Consider The Ravens...

 

Luke 22:24

 

"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds."

 

On the 3rd day that we were at Children's, we were blessed to be moved to the window side of the room.  As I nursed Zion and looked out my window, I had a view of the very tips of some evergreen trees.  On that first day, there were some little birds flitting around the top of the center tree. (Birds have a special little place in my heart, and I love to watch them.)  Anyway, as I noticed the little birds, Luke 22:24 came to my heart!  The Holy Spirit was speaking directly to me at that moment, reminding me that I am much more valuable than the birds to God and He, again, had not abandoned me, and that He would "feed" me during this time of solitude! 

{And boy, let me tell you, did He ever!}

 

I was sharing this little antidote with my friend Kelley as she stopped by for a visit, and then on her next visit, she brought me this sweet little tree.  She had decorated it with lights and a few meaningful ornaments to brighten my space.

 

One of the decorations was the bird that is pictured above. She said, "To remind you of God's promise, in case your little birds outside don't return to your tree."

 

 

She also put a Nutcracker Soldier on the tree, "to remind you that Zion will be a soldier in God's kingdom."

 

And the little red gift box {top left of picture}, "to remind you that Jesus is our Gift."

 

 

And a little angel to, "to remind you that God is overseeing Zion's care!"

 

This little tree not only brightened up my little corner, but also brought so much meaning with it!

 

 

A true treasure from a treasured friend!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by! Know that you are treasured and be refreshed!

 

Paper Chains...



'Tis the season for all things "countdown"...Advent Calendars, Paper Chains, Ball Dropping...

via



 

Well, this year we have a special paper chain countdown of our own:

 

 

This is how many antibiotic treatments Zion has left before we get to go home!  Every time a nurse comes in to "hook him up",  you can see a little twinkle in their eye. They are anticipating getting to tear off the next paper chain!  It has seriously brought a delightfulness to the drudgery that can overtake a day in the hospital!

 

 

 

 

Four rings represents four treatments...which means tomorrow we are out of here!!!  Probably late in the evening, or early Wednesday morning, but we are finally turning the final corner and on our way to the finish line!

 

Thank you again to all who have been praying, visiting, bringing meals, etc! 

We are forever grateful!!!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!

 

A Christmas Love Is...

This is a repost from last year, but a great reminder as we head off into the holiday season!

{I actually have a version of this framed in my kitchen all season long!}

 

 

First Corinthians 13 - The Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: I’m just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

Happy Anniversay!

 

Today marks the one week anniversary of our arrival at Children's Hospital with Zion!

 

{Gotta' keep your sense of humor!}

 

 

Honestly...we're a little tired!

 

 

Zion is doing very well...he has had 3 negative blood cultures now, so officially does not have an infection!  But - we will still be here another 7 days as he finishes out his course of antibiotics.  The IV team inserted a PICC line into his leg, and he receives his medicine through that every 8 hours.  {It has developed a bit of a hard spot just above the insertion site, so pray that it clears with warm compresses!}

 

 

We have discovered and are so grateful for:

 

Showering Facilities

 

Laundry Facilities

 

The Family Resource Room...

{Where you can grab a cup of complimentary coffee or tea and watch some TV or read.}

 

Friendly Faces

 

Other Patients - who keep your own situation in perspective!

 

Friends and loved ones who have brought meals, entertainment, help, and laughter!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!