Walking with Jesus



We've always felt Micah was doing better than most of the babies we've seen in the NICU, but yesterday we received confirmation of just how exceptional she is. One of her two primary doctors told us that Micah is a 1% baby. That is, she is top tier in terms of outcomes for 23-week micro-preemies. She is an example of the reason these doctors do what they do. She is an example of just what they are hoping for. She has really done well. Micah Ahava Elise is truly "top of her class", and that isn't just her daddy's opinion! We feel so blessed by her, and so blessed by how well she has done. Of course, she had some hurdles to overcome, and she had to take them at her own pace... a pace slower in some cases than the doctors were expecting, but Micah really has been blessed. Of course, we know why. We know who is behind it all. God knit Micah together in her Mama's womb. Micah is fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator and Giver of all life. Micah has ...

I have a new cell phone, one I actually like. There are some apps I don't need (Ok, a lot of them), but I like the phone itself. It's easy to use, has a touch screen, includes a keypad, and can still have an alarm while on silent (my last couldn't). Additionally, it's a cool green color. But, my favorite part of my phone in the photo Olivia loaded onto my start screen for me one night when I wasn't looking. It constantly reminds me of all the things I have to be thankful for. Today, this is especially important. I have my health (inspite of recent sickness), good friends, a family that loves me, a roof over my head, a job I'm good at, a really cool dog (even if she's little), hope for the future, my salvation in Jesus, and Olivia. I hope you have things you are thankful (to God) for as well. Happy Thanksgiving (to God) Day! And, here's the picture Olivia loaded onto my phone. I think it's really cool. (No stealing it, please!)

I've been sick. Currently, I'm not feeling well, but I was sick for weeks before I was ill. (Years if I'm metaphorically honest.) I got sick when I had to take Elora back to Longview. I got sick when I got in my first disagreement with Olivia after our trip to MA. I got sick worrying about the future and doubting God (who, by the way, never gets sick of me). I got sick from working long hours, not being home to help Olivia with Jase, not working out, skipping meals, and trying to figure out finances and the improvements we're making on our home. I got sick from not reading the Bible enough, from giving up on prayer, worrying about the stress our life has brought to Olivia, dealing with Jase's family, and from feeling sorry for myself. Finally, I got physically sick. I actually had to leave work and go to a Clinic. They tested me, hooked me up to an IV, and sent me home after three hours with a fistful of prescriptions and an order to stay home for a few days. (Flu, ...

It's that time of year again. Families come together. Old members tell old stories to new members. New members try to figure out the old traditions. Young people wait for something exciting to happen. Old people wait for a break in the excitement. Turkeys are carved. Stuffing is stuffed. Tea and Eggnog flow freely. Tensions mount, but so does the grace we have for our loved ones. We travel or are visited. Hopefully we are not alone, and if we are then hopefully we are missed. People who don't excercise all year long run in a charity marathon. People who don't normally get to talk remember that they are friends. And over it all is this title: "Thanksgiving"! It's fun, but it's also a time for reflection. Some people who were here last year are no longer with us. Lives have changed. Children are mysteriously more grown up. Life seems more complicated. Simplicity seems a thing of the past and this day affords us a chance to remember. We remember that everythi...