Update on Zion!

 

It's hard to believe that this time last year, I was sitting by the window at Children's Hospital, holding my precious newborn Zion while his body battled an E Coli infection!  Birds fluttering in and out of the treetops were a reminder to me of God's promise:

 

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

 

 

This year I pulled out the tree that my friend Kelley brought me, and I was reminded of all of the love and support we received during such a difficult time. 

 They served as the living hands of Jesus!

 

 

Monday of this week, we were back at Children's Hospital, only this time to follow up on how his kidneys are doing. 

So, the "not yet" good news showed:

 

His right kidney was slightly more dilated than at our past ultrasound.

His left kidney had stayed the same.

 {The reason this was not as positive as it sounds, was that his left kidney is the one that is the worst.  The Dr. was definitely feeling that there is some sort of partial blockage causing the hydronephrosis (dilation).}

So, what does all of that mean?  Well, in April we will return for a follow up procedure that will show his kidney function through an MRI.  If his function is still low, then the Dr. will recommend surgery at that point.

 

 

 

The good news was:

 

Zion was still through the whole procedure, and they were able to get very accurate results!

 

They were able to get Zion's first ever normal blood pressure!

 

 

 

We are still believing for healing!

 

We know that God will use this situation to His glory regardless of whether or not He chooses to heal Zion!

 

We covet your prayers as we continue on this journey!

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Annual Christmas Love Is...

A Christmas Love Is...

Yesterday we spent the morning visiting the Dr.'s at Children's Hospital...updates on Zion tomorrow.

 

  For now, here is my annual repost, it is 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

You know it's been a long time since you've blogged when...

Your Amazon advertisement still shows:

 

 

"Soaking Up Summer Savings" the day before Thanksgiving!

 

 

I promise I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!  In fact, I have a lot to catch up on! 

 

Over the last 3 months, we celebrated our 22nd Wedding Anniversary:

 

 

And welcomed a new grand baby, all on the same day!

 

 

Mercedes Ann Cook

We also celebrated some birthdays:

 

 

Sarah Eden - 7!

 





Zion Philip - 1!

 

 

 

Took a road trip...

 

 

and brought home a Marine!

 

 

 

 

 

oops...

 

 

 

Not to mention the everyday stuff like schooling, gardening, home upkeep, and discipleship (a renewed and rejuvenated topic close to our hearts)!

 

Thank you to all of you who have inquired about where we've been!

 

  Thank you to those of you who have personally stopped me and said encouraging words to nudge me to get back to blogging!

 

There are some interesting topics rattling around in my head, so I hope you're prepared for some challenging and uplifting thoughts to spur you on as well!!!

 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Weekend! 

 

Remember to hug your loved ones close, tell them how much they mean to you, reach out to a stranger - even if only with a smile, and praise The One who makes it all possible!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Refreshed!!!