Thursday, January 17, 2008

Please don't cry.

Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts and encouraging words for Wyndham and all my family. I have come to depend on this idea of 'sharing your burdens with others' since our original trauma and it just is an amazing thing for us to know that God hears prayers, that He shows compassion, that He comforts and gives peace. Those of you who pray on our behalf, I thank you and want you to know I really, 100% believe that God answers those prayers. In whatever way He sees is for our good. Today those answered prayers have come in many ways.
I packed a few things yesterday as we prepared to come to the ER- not knowing what was going to happen, but knowing that I would want to 'talk it over' with God. No matter what. I made sure to bring one of my newer Bibles that I am growing quite fond of-which happens to be the Women's Devotional Bible (NIV Version). It not only is soft and leather {and pink and brown!} but it has a magnetic closure and so many wonderful details inside. It has short devotionals throughout the books, highlighted verses and much more. So, today when I flipped it open randomly, I let my eyes fall on the little box that pinpoints a specific verse, which just 'happened to be' Lamentations 3:22, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail." It is beautiful all by itself. But it is breath-taking to me when read in context of the chapter in which it falls, specifically verses 1-33. Verse 25 says, "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in the Lord." That is what strikes me at such a time- that God gives comfort and reassurances over and over through His promises. Your prayers help to remind us of that, along with His Word as well as with all the kind thoughts and deeds many of you have done for our family-that God IS good and He can be trusted. Tonight, Wyndham and I are in the hospital yet, as she will have an MRI tomorrow and we wait a few more test results. Today her EEG led us to explore some options and Chip and I are hopeful that this will all be just another brief encounter for us to have to live out our faith according to God's plans. Wyndham has been in good spirits all day. She has had a healthy appetite. She has made us smile and laugh and want to cry at just how well she deals with this sort of circumstance in life. She has loved the buttons on the side of her bed- and is feeling 'powerful', I think, as she raises and lowers it with her little fingers. Not to mention she called the nurse a few times too. =) She knows very quickly what people she "likes" and which she will pretend to be sleeping for when the prod or ask too many questions. But almost everyone of her caregivers has gotten a smile at least once- whether coming or leaving! For some she grins the whole time that it takes for them to walk out the door. It's just heart-warming to me, that she takes so much of this stressful situation in stride...and even makes a game out of parts of it. Her IV arm made the cutest 'tree' as she watched Charlie Brown's Christmas today. She kept signing tree because it was so tall and it's the one sign she can do with that arm. Kids are so adaptable and I give her so much credit, because she is the one who normally has such aversions to new environments and sensory issues. So this has just been one more visible evidence to me that all of the prayers that are said on her behalf are being heard. I thank God for that and give Him all the credit for the peace and calm and assuarnce that we feel in our hearts today.
I hope by this time tomorrow I can write that we are home and soaking up the love and attention that we are missing right now from Chip, Brock, Bella and Ava. I can't help but think that Teagan may have her eye on all of us this whole time too. So, I just have to end by saying, thanks for your prayers and please, I hope none of you shed tears for any of us out of sadness. We are doing so well and feeling such care from so many, that it only makes God more real to us. There is no reason to cry for that! Chip and I have talked about our futures a lot. We trust in the present, we have faith for tomorrow and Hope for eternity. We like to say, "1oo years from now none of the pain and trials and challenges will matter to us, except for those who have come to trust fully in God, as a result". That is the truth...and if you must know, it brings me to tears. Tears of joy.

21 comments:

Hooliganmama said...

Jody,
I love you sweet perspective. You are right God is good. Sending more love and smiles and prayers your way. His grace is enough! Much love ~ Rachelle

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jody! You really send it home! Prayers for your sweet little girl, you, Chip and the rest of your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear it, Jody. We'll keep looking for updates, and hope with you in God that this is just a quick blip on the radar that will soon be behind you.

Love in Christ,
Jodie R.

Anonymous said...

Jody,

Remember that when satan is trying to sift you like wheat, Jesus himself is praying for you that your faith will not fail. :o)

It's ok. It will be ok. ( insert deep breath)

Love to you and your family!

LaureAnn

Q's NEWS said...

I was so glad to finally see an update. I have been checking all evening - but I have to admit that my heart sank when I read the title "Please don't cry". I thought that meant bad news but praise God it didnt. I will be praying for all of you but especially Wyndham as she has to be still for her MRI. I hope, too, that you will be updating us from home tomorrow. Have a great sleep and rest knowing He is watching over you in total control of all situations! Prayerfully, Susan in WV

Lisa said...

I am not sure if you have ever glanced at my blog, let alone read any of my entries...but on my prayer journal this morning, I journaled on Psalm 31:24, "Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." I include your family in my "bloggers" that I pray for. The irony is, I haven't read your last two entries until just now. I love feeling and responding to the urge to pray. It has never failed. God is so good, He really is. I will continue to pray for you and your sweet, sweet family. Love, Lisa

MichelleStrachan said...

Jody, I randomly chose YOUR blog to check out, which was linked from SiSTV blog forum. I read your last two entries, and I was really struck by what a deep person you are. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with all of us! Love your taste in music, too!

Jackietex said...

Jody, your words are such a sweet and strong reminder of the blessing of faith in Jesus Christ. I will continue to pray for good news.

rainbow lisa said...

hey sweets,
just wanted to say hi, and that we love you and we're thinking about you!
lots of hugs :)
-xo-

.Tom Kapanka said...

I wanted to stop by here before leaving for Thailand. Many at school are praying regularly for Wyndham's quick return. I'll be praying for her and all of your family from Thailand.

Thanks for the exemplary encouragement you share through life's trials.

corinne5 said...

do you know the words of the song everything by lifehouse? I will be keeping you all in my prayers knowing that everything will happen how it should happen.

corinnexxx

~cassie~ said...

You and your family are in my prayers. You are truly an inspiration. I read your blog, and just smile when I see someone with such a strong faith in God. Praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Continued prayers for you all--I hope that you are home with Wyndham soon.

Anonymous said...

This is soooo wierd to me. I was at Hope Network for speech therapy with Jennifer and then Janna. I have a traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. And as soon as I saw your pics, I remembered Wyndham from being at Hope Network when I was. I will be praying for her and all of your family.

Anonymous said...

I had shared when reading the previous entry that tears began to stream. I think my tears came because of the strength you seemed to be showing in spite of the unknowns. I'm twice your age approximately and my thoughts were the same as POI who thanked you for your exemplery faith in spite of trials. There are times I still feel really weak when those trials pass through my life and then I read something such as your entries and I feel encouraged to forge ahead.
Thank you for sharing your "life" here because it does encourage as well as witnesses!
Love your music choices as well! Blessings......

Anonymous said...

Jody,

your faith has touched my heart in a way that it has never been touched before. I love Christ as I know He loves me, but I think He knew I needed to see your words.

may the Lord bless you and your family and keep you. I prayed for you and your family last night and I actually fell asleep praying for y'all.

Hugs from Texas,

Krissie Beck

scrapnic72 said...

I am praying for positive test results and a trip home for you. You're going to need some good scrapping time after this, for sure. Love to Wyndham, who is a picture of grace and joy in the midst of trials.

Blessings,
Nicole

Anonymous said...

hi Jody,

I follow your blog and your creations at SIStv. actually, i joined SIS because of your blog. anyhow, i just want to let you know how much you inspire me, and i feel like my journey with God is progressing because you have "taught" me. i am in awe of your faith. Godspeed.

china59 said...

I keep thinking of Wyndham and your family and admire you very much for the way you look at this situation. I'm very happy Wyndham herself seems to be taking it in a positive way !

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and your family warm hugs and best wishes.You are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Hey sweetie. Thinking of you and praying for you. Thanks for the comment. Much love -