Time to return to blogging

I remember last October, talking with Elli, Janika and Kael and telling them I thought God was preparing us for something big. I wasn't exactly sure what that was (something with Summit? a health problem with one of our kids?) but knew we needed to start spending more time in the WORD. Little did I know that that "thing" was going to hit me. Until then, blogging was a way to document our life's journey, to encourage others to step out and follow God's leading, no matter what the World might say. However, since November, I have been the one needing the encouragement and haven't felt able to encourage others. About two weeks ago, one of my close friends here in Williston said she wished she had known so she could be praying for me and our family. I think that was God nudging me to allow this trial to also go a bit public.

Before Mike and the "Big Kids" left for their mission trip to Ethiopia, I began experiencing some weird symptoms: an inability to sleep, multiple infections, depression, dry mouth, dry eyes and unbelievable fatigue. While they were gone, the symtpoms increased dramatically as my weight began to drop. At this time, I felt as if I was under a major spiritual attack. Through MUCH prayer and encouragement from my family, including my sister, Brenda, I began to have a few good days mixed with the tough ones. The fatigue was a constant "friend" and I developed severe abdominal pain that lasted for weeks at a time.

My dear friends, Valerie and Terry, would give a call and say, "I just knew you needed prayer." A true blessing during a storm.

My husband would work all day, come home, take parenting duties over completely, encourage me, pray with me and start each new day all over again.. He had many long nights with me, (not acting like the spouse he has known for the past 18 years) A HUGE blessing during a storm.

My kids encouraged me, through song, smiles, cards (I think Gabe has written me a dozen cards telling me how much he loves me and hopes I feel better). These kids really are amazing. Janika took over most of the meal prep when I was too tired, with her constant army of helpers ready and willing at all times. Kael would often take over reading of the History lessons of the day. Leah would rub my back and with Micah's help, would offer to do anything for me. Layne would crawl into my lap for a snuggle. Gavin, well, Gavin just loves better than anyone I've ever met. Elli and Jani would sing for me. HUGE BLESSINGS DURING A STORM...

We visited our child at the Ranch for Kids, who is doing REALLY well. This child will get to come home for good Easter weekend!! A huge blessing during a storm.

We've CELEBRATED several birthdays, standing in awe of what God has done in each of our children. We are blessed.

We saw Kael's cardiologist in February and he gets to go one more year without further intervention..HUGE blessing in the storm. I have to brag on my boy a bit- he is one tough cookie. As he performed his stress test and his blood pressures continued to rise, he kept right on pushing, to the point that the treadmill looked like it was going to go straight up. He has taught me so much about living life to the fullest.

I have so many things to be thankful for, which helped us to continue to push for answers beyond, "You are depressed."

Thankfully, Mike has been by my side this entire time. Do you know how much I love you?? Last week, we flew to St. Louis to see Dr. Schwartz- the nicest rheumatologist in the world...He has diagnosed me with Sjogrens Syndrome, which fits every symptom I have been having. Today, I start a new medicine to try and help alleviate the symptoms I have been having and give me that extra little boost to return to life fully with my family.

During this storm, God has revealed again and again, HIS grace and love for me, through family and friends. I am forever thankful. He has used friends to talk with me about nutrition (supplementing with liquid B vitamins has completely eliminated the depressive thought and brain fog- if anyone out there suffers from these, leave a comment and I will tell you what has worked). He has used my kids to speak life into me-- who would have thought? He has used my husband to show complete unconditional love and care...He has used memorized Scripture to come up when I most needed it. He has used my sister's connections to get me into the best Dr. I could have possibly seen. He has been ever present...

So as I return to blogging, it is to be that encouragement to others that those around me have been to me. Here's my adoption plug--Had we not adopted all of our kids, I would have missed out on some of the sweetest moments of the last few months: the hugs, the smiles, the cards, the back rubs, the LOVE. My life is full.