Isaiah 61:11 says, “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”
In this instance, God uses the annual occurrence of spring to remind us that praises sung to Him will also spring forth around the world. When I see the new buds and blooms, the garden being planted each year, I want to remember to praise the Lord’s name.
It’s truly a privilege to sing His praises when He takes care of us in such specific ways. Last week, before I had a chance to post or really tell many people, the Lord had already put in motion answers to our prayers. At the beginning of last week, Philip’s allergy side effects really escalated and the vomiting started again, about once a day. At the same time, we changed Joyanna’s medication and she was experiencing the behavioral changes with that. Suddenly, all the calm we had been enjoying had disappeared suddenly with both kids. Plus, Ethan is 2. Enough said! I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Also, we were leading up to the busiest week of my husband’s entire work year. But I was reminded just a few days later that God was not surprised by all of our circumstances. Just two days after Philip started vomiting, he had his previously-scheduled follow-up appointment with his pediatrician. I’m convinced that wasn’t a coincidence. He was able to start him on a prescription-strength allergy medication that has helped tremendously. In fact, from the day we started Philip on the medication, he has only vomited once. That was over a week ago. He’s been able to get his fluid goals each day and keep them down. Everything goes smoother when he is fully hydrated.
With Joyanna, we were sure this next step with the medicine was the right thing to do, but we didn’t expect the side effects to be so monumental. It didn’t help that it has been a long time since we have experienced side effects like that so I had forgotten. I was discouraged after a few days, that this would be our new normal with her but just on that day, she really started to level out and show great signs of the medicine actually helping her. We have a long-term plan that will take a few months to work out regarding her medication but we are excited about making those changes for her. Hopefully, in the end, she’ll be better able to function on a daily basis. We meet with the epileptologist on April 1 and hope to discuss some of the changes in detail.
And, Ethan—well, I pray daily for wisdom to be consistent and profitable in his training and trust that God will work in him and me in His time. He is so fun to be around…most of the time. Such a goofball!
So, even though I didn’t get the chance to post the specifics, God knew them and as you prayed for us, He worked. When we see this time after time, it is easier and easier to trust Him to work in every situation on our behalf.
This is the week where Ben is the busiest. It’s College Days at Heartland Baptist Bible College and his department is responsible for a lot of the planning and footwork. It’s an exciting week as hundreds of young people come to consider if this is the college God wants them to attend. They hear preaching, attend classes and have some activities to get to know current students and staff. It’s a busy week but very profitable. We haven’t attended much of it but will attend the meeting tonight hopefully. That said, I better go get things in motion for the evening.
Once again, we thank you for praying for us. God is working. I hope you see Him working in you. As we experience His care and sovereignty, we also pray that for each one of you. He longs to be working in your life and caring for you in the same way. Whatever you face, He can handle it.
Have Faith in God
Have faith in God.
He’s on His Throne.
Have faith in God.
He watches o’er His own.
He cannot fail.
He must prevail.
Have faith in God.
Have faith in God.