Wow... 389 days since we moved into our 38' RV.
Below is a list of our blessings over the last year of RV living:
1. Thanksgiving and Christmas spent in Orinda with Skip's parents - only God could know that it would be his mom's last... she would die the end of January.
2. Extraordinary skiing in Idaho!
3. First visit to the life sized Ark Encounter in KY.
4. Visit to see Terri's dad and step-mom in TN.
5. Summer camps for Sierra, Jacob and Caleb and a week long conference in apologetics for me and Skip in New Mexico.
6. Samuel was granted a wish from Make A Wish Foundation because of his kidney disease.
7. Ministry opportunities at home school conventions with Answers in Genesis.
Although we try to focus on the blessings, the things that don't go our way (or pop up unexpectedly) seem to get the most attention. We know that God has the best for us and will use the trials for our good.
Our blessings through trials:
1. The death of Skip's mom.
2. Rv issues such as electrical, mold, leaks, slipping transmission, broken pipes, slide failure (not to mention the elk we hit going 65 mph) $$$
3. Continued health issues for Samuel.
4. Major change of plans on our house ending in cancelling the building of it and settling for purchasing the property only.
5. Skip's loss of position within AT&T. (Although he has until Dec. 11th to find another job within the company).
6. Living in 400 sf with 7 people for over a year.
7. Facing reality of living another year (and winter) in the RV.
The experienced metal-worker knows his material. He knows the temperature in which the metal needs to be exposed in order to refine it to it's most pure and brilliant finish. He knows that if he pushes it to a temperature beyond which it can stand, it will be ruined. So he watches it faithfully until he can see his face reflected in it's purity.
So it is with us and our Ultimate metal-worker God. He will never turn up the heat to a point that it will destroy us. Only to the point of refining us to our most brilliant by burning off the impurities that mare that brilliance. Until we reflect our Creator.
The lessons we have learned?
1. Flexibility - being able to submit our dreams to Him that created us and accept His change of plans in our life.
2. Trust - Knowing that God will never do anything to harm us and everything to bless us (Rom 8:28). Even when we don't see that blessing immediately.
3. Joy - Instead of focusing on the negative, we are encouraged to be in Joy.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:2-6.
I often tell my kids that the lessons they are learning now (if they will embrace them) are more valuable than any other. The ability to deal with disappointment, longing and selfishness. To be able and willing to put aside their own wants and needs for another person and to forgive and encourage others is something desperately missing in our society.
So we continue to take things day by day (and sometimes hourly). We will persevere as best we can desiring to glorify our Lord and Savior through our trials. We will continue to seek His wisdom and guidance and pray for the peace that defies all understanding.
Praise be to God!
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Encouragement Anyone?
Parenting is hard! Don't get me wrong... it is the most rewarding thing we can ever do. The discipleship of the next generation is nothing to sneeze at and can be demanding and draining of our time, energy and resources.
Now add homeschool.
It's like traversing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope and then adding a unicycle and a monkey on your back. Or swimming the Atlantic and adding 50 foot swells and hungry sharks. Like...
Ok, you get the picture.
Parenting is hard and home educating is hard. Have you admitted that yet? We are in need of encouragement along the way though sometimes we don't see the need. It's like going without food for a long period. The first few hours your stomach yells at you for attention. But gradually, we get used to the pangs and ignore them until it becomes normal.
Don't let the pangs in home education or parenting become normal. You are in need of refreshment! May I offer some suggestions?
Womens' Retreat (and Mens' too!)
What a great way to refresh as child of God! To be reminded of God's goodness, feel God's love and presence in your life and either be convicted of areas you need to change or confirm the path you are on. This can be a wonderful time with other women who have been where you are and who can love and encourage you without the everyday pressures.
Homeschool Conferences
No it's not just about the curriculum hall! It is about being renewed and encouraged in the decision to home educate and raise godly young men and women. Especially in our society today that doesn't understand our convictions, it can be extremely encouraging to be in the presence of other parents facing the same decisions and difficulties you are. I love to sit in the auditorium with other parents and look around. I dare you! Just look around. I look at these parents who may look like they have it all together and realize that their fears are my fears. Their path may be similar to mine or completely different but one thing is the same... our desire to educate our children in the admonition of the Lord. Look around and pray for those sitting around you. And realize that someone may be praying for you too!
Got Kids?
One thing I really appreciate is the family oriented homeschool convention. I have been to several conventions in the western states and I love seeing the kids at these conferences with their parents and their peers. I love seeing the inclusion of these precious children since this is the reason we home educate! Including your children (especially older ones) in curriculum decisions, attending workshops together and talking about what you both learned, signing them up for a special Kid or Young Adult convention, or encouraging them to attend workshops that interest them... who knows? Maybe you'll learn something new about your child! What your child will see is your commitment to their education and that your family is not the only one embarking on this journey. Even if they see friends at co-ops and park days, there is something amazing in seeing thousands of others running the same race we are. Your kids can be encouraged as well!
You are not alone...
Finally, I want to encourage you especially as many of you are wrapping up this school year. You may feel exhausted, elated that it is almost over, discouraged over the things you didn't get to or joyful in the things that were accomplished. Know that God will meet you where you are, He fills the the gaps in your kids education, and gives you the grace to proceed... one day at a time, one subject at a time and sometimes, one moment at a time. Start each day with the truth about God, who He is, what He has done for you and His love for each of us.
That is the greatest encouragement of all!
Now add homeschool.
It's like traversing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope and then adding a unicycle and a monkey on your back. Or swimming the Atlantic and adding 50 foot swells and hungry sharks. Like...
Ok, you get the picture.
Parenting is hard and home educating is hard. Have you admitted that yet? We are in need of encouragement along the way though sometimes we don't see the need. It's like going without food for a long period. The first few hours your stomach yells at you for attention. But gradually, we get used to the pangs and ignore them until it becomes normal.
Don't let the pangs in home education or parenting become normal. You are in need of refreshment! May I offer some suggestions?
Womens' Retreat (and Mens' too!)
What a great way to refresh as child of God! To be reminded of God's goodness, feel God's love and presence in your life and either be convicted of areas you need to change or confirm the path you are on. This can be a wonderful time with other women who have been where you are and who can love and encourage you without the everyday pressures.
Homeschool Conferences
No it's not just about the curriculum hall! It is about being renewed and encouraged in the decision to home educate and raise godly young men and women. Especially in our society today that doesn't understand our convictions, it can be extremely encouraging to be in the presence of other parents facing the same decisions and difficulties you are. I love to sit in the auditorium with other parents and look around. I dare you! Just look around. I look at these parents who may look like they have it all together and realize that their fears are my fears. Their path may be similar to mine or completely different but one thing is the same... our desire to educate our children in the admonition of the Lord. Look around and pray for those sitting around you. And realize that someone may be praying for you too!
Got Kids?
One thing I really appreciate is the family oriented homeschool convention. I have been to several conventions in the western states and I love seeing the kids at these conferences with their parents and their peers. I love seeing the inclusion of these precious children since this is the reason we home educate! Including your children (especially older ones) in curriculum decisions, attending workshops together and talking about what you both learned, signing them up for a special Kid or Young Adult convention, or encouraging them to attend workshops that interest them... who knows? Maybe you'll learn something new about your child! What your child will see is your commitment to their education and that your family is not the only one embarking on this journey. Even if they see friends at co-ops and park days, there is something amazing in seeing thousands of others running the same race we are. Your kids can be encouraged as well!
You are not alone...
Finally, I want to encourage you especially as many of you are wrapping up this school year. You may feel exhausted, elated that it is almost over, discouraged over the things you didn't get to or joyful in the things that were accomplished. Know that God will meet you where you are, He fills the the gaps in your kids education, and gives you the grace to proceed... one day at a time, one subject at a time and sometimes, one moment at a time. Start each day with the truth about God, who He is, what He has done for you and His love for each of us.
That is the greatest encouragement of all!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
5 Months Living in the RV (or 147 days, but who's counting?)
Well, we have made 147 days living in our rv. It has been an adventure! It has also been trying, stretching, draining, training, character building, and exhausting.
But enough about me...
We have experienced -23 degrees, the roller coaster of Samuel's health and many doctor's appointments, Skip trying to fix broken water pipes during said -23 temperatures, the death of Skip's mom, electricity issues, the disappointment of having to change our house plans, the blessing of having to change our house plans, mold, water pump failure, Legoland, leaks, and now Disneyland!
Talk about roller coasters!
We have grown as a family, each of our sins and faults magnified in such a small space. We have cried, yelled, laughed, hugged and loved. This road to righteousness is certainly bumpy and difficult but the journey is what makes the destination so dear. Each mile we go and trial we face, we are growing in His righteousness. I know I could never do this without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who followed His own adventurous, trial-filled road. How do I compare His pain to mine? The road He followed was for me and you, your family and mine. He is asking each of us to follow our own road the best we can, glorifying Him with our attitudes and actions. He is enough for whatever turns up around the bend, knowing what we will encounter next and providing the right fuel for the situation. Maybe it's patience, perseverance, forgiveness, unconditional love, compassion, joy or peace.
Wherever your road is taking you, trust in Him. And remember to buckle up.
But enough about me...
We have experienced -23 degrees, the roller coaster of Samuel's health and many doctor's appointments, Skip trying to fix broken water pipes during said -23 temperatures, the death of Skip's mom, electricity issues, the disappointment of having to change our house plans, the blessing of having to change our house plans, mold, water pump failure, Legoland, leaks, and now Disneyland!
Talk about roller coasters!
We have grown as a family, each of our sins and faults magnified in such a small space. We have cried, yelled, laughed, hugged and loved. This road to righteousness is certainly bumpy and difficult but the journey is what makes the destination so dear. Each mile we go and trial we face, we are growing in His righteousness. I know I could never do this without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who followed His own adventurous, trial-filled road. How do I compare His pain to mine? The road He followed was for me and you, your family and mine. He is asking each of us to follow our own road the best we can, glorifying Him with our attitudes and actions. He is enough for whatever turns up around the bend, knowing what we will encounter next and providing the right fuel for the situation. Maybe it's patience, perseverance, forgiveness, unconditional love, compassion, joy or peace.
Wherever your road is taking you, trust in Him. And remember to buckle up.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Samuel's Story....
Ever been in the midst of a situation and feel disoriented, forsaken or fearful? Sometimes all we need to do is take a step back and see God's love and sovereign will. I want to share with you that love and and will in Samuel's story...
Samuel's story begins before he was born (actually before the beginning of the world, but before he was born will suffice here!) My mom died in 2005 and about 6 weeks later, I discovered that I was pregnant with our fourth child. Three days before Christmas we went to our appointment and couldn't find a heartbeat. As you can imagine, I was heartbroken. Nine months later I miscarried baby #2. We prayed, and prayed. Did God not want us to have any more children? I was reading 1st Samuel and Samuel's barren mother, Hannah prayed, "For this child I prayed," (1 Samuel 1:27) and I felt her pain and loss. God answered her prayer and Samuel went on to serve God, anoint 2 kings, and became a powerful man of God. Her story inspired me and the Lord gave me hope through her trust and faith. God met me in my despair.
Samuel Aston Maynard was born on August 29, 2007.
Samuel was a chubby, happy baby. But as he grew, he was not motivated to crawl like other babies. Instead he was content to sit and wait for his brothers and sister to bring him what he desired. He didn't walk until almost 2 years old and didn't speak more than 20 words until age 3. He had sensory issues with water and food and had trouble with bowel movements. In fact, he was constantly constipated. We had in home therapy for him for speech and sensory but pulled the plug when the county wanted us to send him to a special day school for special needs kids at age 3. We don't regret that decision. God blessed us with wisdom.
Samuel gradually got better with his sensory issues, his vocabulary grew, but he was still constipated. Our doctor started him on the stool softener, Miralax early on and increased the dose over the years. We went to specialists who suspected physical developmental issues preventing him from "feeling" like he had to go poop. Every test came back normal. We've tried enemas, Magnesium Citrate, diet changes, bio-feedback, researched food allergies... all to no avail.
The end of May 2016, Samuel started acting really lethargic. He had never had a lot of energy but now he was napping several hours a day and picking at food. We again tried diet change and bowel cleanout. Nothing was working. We finally got in to see the doctor who ordered an x-ray and blood tests. His tests came back all over the board. His electrolytes were abnormal, he was severely anemic, dehydrated and bowel compacted. He was admitted to UC Davis that day. God is merciful!
They discovered that his kidneys were functioning at around 40%, he had 3 blood transfusions and was put on liquid diet and meds to clean him out. They suspected that because of his bowel compaction, his bladder was blocked and forced urine back up into his kidneys (called reflux). He spent 3 days in PICU. He was released after 2 weeks on meds for high blood pressure, iron replacement, calcium deficiency, chronic constipation, and bladder infection prevention. We also learned how to catheterize him to empty his bladder several times a day. God is our great physician.
12 days later, on a follow up appointment, his kidney function had again taken a dive, and he was readmitted for dehydration. He was urinating large amounts and his water was increased to keep from dehydrating.
They over-hydrated him one day which caused him to have a seizure. Usually after we would turn out the lights I would fall into a exhausted sleep, but that evening I laid awake staring at him in the dim shadows, praying for him. That's when he started convulsing. He made very little noise and had I been asleep, I probably wouldn't have awakened. Unbeknownst to me, a friend of a friend, felt compelled to stay awake that night and pray for Samuel. God was there!
Since then, his numbers continue to slide downhill. As of this post, his kidney function is at 25%. Dialysis is usually started between 10 - 15% but can start earlier if high blood pressure is a concern. He has a better success rate if he receives a kidney transplant before dialysis. God's will is perfect.
Our insurance kicked in the 1st of January but, we just found out, won't cover a transplant at UC Davis. But will cover it 100% at UC San Francisco. My mother had a kidney transplant there herself when I was Samuel's age and then 12 years later, had a heart and kidney transplant there. UCSF's new facility in only 2 years old but that is not the most amazing fact. The original doctor that admitted and diagnosed Samuel back in July 2016 to UC Davis had left there in August for where? UCSF! And Samuel will be seeing her as his doctor on the 19th of January. And this doctor saw his referral at UCSF and upgraded him to have a complete kidney transplant workup instead of a regular kidney disease referral. God has a plan and is working through the details! God is sovereign!
The Future
It will take, on average, 3 months to prepare Samuel and his donor for transplant. He is losing about 3 percentage points each month. Please pray for the Lord to sustain his kidneys until the transplant is ready to be performed.
The transplant is not the end but just the beginning. He will be on anti-rejection medication the rest of his life. This transplant will only last 10-20 years before he will need either another transplant or dialysis. Please pray for the Lord's grace and mercy on Samuel.
Please also pray for wisdom for the doctors, discernment for Skip and I, and peace and joy for our entire family in the midst of this trial.
Another verse that God blessed me with during my pregnancy with Samuel was Jeremiah 29:11, ""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" That promise sees me through the hardest days and I will trust in Him. God is good!
Samuel's story begins before he was born (actually before the beginning of the world, but before he was born will suffice here!) My mom died in 2005 and about 6 weeks later, I discovered that I was pregnant with our fourth child. Three days before Christmas we went to our appointment and couldn't find a heartbeat. As you can imagine, I was heartbroken. Nine months later I miscarried baby #2. We prayed, and prayed. Did God not want us to have any more children? I was reading 1st Samuel and Samuel's barren mother, Hannah prayed, "For this child I prayed," (1 Samuel 1:27) and I felt her pain and loss. God answered her prayer and Samuel went on to serve God, anoint 2 kings, and became a powerful man of God. Her story inspired me and the Lord gave me hope through her trust and faith. God met me in my despair.
Samuel Aston Maynard was born on August 29, 2007.
Samuel was a chubby, happy baby. But as he grew, he was not motivated to crawl like other babies. Instead he was content to sit and wait for his brothers and sister to bring him what he desired. He didn't walk until almost 2 years old and didn't speak more than 20 words until age 3. He had sensory issues with water and food and had trouble with bowel movements. In fact, he was constantly constipated. We had in home therapy for him for speech and sensory but pulled the plug when the county wanted us to send him to a special day school for special needs kids at age 3. We don't regret that decision. God blessed us with wisdom.
Samuel gradually got better with his sensory issues, his vocabulary grew, but he was still constipated. Our doctor started him on the stool softener, Miralax early on and increased the dose over the years. We went to specialists who suspected physical developmental issues preventing him from "feeling" like he had to go poop. Every test came back normal. We've tried enemas, Magnesium Citrate, diet changes, bio-feedback, researched food allergies... all to no avail.
The end of May 2016, Samuel started acting really lethargic. He had never had a lot of energy but now he was napping several hours a day and picking at food. We again tried diet change and bowel cleanout. Nothing was working. We finally got in to see the doctor who ordered an x-ray and blood tests. His tests came back all over the board. His electrolytes were abnormal, he was severely anemic, dehydrated and bowel compacted. He was admitted to UC Davis that day. God is merciful!
They discovered that his kidneys were functioning at around 40%, he had 3 blood transfusions and was put on liquid diet and meds to clean him out. They suspected that because of his bowel compaction, his bladder was blocked and forced urine back up into his kidneys (called reflux). He spent 3 days in PICU. He was released after 2 weeks on meds for high blood pressure, iron replacement, calcium deficiency, chronic constipation, and bladder infection prevention. We also learned how to catheterize him to empty his bladder several times a day. God is our great physician.
12 days later, on a follow up appointment, his kidney function had again taken a dive, and he was readmitted for dehydration. He was urinating large amounts and his water was increased to keep from dehydrating.
They over-hydrated him one day which caused him to have a seizure. Usually after we would turn out the lights I would fall into a exhausted sleep, but that evening I laid awake staring at him in the dim shadows, praying for him. That's when he started convulsing. He made very little noise and had I been asleep, I probably wouldn't have awakened. Unbeknownst to me, a friend of a friend, felt compelled to stay awake that night and pray for Samuel. God was there!
Since then, his numbers continue to slide downhill. As of this post, his kidney function is at 25%. Dialysis is usually started between 10 - 15% but can start earlier if high blood pressure is a concern. He has a better success rate if he receives a kidney transplant before dialysis. God's will is perfect.
Our insurance kicked in the 1st of January but, we just found out, won't cover a transplant at UC Davis. But will cover it 100% at UC San Francisco. My mother had a kidney transplant there herself when I was Samuel's age and then 12 years later, had a heart and kidney transplant there. UCSF's new facility in only 2 years old but that is not the most amazing fact. The original doctor that admitted and diagnosed Samuel back in July 2016 to UC Davis had left there in August for where? UCSF! And Samuel will be seeing her as his doctor on the 19th of January. And this doctor saw his referral at UCSF and upgraded him to have a complete kidney transplant workup instead of a regular kidney disease referral. God has a plan and is working through the details! God is sovereign!
The Future
It will take, on average, 3 months to prepare Samuel and his donor for transplant. He is losing about 3 percentage points each month. Please pray for the Lord to sustain his kidneys until the transplant is ready to be performed.
The transplant is not the end but just the beginning. He will be on anti-rejection medication the rest of his life. This transplant will only last 10-20 years before he will need either another transplant or dialysis. Please pray for the Lord's grace and mercy on Samuel.
Please also pray for wisdom for the doctors, discernment for Skip and I, and peace and joy for our entire family in the midst of this trial.
Another verse that God blessed me with during my pregnancy with Samuel was Jeremiah 29:11, ""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" That promise sees me through the hardest days and I will trust in Him. God is good!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)