I know but God is using it in my own life at the same time.  I don’t have the workbook but am writing down scripture as I read and am following advice as it is mentioned through my own journaling.  I have seen much fruit in just 2 weeks; all glory to God!  

Green Smoothies

  Our Lord Jesus blessed us with a Blendtec Total Blender this Christmas through a dear Christian family.  I am now making green smoothies every single day among other things.  This morning I made a smoothie that tasted delicious.  My husband and children drank it down with delight and it had the following ingredients:

2 radishes (leaves and all), whole apple, watermelon, two bananas, 2 hand fulls of fresh spinach leaves, flax seed oil, blueberries and strawberries, some ice and a squirt of Agave Nectar.  It was delicious and they never knew how many fruits and vegee’s they received!   

And this will remain a secret as long as you wonderful friends and readers don’t share the ingredients with them!  However, I know Danielle will read this at some point and will be completely ok with it. 

  I’m also saving all our scraps (peelings, egg shells, carrot shavings, etc.) for a compost pile.  But with my new blender I grind it all up to break it down quicker.  It’s a lovely texture…named Garden Goop.  ha

I plan on making some homemade butter pecan icecream in it this week with all natural ingredients including nuts, young coconut and other things I can’t think of at the moment!  I pray this will help everyone feel better, give more energy and with the Lord’s help, heal little Hope’s body.  She has not been feeling well the past few weeks and is complaining daily of bone pain again. 

All glory to God and thanks to friends for sharing healthy information and Green Smoothies!!

Sea Enema

After a wonderful night out with our 4 beautiful children we sit in the family room laughing and chattering.  Trinity picks up a book for daddy to read.

  Our Wonderful Ocean, or some title similar and daddy reads, ” …and the sea enema stings its prey.”  And we howl with laughter.  It should have read and the sea anemone stings its prey.

  Then AS I am writing this blog post Hope screams, “the toilet is overflowing, the toilet is overflowing!” And I jumpt up yelling, “bring me the plunger, bring me the plunger!” 

  The plunger is right next to the toilet and laughter ceases in the Schiel household for a brief time.  But this memory will bring many hoots and howls in years to come!

Eating Habits

  There’s a lot of learning and change going on at the Schiel home these days.  The supply of food in our refrigerator has always been good.  God has certainly blessed us always.  But there are many more fruits and vegetables stocking our refrigerator and fruit bowls than in the past.

There are bags of collard greens, spinach, beets and more.  Bowls of sprouting flax seed, dates and nuts…did I say the kids are going nuts?    Actually, yesterday Danielle and I made a huge batch of almond butter and made a recipe to satisfy their sweet tooth called Almond Butter Balls.  This included almond butter, agave nectar, sunflower seeds and raisins.  They are GOOD…and raw. 

Hope also started a kidney cleanse last night which included more watermelon eating than she’s ever experienced before.  She will continue with it again this afternoon. 

My dear husband took a few days last week, a sabbatical,  to plan, pray and read.  At the same time he put the van in the shop and got a new transmission. *ouch*  Well, now it’s my turn.  After an orthodontist appointment in Tomball this morning I will be packing and taking a bit of time off myself.  Part of me doesn’t want to go for I feel I will be that much more behind when I get home, but I need it!  I’ve had home school ‘burn out’ for quite a while and trust God to meet me. 

We’ve made home-made flax crackers in the dehydrator and I just made a batch of sweet potato chips last night.  There are almond butter balls to be had by all and lots of fruit for smoothies, so I leave them in good hands.  Oh yes, Daddy and Danielle are here too!   

I’m reading several books, the bible, The Heart of Anger, The Super Home School Mom, NOT! (not the exact title), and The Cure by Brantley.  All life changing. 

Until I return and have time to write…which isn’t often.

Raw Icecream

  We made raw Butter Pecan Ice cream yesterday and mmmm, mmmm, once you’ve been off sugar a while almost anything sweet tastes divine!    The main ingredients were Thai coconut, organic peanut butter, almond milk, vanilla, pecans, pure maple syrup and a few other ingredients that aren’t coming to me.  You blend it all up and freeze it in ice cube trays.  Then later you blend it again with left of almond milk.  So delicious.  And no one got tummy aches or bloating like they do after they eat regular ice cream!  Trinity was the only one who didn’t enjoy it and said, “I want regular ice cream.”  ha  We had some left overs after I blended the 2nd batch and decided to pour them into some popcicle molds.  When she saw me do it she said, “Oooh, yummy…I hope I like it.”  It was cute.  Amazing what making homemade popcicles and encourage one to try harder to like something.  ha

  A scripture that is written on our school room board is Ephesians 4:2, “Be patient with one another, making allowance for each others faults because of your love.”  God is so faithful to show us time and again how patient He is with us and full of forgiveness at our sin which is an abomination. 

  After my time away the Lord gave me renewed vigor toward serving my family and schooling the children.  One of the biggest weights lifted off was a weight I’ve put on myself.  Whose time schedule am I on and why?  I begin by starting my day knowing God has gone before me and the hours are His.  I make my plans but must be flexible to what He brings along the way.  What is more important, getting finished with Math lesson 123 or speaking to a child that is rebellious and angry, bringing scripture to bear and praying with that child?  Or taking a time out for myself to be refreshed by prayer and the word when I feel myself growing weary mid-day?  Yes, we are on God’s time, not the world’s and I trust that seeking Him first, we will accomplish all that ‘needs’ to be done!

  Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”   Academics, patience AND icecream.

Old Chair, New Chair (almost)

  I’m sure my Dani will post pictures about our adventure today so I’ll let those of you who visit her blog see them there. 

  We have a lovely diningroom table and chairs that some dear friends of ours gave us a few years back in which the cloth covered seats were filthy and tearing.  I’ve wanted to re-paint and re-upholster the chairs for a long time and I’m not sure why I up and decided to do it today!  Well, part of it at least.  Danielle and I drove to our nearest Hobby Lobby to look for some fabric and we found the most beautiful brown vinyl which happened to be 30% off. (Thank you Lord)  We bought 3 yards and headed home.

  With her help we detached each cushion seat, recovered and re-attached each seat.  What a team we made!  Now the chairs are begging me for their new paint job but that will have to wait until this cold front passes.  Then we’ll be taking the seats off again and painting in the backyard.  How many kids in school get to learn how to re-upholster chairs in their Home-Ec class?    (By golly, it was a first attempt for me too!)

  This week we have tasted Kale salad (not a hit), Quinoa cookies, Fudge balls, bought Nori Rolls to make some new vegee wraps,  apple and pear fruit leather in the dehydrator, homemade Butternut squash soup, Carrot/Flax crackers, Black Bean and avocado salad, roasted corn and zucchini succotash (my recipe…and a hit no less) and have 1-2 smoothies every day.  The favorite is the banana, cinnamon one that includes two huge handfuls of spinach…but you can’t taste the spinach! 

  After the Kale salad Isaac was so upset to not eat meat that he boycotted dinner.  I figured I was about to have a mutiny on my hands so after going to the bank yesterday I bought an extra thin crusted pizza from HEB.  For dinner we had a large Mixed salad with 1 small piece of pizza.  You would have thought my family hit the lotto!  It was crazy…and funny.  Everyone was quite pleased and satisfied to have their splurge.  AND I silenced the mutiny, for now.

 James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, without reproach, and it shall be given him.

OH, I almost forgot this funny.  Everyone was so excited about the pizza that we all completely forgot to give Hope her injection.  It was 9:45 p.m.  I’m laying in bed trying to go to sleep but it takes my mind a while to shut down…thankfully.  I lay there and all the sudden I bolt up out of bed declaring, “WE forgot to give Hope her shot!”  So, Hope and I sat on the couch for 30 minutes waiting for her anti-nausea medication to kick in and then gave her shot.  Whew!   See what having pizza does?  Makes ya lose your brainz!!!

Raw Pasta

  Raw pasta?  What in the world are the Schiel’s eating now?  No, we aren’t taking pieces of hard spaghetti noodles and eating them. 

  Today I tried a new recipe and it was fantastic and so full of flavor!  It was raw, meaning vegetables un-cooked.  When you cook vegetables you lose so many nutrients and enzymes that help your body digest the food.  I wasn’t sure how the family would take it since it was, again, a cold meal, but they all liked it.  The flavor couldn’t be beat.  I also fixed some organic brown rice in case anyone was feeling mutinous (is that a word?) and needed some heated food. 

  The pasta is zucchini squash, non-cooked and the marinara sauce was a recipe that involved several tomatoes, soaked sun-dried tomatoes, Cheyenne pepper, lots of garlic, tiny bit of sea salt and a few other spices.  I blended it up into a totally smooth sauce in my BlendTec blender and Mmmm, mmmm good!

Toxicity

  Well, I did it.   I bought some PH strips that tests the acid in your saliva or urine.  I had a feeling the results would show Hope not ‘alkalized’ and I was right.  Yesterday, I had each child take a ph strip into the bathroom with them.  First Isaac…looking good kid!  Then Danielle…lookin’ good.  Then Trini…lookin’ good.  Then Hope…Oh, Lordy be!  She is acidic!!  So, I began giving her some herbal tea that helps detoxify the liver and kidneys and gave her an epsom salt bath.  Epsom salt helps pull toxins out of your pores.  This morning I gave her some more tea and carrot/spinach juice.  No, she wasn’t happy about drinking it but then again, I’m not happy about this cold weather we’re having!    Later this afternoon, to my great surprise, her acidity had already come down a bit.  Tonight she is having a baking soda bath which is supposed to help alkalize the body.  I am looking into putting her on a 3 day detox which could really help clean out her intestinal track, liver, gall bladder and kidneys.  It won’t be easy for her but I feel it is necessary.  The only problem is finding the right kind to give a child.  There are many on the market for adults but not kids.  I know the Lord will provide. 

  So…today we had Sweet Nori Rolls for lunch.  Sounds good, eh?  Not to ‘The Papa’!  Nori paper is made of seaweed and Darrel has a distaste for fish.  I filled them with sliced avocado, apple, a drizzle of agave nectar and lettuce but he just couldn’t hack it!  I’ll bet you could get it down David!

  So, we’ll have them again but Daddy will pass.  

  So thankful for God’s provision in our lives and His faithful hand to lead guide and direct us.  On a more spiritual note…there are days where as a parent we see no fruit.  Many days.  Many days we wonder if WE are showing forth the fruit of the spirit.  Well, today I was in the kitchen… it isn’t clear to me now but I think I was complaining about something or getting on to Hope for something…and she stood at the table messing with some papers and said, “I want to be like Jesus…I so want to be like Him.”  In which I replied with great joy, “I do too Hopie!  Please forgive mommy (for whatever it was..sinful).”  “I forgive you Mommy.  I love you.” 

  It was very sweet and no doubt the Spirit of God was present and active.

Italia

  I’m planning an April trip to Italy!!  My mother will be having a very special birthday and we are going there to celebrate.  She’s always wanted to visit and now she’s getting the opportunity; and I just get blessed to go along!

  So, while I would love to always write on my blog, my days are full and then nights full of internet surfing  & booking.  Whew!

  I do have another funny story to share about vegee patties but I’m not finished writing it.  For lunch today I made falafel balls with salad which were a HUGE hit and for dinner some Vietnamese noodles which upon first bite were a hit but after chewing well, were not a hit (too rubbery)! 

 Here uncooked.    Cooked.  But ours were a little more brown from a little soy sauce garlic & onion

For now, it’s back to Venice Gardens.

Photo’s

 

I am so behind with photo’s and blogging it’s mind boggling.  But glad I have a few photo’s.  This picture was taken Christmas Day.  Can you believe it’s already been almost 2 months since Christmas?  WOW!

Hope asked for a ‘photo shoot’ one evening when Danielle was priviledged to spend the night with a friend.  We took dozens of photo’s and I thought this one was sweet.  This is very  near her 7th birthday.

Cool glow in the dark sticks for Hope’s birthday party brought lots of fun!  Our camera takes some interesting photo’s for us!

Here Hope is very grateful for her older sister, the birthday gift she gave and the love she so cherishes!  Couldn’t ask for a better older sister and Godly example. 

Trinity’s humble attempt at iceskating in Rosharon, Tx.

My sweet, amazing sister, Shelly, turned 40 years on Valentine’s Day.  My feeble attempt to send her an outrageously fun birthday greeting ended up being a hit.  I spent hours decorating a bouncy ball with permanent markers and mailed it, box free! (got the idea off Shark Tank)  The over-sized greeting which said “Have a Ball” was so much fun to make and even more fun to receive.  Who would have thought a ball would travel USPS without a box?  As long as a stamp will stick to it, they’ll send it!  Love you, Sis!!!

Now, what do I do to surprise Darrel for his birthday tomorrow?  Any genius ideas?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

  Today is the day we celebrate the birth of a most wonderful man in our household.  His name is honey, sweetie, babe, daddy, papa (sounds like popuh, not pawpaw), otherwise known as Darrel!! 

  I’ve known this man for 23 years and am continually amazed at God’s work in his life.  He has been the mostly Godly example I’ve known and has taught me more than anyone about Who God is and how to walk in a manner worthy of the calling on our lives to Jesus Christ.  He is so discerning and has a gift of asking questions which compel you to probe the depth of your heart.   He is a wonderful father and continually teaches our children faithfully.  He takes time out of each weeks to spend time one on one with them, asking questions, reading and getting them to think through decisions they make.  I know they learn not only by reading and talking but by example and God has been ever faithful to give him grace to be a Godly example.

  So, happy birthday Darrel!  From my heart to yours…” You’re simply the best!”  

Darrel and his smaller family.

Takin’ a ferry ride with family getting a bit larger.

Lovin’ my woman!

Shari’s makin’ me have fun at a party. (they didn’t wear Hawaiian so they had to wear the hats)

Lovin’ my Trinity.  Wow, I’m feeling a bit weary. (grin)

Fishing with my family!

Enjoying a night watching my kids playing.  Wait, I’m resting, not watching!  ha

Enjoying a game with my little wifie in Denver, CO.

Lovin’ some more gals in my life! 

Enjoying my family!

Yep, I’ll do just about anything for my family!   Even allowing a dog! 

Taking my wife out on an anniversary date!

Another anniversary outing.  Wow, I sure spoil my wife.

 Yeah!  You’re wishin’ you could have those yummy cupcakes, don’t ya!  ha  Nah…they weren’t that good.

More fun with the fam at Niagara Falls

Building a swingset for my kiddo’s!

We LOVE you Papa!

Breakfast Smoothie

Some ingredients for our breakfast smoothie.  Yes, spinach is involved but you don’t even taste it!!

Here are a couple of the results.

Vegee Juice & Pizza

  Well, this afternoon I made vegetable wraps again but without Nori Rolls (seaweed paper).  I used the clear wraps which are made of rice water and cornstarch.  A hit?  Let me let you guess.  Let’s just say I ate mine and went upstairs for a jacuzzi bath.   

  SO, this evening everyone was very excited to make homemade pizza.  We decided to try a Gluten free pizza crust, got it all made, added our toppings and popped it into the oven.  After all the work in cutting up vegetables for the wraps at lunch I was not in the mood to make a salad, so I juiced instead.

 

I juiced 2 beets, 8 carrots, 4 stalks celery, 1 cucumber and lots of apples (about 8-10, I lost count).  This was our ‘vegee’ for the night and I made everyone down a glass before we indulged in our pizza.  Darrel doesn’t like celery (I keep forgetting) and he downed the glass anyway.  Way to go honey!!

  We used turkey pepperoni and it sure looked good, but I tasted it first.  BLAK!  I did not like it!  So, you can imagine Darrel’s response.  He said, “uh oh!”  Since I will eat almost anything, he and the kids know if I don’t like it, it must be bad!  The crust had a very strange taste.  The homemade sauce, made with tomato, sun-dried tomato, garlic, basil, oregano and olive oil was good, cheese good, pepperoni good; just the crust.  Unh, unh, couldn’t do it!

Actually, Hope and Trinity liked it a little and ate a few bites.  The rest of us ate all the topping off and I just ‘happened’ to have a thin crust store bought pizza in the fridge which I popped in very quickly. 

  Ho hum; another lesson learned. I’m thankful gluten free is available for those who really need it but… No gluten free pizza dough for us!   We’ll just limit our pizza to once a month and thin crust only. 

(While blogging about this experience I missed out on the store bought pizza!  hilarious)

Selfishness

  You don’t have a problem with selfishness, do you?  Well, I do.  I’m a sinner; saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, yes; but I daily fight against my flesh.  My children seem to be fighting this same sin; imagine that!  So, yesterday while shopping I picked up 2 more sets of ruled index cards on spirals that I can write scriptures upon and begin memorizing.  They are so handy to have close by and a quick access to scriptures for fighting sin we are battling.  So, I thought I’d share some of these scriptures on selfishness with anyone who might be dealing with the same struggles.  (definitions in parenthesis are for my benefit in sharing with my children more clearly)

Phil 2:3-4 NKJV  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

ESV Do nothing from rivalry (competition, fierce contention) or conceit (feelings of excessive pride), but in humility (low or inferior, modest) count others more significant (important) than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others.

Proverbs 11:24-25  ESV  One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want (poverty).  Whoever brings blessing (generosity) will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Romans 12:20-21  If your enemy is hungry, feed him. (go buy him lunch)  If he is thirsty give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals (generosity) on his head (surprise him with goodness).  Do not be overcome by evil, (get the best of you) but overcome evil with good.

Romans 15:1  We who are strong have an obligation (duty) to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

The Message- Those of us who are strong & able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter (unsure/weak) and not just do what is most convenient for us.  Strength is for service, not status.  Look after the good of the people around us, asking “How can I help?”

Galatians 5:13-15  ESV  For you were called to freedom, brothers (sisters).  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

The Message-  It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life.  Just make sure you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want and destroy your freedom.  Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.  For everything we know about god’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself.  That’s an act of true freedom.  If you bite and ravage each other, watch out– in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

Gal 6:9  ESV  And let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (lose heart)  (start with people closest to us [family] in the community of faith)

1 Peter 4:9-11  Show hospitality (kindness) to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards (managers) of God’s varied grace:  whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of God (prophets); whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus christ.  To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

My Men

  My big man and little man are driving to Huntsville today to try out their 2 man blow up kayak.  The girls and I were going to go but with the breeze blowing I think it will be too chilly for us.  They are beginning practice for their Adventure Race in April and will hike (jog), bike and kayak.  I think Darrel is as excited as Isaac.

Their’s is a 2 man kayak, of which I have no picture, but found this one online so it’s similar. 

  While they’re out having fun Danielle is working on some scrapbooking pages while I’m making some homemade granola.

I used a little bit of Agave Nectar to sweeten, walnuts, pecans, cashews, raisens, dried apricots, oats and some coconut for a little extra sweetness.  I think everyone will like it.

   The girls and I are also going to have some wild salmon for lunch.  Since Isaac is allergic to fish and Darrel doesn’t like it we’re going to have a treat because we girls love fish!  Then tomorrow Danielle, Isaac, Hope and I will start on a 3 day detox plan.  Trinity said she didn’t want to do without food, so she’s going to eat.   We will start with water, clear juices and broths and dandelion tea tomorrow.  

 Second day we will incorporate some thicker liquids like smoothies and soup and the 3rd day we’ll have fresh fruits and vegee’s only.       

  We’re hoping this will help Hope’s kidney’s and liver!  I originally was going to do this with Hope only but Danielle and Isaac wanted to come along beside her to encourage her.  That’s love!!

Confession of Complaining

  I confess I’ve been grumbling. 

 My children are imitators of me right now and I have some grumblers due to my sinful example.  If it weren’t for God’s mercy

 being new every morning I would feel defeated.  We’re even reading through a history of the bible about how the Israelites complained again and again and God continually showed Himself merciful & provided their every need …yet they continued grumbling.  It’s easy for me to see their sin.. harder to see my own, or should I say, I don’t like seeing my own.  I want to justify my complaints.  Here are the things I am going to work on and pray through!

Phil 2:4  Do all things without grumbling or questioning (complaining), that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

II Timothy 3:2 in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self.

Ex. 14:14  The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. (Help me Lord.  Help me to pray and bring my petitions to you.  Help me trust you that you are fighting for me and that you are working all for Your ultimate glory and good.  Help me to be silent.)

I must take the time to list the blessings in my life and keep it, dwell upon it and the goodness of God to me.  If there is a person I am complaining about I need to list qualities about that person to be thankful  

 for and stop complaining against them.  I need to list things to be thankful for in circumstances I am complaining in and

give thanks  and stop complaining.  And most importantly I need to repent for my sin of complaining lest I get the punishment some of the Israelites received in Exodus.  I will boast in the goodness of my God!! 

Cute

  I cannot even recall what it was the kids were eating, but they were going through them rapidly, one, two, three…and Trinity was only on her 2nd one.  Trinity was thinking whatever it was, was all gone but I was making more.  Hope said, “This is my third”, Danielle, “This is my third or 4th”, Isaac saying the same.  And Trinity says, “THIS IS ONLY MY TWO-TH!!”  It was hilarious and very cute.

  We know we should, and at times we do correct her grammar, but she being the youngest, we love hearing cute things like that.  So, I don’t think we corrected her and told her it was her second!    She’ll sound like the rest of us smarties soon enough.

So Thankful

  I am so thankful God has made a way for us to be encouraged not only by His Spirit but through His people. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 says And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

God knew we would need to STIR up love and good works and we would NEED to exhort one another.  He is so faithful and good to remind us…now if we’ll obey…there’s where His promises are fruitful in our lives

1 Thess 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up! 

I leave my house to gather with the people of God, fully expecting the Lord to meet us…and not going only for my benefit but for the whole body of Christ.  I go to encourage those with whom God puts in my path.  Who will you encourage today?

Put To Test

  And so my last blog post is about encouraging one another and building each other up.  Ah, how sweet it is to think of coming together with God’s people to do that.  BUT, what about when you have a rebellious child or a spouse who is ‘annoying’ you [which usually  means you  just aren't getting your way] ? 

  As is me this morning.  It is harder, much harder to encourage and build up this child than it is to stick one in a room and say, “You, my dear, need to repent and pray.”   HA

  I am to take the time to do what the scriptures command me to do. 

  Love is patient, love is kind…How my heavenly father is so patient and kind to me and I sin day after day after day.  Oh, to be more like Jesus.  And He is even more kind to extend grace to me and give me the desire to want to train up this child in the way he/she should go for in my sinful nature I want ease and comfort.

You Need to Be Baptised

  Hope and Trinity are taking their evening bath in our large garden, juccuzi bath tub.  Darrel is at his desk working and overhears Trinity saying something like, “And you believe in Jesus as your Savior?”  Hope says, “Yes, I do.”  And Trinity says a bunch of stuff Darrel cannot quote and then BOOM she dunks Hope under the water, hitting her head and saying, “OK, you are now baptised!”

  The most hilarious thing about this is that Hope was just asking about baptism again today!!!  HA  It’s great being a parent.  There are no comedians funnier than our children!

Honeycomb

     Proverbs 16:24  Pleasant words are honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

How are your words seasoned to your immediate family (and beyond)?  My prayer today is that they [mine] are dripping with honeycomb.

Huffing and Puffing and Spitting…Oh, MY!

  Before it got cold [below 50 F] and windy [over 15 mph] I was walking regularly, even venturing out into a jog or out-right running on days I felt really good with a motivating song playing in my earphones, but that’s been a few months ago. 

  I went for a walk a week ago, then a walk here and there.  After talking to Danielle about our running ‘skills’ I decided to grab my Ipod, timer and see just how long it takes me to run a mile.  Bad idea!!  Nothing like doing something before it’s time…very foolish.  Anyway, I took off running right out my front door.  No warming up, no streching…not unless you consider sitting on a bed listening to your 7 year old read for 20 minutes is a good warm up.  I didn’t get far before the cool, windy air was burning my nasal passages and lungs.  And my legs began screaming much earlier than normal, “Stop you fool.  Who do you think we are?”    Well, I pushed and pushed, mouth full of spit so thick I couldn’t even swallow it, so I’m running and spitting, huffing and spitting.  HA  Can you imagine it?  Hmmmm, don’t try too hard for it wasn’t a pretty sight.

  I finally made it back home after 12 1/2 minutes of sheer torture.  I was hoping my mile would be at least closer to 9-10 minutes…but for what?  Bragging rights?  I guess so.  That’s not even time worth bragging about in the jogging or running world.  *laughing*

  So, a lesson well learned now that my Biceps femoris are aching.  [Yes, I looked up the anatomy of the leg muscles to know which one of mine were now aching.  I love anatomy and each time one of my kids get ill, or I get sore, I learn something new about the human body.  It's absolutely amazing!!]  I will now walk or jog for my health and not try to gain bragging rights, however, that does not stop me from being challenged by my nearly 15 year old daughter.  *snicker*

  This was a pretty good picture of me after my run/walk today. 

I Cor. 1:26  Thank you LORD for the ability to walk and run.  You alone deserve all glory for anything I can or get to do!

New Way to Serve My Pastoral Intern

             

              

Wheat Berry Salad

Made a new salad today that included cooked wheat berries, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onion, chic peas, sliced black olives and a special homemade dressing that’s mostly red wine vinegar, dry mustard, pepper and olive oil.  It was a hit for at least 3/4 the family.   I cook my wheat berries al dente and rinse them so they aren’t sticky or goopy like over-cooked rice.  Very satisfying and tasty!

Symphony

  Dressing up and going with some friends to a Houston Symphony this evening at the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, conductor Hans Graf.  Very excited to hear the beautiful music!  It always makes me think of what music might be like in heaven.  I wonder how the girls’ will do.  I’m pretty sure this will be their first formal symphony.

Building

  Well, the symphony was wonderful.  The co-cathedral is very big, beautiful and still un-finished.  We got to see the humongous pipes for the pipe organ still standing against the wall.  Some seemed like they were 20 ft. high but that’s just a guess.  I’d like to visit there sometime just to hear the organ played.  They symphony was so majestic my eyes watered.  I was just thinking about what it will be like in heaven with the horns blowing and angels singing.  The kids and I have been reading through a bible history book and were just reading about Gideon taking his 300  men to the enemy camp and blowing horns to confuse them.  I was listening to about 10 horns blowing in the cathedral and the sound was tremendous!!  I cannot imagine 300 blowing full blast.  Amazing when I think of it; and such a blessing God let us get a taste of His beauty through music.  I had goose bumps a lot of the time.

  This morning I will take Isaac to Lowe’s to build a miniature basketball goal.  

 Next week I’ll include the girls as they can build a kalidescope.

2 weeks ago they all made one of these.    It is a race car that ‘transforms’ into a robot.  I decided to take Trinity this morning (her first time) and it was the hardest project we’ve ever tackled!  ha  It was even a challenge for Isaac. 

Last week Isaac and Hope built a rain gauge at Home Depot  and set them on the porch.  Fortunately we had some rain and they got to use it.  We didn’t receive an inch but it was fun for them to measure!  So, thanks to Lowe’s and Home Depot, the kids are getting opportunities to read directions, follow them step by step (still learning that one) and see their finished product.  It’s a great experience.

Holy God

  Reminded anew this morning through a beautiful, truthful song of God’s sacrificial love.

HOLY GOD IN LOVE BECAME,

PERFECT MAN TO BEAR MY BLAME,

ON THE CROSS HE TOOK MY SIN,

BY  HIS GRACE I LIVE AGAIN.

Random Thoughts

    It seems there is something new going on at the Schiel’s all the time.  This can be fun, exciting and challenging and at the same time makes me wonder what it will be like when the children are grown with families of their own.  Well, Lord willing this house will not be empty of children for at least another 18-20 yrs.  Wow!  That seems like a long time…so, I’m here to train, grow and enjoy life with them to the glory of God.

  Right now I hear some poor soul blowing and blowing their nose.  I would venture to guess it is Trinity as she is usually the first one up to make noise.  Danielle gets up earlier but is very stealthy like her mother!  We like our quiet time so we protect it well. 

  Darrel and Isaac are heading up to Huntsville State Park this morning to spend the day hiking, biking and kayaking.  I pray they do not spring a leak and sink.  I don’t think I ever blogged about their last kayaking adventure where they were losing air and were in the middle of the lake.  The story was quite humorous coming from Isaac as he grinned while telling it.  Darrel was quite sore from paddling so fast and ended up breaking his paddle by accident once they arrived at the shore.  These two adventure seekers will not only spend the day today but are going to stay the night.  This might be the first camping trip Isaac has even been on.  He’s sure to have a great time and make memories that will last his lifetime. 

      

  Danielle has a piano lesson today so the girls and I won’t be venturing far.  I’d imagine we have some learning to do anyway so we’ll take our outdoor adventures another day and let the men in our lives have the fun for now. 

  I’m off to make breakfast.  This morning calls for fresh strawberries with banana’s.  We’ll see how long fresh fruit curbs the hunger of my kiddo’s.  I’d imagine by 10 a.m. they’ll be asking for something more substantial!  ha

Activity Overload

  I had one of the worst nights’ sleep ever last night. (Oh, wait!  Perhaps I should rewind and dwell on some days when the kiddo’s were infants.)  Anyway, one simple reason may be that I let Danielle sleep with me and she kneed me in the rear end two times!  Talk about a rude awakening.  I was up for nearly 2 hours after that as I don’t fall asleep easily once I’m wakened.  I could hear a train blaring its horn and my mind was racing from one activity to another.  After that I was dreaming of painting and shopping.  It was quite exhausting!  I think I’ll need several extra cups of coffee this morning.

  Well, yesterday Isaac experienced his first camping trip and Danielle got to paint for the first time.  She thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when she knew I was going to finish the hard to reach places near the ceiling.  We finished painting Danielle’s closet so today we’ll hang decorations and bring stuff back in.  I have to finish painting her dresser and hang a be-a-u-tiful chandelier she chose to foo foo up her space.  God was quite kind to us yesterday!  First we went to Home Depot, then Wal-mart and then Hobby Lobby.  We shopped in there for quite some time finding little treasures here and there which were 50% off and then we hit the jackpot.  She strolled upon an aisle with exactly the things she’s been dreaming of the last few months.  And all 50% off!  Woo Hoo!!!  After we made our purchases we went to Target to let Hope try and find a hula hoop she’s been longing for and found it!  And back to Wal-Mart for some paint.  Whew!  Sweet Trinity was happy all the while with the box of Nerds she received at Wal-Mart the first trip out. 

  Ok, enough of that.  It’s chandelier hanging time!  We’ll post pictures soon.

Help for the Day

  What am I going to do today?  Well, now that we’ve completed 2 tasks in the eldest Schiel’s room I am hitting the youngest Schiel closet with vim and vigor.  When my girls walk down wearing pants that are 5 inches too long or wearing pink striped shirt with a brown and tan flower and flowing church skirt, I know it’s time to renovate.  Academics will begin after lunch today as I tackle this monumental task.  Summer clothes, winter clothes, clothes too big, clothes too small…they are everywhere!  And what a blessing that is!!!  God is indeed taking care of us if we have clothing all over the place.  Time to pass some on to others in need!

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Here is a picture of a little thing I did to surprise Isaac once they boys got home from camping.  As I was doing some cleaning in Danielle and Isaac’s room I found a box of Darrel’s memorabilia which Isaac is saving…so I decided to use it!   Visualize nothing on the wall first, which is what Isaac remembers and then walking in to see this.  He likes it.   

Random Pics

 The kids and I ready for a symphony several weeks ago.

Three sweet faces!

More later…kids need a bedtime story.

So Proud

My girls are learnin’, learnin’, learnin’, despite their mother and thanks to their God!  A few weeks ago we celebrated Hope finishing her K-1st grade english/reading cirriculum, Sing, Spell, Read and Write.  Trinity had also finished reading her first book and we always celebrate BIG when the Schiel kids learn to read.  She’s since read through her vowel books A, E, I and is now on O.  They are all doing great!!  But this day Hope and Trinity enjoyed a Chic Fil A lunch and yummy homemade cupcakes along with some special ribbons and certificates.  We are so proud of them both!!

Isaac and Danielle made them cards to tell how proud of their sisters they are!

I made some yummy cupcakes to celebrate the happy occasion.

Trinity sporting her new pin!  Way to go sweetie!!!

Hope sporting her new pin…

Hope also received a new spiral notebook, for daily journal writing, with Chocolate Lab pups that we call Ilio and Kuta to remind us of Jeannie and Craig Harvey from Gaithersburg, MD.  We love them and love those sweet dogs!

And finally, my two young girls celebrating together!  God is good.

Flowers

As Hope and I arrived in our sub-division late this morning (4-9) after a doctor’s appointment, I noticed the landscapers had pulled out all the beautiful orange flowers and were about to replace them with something else.  [Bold, frugal lady approaches]  I pull around to someone who looks in charge and say, “Are you just throwing those flowers away?”  He replies, “Yes.”  I make my request…”May I please have some?” 

Hope and I drive the van to the trailer full of flowers, put on the hazard lights as he fills a bag I have with flowers he carefully inspects. When he’s done I learn he was picking the ones out that had the most buds about to bloom.  How kind! 

So, I now have 4 huge bunches of yellow in the front and 5 huge bunches in a flower bed in the backyard. $ 0.00.   Thank you Lord!!! 

Matthew 6

  The Holy Spirit is truly at work in my life.  I am humbled and thankful.  I realize that I have on-going issues with truly trusting Christ for my future, especially the children.  Conviction has come this morning as I ponder the stresses I feel as a home school mother.  I feel the weight of their education, their future.  And yet, the Lord tells me in Matthew 6 , first, not be anxious and then to seek first  the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

  So, my prayer and meditation today is that I will remember Who God is (Almighty), who I am (fallible human being) and His promises to His people.  I find self-sufficiency creep in without even realizing it and then, bam, I’m overwhelmed. 

  On a walk last night I was crying out to God that my yoke is hard and my burden is heavy.  After studying this morning I realize this scripture (Matthew 11:29) isn’t referring to how I feel in life but religious legalism and that Jesus provides rest for our souls.  So, after more thought I came to the conclusion that I am indeed anxious about their futures…what kind of father, mother, friend, worker they will be?  Did I train them well?  Will their successes or failures be because I did a good or bad job in educating them at home?  It’s just too much for me and I must leave it at the foot of the cross.  So, if you are reading this and think of me, please pray that I will rest in Jesus.  That I will think more lowly of myself and to trust in Jesus Christ fully, rest in His work and to SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTREOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED UNTO US. 

Iceland Volcano

  I am less than 72 hours away from getting on an airplane with final destination Rome, Italy for my mother’s 60th birthday celebration.  Volcanic ash is weeping across Northern Europe and I just wonder if travel plans are going to be cancelled or put on hold.  I can’t begin to think of it.  HA!! 

They say this has slowed and closed down air traffic more than anything since 9-11.  Interestingly, Darrel and I were living on Tomball and were going to have our 10th wedding anniversay on 9-14 that year.  I had secretly made travel plans as a surprise to fly to Baltimore for the weekend to celebrate.  Of course, we didn’t make it to Baltimore then but ended up celebrating our 17th anniversary there when we lived in Maryland.  Amazing!  So, if this trip gets cancelled, I have no doubt God has his hand in it and will direct our path.   But right now the main airport in Rome is still open so we’ll wait and see.   

  We’re praying that the health of everyone is not affected by this cloud of ash as well!

STAYING IN THE USA

  WELL, IT TOOK A VIOLENT VOLCANO TO KEEP ME HOME!  Trip to Italy has been cancelled.  The Lord must have something else for us to celebrate my mother’s 60 years.   

Here is a picture of where the Iceland volcanic ash has spread and it is over Italy.  My mother is very sensitive to smoke, fumes, etc. so we don’t want to compromise her health…or mine.  But more than that, we were to be taking trains to Florence and Venice and ground travel is just “Nutso-Freako”, as my dad used to say.  Arrivederci Italy! 

  pg 19 “A quiet heart is content with what God gives.  It is enough.  All is grace.”

Why Be Anxious?

Be quiet, why this anxious heed

About thy tangled ways?

God knows them all, He giveth speed,

And He allows delays.  E.W.

I happen to think this is an amazing & highly encouraging poem!!!    ss  (and I dno’t know who E.W. is)

Yel-ping

  Trinity and I are snuggled in one of our over-sized chairs in a room we’ve named ‘The Cove’.  I’m reading her a book about big sisters and little sisters that she chose from the library.  These sisters share a room and on one page it shows the big sister’s side of the room neat and clean.  The little sister is jumping on her own bed with her side of the room very messy.  The older sister is holding out a dirty sock with her mouth open wide like she’s yelling at her little sister or complaining.  Here’s how our conversation went:

Mom:  (pointing at the messy room) You would never do something like that would you?

Trinity: I don’t do that.

Mom:  You don’t have a messy room?

Trinity:  I don’t yell at my sibblings.

Mom:  (looking at Trinity with great doubt and confusion) You don’t yell at them?  I have heard you yell at them.

Trinity:  (Opening those great, big, blue eyes and staring into my soul; Pausing for great thought and effect)  THAT is called

                yel-ping!  (stress on the ping!)

Outing on a Boat

  I had this event planned (Sam Houston Boat Tour) for Darrel to take the kiddo’s on a free boat tour while I was in Italy.  So, since I’m still here and he’s busy, I am going with them instead.  It should be a beautiful day tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes.  I’ll post to let anyone in this area know if it’s worth the time.  I can’t imagine any boat tour not being fun!!

Mercies

  pg. 50 ” Life is likely to continue to hold many forms of torture and dismay for that unhappy person and for all who refuse to receive with thanksgiving instead of complaint the place in life God has chosen for them.  The torture is self-inflicted, for God has not rejected their prayers.  He knows better than any of us do what furthers our salvation.  Our true happiness is to be realized precisely through his refusals, which are always mercies.  His choice is flawlessly contrived to give the deepest kind of joy as soon as it is embraced.”

Toofwess

  Yesterday she was lookin’ like the little firefly on Princess and the Frog and today she’s a front-toothless cutie pie!

   pg 51  “You may choose to forsake your duties, and choose not to have the sorrow they bring.  But you will go forth, and what will you find?  Sorrow without duty– bitter herbs, and no bread with them.”

Armand Bayou Nature Center

  Well, we missed the boat ride the other day!  I didn’t leave early enough, had poor directions and nearly got lost trying to find it on my own once we realized we were in the wrong place.  We did travel on Loop 610 waaaay up high and SAW the boat with its passengers gazing about.  That was momentarily depressing!  BUT, thanks to a good friends advice, we drove straight to the Armand Bayou Nature Center which is now one of our favorite places in the world.  If you love nature then you should definately go…while it’s cooler. 

 This is Trinity’s response when we stopped in our tracks listening to a wood-pecker, of which we could never see with our eyes!

Here we were walking through the woods about to enter a vast prairie.  It was gorgeous…all that wide open space with huge oak trees in the distance.  It made the kids break out into a run feeling wild and free!

Pretty good photo shooting opportunity too! 

Yep, this place made us all long for heaven and thank God for His kindness in sharing such beauty with us!

Sitting on the porch enjoying the view of the pond below was certainly enjoyable.  Isaac told me to make him save all his money and not spend any on video games when he’s older like Matthew, so he can have a house like this when he grows up!  ha  (Later he said he wanted to buy a souvenir before we left.  I told him no and reminded him of his previous wishes and he said “I didn’t really want to buy that house”.  ha) 

 Ok, this alligator play toy has a story.  And you have to think like a kid on this one.  Trinity spots this little play area, runs straight to the alligators mouth and yells, “Mom, mom, come here.  Take a picture of me being eaten by this alligator and then pooped out!”

 Oh yes, did I fail to mention there was a tiny flaw in our dream house!    (hmmm…looks like a theme going on here)

Can you figure out what they were thinking here? 

I almost forgot to show you the snake Isaac spotted.  We remembered the phrase, “Red touching black, venom they lack.”  So, we were ok.  However, we kept walking!   Hope wasn’t feeling too secure from here on out!

Well, I have dozens more but no more time to post.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the photo’s…I know I sure have! 

Cinnamon Church

  There is a phrase out of the movie Princess and the Frog which my children learned for the first time.  The young, rich daughter is sweating and she says, “Oh, I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church!”

  Well, Trinity just came in from being outside in the high humidity, pulls off her shirt and declares, “Oh my!  I’m sweatin’ like a cinnamon church!!” 

  Ya gotta love it!!!

“One cannot unscrew the Inscrutable.” A.L.

  Well, tomorrow is Mother’s Day  and Isaac’s 10th birthday  .  Poor kid!  We have so many events this month that he’s opted to celebrate later, probably next month.  But that hasn’t stopped the celebrations here.  His sisters just bought him a Nerf sword , one of which he’s eyed at Wal-Mart on occasion.  (I don’t take them to the store often….out of sight, out of mind, for the most part.)  He and Darrel have also been working toward Adventure racing and Sir Isaac has grown out of his old bicycle, so got a new one. 

 Now he’s actually able to keep up with daddy…and even better than that, I heard last time he nearly wiped Darrel out!  Woo hoo…way to go son!  Young kid, more vem, vigor!!

  So, Happy Mother’s Day, mom!!!  And all you other mother’s out there.  And Happy Birthday, son!! 

Other than these happy events I am praying about a new network in the educational department here at the Schiel’s.  A good friend shared some information with me about a group in Sugarland called Classical Conversations, which is actually nation wide.  Students get together with other like-minded homeschoolers each Friday for classes and then the other days are spent at home doing the work.  We, parents, are still their primary teacher.  I could type out a lot of information here but need to use my time elsewhere.  I’m just really seeking God and the wisdom from my wonderful husband on whether this might be what God wants us to try next fall.  I’ve been a homeschooling mother/teacher now for 11 years and thinking about making a change is challenging in many areas.  God is good!

http://classicalconversations.com/

Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s are such a wonderful gift indeed,

Looking after all the little things that you might need.

I truly believe that mother’s are a gift sent from above,

To remind us of our wonderous Saviors ever-present love.

Happy Mother’s Day

Danielle Kay Schiel

Smart-Letic!

  Here’s the scene:  Trinity and Hope want to swim in our backyard pool.  They know they cannot go until their room is clean and beds cleared of books, toys, etc.  Trinity seems to think if the floor looks clean, the room is clean.  They run downstairs stating they are going swimming.  I walk upstairs stating I’m checking their room.  They run behind me saying ,”Wait, wait a minute!”  We get to their room and it is not clean.  I give grace and let them try once again.  As I’m loading the washing machine with laundry Trinity goes into the bathroom and comes out quite put out, saying, “I do not like her judging me!  She is being so ‘smart-letic’.  I don’t like it. She’s saying ‘go-go-go-go’!” 

  I realize Hope is encouraging Trinity marine style to pick up the pace!  I am laughing.

Like Prairie Dogs

  Lest I forget this hilarity…Isaac opened two birthday cards today.  One had 3 dollars and another had 5 dollars.  After reading the cards he stacked his money, smiled and said, “I’m gonna put this in the bank and hope they multiply like prairie dogs!”

  We cracked up laughing and he did too.  He quite enjoyed his own humor!

A Chance to Die

My quiet time led to quite a bit of underlining this morning.  Here are a few:

  “Parents, by example, teach their children to whine.” (ouch)

“A spirit of calm contentment always accompanies true godliness.  The deep peace that comes from deep trust in God’s lovingkindness is not destroyed even by the worst of circumstances, for those Everlasting Arms are still cradling us, we are always “under the Mercy.”"

“It isn’t troubles that make saints, but their response to troubles.”

“Everything about which we are tempted to complain may be the very instrument whereby the Potter intends to shape His clay into the image of His Son……As Amy Carmichael said, “See in it a chance to die,” meaning a chance to leave self behind and say YES to the will of God, to be “conformable unto His death.”

  My morning began with concern over finances for several reasons.  So, my mind is repeating a song I learned years ago, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.  Trust, therefore, in the Lord.”  This song is based on Proverbs 3:5 and will be the way I “preach” to myself today instead of listening to myself.  Philippians 4 is also another great place to ‘camp’, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

  Thank you Lord for Your word which gives life and peace! 

 

Lawn Mower Man

  Tonight was a blessed night.  My 10 year old son mowed the back yard.  Go, Isaac!  I only let him mow the ‘middle’ as I didn’t totally trust him around some of the flower beds and flowering bushes but that will come in time.  We’re also letting some wild flowers grow in a couple areas and I thought he might mow those down too.  But it was great! The girls were running in the maze he was making for a while but he made it look like so much fun Hope and Trinity had to have a turn pushing it and now they too are eager to mow.  Ah, just in time for summer!  I remember when he used to play with one of these…

 Pretty soon he’ll be muscled up enough to hold the real thing.  Awww…my little people are getting big!      Bitter Sweet!

Oh, and because I love my hubby so much and know how badly he gets teased for letting me mow…he was inside putting our bookshelves (along with over 1000 books) back into our den.  After the water damage from hurricane Ike we finally got our carpet replaced with laminate.  It looks lovely.  We also learned that the 2 bookcases closest to the fireplace got quite a bit of water damage so we’re thankful to know.  Now if we get another tropical storm or hurricane we are aware the fireplace is where a lot of water comes in.  The Lord is good.  Danielle or I will post pictures of our new floor soon.  Or if you have nothing better to do you can stop by for a visit.

Fear, Faith & Thankfulness

  I read an inspiring quote this morning, yes, out of Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot.  The quote is from George MacDonald’s Sir Gibbie and it says, “Fear is faithlessenss… A perfect faith would lift us absolutely above fear.  It is in the cracks, crannies, and gulfy faults of our belief, the gaps that are not faith, that the snow of apprehension settles and the ice of unkindness forms.”

  Then she challenges with a question, “Do you feel, in spite of all the promises of God, as helpless as a worm today?  There’s a special word for you too: “Do not fear; I will help you.  Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you.” Isaiah 41:14.

  Reading through bible stories with Isaac, Hope and Trinity we are just getting into David’s story in 1 Samuel and are seeing that even as a Godly man and someone with strong faith, when King Saul tries to take his life, he is fearful to the point of telling lies to the high priest and acting like an insane man (lies) when he comes into Philistine lands.  Of course, we would have likely done the same.  Even men of faith have had to fight against fear of man. 

  How fearful are we of men when we hear in God’s word that we are to fear God alone who can kill not only body but destroy body and soul in hell.  “Fear God and fear nothing else.” ee

  There are other’s who inspire me when it comes to trust in Christ…men of the bible, men of old.  But there is another man very close to me whose faith in God is so strong I’ve no doubt he would run right off a cliff if God told him to.  (and he doesn’t like heights)  I have seen this ‘wreckless abandon’ walked out in his life with what seems like ease to me.  Where my mind is trying to ‘sort everything out’ and make sure all will be ok, He is fully trusting in Christ.  This man is my husband and I’m daily amazed by the faith and fearlessness God has placed in his heart.  I am so thankful to have him as a leader and shepherd over me and this little herd.  I do not deserve it.  My heart is full of thanks and reminds me of Trinity’s sweet prayer at dinner last night…”Dear God, thank you for this food and for our table and for fruits and our soft beds and all the fun toys we have that we do not deserve.”

Hope’s Inspiration

Hope, speaking about her older sister Danielle last night:  “She encourages me.  She inspires me!“

  “Fulfillment is not a goal to achieve, but always the by-product of sacrifice.”

More Random Thoughts

  What does it mean to be a helper suitable to Darrel Allen Schiel?  Does it mean praying for him?  Taking time to quiet my soul before the Lord? Mowing our lawn?  Scrubbing tile grout?  Feeding our family?  Doing laundry? Vacuuming out the swimming pool?  Watering flowers?  Grocery shopping?  Teaching our children?  Taking a shower? (ha) Listening to what he has to share?  Smiling at him and encouraging him when I see him?  Laughing at his silliness or jokes?  Repenting when I’ve sinned against him? 

  Yes, and so much more.  I pray that I will glorify God by being a helper suitable to this man God has blessed me with.  I pray I will be thankful in all things and not complain about petty things which I can so easily go to. 

  I am currently teaching my children, specifically my son, to accept work as God’s divine design for him/them and to enjoy work for it is God’s plan!  I pray that I will not only tape scriptures to their walls to read every time they are tempted to complain or their little minds wander to more enjoyable thoughts but that I will lead by example and work with joy as unto my Lord Jesus Christ!

Happy Birthday

It’s my Danielle’s 15th birthday today!  So thankful for who God is making her and the blessing she is to all those she’s around.  Happy Birthday, Danielle.  I pray God grant you many more birthday’s all to His glory and pleasure!

Weekly Projects

  We started a garden this year.  I hadn’t planned it but it just happened.  Well, that sounds kind of funny.  I had thoughts that we would wait until next year to work a small garden but after building some planters at Lowe’s one day (Build and Grow) and getting 3 tomato seeds per planter AND them sprouting and flourishing, we decided we should plant them.   My neighbor also gave us some okra, crook neck squash and zucchini seeds.  I had some canteloupe, butternut squash, beet, thyme & rosemary seed also.  We have a bell pepper plant which my friend Carolyn gave us last year as a gift when we arrived home from Maryland.  It has produced a pepper and now has 3 more on it.  We are trying to keep the grass out and hope for a few vegee’s this summer.  Regardless of the outcome it is amazing to watch God at work, growing these plants from tiny seeds. 

  The rest of this week is going to be mainly spent re-arranging our homeschool room.  Its functionality is quite lacking and I’m praying for something that works better…especially for teacher.  I hope to get a few bookshelves and desk out of here to make more room to put my desk in another place.  I’m prayerfully going to move furniture and be wise in stopping or asking for help so that I don’t hurt my back.   We are so blessed to actually have a room to keep our school materials in and use for a study area.  We originally offered this room to Danielle as a bedroom when we moved to Rosharon but she wanted us to have a school room and to share a room with a sibbling.  To me that portrays kindness and wisdom.  She wants to continue putting herself in relational positions to continue to grow.  I believe this will serve her greatly in the years to come, esp. in her marital relationship and with her children.

Ooooh!  It’s a mess, I know.  But, hopefully, that will change soon.

Never less than Wonder of Wonders

  This morning I was reading from 1 Peter chapter 1 and just camped at vs. 3-9.  My father in law used to say WOW in his sermons quite regularly which means ‘Wonder of Wonders” and this is what I was feeling this morning while reading the scriptures over and over. 

  That we should actually rejoice in our sufferings because this produces purity, is just amazing.  (not rejoice for our sufferings but in or through) Most of the time one hears “be careful what you pray for”.  Why should we be careful?  God isn’t careful, He is just and loving.  So, I say not to be careful what you pray for but to remember 1 Peter chapter 1 and rejoice that God loves you so much and is caring for you through each and every trial.  

1 Peter 1:3-9   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested 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.

(After typing this out I noticed the ‘if necessary’ part, speaking of being grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith ….and so on.  And I thought again, “WOW, I guess I am one of those people with whom it is ‘necessary’ to put through various trials.  I wonder what it’s like to be one of those people who doesn’t have to be tested so much?   “Dost thou question the Potter, Shari?  No, Lord…just pondering. Thank You for loving me!”  :)

Family Worship

  Darrel found a website in which all the music, resources and print outs are free.  After listening to and singing one of the scripture memory songs last night they already have Jeremiah 33:3 memorized.  (Well, most of them)  If you are wondering what to do or perhaps how to enchance your family worship time, esp. if you have young children, you might want to check this out!  Be ready for some toe tappin’!

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/index.html

Dancing stockers

  Well, I began my grocery shopping in the produce department at HEB.  I was browsing over some red grapes when another woman approached.  She was talking about some of the grapes looking good and others going bad, noticing some fruit flies buzzing about and how they put too many in a bag.  I commented a few things and she looked at me strangely.  Then she was making more comments which, again, I thought were directed at me and finally noticed she had a talking device on her ear and was trying to carry on a conversation with another person on the phone. Oh, well!  Perhaps I gave her a good laugh!

 Then I was ending my grocery shopping spree by picking up a pint of half n half for my coffee.  As I approached the refrigerated section I noticed one of the stockers kind of hopping around and dancing to the fun, energetic music that was being piped in over the speakers throughout the store.  I thought, “Well, at least he’s having fun while working!”  I had to stand there waiting a few moments while another person got their milk and I became a bit tickled.  When I was finally able to open the refrigerator doors to get my item I glanced over at the dancing stocker.  He was smiling at me so I said, “Looks like you are having a good time!”  And he replied, “I’M COLD!”   

Faithful God

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

  This is one of the many scriptures I read this morning in which I am now going to pray over my family, specifically Hope.  While Jesus was on this earth He healed many people; obviously, having good health was important and a gift.  I know He performed miracles of healing to show Who He was, but I think it’s also showing that it’s a gift from God.

The title Faithful God came to mind as I thought about the message our pastor brought yesterday, the scriptures I’ve been reading the last few weeks and what’s been going on with Hope.   God is faithful to ready my soul and spirit for the next trial.

  I don’t know what’s going on in Hope’s body but something ‘ain’t right’.  Her demeanor the last few weeks has been very sour, as one who is physically hurting and feeling bad; like how I feel when I have a terrible headache or am feeling nauseous…grouchy, out of sorts and, ‘everyone please leave me alone’.  But she is a child and wants to play and be a part of everything fun going on around her.  Of course, I know this helps distract her from the pain or feelings of illness which can be good.

  On Sat. night she woke up nauseated and threw up.  The kids did eat watermelon after eating a bit of chicken and I’ve read if you eat any kind of melon you should eat it 3 hours before or after eating anything else;  something about the way it digests.  So, I chalked her sickness up to that.  Then last night about 9 p.m. she was feeling very poorly, asking me to rub her legs and back.  She was laying on her bed kind of groaning and saying she had a bad pain under her right rib.  I pressed and asked if it hurt and she said yes, so I figure something is going on with her liver.  An hour after that she was throwing up again.  And again, she ate an Italian sausage and brown rice for dinner.  Darrel came upstairs to help me and he said, “That’s it…back on our diet!”…referring to eating more raw, removing  sugar, flour & meats that we’ve let creep back in.  One thing we noticed when we were eating raw was that we all felt great, no headaches, no aches and pains and definitely no vomiting.  Our kids always went to bed feeling good! 

  So, I’m going to prepare some Liver Detox tea for little Hope this morning and pray that God work in her little body to heal.  My grocery list will not consist of any boxed, canned or pre-made foods, but fresh vegetables, nuts and grains.  If her illness continues this week I’d expect a visit to the doctor’s office…but time will tell.  We serve a faithful God and I’m so thankful and full of joy for our salvation through Jesus Christ!!! 

Earwax and Spittoon’s

  Ohhh…I’ve been very busy making a grocery list and shopping today.  After coming upstairs to tackle school planning I realized I had not had any one on one time with my youngest daughter, Trinity, in at least several days.  Totally unacceptable!  I was having Trini withdrawals.  So, downstairs I went, walked her over to one of our large chairs and got comfy.  Facing toward me I sat her in my lap and we starting talking about all kinds of things.  During our wonderful and most interesting conversation Isaac entered and was asking a question about a conversation he had overheard earlier in the day.  I started to say, “It is none of your concern, or none of your business”, but I only got as far as, “It is none of your…” and Trinity said, “EARWAX!”  I didn’t crack up laughing but I did think the comment clever.  I’m fairly certain it has been said before in other households but I hadn’t heard it.  (Listening in on a conversation he had no business listening…earwax…beeswax…oh, if you don’t get it just email me.  ha) 

  Then the cutie was looking at my lower belly and said, “What is that?”  “What is what?” I said.  “Your bladder.  What is your bladder?”  Then I went into talking about it being inside your body with many other organs, that it’s kind of like a balloon and all kinds of things associated with drinking and liquid in the body, etc.  Then I was trying to remember the scientific name for the tube that leaves the bladder that lets you go to the bathroom.  I said, “There’s a specific name for it Trinity.  It’s called the….” and she quickly said, “SPITTOON”.   Now this time I laughed!!!  And then we had a vocabulary lesson on spittoons and saloons. 

Re-Assessing & 6 year olds

  I first wrote this post only with the title of Re-assessing but once I read through it and saw the date in bold letters I thought, I have to talk about Trinity Grace.  Yesterday, we went to SurfSide beach to celebrate her birthday which is actually today!  She is now 6 years old and such a blessing to our family.  We had a great time in the sun and sand and I might have some pictures to post another time.    My little, sweet tow head!!! (and yes, that white-blonde hair likely comes from your Germanic roots)

 The last few weeks have been a good time of evaluating and re-assessing my parenting and academic teaching methods with particular curriculum.  I should be doing this quarterly to make sure I am on task and prayerfully seeking more wisdom from God at what He would like to accomplish in these His precious souls currently in my care. 

  This morning I was reading a devotional out of my Keep a Quiet Heart book by Elisabeth Elliot.   Not knowing what the next section would be, I was pleasantly surprised and again awed at how God’s timing is perfect.  I read a segment called ‘Serious Play, Careless Work’ in which she talks about our children getting the wrong kind of attention.  Our kids are terribly serious about organized sports and video games/electronic equipment and cannot even amuse themselves.  It was convicting.

  As I sat, read and contemplated the information being read I remembered something I had read aloud to Darrel yesterday which was also convicting and wanted to read it again.  This is a 270 page book and I seriously could not remember if it was near the front, middle or end that I’d read it…no idea where to find it.  Actually, upon further reflection I could not even remember if this was the book I was reading from.  So I began to pray, “Lord, you know what I’m trying to remember, what I’m even trying to think and cannot think (it was 5:30 this morning).  You know where I read the encouraging word and I”d so like to read it again.  Could you please help me?”  First, I sat with my eyes closed a few moments and I a glimmer that yes, it was in this book.  (excitement resumes)  But I could not remember WHERE to look.  How in the world was I going to find this article out of thousands of words and hundreds of pages?  Well, how utterly simple for the Lord God, maker of heavens and earth…and He chose to show His love and kindness to me this morning by flipping me to the exact page.  It’s in moments like these I feel so loved and cared for.  It’s an amazing feeling to KNOW that the maker of all things actually cares about me enough and wants me to grow closer to Him and be encouraged that He would, in my teeny tiny little world, help me find a page in a book to read. 

  And this is what I (and He) wanted (me) to read again…

              One more quotation—this from an out-of-print book, The Life and Letters of Janet Erskine Stuart.  Says one who was her assistant for some years, “She delighted in seeing her plan upset by unexpected events, saying that it gave her great comfort, and that she looked on such things as an assurance that God was watching over her stewardship, was securing the accomplishment of His will, and working out His own designs.  Whether she traced the secondary causes to the prayer of a child, to the imperfection of an individual, to obstacles arising from misunderstandings, or to interference of outside agencies, she was joyfully and graciously ready to recognize the indication of God’s ruling hand, and to allow herself to be guided by it.” 

  Oh, how I would like this to be said of me one day.  That I DELIGHTED in seeing my plan upset by unexpected events.  At this point in life I cannot say that, but I want to and this is my prayer.  Lord, help me see the working out of your designs in our lives.  Help me let go of my own controlling ways and to trust that Your ways are SO much better, wiser, more wonderful and loving than anything I could ever dream up.  Let me recognize your ruling hand, to submit to it joyfully and to be guided by it.  Do not let me be fooled into thinking my hands could guide well, but to be led only by You!!

Easy Lunch got Thumbs Up from Kids

  Well, my regular grocery shopping didn’t get done this week since we took Trinity to the beach for her birthday on Monday.  After looking at my lunch menu and noticing it was last weeks menu I thought, “Uh oh…now what?”  Well, I had corn tortillas, some apples and avocado.  Gotta be able to make something good out of these.  No flour, no sugar, some good fat and sweet!  This can work.

  I fried up the corn tortillas in coconut oil to soften them (didn’t cook them crispy).  Then I took sliced apple and wrapped them up.  I guess you could add cheese but I’m staying away from dairy more often.  I opted to put the avocado slices in with the apple and thought it was delicious, but the kids preferred eating the avocado slices with a sprinkle of salt alone.  After they ate one I wrapped another with a hint of agave nectar to add a ‘dessert’ effect.  It was a hit!  So, next time you’re looking for an easy, meatless, flour and sugarless lunch, give this a try.

      

No More Zofran for Hope?

     Last week I was looking over our formal dining table before dinner and noticed a little white thing.  About to dust it into my hand and wipe the table down, I noticed it was a small pill.  Upon closer observation I noticed it was the 1/2 pill of Zofran (anti-nausea med) Hope takes every night 30 minutes before her MiaCalcin injection.  Light bulb is blinking, flashing, illuminating my mind at this point with the fact that if this pill is sitting on the table then Hope did not take it when it was given her and she had her injection without it?  Had she thrown up from nausea lately?  NO!!! 

  Well, being that we despise vomiting around this house (who doesn’t?) I was leery of not giving this medication to her but felt fairly confident to do so after seeing this un-eaten pill.  So, that evening I gave her 1/4 of the Zofran which is equal to 1 mg.  She had been taking the whole pill, 4 mg, and then I cut it in 1/2 to 2 mg to see how she would handle it.  She’d done fine on 2mg for weeks and we’ve been very pleased.  So, after taking the 1 mg and 30 minutes pass, I give her injection.  Usually nausea would ensue within 20 minutes and sickness would be just terrible!  But she was fine!

  The next day I wasn’t feeling well.  The whole evening was off schedule and I forgot to give her injection.  While setting my coffee maker to brew at 5 a.m. the next morning I turned to throw old coffee grounds in the trash can and noticed my calendar in which I have a daily mark of which arm or leg Hope is to have her injection.  It is too hard to remember from day to day which arm or leg we did last and which is to receive the stick again.  9 p.m. I am doing this and “OH NO” goes my mind and heart.  I grab the needle and medication, run upstairs, hoping she isn’t asleep yet, and a 1/4 Zofran.  I stick the med in her mouth and give her the shot immediately.  Now, the Zofran is to be given at least 30 min prior to the shot…the MiaCalcin would make her nauseated and sick before the Zofran takes effect.  But, trying out these new things I thought I’d go ahead and do it this way.  She fell asleep and didn’t get sick!

  So, this past Thursday night was the test.  I was not going to give any Zofran.  Trying to do it around a time where we were busy with dinner, family worship and play I gave it to her.  Yes, no nausea…and last night the same. 

  I am greatly praising God that her body has obviously gotten used to the MiaCalcin and is now able to take the medication without nausea.  Without having to take Zofran her liver is now free of having to cleanse another medication from her body which is great news!!!   (Actually, I haven’t made a big deal of it and don’t speak of it to anyone but Darrel and Danielle.  I am concerned some of it is psychological and if she remembers or realizes she isn’t getting the anti-nausea med’s…well, you know)

   We are still praying for complete healing and praying for wisdom if we are to pursue another doctor who might have new ideas as to what is going on in her little body.  The last few weeks she has been in a valley of discouragement with her shots and says nightly that she doesn’t want them any longer.  Many days she looks at me with tears in her eyes as she tries to understand why she has to go through this.  We just continue praying that the Lord will help her through the trial and that she will bring glory to His name.  He is faithful!

Another Tough One

  Well tonight is proving to be tough!  Hope cried for quite a while after her shot.  One of those kind of cries I’ve cried before.  It wasn’t an ‘I’m hurt’ cry but “waaahhhh…I’m tired of this and just need to cry” cries.  Her legs and back are aching which are making her cry even more.   She sat at the table eating some carrots and peanut butter crying from the ache. 

  Lord, Lord, please pour out your wisdom upon these weak, frail people.  Please bring peace to Hope and pour out your love upon her during this challenging time in her life.  Help me to lift her eyes to the cross in thanksgiving of Your final work on her behalf in order that she can have JOY in the midst of pain.  Help us lead and be shaped into the vessels you want, for your ultimate glory!

Psalm 16:5

“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup, and have made my lot secure.”

God Ordained Moments

  Yes, I understand all moments are ordained by God.  But do you ever have one of those, unplanned by you, moments that you couldn’t have arranged and it is crystal clear it was a moment brought forth from the mighty hand of God Almighty?

  Well, I had one of those yesterday…or was it Thursday?  Whichever day it was, I marvelled, still marvel and was very thankful for it.  It started with a phone message left at our endocrine doctors office because I never received a lab report from Hope’s last appointment back in April.  I keep good records; I wanted this piece of paper! 

  I received a phone call from a nurse I’ve never spoken to before.  Unlike the others I’ve spoken with, she was very kind and not rushed.  There was a calmness in her voice.  I forget now what she said that provoked me going into a 4 minute ‘share time’ with her but I began speaking from the heart about Hope’s pain every night with her shots, the fact that she just doesn’t feel well most of the time and that I am interested in seeing the #1 endocrine team at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.  She assured me she would talk to Dr. Gunn about all I shared and we ended the conversation. 

  That afternoon she called me back and shared interesting information that NONE of their patients take calcitonin injections, therefore they cannot sympathize, understand or having any reference point for a child that is taking them.  She told me Dr. Gunn was going to talk to her colleagues and they would get back with me to see if they can think of anything else to do or other things to research. 

  I trust this was all organized by God.  Although I have thought through most of this many times, I had no intentions, at this point, of bringing this up.  So, my prayer is now that He will continue leading us through this, giving everyone wisdom involved and if we are able to take her to Philadelphia, that the letters the endocrine team would write to our insurance would be effective.  Right now her insurance would not cover going out of state, so that would be another definite act of God. 

Rare Jewel

  I am now not only a gardener, tending to the souls of my children, but I have now given myself to mining as well.  I am a miner, searching and fighting for a rare jewel that God wants me to have!   I began reading Jeremaih Burroughs book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, last night before bed.  Wanting to be faithful to rising early, I put it down after about 15 min [being totally convicted, tears pouring down and ending with praying myself to sleep]  but picked it right back up during my quiet time this morning.  I do not recall reading a book that brought me to such conviction and a pressing prayer time as this book has done.  He says, ‘Contentment is a sweet, inward heart-thing.  It is a work of the spirit indoors’. 

  I believe God has been working on shaping my soul into a quiet heart for many years but after some reflection and heart searching, believe that I have been fighting against this work.  It sounds horrible, I know…fighting against God.  Why on earth would a Christian do such a thing?  Well, I guess it’s issues of sinful pride, control…thinking I’m in some kind of control.  Reaching up to take the crown of my Lord and wanting to be Lord myself.  I so want to be rid of this fight, so my prayer is that I will fight & passionately search for this rare jewel of Christian contentment.

  I have underlined much in this book already but one of the many, many beauties and prayers of mine are (re-written by me as a prayer to my Lord Jesus)…”Lord, please give me true Christian contentment which is a sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit.  Let me freely submit to and delight in Your wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”

Patriotic Days

  We are giong to spend a rainy morning indoors listening to patriotic music online at

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/patriotic/patriotic-home.html 

and color some American Flags and such.  It’s going to be fun as we prepare for the 4th of July.  This is Trinity’s favorite holiday as she loves fireworks and Bomb Pops!    She gets her love of these from her mama…they are stil one of my favorite popcicles.  We’re also going to scan the attic for a box with 4th of July things in it like red, white and blue beaded necklaces, red and blue sun visors and more.  We just listened to a rendition of  America the Beautiful by the U.S. Marine Band and Hope said, “You mean like David?”  [written just for you David]   

Meet Hedga and Hedgie

I happened upon the cutest website today for paper dolls.  If you have daughters who like to cut, color and play, these are just adorable!  Have fun.

http://www.janbrett.com/costumes_main_choice.htm

         

Complete Satisfaction

  This is well worth pondering and praying. 

  A Christian finds satisfaction in every circumstance by getting strength from another, by going out of himself to Jesus Christ, by his faith acting upon Christ, and bringing the strength of Jesus Christ into his own soul, he is thereby able to bear whatever God lays on him, by the strength that he finds from Jesus Christ. — Jeremiah Burrows

Marmot siting?

So, Isaac is looking up a word in the dictionary and he finds an absolutely adorable animal called a Marmot.  We decide to look up photo’s online to see if they are as cute in real life as the picture they drew in the dictionary.  Now we all want one and it’s our favorite animal of the month!!

Have you ever seen one of these cuties?

Frenshp Frever

  This morning Trinity presented Danielle with a lovely Crayola markered drawing with these words printed across the middle, “Frenshp Frever”.  So sweet!!!!

Waiting in Amazement Until October and Beyond

   I received a phone call yesterday and was able to schedule Hope an appointment with Dr. Brendan Lee at Texas Chirldren’s Hospital for the month of October.  I’ve no idea if this appointment will bring us any closer to finding out the cause of Hope’s hypercalcemia but am excited for the opportunity to discuss her health with a doctor in a different field, as his expertise lies in genetics. 

  There is another, a Geoffrey Hendy Phd. in Montreal, whose specialty focuses on understanding parathyroid function in health and disease at the molecular level.   Hope’s blood was tested genetically months ago for a calcium-sensing receptor defect (CASR), which came back negative.  But this receptor acts as a ‘calciostat’ to sense the blood calcium level and regulate parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and parathyroid cell growth.  It seems as if this is what is occurring in her body….? 

    All of this information was shared with me by some friends who go to our church.  I’m amazed once again that the Lord has chosen to put doctor’s in our lives in our church body as he did when we were attending at Christ Church with Dr. Robinson.  Now, Dr. John Crews has taken an interest in Hope’s condition and took time to share some information with other colleagues which has taken us now on this new journey.  I am ever grateful!

   I stand amazed over and over at the intricacy of the human body and God’s perfection at keeping each cell and organ working as it does.  While going through the girls’ heart issues I was awe struck as I learned about the heart and its function.  Then learning about different diseases such as Kawasaki Disease when Isaac contracted it at age 6.  Me studying about my own disease, Vitiligo and now going more in-depth learning about kidney function and genetics, albeit just touching the surface. 

  Jesus Christ, the God I believe in, the God I believe created all things and holds all things together, is not only infinitely above all and anything we humans can think or understand, but He is all love.  My affections are held by Him like the bride for her bridegroom.  I cannot imagine what it will be like to see Him face to face, but I long for that day.  Until then, I will glory in His name alone and continue being marvelled and amazed at we, His created and His power to hold us and all things together. 

  Thank you God that I am the creature and you are the Creator.  There is none like you.

Writing

  Wow!  It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve written here.  I’ve been asking myself why I take the time to write and what could possibly be so interesting in my life to write about?  Why do people blog and is it healthy to blog?  Just journaling I guess…but some things I should write about to remind myself of the faithfulness of God I do not write about.  If I’m honest I think it’s a lack of faith in my readers to extend grace.  I don’t really know who all my readers are.  That being said I am thinking about when and what I should write about.  There are so many ‘small’ things going on in my life all the time, it’s hard to choose.  I’d like to write about one thing, like child training, or exercising, or food, or devotionals or education or gardening.  You get the picture? 

  For now I will leave this blog post remembering that the exclamatory part of my last two weeks has been marked by a renewed desire, or better stated, an absolute necessity in re-evaluating my own discipline in parenting and training.  It has been marked by many tears and prayers in great need of help from the Holy Spirit, who has been ever faithful.

Priceless #2

  Priceless to me is reading my daughters’ blog about what is priceless to her.  To know that God is answering her prayers…its effect on more than just Hope, me our other children, Darrel our friends, family…it extends so far beyond.  It is eternal. 

  There was magic in the room last night.  As a Christian, I cannot leave that last sentence alone.  It’s so easy to say ‘magic’ because most people have had an experience they can deem as a magical moment.  There is electricity in the air, everyone is excited, something is happening.  Well, for us it was being together, singing God’s word, having fun while doing it.  We weren’t alone.  The spirit of God was with us and He brought the excitement. 

We were listening to Seeds Family Worship and were singing a couple of the songs that were already familiar to us.  Trinity was sitting in my lap and I encouraged her to jump up and make motions or sign language to fit the song.  You’ve seen it.  Children will cross over their heart as a sign for love or point from one hand to the other when saying Jesus.  So, she began trying and we all jumped in.  Trinity is very visual.  She’s not as much an auditory learner as the rest, so I think this was a big deal to her.  We moved on to the next song with Hope leading, then Isaac, then Danielle.  It was so much fun.  After this is when Hope asked to read some of the bible to us.  She had asked me earlier in the day if she could so I know God was already at work.  What I didn’t know was that Danielle had already been praying for her.

Hope’s reading was indeed beautiful.  Although she struggled through a bit and would spell out some words for help, she did a fabulous job.  It was interesting to me that neither Isaac nor Trinity especially, asked that she stop.  I think they were also keenly aware God was doing something and no one wanted it to stop!  What peaked my interest was just how she chose the scriptures she read.  That HAD to have been a God thing too.  No one prompted her to go there.  She didn’t ask.  She just walked off for a while saying she was going to have to look for what she needed to read.  Earlier I had prompted her to possibly read a Psalm or Proverb but she ended up reading from the Sermon on the Mount and about being salt and light.  It was beautiful.

Then Isaac asked to pray for the lost.  God has given him a passion for those who are not saved.  As Hope read God’s word a distressing look came over Isaac’s face and he said, “Mom, hell….forever?  I just can’t stand the thought that people are going to be in hell, forever!”  I could hear his heart.  I felt he was feeling it is ‘unfair’, but that led into a discussion about the mercy and grace God extends to those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.  Clarification came and a heart-felt prayer is what followed. 

After this Danielle shared, choking back tears (my kids don’t cry freely like I do), how she had been praying for Hope and how quickly God was answering her prayer.  I don’t remember now if it was before or after Danielle was sharing but Hope said, “I want to read the bible for my reading time (SSR- silent sustained reading).”  Danielle told her it was the best book in the world to read and I agreed that if she would indeed read it, she could choose that as her book every single day.

Talking with Kids

  Yesterday was momentous.  Ok, every day is momentous, but yesterday was markedly so.  One of my children who isn’t the ‘share everything with mom’ type, shared some heart issues with me. 

  God is so faithful to me.   He is so patient.  Just when I’m thinking, “Well, most of this day is a wash, hardly got any schooling done”, He gives me a moment like this with one of my children and I think, “Wow, Lord.  Thanks for the reminder yet again.  THIS is what it’s about!”

  I write about this even because I don’t want to forget.  In my lean toward pessimism I tend to think I won’t have many moments like those with this child, but God in His wisdom and kindness and will do His holy will no matter my pessimism or thoughts.  Thank God!

  It was wonderful to listen, to talk with, & encourage.  Thankful that this child was hurt by a friends betrayal, and at a young age, because that experience is teaching that Jesus is our best friend and that He is truly trustworthy. 

Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Full Stream of Affection

  I love a particular paragraph in the book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burrows which is talking about drawing comfort from God.

  “Since God is contented with himself alone, if you have him, you  may be contented with him alone, and it may be, that is the reason why your outward comforts are taken from you, that God may be all in all to you.  It may be that while you had these things they shared with God in your affection, a great part of the stream of your affection ran that way; God would have the full stream run to him now.  You know when a man has water coming to his house, through several pipes, and he finds insufficient water comes into his wash-house, he will rather stop the other pipes that he may have all the water come in where he wants it.  Perhaps, then, God had a stream of your affection running to him when you enjoyed these things; yes, but a great deal was allowed to escape to the creature, a great deal of your affections ran waste.  Now the Lord would not have the affections of his children to run waste; he does not care for other men’s affections, but yours are precious, and God would not have them run to waste; therefore he has cut off your other pipes that your heart might flow wholly to him.”

  To get the full scope of this one should read the entire chapter, but it is rich and thought-provoking.  Leads me to thanksgiving that He loves me to much as to want all my affection to take things away that distract me from Him.

 Full stream of affection flowing to Him.

Breakfast at 4

Trinity- “Mom, I want breakfast.”

Shari- “Why do you want breakfast, we’re about to make pizza for dinner.” (4p.m. ish)

Trinity- “But I didn’t get breakfast this morning.  Can I please have breakfast?”

Shari- “You already had lunch a few hours ago.  You didn’t want breakfast this morning.  You skippied it.”

Trinity- “But I want it now!”

More Trini Comments

  Driving home from Danielle’s piano lesson today, we stop at a light.  Across the street a new, small strip center is going up.  They have almost completed a Papa Johns Pizza and another spot is next to it.

Trinity- “Mom, you know what is going in that space?  It’s Chicken Church!!!”

Dear God

  Dear God,

  Every night Hope goes to bed distressed.  She’s in pain and asks me to rub her back, pop her back or rub her legs.  I realize that I am not acting kindly to her when she requests this of me.  For one thing, I feel helpless to help her and as I stand by her bed doing this my own veins are throbbing in my legs and feet.  My selfishness takes over and I find no compassion to soothe this poor child.  I am so selfish Lord.  Please give me patience and compassion for this dear little lamb of yours.  It hurts me so much to see her in pain and to hear her complaints several times a day.  Give me wisdom to point her to your gospel and to share scriptures that will encourage her little 7 year old heart.  Let me show her your love by embracing her and trying to ease her discomfort instead of easing my own.  You certainly did not try and ease your discomforts while here on this earth.  Let me be more like you I pray.  Please be with me through this trial; be with us.   Make us more like you for your glory.  Thank you for your faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful.

In Utter Dependence Upon You,

Shari Suzann Schiel

Cardiology & Compassion

  I actually wrote the last post on the 17th but didn’t want to post it right away.  I didn’t want Chicken Church to not have its time in the sun. 

  So, here I am tonight.  I just read the last blog post and wanted to write about what happened today.  Isaac, Hope and Trinity had cardiology appointments this morning.  First, I should back up and note that Hope had an endocrine appointment last Friday and her doctor did find a compounding pharmacy who is willing to dilute some MiaCalcin into a nose spray for her.  When I took the rx into the pharmacy they told me it would be $125 up front and that they don’t bill insurance, so I am going to call around first and see if anyone would bill insurance.  If we get to try this route, she will have to have blood drawn weekly for 4 weeks and make sure that the nasal spray is entering her blood stream properly and if it is we can continue its use.  There is also a slight risk of getting nasal passage ulcers, but we have to try the meds first and pray that wouldn’t happen.  In the mean time we have started using ice to numb the injection site which sometimes helps.   

  Now back to the cardiology appointments today.  Each of them had an echocardiogram.  Hope had an additional EKG and came home with a Holter Monitor (looks like this)  to record her rhythms for 24 hours.  With her left atrial isomerism they hope to catch any strange ‘electrical’ problems before her heart just ‘stops’.  Trinity’s heart looks and sounds fabulous and Hope is 2nd in line.  Isaac is the one we have to keep the closest eye on for now as last year we discovered he has a mitral valve prolapse.  Not sure if this is an effect of the Kawasaki disease he had several years ago or just something that has happened.  Nevertheless, we are watching it.  If he has any more regurgitation (from the valve) the doctor will put him on a blood pressure medication; to be specific, the exact med’s that Trinity got off of back in June of 2008 before we left for Maryland.  Unbelievable!!!

  And tonight, my little Hopester needed some compassion.  Who was there to give her the love she needed?  The Holy Spirit through me.  She asked that I lay down beside her.  First, I rubbed her back and then layed down beside her while Danielle played some of the most lovely piano music ever heard to mankind.  Trinity fell right to sleep and I wasn’t lagging far behind. 

  The Lord is ever kind, faithful and compassionate.  He hears our cries in any state we are in.  He allowed me to be a comfort to Hope tonight, back pain, Holter monitor and all (laying down…a much better way for my veins to take it!)  To God be all glory!

Boo!!!

  Before I forget, I have to write about a funny incident.  Most of the time I write about funnies with the children but this is a funny with me and Darrel. 

  Several nights ago the children were all tucked in their beds, Darrel was reading in ours and I decided to shower.  There are doors from our room to our bathroom that close, but it’s not like a regular door you can lock or even has a handle.  They are just two doors that come together with little knobs.  Anyway, once I was done showering I decided to blow my hair dry.  I don’t like going to bed with my hair wet as it stops up my nose. (strange, I know…but Darrel also has a fan blowing on him that also affects me a bit).  So, with the bathroom doors closed I begin blowing my hair and I just blow it around like crazy with my eyes closed.  Well, after several minutes of drying I open my eyes to see how things are going and RIGHT at that moment Darrel opens the doors to come in and brush his teeth.  He caught me totally unaware and scared me to death!!!!!  Knowing he scared the day lights out of me and not wanting to make matters worse he ever so sweetly just went to his sink and began brushing his teeth.  In the mean time I was trying to catch my breath and trying to decide whether to laugh or cry.  After a moment I decided it was hilarious and started laughing.  It wouldn’t have been funny if he’d have scared me on purpose but he was only entering the room.  Once he saw that I was ok, recovering and laughing, he began to chuckle a bit.   I was done with my hair so I hopped into bed and began reading.  He finally made his way back to the bed and layed down.  After a minute or two I felt the bed shaking.  He rolled toward me and said, “BOO!” and shook with laughter.

  You know how great it is to really laugh with someone?  I mean laugh like you are going to burst, like you are out of control?  Well, we were embarking on such a time.  Darrel laughed and laughed and laughed which made me laugh all the more.  Once we would finally calm down he’d roll back toward me and say, “BOO!!!”  and it would start all over again.  We must have done this at least 4 times.  It was GREAT!  And all at my expense.  tee hee 

  But it was well worth the laugh.  I hope you are able to have some “Boo” moments sometime soon!

A to Z or should it be Z to A?

  Yesterday I was trying to teach Hope how to look up words in the dictionary again.  Somehow she just never really got it last year.  Going over the two words at the top of each dictionary page, explaining that the first word is the first word on the page, the second word is the last word on the page.  I kept using the words before and after.  She said, “What does that mean, before and after?”  So, I had to go over all that again.  I decided to list A-Z on the board.  I said, “A comes BEFORE B, T comes BEFORE U” and so on and so forth.  Then I went over all the AFTER’s as well (c comes after b, etc.).  After talking to her and explaining for approximately 10-15 minutes she said, “WHO said it had to be this way.  WHO said A comes first and B comes second and Z is last?  I think Z should be first!  Or maybe H or L or S!  (her name is Hope Lauren Schiel)    

Sprouts have arrived

          

I wanted to take pictures of our own dear sprouts but when I turned on my camera it said “change battery pack”.  So, now it’s charging.  But we’re about to pull out our summer gardena nd plant some fall items.  We’ve sprouted from seed, kale, pumpkins, Acorn squash, 2 lettuces, peas and lots of fall flowers, Lupine and others I cannot think of this early in the morning. Our okra is still producing like crazy and just as I was about to pull out the canteloupe vines I noticed another one coming along, so I’ll wait.  We did get 2 butternut squash, which was a great surprise! 

  I decided to paint inside the house for my birthday present.  I have not fully completed the front livingroom area due to the heavy bookshelves and am working on the formal dining.  We all agree that this color is much pretty, warm and makes us feel ‘at home’ instead of the white walls.

Sunrises

  I’ve been able to wake up early, have quiet time with the Lord and then take a walk every morning.  I’m sure I looked quite funny 2 days ago while walking because I chose to walk back and forth, back and forth on the same path, just like dog in a dog run.  Why did I do that?  This path happens to sport the most beautiful sunrises ever.  Well, ok, maybe that’s exaggerating a bit, but they are breath- taking and tear making.  I sometimes just stop and stare and marvel at the beauty of the Lord.  I think about how one day we won’t need the sun but He will be our light.  I look at His handiwork and am amazed that every single morning He is creating a new masterpiece, just as beautiful or more beautiful than the day before.  I marvel at His infiniteness and my finiteness.  It is too wonderful for words.  I praise Him in my inner most being and stand and cry.  It’s marvelous and so worth waking up early!!! 

Romans 1:19-20  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Full Life

My life is very full.  Full of change, full of growth, full of love, full of trials, full of victories and full of love for my Lord Jesus Christ!  There is much going on in the Schiel home and most of it has to do with training.  What a glorious thing to be called as a mother.  What a wonderful message Grady gave Sunday morning to remind me, once again, that every trial is to be counted JOY as He is shaping all of us for His glory. 

  Here is another day my Lord has given.  Let me walk in it according to Your will and plan.

Random pics

My sweet girlie making some dessert for guests who were coming over one Sunday after church.  Such a great helper!!

 This is handwriting homeschool style.  Isaac and Hope love hanging out on top of the monkey bars to write or read. 

 How the students from the Darrel Schiel School of Covenant Faithfulness take a 15 minute break from academics when the City of Pearland come to release water pressure.

 Saying goodbye to our okra ‘trees’ before we pulled them out for a new crop of fall vegee’s.

 Trinity posing to serve in our newly painted formal dining room.

 …and sweet Trini’s little hand.  I can just sit and watch her in amazement while she clicks away using this mouse.  She is quite proficient!!

 Danielle’s amazing photography! 

So many pictures, so little time!   Hope you enjoyed.

More Pictures

 My cute punkin’ getting buried at the beach!

Trinity’s birthday party in June.  Lotsa sugar.  Whew!

 Hope’s dancing feet

 Two girls lovin’ Pawpaw Dan’s glove

 

 Acrobatical reading time

Stepping Heavenward

  I am now on page 220 of this 363 page book.   It begins very amusingly to me as it reminds me so much of my dearest little Hope Lauren.  Last week she asked me why I was chuckling while reading the book and I said, “Oh, the girl in this book reminds me of someone.”  Can you imagine she knew exactly who that someone was right away? *grin*  Thus, she wanted to hear the book read at that very moment.  I’ve read her a couple chapters but she currently has other things to read.

  As the amusement still continues at times it moves me to be more convicted than anything.  It’s a very good book…a journal of Katy’s life.  If you’ve never read it, you should.  So real, you will have to have had some of the same feelings or trials she’s gone through which will lead you into thought and prayerfully conviction that would lead to repentance. 

  It’s sweet, funny, extremely emotional with all her moods but laced with a heart to know God intimately and please Him utterly.  It may remind you of a child, a friend, a family member or even of yourself.  

A line I read this morning moved me… “And there are my children! My darling, precious children! For their sakes I am continually constrained to seek after and ammend , a sanctified life; what I want them to become I must become myself.”

   Blessed be my God and Savior who shows me such favor.  I am a sinner, all undone, but He loves me still.

Hope’s Update

I’d like to write more about Hope’s appointment this morning but I have a couple of phone calls to make and errands to run.  So for now I’ve just pasted and copied the info I was going to put on Facebook, which was too long.  ha

   Hope update:  All Schiel thumbs up for Dr. Brendan Lee, M.D., PhD. at TX Children’s Clinical Care Center.  Wonderful doctor!!  No answers yet, but we are travelling down some new roads & taking some new tests.  He will be looking into areas of research within Baylor School of Medicine as some of the things he’s thinking can’t just ‘be tested’.  She will have a bone scan soon and new blood work results in about a month. (He wants to rule out osteoporosis)  Follow up visit late January.  Also, Schiel thumbs & toes up for Dr. John Crews (also at Texas Children’s Hospital…and just had a new baby this week, Sophie Grace….congratulations!!)  who recommended Dr. Lee to us.    THANK YOU so much!   AND all praise and glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ who helps us grow in patience as we wait and trust Him!

The Magic Man

  There was quite a skiduffle outside with my children last night.  It all stemmed from Hope’s name being hope and her not hearing her brother clearly.  Trinity was being chased by Hope on her scooter and Trini’s way of getting out of things is to release her mobile apparatus and RUN, leaving the apparatus lying in the road; therefore, Hope (doing the chasing) runs right into this apparatus with her apparatus (being scooter’s) and crashes!  Now, Hope is injured and crying and walks over to the grass where she flops down upset and recovering.  All the while Isaac says, “Hope, your scooter is going to get run over!”  And what she hears is, “I HOPE your scooter gets run over!”  Being in the state she’s in, one can see how that would be even more upsetting.

  All the while, we parents are inside.  As one can imagine, all children come in quite upset, each one telling his/her own story.  When Isaac, Hope and Darrel begin sorting it all out and dialoguing peacefully, Trinity saunters into the kitchen. 

  I’m watching Trini:

Trinity: (looking through the pantry, talking to herself)  “I just love family meetings!” (she turns around smashing one fist into her other hand) “We just smash the information into dad’s complex and he resolves it!”  (Now looking into the room where they are)  “He’s magic!  Yep, it’s true.”  (and walks away)

  I begin laughing and writing her words down as quickly as I can.    (And yes, they were both instructed to show more compassion to the crashee and perhaps go pick up her scooter instead of telling her what might happen! ha)

Hope Update #2

Below is a letter I wrote to a doctor friend of ours.  I’ve tweeked it a bit to save in my blog here.

    The blood Hope gave for labs on Oct. 21, 2010 is going to be used to look for chromosomal analysis (CMA testing).  I believe Dr. Lee is in hopes that this could might raise some flags to help him go down right paths…or paths we haven’t gone down yet.  He’s also going to test her urine (NTx) to see how her bones are undergoing resorption/and or breaking down.  (please forgive as I know some of this might not be exactly right)  He’s wondering what her bone mass is…I believe this is why he wants to do a bone scan.  Wants to rule out osteoporosis. (when we first moved to MD she jumped off a fence and, unbeknownst to us, fractured her leg…found that out months later)  He was surprised at the rate at which her body responded positively toward the MiaCalcin when we were in Johns Hopkins.  Her blood calcium levels went from approx a 15 down to 12 or lower (don’t remember now) in 12 hours.  Because she complains of back pain/ leg pain, etc. every single day, he’s thinking if her bone mass is low that she could be put on IV bisphosphonate therapy, which could help with the pain.  He looked through my entire “book” of Hope’s medical records and we could not find a lab report that contained her Urinary Calcium and creatinine levels.  So, I need to get ahold of more records up north.  He said he really wants to know if the calcium was high in her urine at the onset of all this.   He also wants an X-ray of her “long bones”, legs & arms.  

   We are scheduled to have the bone scan & x-rays done on November 8th a.m.  I believe there are other things he has on his mind that he didn’t share with me but is going to be sharing with some of his colleagues in Baylor College of Medicine.  I believe he said one doctor in particular, who is not in pediatrics, but in the research department; however, I can’t remember which ‘branch’ of expertise. 

  I was highly impressed with Dr. Brendan Lee, M.D., PhD & thankful.  He took a lot of time with us and explained very clearly and detailed, even though it was a LOT of information. 

   I know the Lord may never reveal what’s going on completely, but to have her feeling better would be nice.   No matter, I am thankful to you (Dr. John Crews), to all the doctors we’ve seen thus far, and thanking God (most of the time *in truth*) for this trial, to grow closer to Him, to grow in patience, as Darrel and Grady are preaching in James, will grow us in steadfastness.

Thankful for This Precious Memory

  Last night Darrel called us to family worship time.  Isaac was in one of our large, oversized chairs and asked me to sit with him.  We snuggled together and began singing together as a family.  During the scripture reading Isaac took my hand and laid his head on my shoulder.  It was so sweet.  I am so thankful he still enjoys cuddling and love from his mother while he’s growing into a young man and having more ‘daddy’ time.  I certainly don’t want to feminize him by being here at the house with 3 sister’s but I can’t help but be thankful for this precious memory.  Every night he still calls for me or makes sure I’m going to tuck him in.  Wonderful feeling to be loved and needed, or wanted (ha) by your children.    Thank you, Lord, for showing me love and your kindness through the love of my son.

Goodness, Gracious

  This morning the kids and I were singing worship songs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before starting academic studies.  The 2nd song we were singing has these lyrics, “Good and gracious, You’re our creator.  Good and gracious, to all you’ve made, You’re good and gracious…” and so forth.  And this is what I hear coming out of Trinity’s mouth:

Goodness, Gracious…You’re our creator.  Goodness, Gracious….

I kept singing but was chuckling inside.

Negative, Normal, Negative, Normal

  WHY in the world would any mother, in her right might, want test results to show that her child is ill?  Because that mother is in hopes of a cure; in hopes of answers; in hopes of some type of closure.  Like, “Oh yes, your daughter has an incurable disease and she will likely function this way the rest of her life.”  That kind of ‘closure’.  However, nothing is truly closed when you are a child of the King of Kings.  Ah, the walking out of this life is such a journey; so full of peaks and valleys; so full of beautiful things and pain.

  I just received a call from Dr. Lee’s nurse.  Results from Hopes X-rays and DEXA scan all came back within normal limits.  PTL!   Her blood tests checking her chromosomes all came back normal.  PTL!   Her chest results checking for osteocalcin came back within the normal range.  PTL!  The only labs that came back a little low were her alkaline phosphatates.  I’d imagine this doesn’t have much to do with him and that he’ll forward these to her endocrine doctor. 

  Right at this moment I have a wave of sorrow rushing over me and tears fall freely.  I feel like David when King Saul was pursuing him and he cried out to God in anguish but then ended his laments with words like, “Lord you are good.  You are for me all the time and are watching over my every  need.  You know our comings and goings, you are our protector.”  This too shall pass.  I am eternally grateful for His love and care for Hope and pursue reading His word to grow our faith and trust in Christ Jesus.  He is our all in all.   Psalm 42:5

  And now, we’ll continue to trust and wait. 

Susannah Spurgeon~ morning devotions

  What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us~ward who believe (Eph. 1:19)

  COME, MY HEART, satisfy and delight yourself, this morning, with the thought of what your mighty God can do for you — the grace he is able to give you now — the glory he is reserving for you — the uplifting, up-holding, strengthening, and preserving power which is all invested in his loving hands on your behalf.  Here is a storehouse of riches on which your largest demands can make no perceptible diminishment, and all this is yours!

  “Exceeding greatness.’  Yes, Lord, More vast and wonderful than my poor finite mind can conceive.  Your power bids the sun pour forth his radiant light and heat- your power holds the stars in space, and hangs the earth upon nothing – your power rules the universe with a word!  Is it not exceeding great?  All nature shows you handiwork, and your wondrous power is as much seen in the lowest forms of life and growth as in the higher developments of your creative hand.  All the discoveries of science, all the revelations of its secrets which have of late so surprised and delighted us, are but glimpses of the infinite might and wisdom of the God whose ‘love is as great as his power, and knows neither measure nor end’.

  But, Lord, it is not on the majesty of your omnipotence as shown in your material world that I would meditate at this moment; it is the ‘power to us~ward who believe‘ that enchains my heart, and thrills my soul with joy.  Help me to draw near to you, dear Lord, humbly and reverently, that I may ‘see this great sight’; for though this is holy ground, and the bush burns with fire, there is no barrier as of old, to prevent a near approach to you, seeing that, now, we are made nigh by the blood of Christ’.

  If I have true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then the exceeding greatness of the power of the Most High God, ‘according to the working of his mighty power’, is to me-ward, is on my side, or — I say it with deep reverence — at my service, always at hand to help, to guard, to defend, and to provide for me.  My pen pauses as I ask myself, “Do I believe this? Do any Christians really hold this faith?  Is it possible that there can be among the feeble, doubting, self-engrossed, and half-hearted people that I see and hear of, any who posses the assurance that the power of the living God dwells in then, and that they ‘can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth’ them?  If there be any such, why, oh! Why do they not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called’?

  Look to yourself, my soul.  Is the exceeding greatness of your Lord’s power manifest in you as it should be?  Blessed be his Name, you can say, “He has redeemed me from death and hell, pardoned my sins through the shedding of his precious blood, and given me a promise of life eternal in his presence.’  But what more?  Those are the cardinal gifts of his grace, the cornerstones of his mercy and love.  What do you possess of the details of his mighty working, the filling up, as it were, of the great plan of his will and design concerning you? What does ‘the effectual working of this power’ produce in your heart and life?  Are you wholly consecrated to his service?  Have you given yourself and all that you have into his loving hands?  Are you filled with his Holy Spirit?  Does he control every thought and word and deed?  Are all the powers of your being and all the possessions of both soul and body subject and surrendered to his absolute sway?

  Ah, Lord!  Your poor child sorrowfully confesses to falling very far short of the high standard of Christian life to which your Word expects us to attain.  In common with so many others, I seem to live at a ‘poor dying rate’ when I might have ‘life more abundantly’.  I know the possibilities of conformity to Christ are only to be measured by the exceeding riches of your grace, and the exceeding greatness of your power, and yet I sometimes seem content without a full participation in the glorious experience which your love offers.  Lord, enlighten and quicken me, I beg you!  Put forth in me the mighty grace which will make my daily life a proof that you are working your own will in me, and giving me to know at least in some measure, ‘what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us~ward who believe’.

Back in the Saddle Again

  Back in what saddle?  Oh, of trying to be more health conscience when chosing what foods to feed my family.  There is no doubt that when we were eating raw, plant based foods 90% of the time, we all felt better.  No headaches, backaches, etc.  We just felt great!  But the tongue is an amazing thing.  It can rule us; not only because we use it to bless or curse but we love to taste good food!  I’m not quite sure what brought on hopping into the saddle again but I’m thankful.  Oh, at the heart of the matter I’m sure it is the Lord, but I can’t pinpoint any one thing that made me decide to buy 80% fresh fruits and vegee’s and the other 20% whole grains.  I’m gonna see how long I can get away with not feeding the kiddo’s meat.  They had some baked chicken last night but this morning we had some soaked bulghar wheat with almond milk and this afternoon we are having an awesome looking Israeli couscous.  I hope they think the texture is as cool as I do.  (ha…doubt it…but one can hope)  Tonight we are going to have some type of whole wheat pasta or beans.  Oh, and I made some more homemade salsa with baked corn chips.  They are GREAT!  Baking the corn chips, however, does give a totally distinct crunch.  Not like when they are fried in oil.  I actually prefer the crunch of fried better, but will make due with the baked since I know it is so much better for us. 

Snacktime!                                                                    Breakfast     

Lunch…

No Surprise

Trinity eating Israeli Couscous- “My brain was trying to say ‘mmm, this is good’, but my tongue just wouldn’t say it!”

Hope- “I like the taste but I can’t take the texture.” (this was no surprise…it was a bit slimy)

Isaac & Danielle loved it!

A Little Inspiration

  I decided to get Hope in the kitchen with me to make some zucchini bread.  Half way through Trinity comes down and decides she’d like to be a part of all the excitement so she begins stirring the dry goods.  Hope finishes grading the zucchini, mixes it in, Trinity cracks the egg and gets no shell in the batter for the first time ever!  She was proud of that! 

  During the making of the bread dough, Danielle is searching around the house, second day of searching now, to try and find Luther’s (her/our dog) leash.  Hope played with it yesterday while hoping she’d get to take him on a walk and cannot remember where she put it.  So, Danielle calls, “Hope, please come help me find Luther’s leash!” 

  Hope hops down from the kitchen counter top and sighs, “I don’t know where I put it.  I’m so sorry!” 

  I see she is down and dejected so I offer her a lick of the bread dough, which she adores.  I put a spoon out her way and say, “Here sweetie.  This will inspire you!”  She takes a few licks and heads up the stairs to search for the lost leash.  As I put the licked spoon in the sink to soak Trinity, now standing on a chair next to me, says, “How about inspiring ME!”

Reflecting on Relationships

  After I had Trinity and she and Hope both had to have open heart surgery, I thought of how close they would be as sisters.  Not only were they only 17 months apart but they would both have scars on their stomach and chests to signify what they went through.  I had such a great relationship with my own sister growing up that I just KNEW these girls would be best of friends.

  Well, as the years progressed it was very evident that these girls were NOT the best of friends.  They fought or found their fun with Danielle or Isaac.  This was an option my sister and I did not have, being just we two and no other siblings.  So, for years my heart was sad with thoughts of my two heart surgery girls, close aged sisters not being good friends.  I continued praying that God would bring them close.

  Well, right now I am sitting in my closet.  Seems strange, I know, but I am trying to work on Christmas presents which are hiding in here.   Hope and Trinity are taking a bath together in our garden tub and they are having a blast.  There are peels and squeals of laughter floating from the bathroom along with splashes.  Yes, there are still some, “MOMMY” screams coming out in fun, but this is just another evidence that God has been at work for some time.  I think they would say they are best friends…regardless, they have a lot of fun together where just 2 years ago I don’t recall them having fun together period. 

  This causes me to cry for another reason.  Deep down, hearing them  grows my faith for another area in our lives that I pray will grow and change.  At times my flesh is very strong and faith seems so weak.  I know God is at work, but I think, “This is never going to change.”  And I’m sure years ago I thought, “These girls are never going to be friends.”  I know better than to say ‘never’ or ‘ever’, but when I’m walking through a trial or hardship I can be tempted to feel or think that way.  God is teaching me patience and, by jove, it ain’t easy! 

  I am so thankful God is faithful, kind and merciful.  I give Him all glory and much thanks for the laughter I hear coming from our bathroom and will continue trusting Him for all the rest. 

Is A Change Ahead?

  Well, yes, ultimately change is going to occur.  It always does whether we want it to or not.  All I have to do it look at myself or my children and see that change occurs daily. 

   While fixing Hope’s hair yesterday I was caressing her face as it is soft and smoothe as can be.  She, in turn, began caressing my neck and said it was ‘flabby’, or in other, kinder words, “loose”.  Ah yes, the days of tight, smoothe skin are long gone for this lady, but I wouldn’t go back for anything!

  As I sit at my desk thinking about the coming days and how I can best serve and teach these children God has given me, I wonder if there is another cirriculum that would best serve us all.  It is VERY difficult to teach 3 (Isaac, Hope and Trinity) children the basics of reading, writing and arithmatic and then for me to still have energy to teach them anything else like history or science, of which they haven’t been getting for the past month or two.  So, I’m looking into some other ways to teach these little angels without putting us in the poor house.  My heart would be to teach by reading ‘whole’ books, the Charlotte Mason way…and books we do have.  But I don’t have them organized very well.  Perhaps that would be the next step; we’ll see.  So for now I pray and seek to do my best with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Bible History

  I have been reading through a 3 volume series with the children called The Bible History Told to Our Children by John Vreugdenhil.  It is excellent!  If you are looking to read through the entire Old and New Testament with your children in a storybook fashion I highly recommend it!!   I have currentlly found only one set available on Amazon (used) for $100 but it would be money well worth spending.

  There’s also  Long Story Short: Ten Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski but we haven’t read it yet.

March Post

  I am somewhat surprised that it was Dec. 2010 that I wrote my last post, but not thoroughly shocked.  Writing in a journal is somewhat like exercising.  You have to choose to do it.  Something else is going to have to be sacrificed in my schedule to do it.  It’s so easy to post a little ‘ditty’ on Facebook and move on my merry way.

  I am definitely surprised that it is already March 4th!  WOW!  Today we’ll drive to the Houston Arboretum for Isaac, Hope and Trinity to take a nature class with a nature walk.  In the past Trinity has expressed her desire to ‘go to school’.  I believe this comes from her desire to make more friends.  She tends to be a social butterfly.  So, after sharing this joyous occasion with them, who would be the one saying, “No, no Mommy, YOU are my teacher?”  Yes, the little Trinity.  She seems very upset to have a class not taught by her mother or father, but I think she’ll be pleasantly surprised.  And I have NO doubt that if there are other children her age in that class, she will return to me victorious in making a new friend!  Danielle and I will take a nice, leisurely nature walk while they are in class and I would venture to say that Danielle will bring my camera and practice her picture-taking skills.  She will be taking a Macro-photography class on the 17th with a photo shoot the following Saturday. 

  Commenting on education, my teaching and being organized or not so, a couple of weeks ago, out of absolute necessity, I made notebooks for each child.  This was done more for Hope I think.  I think she works better when she ‘sees’ all the work she needs to do for the day.  It’s more accepted and she knows how to buckle down and ‘get it done’!  Each notebook has manilla folder inserts with the days of the week and under each one, the worksheets or directions to do a particular project or reading assignment.  It’s certainly helped keep me on track and we’ve been finishing up before lunchtime which has been lovely!!  However, I must admit since we’ve had this beautiful spring weather, we’ve been learning more about digging huge holes in the backyard, planting bushes we’ve received from a friend, pulling weeds, planting wildflowers, and the like.  While inside the kitchen last evening I watched Isaac, Hope and Trinity in the garden.  One had a rake, the other a shovel and another a hoe type tool.  They were just pounding and scraping away, to which I thought, “AH, I must get out there and unload those bags of humus/manure.  They are doing such a great job ‘playing’, I can get them to work all this in the soil without them even knowing it is work!”  Well, they did work it in some but I’m afraid I messed up the play.  Some of we mommy’s should leave well enough alone.   Lesson learned.

Rodeo 2011

  What a mess I made!

  I’ve wanted to go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on and off since we moved to the greater Houston area back in 2000.  All of the sudden, Tuesday night, I get this grandiose idea to look up ticket prices because a friend told me Wednesday’s are cheaper.  Indeed they are!  So, I begin looking at the schedule, etc. to see if going is feasible.  Then I ask Darrel and he says yes.  Woo hoo, we’re on our way!

  I get the kids all tucked in and tell them we must be up very early for the horse competitions which begin at 8 a.m.  I print out tickets and look through the schedule once again…No worries, I’ll wing it this time and just get there and have fun!  I have a tendency to over-plan at times. 

  In the morning I wake everyone at 6:30 a.m. for a quick breakfast of biscuits and fruit and we hit the road!   We find a place to park for $7 but can only stay there until 1 p.m.  No problem.  5 hours of rodeo fun are sure to be enough for this crew.  We walk into the horse arena and there is a horse competition going on but it appears the only other people in there are judges.  WEIRDy!  So, we sit down and watch.  It was very interesting but the little girls got restless after watching the 7th or 8th horse do the exact same course.  So, we decided to go where we could see the “ACTION” !  We leave the building, freezing…it’s windy and pretty cold.  We walk for what seemed miles (it wasn’t) through a huge fair area, all the while hearing, can we ride rides?  They weren’t even open.  WHY weren’t they open, I thought to myself.  But we kept walking, all the way over to Reliant Stadium where we were met by an attendant who told me we actually wanted to go to the Reliant CENTER.  OH….so that’s where the “ACTION” is, I thought.  So, we walked what seemed another mile or two (it wasn’t) in the freezing wind and finally got there.  The kids were beginning to get hungry.  Well, no doubt!  There were food stands EVERYWHERE.  We walked in to the Center and knew this had to be the place as we SMELLED the animals.  So, we went to a kid area where there was sure to be loads of fun!  Hmmmm…. am I missing something? 

  Well, for one, I guess we just aren’t rodeo type people.  If you have animals to show or you are in some kind of competition I’m sure it’s great.  We wanted to see guys getting thrown off bulls and horses, wanted to see barrel racing…that kind of thing.  And we weren’t finding it.  I finally gave in and spent $12 on cinnamon rolls, set the kids down on some small risers to watch kids walking their calves around for judging and took off to get some information.  After talking to 2 nice ladies I learned that I had made a COLOSSAL mistake!  ALL the stuff we were there to see wasn’t going to begin until 6:45 that NIGHT, and yes, it was in the Reliant Stadium area.  UGH!  What to do now?

  Well, I hung my head and we went home.  OH, I have to say we did go through this little farming area that Trinity enjoyed.  We especially enjoyed getting the free snack at the end.  HA

  Once home we decided we should suck it up and go back later that evening.  But my heart ached because I was supposed to have my Women’s Accountability Group which only meets once a month and I was now going to miss it. 

  We did, indeed, go back that evening, watched some pig races, Muttin’ Bustin’ (little kids weighing 35-60 lbs riding sheep), and Hope ate a gigantic turkey leg.  We got our seats which felt like they were in the sky…Hope and Trinity were scared at first but got used to it, especially since I let them have a cotton candy.  We got to see the Chuck Wagon Races, Bull Riding, Buckin’ Broncho Riding, Calf Roping and all the ‘ACTION’ we wanted to see earlier in the day.  It was fun!  But it is an experience this ole’ gal won’t have again any time soon. 

  I like watching all the ‘ACTION’ but if you have FOX cable, invite me over and we’ll watch the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the couch!!

And this is life…needing Anger Journals

  I’m posting for a good friend of ours but in reality know that God is at work to remind me of tools He’s provided to help me in training the children He’s put in my care. 

  In the heat of anger, arguments, etc. I can easily forget to STOP EVERYTHING and get to the heart of the issue.  I have often told younger mom’s something I learned while at Pastor’s College about training children at a young age that I wish I’d heard; feed them, clothe them, and train them.  Oh, what simplicity but such truth!  How many days I thought I had so many other things that were more important; errands to run, bargains to retrieve, other friends to encourage.  And I’m not saying doing those things aren’t valid and good.  But when a young mother, one must look at the calling God has on one’s life at that moment.  (actually, after re-reading this, it’s not about being a young mother…it’s about being a mother.period.no.matter.the.ages.of.you.or.the.children.)  I believe there were many days I was looking  to the next thing, the next step, and I was missing what was right in front of my face.  Enough rambling…

  I do not recall where I found the tool of this ‘Anger Journal’  but it has been helpful and was especially so today.  After one of my children said something very hurtful to another I realized the severity of the cut.  I took the one upstairs that was angry and we went through the following.

1.  What circumstance/s led to my becoming angry?  (What happened that provoked me to anger?)

2. What did I say/do when I became angry? (How did I respond to the circumstances?)

3. What is the biblical evaluation of what I said/did when I became angry? (How does the Bible classify what I said/ did when I became angry?)

4.  What should I have said/done when I became angry? (How could I have responded biblically when I became angry?)

This tool proved to be of much help today and brought us to the word of God.  Only the truth can set one free of anger and we are thankful for His word and faithfulness to us.  It was a beautiful time to reflect on forgiveness in Matthew 18:12 and remember that we have a debt we cannot repay…ever.  We realize that none are good, no not one in Romans 3.  We reflected on needing God to grow us in the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5 and talked about the need to pray more fervently for these fruits.  And lastly we encouraged our souls with not being weary in well doing by reading through Galatians 6:9.  We also had a mini-celebration when this child realized that the Holy Spirit helps him hold back many hurtful things he’d like to say, but doesn’t let them come out of his mouth.  We reminded one another that we MUST celebrate and thank the Lord for these victories because He is the one enabling us to tame the tongue. 

  So, even though very hungry for dinner, we knew that searching our souls and discussing these heart issues were more important.  (Man cannot live by bread alone)  God was glorified, we were all encouraged, learned more about how weak and frail we are and how great our God and King is and then went out for a $4.99 Domino’s pizza instead of mama cooking.   (I cannot begin to thank God enough for the encouraging words my 15 year old daughter was sharing with her 6 and 8 year old little sisters.  Later this evening she and I cried a few tears, while in embrace,  in thanks to God for His working in her life and the blessing she is to those around her…and relieving a bit of stress as well.)

Honor Your Father and Mother

  I read a note from a friend today about something her son did to damage their property (nothing serious).  Actually, it was more like graffiti but the point was that he knew better and had been told ‘a hundred times’ that paper is where we write.

  From this note I was encouraged by the mother’s response and growth in her desire to please Jesus Christ through her response and it led me to a book I own.  It led me to think about how often I only speak to my children about certain things after or during discipline and not during times of ‘happy training’.  It is easy to be lazy and not be faithful in reminding & teaching my children to honor God in all the ways He requires. 

  The book I opened was Honor Your Father and Mother; The Fifth Commandment for Little Ones by Pam Forster, published by Doorposts.  This is a wonderful tool to use as a parent and to allow older children to read on their own. 

  I immediately turned to a few pages in which I needed encouragement and to remind my children what God requires of them…of us all.  A beautiful thing about this book is that they allow photocopying for household use so I’m able to make a couple copies and let the girls color the pictures while we are reading and discussing the questions and scripture references. 

  The pages I printed out today were about honoring parents by not interrupting and a scripture reference from James 1:19.  And the last 2 are also very applicable to Darrel and I as well…honoring parents by not arguing, whining, criticizing or grumbling with a scripture reference to Proverbs 10:19.  And asking if they do what parents want them to do even when they aren’t watching with reference to James 4:17.  

  I want to be a faithful servant!  I pray that I will incorporate the questions and scripture references in our bible time each morning and follow up with each of them with patience and encouraging words. 

   

Isaacisms

  Isaac is very gifted with being able to work out problems in his head, especially math problems.  I attribute this gift to his father and, of course, to God.  But this leads him to being lazy and not writing out problems so I can see WHAT he’s thinking and if his thinking is correct.  Today, I was telling him he was going to have to start working out his problems on paper so I can see where the problems occur or his misunderstanding.  He said, “I write slow!”  I told him I understood but that he wouldn’t get any faster if he didn’t start practicing more.  Then as he thought he said, “I’m glad there aren’t cursive numbers!” 

  I laughed.

Puritan Paperbacks

  I went downstairs for my morning coffee and before heading back up to the homeschool room where my desk and computer are, I ventured into the “Cove” which was affectionately named by the kids and me a few months back when we couldn’t communicate clearly which rooms needed cleaned.  The Cove is the back room, den area, if you will, with fireplace.  Not that anyone else needs to remember this but I might forget once the kids are gone.  I like to call it the Cozy Cove but I don’t think it’s stuck with them yet.   There are a plethera of books to choose from in this room and I just happened to the Puritan section.  What a glorious husband to put them into sections.  Maybe glorious is too strong a word but I must share my ardent feelings about this very special man. *grin*  Anyway, I happened upon one titled All Things for Good.  1 word… WOW!  And right now I have misplaced it and the children all declare when I ask if they’ve seen my book, “No.”  Maybe Darrel took it.  I was so greatly encouraged by its content and scripture that I want to be sure to bring it along on our vacation this week of which I am extremely excited to be taking!  Actually, I’d much rather be reading it right now than finishing off my To Do list.  Alas, I’ve once again succomb to blogging.  LOL  Gotta get busy!

big deal

  two things i absolutely must not forget about yesterday…we found a small dog a few days ago and are trying to locate her home. 

hope is totally attached to her.  well, we’re all falling for the sweet little thing.  but she had commented on wed. about wanting to get rid of luther and keeping her. 

while out in the driveway yesterday, talking to a neighbor, she says, “if i had to choose, i’d choose luther.”  What?  i had to ask if i’d heard wrong.

hope- “i would want to keep luther.  i wouldn’t want my sister (dani) to be sad.” 

this is a big deal! 

then hours later while i’m working on a project and voicing my discouragement especially concerning my computer and printer, hope hops up off a chair next to me, puts her hand on my shoulder and says, ‘mama, let me pray for you.’ 

this is a big deal!

she prayed the sweetest, thoughtful prayer.  it was so tender and from her heart.  i actually felt cared for.  amazing!

God, You are amazing and doing a work in that little 8 year old heart.  and you are allowing me the privilge to see the fruit of Your work.

this is a big deal! 

a story with no words

God’s Graciousness

  While teaching the girls’ I noticed Hope was day dreaming and not writing on a handwriting page I had given her.  My usual response is, “Hope, finish your paper… get busy… work hard…stop daydreaming.”  But today I was impressed to ask questions. 

Me- “Hope, what are you doing?”

Hope- “Thinking.”

Me- “About what?”

Hope- “About God.”

Me- “What about God?”

Hope- “His graciousness.”

Me- “What about His graciousness?”  (I know…sometimes I wish I didn’t have to probe, but one must do this with a child to get to the heart at times.

Hope- “My shots.”

Me- ” Can you explain?”

Hope- “God is gracious to me by letting me have a shot every day instead of dying.”

I’m so thankful that He has worked in her heart over the last  2 years where she’s even able to make a statement like that at 8 years of age.  She still despises the shots but is thankful.  You are amazing God!

sMiLe

Scary Stories

  So, the cousin’s (my sister and her children) are here for Memorial Weekend.  I was listening to a new song for worship with earphones on when I notice Darrel getting up from his seat.  I didn’t give it much thought but when he re-entered the room he had a compassionate but funny look on his face.  I learned that one of the cousin’s told such a scary bed-time story that Hope and Trinity burst into tears 

 Yes, I felt sad for them, went to console them, and yes, I’m fairly sure that at least 1 of the girls’ will wake up tonight and need more consoling, but another thought came to mind.  And that thought was, “Wow!  My girls were actually afraid of a ‘silly, scary story’.”   I am thankful because with the movies and media that are out these days many children are numb to things that should shock.  I’m thankful they have not been de-sensitized and I’m also thankful that Hopie asked for prayer!    God is good and faithful.  And, yes, despite the scary story incident, the cousin’s are having a great time together!!!

Sweet 16

  Where did the term Sweet 16 come from?  Well, as I see it, it was probably derived by someone like me years ago who had a daughter like Danielle.  I know, that sounds pretty self-centered…but truth is truth.  

  God sent a gift of sweet-kindness to us 16 years ago today and she has been a ‘cup overflowing’ of joy.  Oh, she had her ‘moments’ and is a sinner like us all, but saved by grace through faith and growing in the fruits of the spirit moment by moment, day by day, year by year. 

  Danielle will be the first one to tell you all her faults and recognize her need for The Savior, Jesus Christ.  He has been so kind, gracious and merciful in her 16 years of life to fill her with Himself to allow others to see the love of Christ.  In all her accomplishments she gives God the glory.  We are so thankful she is not only our daughter but sister in Christ.  God is so kind to let us know her for eternity and to grow together on this journey of life. 

 ”Danielle, I am so proud of the young lady you are & are becoming.  I stand amazed on a weekly basis of how God reveals Himself to you and how much He loves you.  Tears of joy flood my eyes as I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and I must thank you for your deliberateness toward obedience and honor to your parents and care for your sibblings.  I’ve no doubt God blesses you more and more as you battle spiritual warefare for your sanctification for your good and His glory.  To see such a work in progress is almost more than a mother can absorb.  Throughout all our trials as a family you have stood as a becon, an encourager, a fountain of joy and blessing.  Thank you for loving me while seeing me in my sin.  Thank you for forgiving me when I’ve sinned against you, daddy or your sibblings.  Thank you for encouraging us to Godliness and kept shining that sweet smile at us.  Thank you for accepting our correction with the utmost of humility and repenting without any hesitation.  What an example you have been to Isaac, Hope and Trinity!   I’ve said this before and it probably won’t be the last time, but you know I ‘wanted a boy first’.  God had other plans for us and I am SO very greatful that He is God and I am not.  You are such a gift as a daughter and you’re growing into a sweet friend and sister in Christ.  May your days be full of Him; may you grow to love Him more and more and more each day.  Nothing and no one, will truly satisfy your soul like your love, your intimate relationship with Jesus.  I know you know that, but…we’re here to remind one another!

  My precious Danielle Kay Schiel…I love you!”

Mama

The Houston Zoo and Big Brother

  We had the privilege of being invited to the Houston Zoo last Sat. from the American Heart Association and Texas Children’s Hospital due to our familiarity with them both.  Despite the heat we thought getting to go to the zoo as a family and having lunch there would be fun as Darrel rarely gets to do this type of things with us. 

  After the girls’ played some games, did some hoola-hooping, put together some crafts, won slap bracelets, masks and sunglasses, answered zoo animal questions and ate some burgers we ventured out to see more animals before heading home.  As we walked in as much of the shaded area as possible we came upon the Houston Zoo Carousel.  It is quite the site, with zoo animals of all kinds going up and down, all shiny and colorful!  Trinity, still being young and into this sort of fun, asked if she could please have a ride.  Darrel and I both thought not, but then I thought we could bless her with a ride as part of a pre-birthday gift. (bd 6-15)  Daddy still thought not and then Isaac turned to him and said, “I’d like to let her ride as a present from me.”  My heart melted…and I think Darrel’s did too.  Well, maybe not melted, but we both saw such kindness in the offer.  We allowed Isaac to purchase his little sister a ticket on the Houston Zoo Carousel and then Darrel piped up, “Shari, get Isaac a ticket so he can ride with her.”  My heart melts again.  SO sweet!  With a grin as wide as the Mississippi River, Trinity got in line and began searching for the perfect animal.  She couldn’t stop smiling, and right behind her was Isaac.  I must admit his face wasn’t quite as happy as hers, but he was being very valiant like her mighty provider and protector.  I perceived he might have been thinking, “I really didn’t want to ride this myself, but I’ll do it for her.”  I could easily be way off base on that one.  Nevertheless, she finally chose an adorable, black dolphin which enabled Isaac to ride the more manly tiger which was right beside her.  I believe that was the kindness of God, not Trinity trying to help him out!  ha  Anyway, I’m sure it was somewhat of a “Whew” for Isaac!  After the ride I heard her thanking him and she said she thanked him over and over during the ride.  It warmed my heart through and through to see my son showing tenderness and kindness to his sister and the joy he brought her through this gift.  Thank you Lord that you allow us to see fruits of the Spirit working in each child in different ways.  This is a memory I am not soon to forget.

Adopting Katie

  Katherine Von Bora Schiel is the newest member of the Schiel Family.  Where she came from and why she came to us we know not, but I do know that the first name she recevied from us, Angel, fits pretty well, although it has since changed. (Her name changed when she jumped up on our bed and curled up on Darrel’s shoulder while he was reading a book.  Yes, Darrel named Luther as well.  Imagine that!   We all love it by the way. )

   22 days ago I went outside during our lunch break to retrieve a 24 pack of water out of our trunk and came back in with her.  We put signs up in our sub-division, called vet’s offices and contacted the Humane Society; no one has claimed her.  So, today, I officially announce that Katherine, or “Katie”, as Martin Luther affetionately called his wife, is ‘ours’.  (If you didn’t know, Danielle’s dog, also our family dog, was named Martin Luther Schiel…we call him Luther.)  Luther is not as friendly with strangers as we’d like, but I chalk that up to several reasons which would take to long to write in this post; none being his fault, poor little guy!  I would not have bought another dog or even entertained the idea of owning another dog until she jumped into my lap and curled up.  I wouldn’t have dreamed in a 100 years that she and Luther would actually get along; not only get along but be the best of pals, romping and playing all the day!  She’s a little gift.  And for those of you who might fear Luther, no need to fear her.  She’s a tender little reed.

And for posterity sake and for those of you who might think Luther is unapproachable, here is a picture of all my niece’s and nephew playing in our backyard just 2 weeks ago.  Luther is holding a tennis ball while everyone is chasing him.  He thoroughly enjoyed the play!

Saturday Morning Musings

  Facebook has taken over the world!  Well, not exactly but for those in the computer age it can feel that way.  I have been realizing for some time that I am missing out by not posting family happenings in this online journal.  I’m not writing down things I really want to remember…so I’m hopeful that I will begin doing better. There are things I’d like to share with friends and family here but there are also very personal things that I will be posting in a personal journal.

  Darrel and I had the opportunity to attend an Astro’s game last night with the Yohe’s.  The Astro’s actually won!  Wow.  ha  The firework show afterward was actually better than the one we saw at Miller Outdoor Theater on the 4th of July.  Hilarious!

God’s Provision

Where do I begin?  I certainly do not want to begin with complaining, which is where my flesh would love to go.  I have mused over the phrase, “When it rains and pours”, over and over the last few weeks.

To make a very long, tedious and rather boring story or list of things that have gone wrong, short (how was THAT sentence?)  I will just say that we have been inundated with breakdowns the last few months.  When the money is there to cover the costs it’s easier to say, “Thank you Lord” for the provision.  But when the money is gone and the breakdowns continue, the phrases usually turn to prayers of supplication instead of prayers of thanksgiving.

Amongst the thousands of dollars we have now spent repairing our used vehicles and several home repairs and ant infestation in our home, our air-conditioner stopped working again (last month outdoor air-compressor went out).  After a warm night of restless sleep and looking at another large chunk of ‘dough’ which we no longer have, I am drawn to prayer and thanksgiving for how God will provide.

I JUST prayed with the girls this morning after hearing the dollar amount of the a/c repair.  Danielle walked to the mailbox to mail a card and brought back the mail from yesterday.  I open an envelope from Kroger and saw $45 with of Kroger money to spend at the store today (we use the Kroger m/c for grocery purchases and gas).  His kindness was too great…I cried and thanked the Lord for His care and provision.  Then we learned that the motor on the a/c blower (I think this is right) is under a 10 year warranty and we aren’t having to pay an additional $1000 to replace it.  Thank you Lord!

In addition to these praises I am thankful to have a home, to have insurance, to have food, to have clothing and water.  I am thankful for vehicles even when they break down.  I am thankful not to have to walk all the way to the grocery store or ride my bicycle and try to bring enough groceries home on it for 6 people.  I am thankful for a washer and dryer to wash our clothing.  I’m thankful for health and that we do not have a child in the hospital right now suffering.  I am thankful for so many things but more than all these I am thankful for God’s provision in bridging a gap that I could never bridge.  I am so thankful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice to save a sinner like me.  I can never pay the debt I owed.  And regardless if I went a day without food or a week or more without a/c in the comfort of my home, God loves me/us and I could never ask for more!

God’s Provision II

Before I pray God knows my need.  Before I wrote a word God was preparing for me to receive $ in the mail from Kroger.  As I wrote a blog post God was preparing the heart of friends to send money to care for the needs of the Schiel family.  How can I do anything but stand in awe of this God we serve?  God so swiftly and kindly sent money through some of His children to completely pay for our  a/c repairs.  Should I be surprised?  Absolutely not.  I’m not surprised but I still sit and marvel at His love to us and am thankful for obedient and generous children of God.

And now as I sit in my dining room I look at wilting Gerbera Daisies.  They were so beautiful a few days ago and now, despite my care for them, they are wilting; fading away and losing precious petals.  I think through the last few days and esp. today and continue to marvel at God’s kindness.  I’m not jumping up and down with excitment today, but have a deep seeded joy and faith in Christ Jesus for what He is doing in and through His people.  I think about how His ways are not our ways; I think about how much He must love us to allow things not to go the way we would choose.

After 2 1/2 years of daily injections, Hope finally got to try a nasal spray for her hypercalcemia.  Each person in our family has been elated at this opportunity for our dear little Hope and, no doubt, she’s been the most excited and anticipatory.  I drove with Isaac and Trinity to take her to give blood for her labs Monday morning since she hadn’t had any med’s since Sunday morning around 8 a.m.  She woke up not feeling great so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to see what her blood calcium levels were at; we usually get blood taken  in the afternoon after she’s already had a shot.  I’ve often wondered if her levels change within a 24 hour period, so I’ve been thankful for this opportunity. (soon to find out the results)  After we picked up the nasal spray we returned home.  Hope wanted to do the spray in the presence of the entire family; quite a big deal to be sure!  Once home we decided I’d better “pull the trigger” the first few times until she was sure she’d pump it fast and hard enough; we don’t want to waste a drop.  Once taken her eyes welled up with tears and her nose got really red.  She kept sniffing in so she wouldn’t lose any medicine but was saying it really hurt.  (Personally, I despise nasal sprays and would rather have shots…I think!)  She didn’t feel well most of the day yesterday, but we have those days so I just listened.

Today, Hope woke up and, sadly, there was no excitement for the nasal spray.  After breakfast she began to cry saying, “I don’t want nasal spray, I don’t want shots, I don’t want any medicine.”  We proceeded and sprayed in the opposite nostril, of which we received the same response as yesterday; teary eyes, red nose and an upset little girl.  But today she cried most of the day on and off complaining of back pain and throat pain.

What’s a mother to do with an 8 year old girl who has idiopathic (unknown cause) hypercalcemia and, as far as she can tell, this child will have to take injections or nasal spray the  rest of her life?  How does she help this child deal with the physical and emotional pain?

Not being able to work on her school work nor concentrate she gets up from her desk and lies on her bed.  “Mommy, will you please pray for me?”

A mother lays down on the bed with her child, holds her and they look out the window at the beautiful blue sky and white, wispy clouds blowing by.  She begins to pray and asks God to heal her; asks God to help her feel better; and then proceeds to thank Him for giving us reminders of His love and care for us.  She thanks God for pain and sickness so that we aren’t content to stay in this world but long to be with Him.  She thanks Him that He doesn’t allow us to have perfection, to have every single need met perfectly or we’d want to stay here and we’d be content with little or no desire for Him.  She thanks Him that He lets us see our great need for a Savior which grows our hearts to pray for others who are lost.

Later in the day she gives her child a back rub with peppermint oil to soothe and relax her muscles.  She lies on the bed with her and reads her stories about contentment in Christ; about God’s sovereignty and though we don’t always know what His plan is or why, He has known since before the foundations of the world.  Helping her to see that when He brings her through “fiery trials” to trust Him; to pray for His all-sufficient grace.  To pray for strength.

This is another way God is providing for us; for Hope.  What a name He’s given her; what hope we have in Jesus!

Another day in the life of me

I am procrastinating.  I hear little footsteps coming up the stairs which will keep me from writing this blog post.  lol

This is my season.  A season for growing, for interruption, for self-discipline, for being pruned, for being broken, melted and shaped for His purpose.

I am musing over Romans 7:15 this evening as I put off working on lesson plans for home schooling this week.  In my own words, I don’t do what I know I should do and I do what I know I shouldn’t (writing this blog post first…doing anything, anything but lesson planning)!!  I do not, I mean really, do not have good, structured weeks of academic study for my children when I do not spend the proper amount of time and energy in preparing for their education on a weekly basis.  But I absolutely dread doing it.  I would rather clean toilets, laundry, scrub the floors, mow and edge the lawn (ok ,that’s not fair…I like doing the lawn) do the dishes and even DUST our books, than to do lesson plans.

So, going to have to do some serious praying and meditating over what my problem is.  I’ve no doubt God will give me guidance when I truly seek Him for an answer.  Now, whether I LIKE it, that’s another issue.

Praise You Lord for your tender mercies, Your long-long-suffering and patience with this daughter of yours.  You are so kind!

No promises

Hope: “Mommy, we’re done with our chores and everything…can we please play Mario Cart?”

 

Me: “Why haven’t y’all given that back to the Yohe’s yet?  Y’all end up fighting when you play that game.”

 

Hope: “We won’t fight. I pro— I prom— I pro—  I can’t promise you anything, but can we please play?”

 

ME: Totally cracking up I say yes.  How can I say no to such honesty?