Today it was mentioned that we might get discharged tomorrow. Wow. Really?! In order for that to happen, we have goals to meet.
Goals:
1. Remove epidural- done
2. Remove foley
3. Pain managed with oral meds only
4. Elimination on own #1 and #2
It may not seem like lofty goals, but they are a bit out of our reach currently. Lollipop's personal goal is to make it to the playroom today. The epidural is out, her breakfast is down, but we are still waiting on the foley before we go.
Once we are discharged from the hospital, we will still need to stick around for a day or two before we are able to travel.
We are keeping in touch with home via phone and Skype, but it still isn't like being at home. Little Mama was missing sister, mommy and dada pretty bad yesterday. So thankful for my parents and those who are bringing meals. One less thing for my mom and dad to deal with.
The swelling that happened on Tuesday in my legs has dissipated, but I am spending as much time as possible with my feet up. Would appreciate prayers for it not to return and for physical strength as Lolipop is not weight bearing for four weeks, need to clarify if that is four weeks beyond this week or including this week. Having the wheelchair helps, but we don't have a handicap accessible bathroom, so... yeah, need strength. Baby will be viable in about six more weeks. Our goal is May (due in June), but reaching viability will be a load off my mind.
I am so grateful that God is in control and that we are only here because of rodding surgery and not something life threatening. I know that He knows the end from the beginning, has a plan, and I simply have to trust
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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Got Sleep!
I never would have thought that two consecutive hours of sleep could be so much! (It's been a while since Mr. T was a baby...) Other than some issues around 1am, Lollipop has slept all night! Now of course I woke up every time someone came in the room, but if she sleeps I can sleep! She is even back asleep after the anesthetologist coming in and chatting at 6:30!!!! Sleep is so restorative, we NEEDED last night.
The med doc said that today (while we still have the epidural) we are going to try to transition to all oral meds. That will put us one step closer to home, but I don't want to take any steps back in her pain management...
We still have not seen the x-rays, but the is the scoop according to the ortho surgeon.
Right Femur- had to break in 1 place to place rod.
Right Fibula- already broken, had to break in additional place and take out bone wedge to place rod.
Left Fibula- had to break in 1 place and take out bone wedge to place rod.
Her leg bones were bowed to such an extent that it was not possible to place any rods without first straightening the bone. So pain management to promote healing is essential. And lots of TLC. And LOTS of prayer.
In other news, Rick saw the grandparents of the family we first saw on Monday. (The 5 yr. old boy with the brain tumor that they discovered on Sunday.) The little boy is doing well. The surgeon thought he removed 50% of the tumor, but an MRI on Tuesday showed that 90% was removed with what remained shrinking in the hours since the surgery. The tumor was at the base of his brain, pushing on his brain stem. That is why a biopsy was impossible and they went from having an MRI and biopsy to MRI and surgery on Monday. Please continue to lift up the little boy and his family. He has an older sister and mom and dad are mom and boyfriend and dad and girlfriend with an overwhelming number of granparents and accessory relatives. Divorce (or maybe just not marriage) seems to run in the family. Still don't know his name, but with all the family drama and the boys situation... God knows it and that's what matters.
Please keep us in your prayers. We have many hurdles to cross before we can go home and then she will be non-weight bearing for four weeks. I am feeling okay, but yesterday noticed some swelling...keeping an eye on that.
Well the pain dance begins! Gotta go!!!!
The med doc said that today (while we still have the epidural) we are going to try to transition to all oral meds. That will put us one step closer to home, but I don't want to take any steps back in her pain management...
We still have not seen the x-rays, but the is the scoop according to the ortho surgeon.
Right Femur- had to break in 1 place to place rod.
Right Fibula- already broken, had to break in additional place and take out bone wedge to place rod.
Left Fibula- had to break in 1 place and take out bone wedge to place rod.
Her leg bones were bowed to such an extent that it was not possible to place any rods without first straightening the bone. So pain management to promote healing is essential. And lots of TLC. And LOTS of prayer.
In other news, Rick saw the grandparents of the family we first saw on Monday. (The 5 yr. old boy with the brain tumor that they discovered on Sunday.) The little boy is doing well. The surgeon thought he removed 50% of the tumor, but an MRI on Tuesday showed that 90% was removed with what remained shrinking in the hours since the surgery. The tumor was at the base of his brain, pushing on his brain stem. That is why a biopsy was impossible and they went from having an MRI and biopsy to MRI and surgery on Monday. Please continue to lift up the little boy and his family. He has an older sister and mom and dad are mom and boyfriend and dad and girlfriend with an overwhelming number of granparents and accessory relatives. Divorce (or maybe just not marriage) seems to run in the family. Still don't know his name, but with all the family drama and the boys situation... God knows it and that's what matters.
Please keep us in your prayers. We have many hurdles to cross before we can go home and then she will be non-weight bearing for four weeks. I am feeling okay, but yesterday noticed some swelling...keeping an eye on that.
Well the pain dance begins! Gotta go!!!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sleeping Beauty
She is resting comfortably. Have been in the room about an hour. Vitals are now going to be every 30 minutes instead of 15.
We are so thankful for the knowledgable and kind doctors and staff here. What a blessing!
Goodnight!
Headed to Recovery Soon
Lollipop did great and she will be headed to recovery shortly.
Three rods placed, epidural is in place and looks to be working. Next 48 hours it sounds like she will have the epidural to help control pain.
Thank you for continued prayers.
Three rods placed, epidural is in place and looks to be working. Next 48 hours it sounds like she will have the epidural to help control pain.
Thank you for continued prayers.
Headed onto Left Leg
Just after 4 we met with the surgeon.
They had to break her rt. femur in 1 place and broke her rt. tibia in one more place and took out a wedge of bone.
Though her recovery will be longer with both legs getting rodded, we decided that because of the continued bowing and fibula fx, it would be best to go ahead and also rod her left tibia.
They are planning on placing a catheter for pain medication. Please be in prayer for the anesthesiologist to be guided by God in placing it.
Surgery was only scheduled from 1-4, but her right femur (which had fractured in China) was 'hard as rock' according to Dr. E.
Please be in prayer for a family also here in the waiting room. Their son has been sick for seven weeks-various things. Took him to the ER yesterday and they discovered a brain tumor. He is in surgery now, they had only planned on an MRI and biopsy, to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Because the tumor is at the base of his brain a biopsy was impossible.
They had to break her rt. femur in 1 place and broke her rt. tibia in one more place and took out a wedge of bone.
Though her recovery will be longer with both legs getting rodded, we decided that because of the continued bowing and fibula fx, it would be best to go ahead and also rod her left tibia.
They are planning on placing a catheter for pain medication. Please be in prayer for the anesthesiologist to be guided by God in placing it.
Surgery was only scheduled from 1-4, but her right femur (which had fractured in China) was 'hard as rock' according to Dr. E.
Please be in prayer for a family also here in the waiting room. Their son has been sick for seven weeks-various things. Took him to the ER yesterday and they discovered a brain tumor. He is in surgery now, they had only planned on an MRI and biopsy, to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Because the tumor is at the base of his brain a biopsy was impossible.
Still in Surgery
As of 3:30 it looked like they had begun her second rod. Not sure if they will do three. Depends on how she is, blood loss and docs stamina. They had only scheduled for surgery from 1-4...
They are talking about an epidural for pain management, pray for docs guidance. They know she had a L1 compression fx in November.
Headed to Surgery
Lollipop is very hungry and rather sad about not eating, but we have told her 'see ya later' and she is headed to surgery now.
Hello From Omaha (Nebraska that is)
On Saturday January 5th Lollipop was being a normal kid and decided to jump on the FLOOR of her bedroom (on the rug). The rug did not slip, no one bumped her, and I doubt she even made it off her toes (to her jumping is more like heel lifts), however, the force of even her little jump caused her right tibia to snap. Surgery set up was finalized on Wednesday, Mr. Incredible, myself and Lollipop drove 12.5 hours yesterday (Sunday) with only six stops in our 704 miles AND surgery is TODAY! Her specialist here will be rodding her right tibia, right femur and possibly her left tibia. We won't know more until we check in and they take x-rays.
Soooo.... Not what we had planned (yet again), but so thankful for God's provision, quick doctors, and that her right fibula did not snap as well (we have been fighting fib fractures for months).
I will be updating here with her progress. We expect to be in the hospital 4-5 days with another 1-2 days remaining local for the just in case.
Soooo.... Not what we had planned (yet again), but so thankful for God's provision, quick doctors, and that her right fibula did not snap as well (we have been fighting fib fractures for months).
I will be updating here with her progress. We expect to be in the hospital 4-5 days with another 1-2 days remaining local for the just in case.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Some News...
We could use lots of prayer, to put it delicately, getting pregnant was not something we were seeking... I will be not only seeing an OB, but a perinatologist as well because of my history of preterm labor, the abruption with Mr. T and the resulting 'emergency' C-section. There will be weekly injections and 'when' I go on bedrest, not 'if'. The goal is to bake baby until June, with April - June being a somewhat 'safe' window and more consistent with my history. So life has gotten even more complicated, but we are finding joy. This may not have been our plan, but I would much rather be in God's plan than my own, because that is where true happiness can be found.
Friday, November 2, 2012
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Sunday, September 30, 2012
Planning and Failing
I was reminded today that if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail. Planning has a place, but do we ever stop God's blessing because it doesn't fit into our plan?
There's this family that I know that wanted to have another child, they planned the exact month that they wanted to conceive (and did), but when the baby miscarried instead of ever trying again, they stopped. I know the pain of miscarriage, so when I heard this my heart broke. A baby unless born at X time just didn't fit into their life. Too scared or too busy? If it didn't fit into their plan, they didn't want any. How many times do I (we) cram God into a box?
I recently overheard some adoption conversation (from people who hadn't adopted). Though I didn't listen intently I heard several 'reasons' why adoption just wasn't 'right' for them. If I had had my game on, I could have walked over and said, "God doesn't command you to adopt, but to take care of the orphan and the widow. So how are doing with that command?" But I was distracted from a busy week, kids and emotional exhaustion. Things had not gone according to my plan last week and I was still recovering. (yes, I am human :-)) Letting God have your schedule is not always easy. Did I miss a divine appointment or was simply being there with all our kids enough to show that adoption is sometimes not what we planned and is hard, but so worth it.
How much are we planning our lives and expecting God to 'bless' OUR plan and how much are we saying, "It's all yours. Every breath. All my time. All that I have is yours. Use it to further your kingdom."
So last week I fit in one overnight out of town appointment, gymnastics, our regular 6 weekly medical appointments, speech and OT evals, an ENT visit and one surgery. Friday the 21st is when we received the phone call that we could see the doctor on Monday the 24th. Thursday the 27th is when we found out about surgery on the 28th. If I had held on too tightly to MY schedule, we would have missed seeing a wonderful geneticist (who's also a developmental pediatrician) that treated us with care and like we are people (a novel idea, I know). We also would be looking at having to wait two weeks for ear tubes for Ms. E, who already had fluid on one ear and had a massive ear infection (still) in the other.
What is God trying to fit into your life? He might not be calling you to adopt, but is He calling you to pray for an adoptive family? Or maybe you could help a child right where they are by becoming a Compassion sponsor, is He calling you to give of your finances? Maybe your time can be your gift and you could visit nursing homes or deliver meals?
God knows us, how much hair we have, each of our needs, what our favorite things are and He WANTS to bless us. Sometimes those blessings happen when we let go of our plan and say, "Daddy, I am yours, use me." He is best able to use us when we are weak, because He strengthens us and His strength is revealed to others. He is best able to use us when we don't know the answer, because He is the answer and His wisdom and glory is then demonstrated. He is able to use us when we put our plans aside, because He has an eternal plan that will draw people to Him.
So this week are you failing to plan, planning to fail or planning on God?
Zebras 'eating' her hospital bracelets
There's this family that I know that wanted to have another child, they planned the exact month that they wanted to conceive (and did), but when the baby miscarried instead of ever trying again, they stopped. I know the pain of miscarriage, so when I heard this my heart broke. A baby unless born at X time just didn't fit into their life. Too scared or too busy? If it didn't fit into their plan, they didn't want any. How many times do I (we) cram God into a box?
I recently overheard some adoption conversation (from people who hadn't adopted). Though I didn't listen intently I heard several 'reasons' why adoption just wasn't 'right' for them. If I had had my game on, I could have walked over and said, "God doesn't command you to adopt, but to take care of the orphan and the widow. So how are doing with that command?" But I was distracted from a busy week, kids and emotional exhaustion. Things had not gone according to my plan last week and I was still recovering. (yes, I am human :-)) Letting God have your schedule is not always easy. Did I miss a divine appointment or was simply being there with all our kids enough to show that adoption is sometimes not what we planned and is hard, but so worth it.
How much are we planning our lives and expecting God to 'bless' OUR plan and how much are we saying, "It's all yours. Every breath. All my time. All that I have is yours. Use it to further your kingdom."
So last week I fit in one overnight out of town appointment, gymnastics, our regular 6 weekly medical appointments, speech and OT evals, an ENT visit and one surgery. Friday the 21st is when we received the phone call that we could see the doctor on Monday the 24th. Thursday the 27th is when we found out about surgery on the 28th. If I had held on too tightly to MY schedule, we would have missed seeing a wonderful geneticist (who's also a developmental pediatrician) that treated us with care and like we are people (a novel idea, I know). We also would be looking at having to wait two weeks for ear tubes for Ms. E, who already had fluid on one ear and had a massive ear infection (still) in the other.
What is God trying to fit into your life? He might not be calling you to adopt, but is He calling you to pray for an adoptive family? Or maybe you could help a child right where they are by becoming a Compassion sponsor, is He calling you to give of your finances? Maybe your time can be your gift and you could visit nursing homes or deliver meals?
God knows us, how much hair we have, each of our needs, what our favorite things are and He WANTS to bless us. Sometimes those blessings happen when we let go of our plan and say, "Daddy, I am yours, use me." He is best able to use us when we are weak, because He strengthens us and His strength is revealed to others. He is best able to use us when we don't know the answer, because He is the answer and His wisdom and glory is then demonstrated. He is able to use us when we put our plans aside, because He has an eternal plan that will draw people to Him.
So this week are you failing to plan, planning to fail or planning on God?
Zebras 'eating' her hospital bracelets
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Whatcha Doing?
So it's September.
Can you believe it's September?!!!
I haven't planned a menu since January... and we have survived! Surprising, I know!
A year ago today our neighbor called to let us know that wildfires were near by while we were many states away. We kept vacationing and our house survived.
But, we have done so much more than survive. Our family has thrived!
I honestly can't believe all that we have come through in the last year.
Two replaced transmissions (on two totally different vehicles). Not cheap, but God provided!
Two readoptions (and I acted as our lawyer!). Amazing!
13 broken bones in just over a year (in the same child) and she still has a great go get 'em attitude!
Innumerable little 'God moments'.
Countless BIG 'God moments'.
Self realization.
Treachery from others (toward our family).
Extended family visiting for an extended period of time.
Opening our home to friends.
The death of a cat.
Overcoming not being the 'perfect' mom.
The loss of a dog.
Two majorly sprained ankles (me, same ankle).
So many tough moments that make you cry out to God (and He answers).
Relationships healed.
Hearts mended.
Fun from our weekend getaway
E's first day of school
I am truly blessed!
What have you done for God lately? Until you put yourself out there, you won't be able to experience how much He gives back.
Can you believe it's September?!!!
I haven't planned a menu since January... and we have survived! Surprising, I know!
A year ago today our neighbor called to let us know that wildfires were near by while we were many states away. We kept vacationing and our house survived.
But, we have done so much more than survive. Our family has thrived!
I honestly can't believe all that we have come through in the last year.
Two replaced transmissions (on two totally different vehicles). Not cheap, but God provided!
Two readoptions (and I acted as our lawyer!). Amazing!
13 broken bones in just over a year (in the same child) and she still has a great go get 'em attitude!
Innumerable little 'God moments'.
Countless BIG 'God moments'.
Self realization.
Treachery from others (toward our family).
Extended family visiting for an extended period of time.
Opening our home to friends.
The death of a cat.
Overcoming not being the 'perfect' mom.
The loss of a dog.
Two majorly sprained ankles (me, same ankle).
So many tough moments that make you cry out to God (and He answers).
Relationships healed.
Hearts mended.
Fun from our weekend getaway
E's first day of school
I am truly blessed!
What have you done for God lately? Until you put yourself out there, you won't be able to experience how much He gives back.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Great Thought for Today
A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to "the world, the flesh, and the devil," all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion.
Sent from Jesus Calling - http://bit.ly/eF5kSq
Sent from Jesus Calling - http://bit.ly/eF5kSq
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Shelter in the Storm
Its hot and dusty, the trail has been long, but you almost at the end and to your destination. Suddenly a band of renegades attack you and your left destitute. Or....
Or maybe your day just has a few bumps.
Don't lose heart, though the devil prowls like a lion seeking those to devour 1 Peter 5:8, we have to be strong and courageous Deut. 31:6 because God IS with us.
Be strong and courageous today.
God loves you. He really does, even when storms come. His love is a shelter in the storm, a hope and refuge.
Or maybe your day just has a few bumps.
Don't lose heart, though the devil prowls like a lion seeking those to devour 1 Peter 5:8, we have to be strong and courageous Deut. 31:6 because God IS with us.
Be strong and courageous today.
God loves you. He really does, even when storms come. His love is a shelter in the storm, a hope and refuge.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Redeemed!
Forgetting myself I drank coffee yesterday afternoon, I savored the brown liquid of life as it caressed down my throat... God knew the energy and strength I would need later.... I will say, it was not so savory being bright eyed at midnight when I wanted to sleep though. However, two redeeming things came out of my more alert status-
#1 Mr. Incredible made a surprise appearance and was home for seven hours! Only the children who crawl in our bed at night and I know this secret information and we aren't blabbing (except here of course!). He is back on his business trip today, but with all the flying/meetings yesterday they missed 'the dinner' (which was the reason to be in D last night) so he and the pilot flew home for the night and flew out again this morning. Yeah! Got to see my honey!
The back story for two: China is an atheistic, Communist country because of this we pray for not only the country, but our daughters and 'the heritage' that they have from there. L spent almost 4.5 years in an orphanage. She was the pet. It would appear she got what she wanted and 'told' if she didn't. Adopting L at 4.5 years, was not only a leap of faith financially and physically, but also spiritually. I have led four out of six of our children to Christ by the time they were five (some younger), this is not a goal, it just has happened. Adopting a child who was totally ignorant of God, what Jesus had done for her and lacking moral standards has been interesting. I know you're thinking, 'Come on Jennifer. She's five! How much can a five year old do wrong?'. To this I say actions speak louder than words and what a man believes in his heart is what he does. E is significantly developmentally delayed, so much so that L will 'take advantage' of E's slowness. Not acceptable. There was an incident yesterday of lying and another of destroying E's property (just a little old Valentine, but not the point). It all boiled down to she wanted it and she was going to by 'any means necessary' get what she wanted. I was not going to let her win this. I won it and in the process two happened.
#2 Every time we discipline we endeavor to lead it back to God. The reason we don't ---- is because Jesus said ----. Also, our prayer of the last two years of being able to show our (new) child Christ's love so that she would one day accept Him as her Savior.
Last night Lollipop asked Jesus to live in her heart!!!!!
There are some that believe that a child can't understand a commitment to Christ. I disagree. At five, I committed my life and though I have not always been moving forward in my relationship with Christ (age 13 and 17-19 leap to mind), I have always known that my life was not my own and the things that I might try to keep hidden He would bring to light, so it would be best if I lead a life that was as transparent as possible.
I am so thankful that God used this imperfect mommy to lead her daughter to Christ! God is good! He takes the fatherless and sets them in families so that they may know Him! (Ps 68:6) God redeems!
#1 Mr. Incredible made a surprise appearance and was home for seven hours! Only the children who crawl in our bed at night and I know this secret information and we aren't blabbing (except here of course!). He is back on his business trip today, but with all the flying/meetings yesterday they missed 'the dinner' (which was the reason to be in D last night) so he and the pilot flew home for the night and flew out again this morning. Yeah! Got to see my honey!
The back story for two: China is an atheistic, Communist country because of this we pray for not only the country, but our daughters and 'the heritage' that they have from there. L spent almost 4.5 years in an orphanage. She was the pet. It would appear she got what she wanted and 'told' if she didn't. Adopting L at 4.5 years, was not only a leap of faith financially and physically, but also spiritually. I have led four out of six of our children to Christ by the time they were five (some younger), this is not a goal, it just has happened. Adopting a child who was totally ignorant of God, what Jesus had done for her and lacking moral standards has been interesting. I know you're thinking, 'Come on Jennifer. She's five! How much can a five year old do wrong?'. To this I say actions speak louder than words and what a man believes in his heart is what he does. E is significantly developmentally delayed, so much so that L will 'take advantage' of E's slowness. Not acceptable. There was an incident yesterday of lying and another of destroying E's property (just a little old Valentine, but not the point). It all boiled down to she wanted it and she was going to by 'any means necessary' get what she wanted. I was not going to let her win this. I won it and in the process two happened.
#2 Every time we discipline we endeavor to lead it back to God. The reason we don't ---- is because Jesus said ----. Also, our prayer of the last two years of being able to show our (new) child Christ's love so that she would one day accept Him as her Savior.
Last night Lollipop asked Jesus to live in her heart!!!!!
There are some that believe that a child can't understand a commitment to Christ. I disagree. At five, I committed my life and though I have not always been moving forward in my relationship with Christ (age 13 and 17-19 leap to mind), I have always known that my life was not my own and the things that I might try to keep hidden He would bring to light, so it would be best if I lead a life that was as transparent as possible.
I am so thankful that God used this imperfect mommy to lead her daughter to Christ! God is good! He takes the fatherless and sets them in families so that they may know Him! (Ps 68:6) God redeems!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Back to School? Did we ever stop?
Well today marks our first day 'back', but since we have schooled year round this year and we have already started some of our new stuff and are still finishing up some old stuff, does today mean anything? But, we took last week completely off because of the CRAZYness of it (and I knew it would be). I am so thankful we have the liberty to homeschool and my children can learn at their own rate (which is sometimes an accelerated pace and sometimes not).
Today I am also thankful for air conditioning and electricity. We lost power for some time last night...our sign that it was back on and we needed to close the windows? Turn our bedroom light 'on'. That way when power was restored we could race around and close all the windows! (so thankful that Mr. Incredible did the racing and not me)
Please say a prayer for Mr. Incredible today (and us) he is on a business trip and flying all over in a small plane (seven stops in two states) for most of the day today and is away tonight.
Gotta run!!!!
Today I am also thankful for air conditioning and electricity. We lost power for some time last night...our sign that it was back on and we needed to close the windows? Turn our bedroom light 'on'. That way when power was restored we could race around and close all the windows! (so thankful that Mr. Incredible did the racing and not me)
Please say a prayer for Mr. Incredible today (and us) he is on a business trip and flying all over in a small plane (seven stops in two states) for most of the day today and is away tonight.
Gotta run!!!!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
What is Love?
I have been facing a dilemma lately.
It seems to be everywhere I turn.
Christians are to love others. I have no problem loving. But I do have a problem 'loving' in the way the world wants to be 'loved'. The 'love' that is touted as 'real love' is an all accepting, non-problem solving kind, get all down in your mucky muck with kind of 'love'. And honey, THAT ain't LOVE.
If I see a fellow Christian wallowing in sin, I am not supposed to join them in their sin to show them that what they are doing is wrong. Neither am I supposed to yell at them, "YOU'RE SINNING!". I am supposed to go to them humbly and say the Bible requires XYZ and you are not doing XYZ. I want to help you do XYZ. What can I do to help? This is not judgement this is LOVE. I am not loving them by supporting/letting them continue to do XYZ without being exposed to the Truth. If they accept the Truth, WONDERFUL, but if they don't it's their problem God's their judge and I can continue to expose them to the Truth (in a friendly, non-hypocritical manner of course).
Imagine finding your friend in a mud pit, they are happy to be rolling in the mud and are slinging it everywhere, but you know that they cannot experience the glory that God has for their life because they are too busy enjoying the mud. You call to them, extend your hand, but in no way join them in the mud because you know just how much the mud will hurt you and those around you.
Or you are out about town and see your friend who's fly is down. Is it really love to ignore the fact that their fly is down and risk offending them by telling them so? The loving thing would be to discreetly say, "Hey, Check your zipper."
But Christians are attacking Christians and 'groups' are attacking Christians because of standing up for truth, for showing real LOVE. The love that leaves others in their pit and won't even call attention to embarrassing situations is a cheap imitation of the love that Christ shows to us. He gave His LIFE. Can we not take the time to show others there is a better way than what they are choosing? Are our egos so fragile that we can't handle a, 'No thanks, I'll stay in my mud pit!'? What situation can you speak truth into?
God is the judge, but as a mom, wife and friend I am a fruit inspector. If I let my children run around like the little hellions that their sin nature is, I am not doing myself, my husband or any friends a favor by imposing us on a situation. The battle is tiring, but the end is worth it. God does not desire our happiness, He wants holiness. That is true for children and adults.
We are also to live our lives in such a way that people see Christ in us. No brow beating over issues, but genuinely showing love. Calling attention to the unholy so that they can become more holy.
I've taken the liberty of modifying 'the woman at the well' passage found in John 4, to be more personal and as a note I am in no way slamming any state or city, just trying to make it personal. Since we are to love the way Christ loves, let's look at how that might play out...
Now Jennifer learned that her 'Pharisee friends' had heard that she was gaining popularity and winning more to follow Christ — 2 although in fact it was not Jennifer who brought them to Christ, but the Holy Spirit. 3 So she left Georgia and went back once more to Texas.
4 Now she had to go through Louisiana. 5 So she came to a town in Louisiana called Shreveport, near some places where people shopped. 6 The shopping was good, but Jennifer tired from her journey, sat down at a restaurant. It was about noon.
7 When an old acquaintance from Louisiana whom Jennifer kept up with on Facebook and texted occasionally too came to sit at her table, Jennifer said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (Jennifer's family was still shopping.)
9 The Louisianan woman said to her, “You are a Texan and I am a Louisianan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Texans do not associate with Louisianans.)
10 Jennifer answered her, "If you knew the gift of God that I know you would ask me for a drink and I would be happy to share with you a gift of living water"
11 “Jennifer,” the woman said, “you forgot your purse. How can you share with me a gift of 'living water'? Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you saying I am not good enough? Isn't it your pastor's job to talk to like that?”
13 Jennifer answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water God gives them will never thirst. Indeed, the water God gives them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to her, “Jennifer, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to buy water.”
16 Jennifer told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” (identifying the sin, without passing judgement)
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jennifer said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” (I knew the truth because of relationship and I exposed the truth)
19 “Jennifer,” the woman said, "I can see that you are a true friend"...Jennifer went on to say, "But a time is coming and is upon us when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (leading it all back to God and the standard of His Word)
25 The woman said, “I know about God, but do not know Him. Can you tell me about Him?" Jennifer replied, "I would be happy to."
By rewriting this, I really am not trying to say I am Jesus, perfect, or anything like that. Those who know me, know that I am not. I do try to follow the example He set though.
For the record -
There are certain ways to handle sin and someone sinning, refer to Matthew 18:15-18 They may not accept what you say, but hopefully in the end God can be glorified.
Loving a person who believes in a certain something, does not mean that I will watch TV shows that promote that something, does not mean that I will expose my children to that something in order to "further their education", but does mean that I will stand for Truth and they can take it or leave it. God calls us to live in the world, not of it and just because 'everyone is doing it' doesn't mean that it aligns with the Word of God.
It seems to be everywhere I turn.
Christians are to love others. I have no problem loving. But I do have a problem 'loving' in the way the world wants to be 'loved'. The 'love' that is touted as 'real love' is an all accepting, non-problem solving kind, get all down in your mucky muck with kind of 'love'. And honey, THAT ain't LOVE.
If I see a fellow Christian wallowing in sin, I am not supposed to join them in their sin to show them that what they are doing is wrong. Neither am I supposed to yell at them, "YOU'RE SINNING!". I am supposed to go to them humbly and say the Bible requires XYZ and you are not doing XYZ. I want to help you do XYZ. What can I do to help? This is not judgement this is LOVE. I am not loving them by supporting/letting them continue to do XYZ without being exposed to the Truth. If they accept the Truth, WONDERFUL, but if they don't it's their problem God's their judge and I can continue to expose them to the Truth (in a friendly, non-hypocritical manner of course).
"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.... He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.'" ~Acts 10:34,35&42
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For
in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you." ~Matthew 7:1-2
God loved us enough to provide atonement for our sin. God loved us
enough to give us a way out of our pit. God also gave us the standard
by which we are to live and get this! It's the BIBLE! God's commands
are more than to just 'love'. They include have nothing more important
in your life than Him, do not murder, steal, covet, commit adultery or
lie! (all can be found in Exodus 20) Are you really being a friend if you don't tell others the truth?!
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love....My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." ~John 15: 10&12
So to be in love you have to keep His commands, which means you first have to know them, so you have probably been reading your Bible and if you've been reading your Bible then that hopefully means you are wanting to know more of God and the Truth therein contained in the Word of God. So if you know the truth, apply it to your life and see people outside of the truth, how exactly is it loving to let them keep on living in a lie? If the Bible is your standard by all which will be judged, it's not judgement to encourage others to live a Christ pleasing life, it's LIFE SAVING.
You cannot approach people with a holier than thou attitude with a plank sticking out of your own eye, but if you are in the Word, living a Christ pleasing life, yes you may still occasionally sin, but you are showing hate to others who are wallowing in sin and are blinded by the logs in their eyes.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You
hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will
see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."~ Matthew 7:3-5
Imagine finding your friend in a mud pit, they are happy to be rolling in the mud and are slinging it everywhere, but you know that they cannot experience the glory that God has for their life because they are too busy enjoying the mud. You call to them, extend your hand, but in no way join them in the mud because you know just how much the mud will hurt you and those around you.
Or you are out about town and see your friend who's fly is down. Is it really love to ignore the fact that their fly is down and risk offending them by telling them so? The loving thing would be to discreetly say, "Hey, Check your zipper."
But Christians are attacking Christians and 'groups' are attacking Christians because of standing up for truth, for showing real LOVE. The love that leaves others in their pit and won't even call attention to embarrassing situations is a cheap imitation of the love that Christ shows to us. He gave His LIFE. Can we not take the time to show others there is a better way than what they are choosing? Are our egos so fragile that we can't handle a, 'No thanks, I'll stay in my mud pit!'? What situation can you speak truth into?
God is the judge, but as a mom, wife and friend I am a fruit inspector. If I let my children run around like the little hellions that their sin nature is, I am not doing myself, my husband or any friends a favor by imposing us on a situation. The battle is tiring, but the end is worth it. God does not desire our happiness, He wants holiness. That is true for children and adults.
"For God so loved THE WORLD, that He gave His one and only son. That whosoever believes in Him will not die, but have eternal life." ~John 3:16 (emphasis mine)
I've taken the liberty of modifying 'the woman at the well' passage found in John 4, to be more personal and as a note I am in no way slamming any state or city, just trying to make it personal. Since we are to love the way Christ loves, let's look at how that might play out...
Now Jennifer learned that her 'Pharisee friends' had heard that she was gaining popularity and winning more to follow Christ — 2 although in fact it was not Jennifer who brought them to Christ, but the Holy Spirit. 3 So she left Georgia and went back once more to Texas.
4 Now she had to go through Louisiana. 5 So she came to a town in Louisiana called Shreveport, near some places where people shopped. 6 The shopping was good, but Jennifer tired from her journey, sat down at a restaurant. It was about noon.
7 When an old acquaintance from Louisiana whom Jennifer kept up with on Facebook and texted occasionally too came to sit at her table, Jennifer said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (Jennifer's family was still shopping.)
9 The Louisianan woman said to her, “You are a Texan and I am a Louisianan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Texans do not associate with Louisianans.)
10 Jennifer answered her, "If you knew the gift of God that I know you would ask me for a drink and I would be happy to share with you a gift of living water"
11 “Jennifer,” the woman said, “you forgot your purse. How can you share with me a gift of 'living water'? Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you saying I am not good enough? Isn't it your pastor's job to talk to like that?”
13 Jennifer answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water God gives them will never thirst. Indeed, the water God gives them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to her, “Jennifer, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to buy water.”
16 Jennifer told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” (identifying the sin, without passing judgement)
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jennifer said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” (I knew the truth because of relationship and I exposed the truth)
19 “Jennifer,” the woman said, "I can see that you are a true friend"...Jennifer went on to say, "But a time is coming and is upon us when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (leading it all back to God and the standard of His Word)
25 The woman said, “I know about God, but do not know Him. Can you tell me about Him?" Jennifer replied, "I would be happy to."
By rewriting this, I really am not trying to say I am Jesus, perfect, or anything like that. Those who know me, know that I am not. I do try to follow the example He set though.
For the record -
There are certain ways to handle sin and someone sinning, refer to Matthew 18:15-18 They may not accept what you say, but hopefully in the end God can be glorified.
Loving a person who believes in a certain something, does not mean that I will watch TV shows that promote that something, does not mean that I will expose my children to that something in order to "further their education", but does mean that I will stand for Truth and they can take it or leave it. God calls us to live in the world, not of it and just because 'everyone is doing it' doesn't mean that it aligns with the Word of God.
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