So, since we were in the hospital last week, I missed Thankful Thursday. Hence, this labeled week 2. Also, you may see a theme to this week's list...Anyway. If you want to join in the fun and read some more Thankful Thursdays, check out Curious Georgi!
1. Our wonderful doctor who honestly cares for our kids.
2. The nurses and other staff who cared for my sweet baby in the hospital.
3. The medicine and medical technology that helped diagnose and get her better.
4. My sweet husband, who stayed home with our boys while I stayed with Audrey.
5. My mother and mother-in-law for helping while Jeremy was working.
6. Our wonderful church family who has been bringing us supper this week so I have one less thing to worry about while taking care of my still recovering baby.
7. All of our friends who pray. James 5:13-18
8. Sometimes bed-sharing.
9. The conviction to try to stand for what is right.
10. The people who will back me up when I take that stance.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Maturity Is An Option
Psalm 119:9-10 "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!"
Think about how many choices we have to make. Who to be friends with. Who to date. Who to marry. Where to go to college. Whether or not to go to college. What kind of career to pursue. Whether to become a Christian. Whether to act like a child or a mature adult.......yes, that is an option, too.
We all start out as babes, literally and spiritually. We grow and learn. As we learn, we have to make the decision whether we want to apply what we learn, or continue to walk around acting childish. Looking at it from a spiritual standpoint, we should want to seek out God and His commandments and "take heed." Some choose not to do this. They would rather blame circumstances, or a negative view of humanity, or something that they think justifies that God doesn't exist and that gives them the right to act however they want. They use obscene language, cut others down, make crude jokes, anything to try to make themselves feel better.
They are really trying to fill a void.
That void is the place where God is supposed to be in our lives. He created us to need Him, to want to rely on Him. When Satan gets a hold of us, God in a sense steps to the side, waiting until we are ready to put Him back where He belongs. He never leaves, He just waits in the background, waiting on us to realize He isn't in His place of honor in our lives anymore. When we make this realization, we will, hopefully, turn back to Him and restore Him to that place of honor and strive to mature in Him.
So, yes, being mature is an option, as is being righteous, ignorant, wise, faithful, or anything else we can choose to be or not be. There will be times in our lives when we may consciously or unconsciously choose to "backslide," losing our maturity, righteousness, wisdom, etc. But we can always gain it back and improve it if we choose to.
Loving Father, I know that I am not perfect. But I choose to strive to grow and mature in You every day. Please help me in this endeavor to better serve you and to use my maturity to show others the way to You and Heaven. In Christ's name, Amen.
Think about how many choices we have to make. Who to be friends with. Who to date. Who to marry. Where to go to college. Whether or not to go to college. What kind of career to pursue. Whether to become a Christian. Whether to act like a child or a mature adult.......yes, that is an option, too.
We all start out as babes, literally and spiritually. We grow and learn. As we learn, we have to make the decision whether we want to apply what we learn, or continue to walk around acting childish. Looking at it from a spiritual standpoint, we should want to seek out God and His commandments and "take heed." Some choose not to do this. They would rather blame circumstances, or a negative view of humanity, or something that they think justifies that God doesn't exist and that gives them the right to act however they want. They use obscene language, cut others down, make crude jokes, anything to try to make themselves feel better.
They are really trying to fill a void.
That void is the place where God is supposed to be in our lives. He created us to need Him, to want to rely on Him. When Satan gets a hold of us, God in a sense steps to the side, waiting until we are ready to put Him back where He belongs. He never leaves, He just waits in the background, waiting on us to realize He isn't in His place of honor in our lives anymore. When we make this realization, we will, hopefully, turn back to Him and restore Him to that place of honor and strive to mature in Him.
So, yes, being mature is an option, as is being righteous, ignorant, wise, faithful, or anything else we can choose to be or not be. There will be times in our lives when we may consciously or unconsciously choose to "backslide," losing our maturity, righteousness, wisdom, etc. But we can always gain it back and improve it if we choose to.
Loving Father, I know that I am not perfect. But I choose to strive to grow and mature in You every day. Please help me in this endeavor to better serve you and to use my maturity to show others the way to You and Heaven. In Christ's name, Amen.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Instruments of God
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father through Him."
I was sitting in the hospital bed, holding my 6 month old baby while she received a breathing treatment from the lady from respiratory. This was Audrey's fourth day in the hospital with RSV. She was still sick, but much improved. The kind lady giving her the treatment told me how glad she was Audrey was doing better. She said "We are always so happy when we can help them get better....but we are really just instruments of God."
It meant so much to me to hear her say that. So few people publicly acknowledge the Lord in their work. She didn't have to add that tag at the end. But she did. She realized that the work she does in helping others is a labor of love for the Lord, so He can be glorified. God worked through her and the doctor and nurses to help my baby on the road to better breathing. Everything we do we are to do for His glory, to bring others to Him, whether it is teaching a Bible class, doing our secular job to the best of our ability, being a good friend, raising our children - our entire lives are to be lived in His name.
What is an instrument? A tool. Something used to aid us in whatever it is we are doing. Is that not what we are for God? He uses us to help Him bring others to Him. By our words and our actions. And if we aren't being a tool for God, that can only mean we are being used by Satan, for Jesus tells us if we aren't gathering and working for Him, we are against Him. Whose instrument are you?
All-powerful Father, I know that without You, I am nothing. You are my Creator and Life-giver. Please always help me to remember that I am Your creation, and that You created me to be an instrument for Your glory. Help me to always do that which is right and will not only help me get to Heaven, but also be able to bring others with me. In Christ's name, Amen.
I was sitting in the hospital bed, holding my 6 month old baby while she received a breathing treatment from the lady from respiratory. This was Audrey's fourth day in the hospital with RSV. She was still sick, but much improved. The kind lady giving her the treatment told me how glad she was Audrey was doing better. She said "We are always so happy when we can help them get better....but we are really just instruments of God."
It meant so much to me to hear her say that. So few people publicly acknowledge the Lord in their work. She didn't have to add that tag at the end. But she did. She realized that the work she does in helping others is a labor of love for the Lord, so He can be glorified. God worked through her and the doctor and nurses to help my baby on the road to better breathing. Everything we do we are to do for His glory, to bring others to Him, whether it is teaching a Bible class, doing our secular job to the best of our ability, being a good friend, raising our children - our entire lives are to be lived in His name.
What is an instrument? A tool. Something used to aid us in whatever it is we are doing. Is that not what we are for God? He uses us to help Him bring others to Him. By our words and our actions. And if we aren't being a tool for God, that can only mean we are being used by Satan, for Jesus tells us if we aren't gathering and working for Him, we are against Him. Whose instrument are you?
All-powerful Father, I know that without You, I am nothing. You are my Creator and Life-giver. Please always help me to remember that I am Your creation, and that You created me to be an instrument for Your glory. Help me to always do that which is right and will not only help me get to Heaven, but also be able to bring others with me. In Christ's name, Amen.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
My Three New Least Favorite Letters...
RSV.
So, if you thought I had just forgotten about my blog, you were wrong (this time). I just didn't have access to a computer in the hospital.
Yep. Hospital.
What started out as a little runny nose last Thursday ended up as a four night stay in Decatur General for Miss Audrey. Evidently RSV is running rampant right now. Several of my friends' babies have had it, although Audrey and a set of 2 month old twins are the only ones that ended up with a hospital visit.
Audrey just had a little runny nose at her well visit last Thursday, which we just attributed to allergies. But that run ny nose soon had a cough to keep it company. And they kept getting worse. We had plans to go to Athens to see my family Friday night, and waffled after we found out the Matlock babies had RSV. It wouldn't have been so bad, but my cousin has a 7 week old baby that we definitely didn't want to share anything contagious with. I had already called the doctor's office once about seeing if I could give Aydrey something for her cough and had been told there would be someone in the office all weekend. So I called the on-call pediatrician's number and got the nurse and she said to give Audrey some Dimetapp cold and cough an call back if she got worse. She said if they did an RSV test too soon, you could get a false negative. So I called to say weweren't going to Athens. My aunt said for us to come on and they would just leave with the baby right before we got there. So we loaded up and went on.
We spent the night with my brother and then went to my parents' Saturday. Audrey was getting progressively worse. We went back and forth over whether or not to call the doctor back. We decided to give it one more night and see what happened. So home we went Saturday evening.
Sunday morning, I got up and got my shower and got ready to call the doctor. We live a little over an hour's drive from our pediatrician, so I wanted to be ready when I called in case they wanted us to come on in. And they did. But they wanted us there in 45 minutes. They were wrapping things up already and getting ready to head out (this was like 10 a.m.) When I told them there was no way I could be there in less than about an hour 20, they told me in that case I could either wait till Monday and see her regular doctor or take her to Huntsville Women's and Children's ER. Kinda aggravated at this point. They didn't even advise me to go to their own hospital's ER. I really wanted her regular ped to care for her, so we decided to wait it out if at all possible. We could always run to the local ER if necessary. At this point, Audrey feels terrible, just wants her mommy, is wheezing, has a tight barking cough, and is so hoarse she can barely cry.
Monday morning I was on the road with my sick darling before the doctor's office opened. I wanted to be there as soon as they could get her in. I called them on the road and set an appointment for 9:40, but we got there about an hour before that. I tried to nurse her, and just went on in, and they went ahead and called her back, thankfully. They confirmed that it was RSV and checked her pulse oxygen level.It wasn't grat. The nurse finally got a 96, but she had to try about 5 times. They gave her a breathing treatment in the office and listened to her again. Dr. P. decided since we lived so far off, he wanted her close by where he could keep an eye on her. (One of the many reasons I love Dr. P!) He was also concerned about dehydration. She felt so bad that she wasn't nursing well. I am so glad he made this decision, as when they checked her pulse oxygen at the hospital, it didn't read as high as they'd like so she was put on O2. Had to get an IV, do bloodwork, and a chest xray. My poor sick baby. :(
To shorten this long story, we ended up being in the hospital till Friday. He wouldn't let her go until her pulse oxygen stayed above 90 and she didn't need oxygen at night. We managed to make it all night Thursday night, though it was border line part of the time. She was so happy to get unhooked from all of her tubed and wires, and we were both ecstatic to be getting to come home to all our boys!
The nurses and staff at Decatur General took such good care of us while we were there, and I am so thankful for that. They never left the room without checking to see if I needed anything and did everything they could to make us as comfortable as possible. We are so grateful for them andDr. Parmer. And for the family and friends that have been helping us out, and checking up on us, and sending up prayers for us. We are so blessed.
So, if you thought I had just forgotten about my blog, you were wrong (this time). I just didn't have access to a computer in the hospital.
Yep. Hospital.
What started out as a little runny nose last Thursday ended up as a four night stay in Decatur General for Miss Audrey. Evidently RSV is running rampant right now. Several of my friends' babies have had it, although Audrey and a set of 2 month old twins are the only ones that ended up with a hospital visit.
Audrey just had a little runny nose at her well visit last Thursday, which we just attributed to allergies. But that run ny nose soon had a cough to keep it company. And they kept getting worse. We had plans to go to Athens to see my family Friday night, and waffled after we found out the Matlock babies had RSV. It wouldn't have been so bad, but my cousin has a 7 week old baby that we definitely didn't want to share anything contagious with. I had already called the doctor's office once about seeing if I could give Aydrey something for her cough and had been told there would be someone in the office all weekend. So I called the on-call pediatrician's number and got the nurse and she said to give Audrey some Dimetapp cold and cough an call back if she got worse. She said if they did an RSV test too soon, you could get a false negative. So I called to say weweren't going to Athens. My aunt said for us to come on and they would just leave with the baby right before we got there. So we loaded up and went on.
We spent the night with my brother and then went to my parents' Saturday. Audrey was getting progressively worse. We went back and forth over whether or not to call the doctor back. We decided to give it one more night and see what happened. So home we went Saturday evening.
Sunday morning, I got up and got my shower and got ready to call the doctor. We live a little over an hour's drive from our pediatrician, so I wanted to be ready when I called in case they wanted us to come on in. And they did. But they wanted us there in 45 minutes. They were wrapping things up already and getting ready to head out (this was like 10 a.m.) When I told them there was no way I could be there in less than about an hour 20, they told me in that case I could either wait till Monday and see her regular doctor or take her to Huntsville Women's and Children's ER. Kinda aggravated at this point. They didn't even advise me to go to their own hospital's ER. I really wanted her regular ped to care for her, so we decided to wait it out if at all possible. We could always run to the local ER if necessary. At this point, Audrey feels terrible, just wants her mommy, is wheezing, has a tight barking cough, and is so hoarse she can barely cry.
Monday morning I was on the road with my sick darling before the doctor's office opened. I wanted to be there as soon as they could get her in. I called them on the road and set an appointment for 9:40, but we got there about an hour before that. I tried to nurse her, and just went on in, and they went ahead and called her back, thankfully. They confirmed that it was RSV and checked her pulse oxygen level.It wasn't grat. The nurse finally got a 96, but she had to try about 5 times. They gave her a breathing treatment in the office and listened to her again. Dr. P. decided since we lived so far off, he wanted her close by where he could keep an eye on her. (One of the many reasons I love Dr. P!) He was also concerned about dehydration. She felt so bad that she wasn't nursing well. I am so glad he made this decision, as when they checked her pulse oxygen at the hospital, it didn't read as high as they'd like so she was put on O2. Had to get an IV, do bloodwork, and a chest xray. My poor sick baby. :(
To shorten this long story, we ended up being in the hospital till Friday. He wouldn't let her go until her pulse oxygen stayed above 90 and she didn't need oxygen at night. We managed to make it all night Thursday night, though it was border line part of the time. She was so happy to get unhooked from all of her tubed and wires, and we were both ecstatic to be getting to come home to all our boys!
The nurses and staff at Decatur General took such good care of us while we were there, and I am so thankful for that. They never left the room without checking to see if I needed anything and did everything they could to make us as comfortable as possible. We are so grateful for them andDr. Parmer. And for the family and friends that have been helping us out, and checking up on us, and sending up prayers for us. We are so blessed.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Psalm 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord's name is to be praised."
Since my baby is sick and I didn't get to attend worship services this morning, I wanted to spend some time today thinking about and praising God. What hasn't He done for us? Even in less than ideal circumstances, His children are always cared and provided for. He uses every situation that we go through to bring us closer to Him, if we will let Him. So, today, maybe you will join me and the Psalmist in just giving some praise to God.
Psalm 8:1 "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens."
Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Psalm 66:1-4 "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works!Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.' "
Psalm 92:1-2 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night."
Psalm 100: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name., For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."
Psalm 102:12 "You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations."
Psalm 104:24-25 "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all, The earth is full of Your possessions---This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great."
Psalm 111:7-9 "The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name."
There are, of course, many more times in the Scripture that the authors gave praise to God. They understood, as should we, how exalted and excellent our loving Father's name is. Let us always remember to praise Him here on earth, so that one day we can praise Him face to face!
O Lord, how glorious and excellent is Your name in all the earth! Let us always remember what a loving, powerful, and righteous God You are, and to show that we remember. In Christ's most precious and holy name, Amen.
Since my baby is sick and I didn't get to attend worship services this morning, I wanted to spend some time today thinking about and praising God. What hasn't He done for us? Even in less than ideal circumstances, His children are always cared and provided for. He uses every situation that we go through to bring us closer to Him, if we will let Him. So, today, maybe you will join me and the Psalmist in just giving some praise to God.
Psalm 8:1 "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens."
Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Psalm 66:1-4 "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works!Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.' "
Psalm 92:1-2 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night."
Psalm 100: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name., For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."
Psalm 102:12 "You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations."
Psalm 104:24-25 "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all, The earth is full of Your possessions---This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great."
Psalm 111:7-9 "The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name."
There are, of course, many more times in the Scripture that the authors gave praise to God. They understood, as should we, how exalted and excellent our loving Father's name is. Let us always remember to praise Him here on earth, so that one day we can praise Him face to face!
O Lord, how glorious and excellent is Your name in all the earth! Let us always remember what a loving, powerful, and righteous God You are, and to show that we remember. In Christ's most precious and holy name, Amen.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
GAME NIGHT!!!
Last night was game night in Athens at my brother's.
We Bowerees LOVE game night. :)
But we almost didn't get to go. Audrey is sick, and has been exposed to RSV. Which means there is a possibility she has RSV. Which we don't want to give to my cousin's 6 week old baby.
I called my aunt and told her we weren't coming and what was going on, and she said they would just leave when we got there, since we haven't gotten to make a trip to Athens since Christmas. I hated that they had to leave, but I am glad we still got to go see everyone else.
I also hated not being there for the big announcement.....
CHRIS AND CHRISTIE ARE EXPECTING!!!!!!
Of course, my sister-in-law loving me as she does, I already knew this. (The little crazy told me at Ty's birthday party last month.....with every one else around.....so I couldn't holler and get excited.) But it would have been fun to have been there when everyone else found out. Especially since they used the game to tell. :) Anyway, we are all so excited!!!
We had a good visit, anyway, spending the night with Chris and Christie and spending most of the day at my parents' today.
I love getting to visit with my family, but I am so glad to be back home!
We Bowerees LOVE game night. :)
But we almost didn't get to go. Audrey is sick, and has been exposed to RSV. Which means there is a possibility she has RSV. Which we don't want to give to my cousin's 6 week old baby.
I called my aunt and told her we weren't coming and what was going on, and she said they would just leave when we got there, since we haven't gotten to make a trip to Athens since Christmas. I hated that they had to leave, but I am glad we still got to go see everyone else.
I also hated not being there for the big announcement.....
CHRIS AND CHRISTIE ARE EXPECTING!!!!!!
Of course, my sister-in-law loving me as she does, I already knew this. (The little crazy told me at Ty's birthday party last month.....with every one else around.....so I couldn't holler and get excited.) But it would have been fun to have been there when everyone else found out. Especially since they used the game to tell. :) Anyway, we are all so excited!!!
We had a good visit, anyway, spending the night with Chris and Christie and spending most of the day at my parents' today.
I love getting to visit with my family, but I am so glad to be back home!
Doctors, Doctors Everywhere
What a week this has been!
Of course, Wednesday Ty had to go to the cardiologist. Thank goodness everything was alright there. Then Thursday, he and Audrey both had their well visits with Dr. Parmer. I am so glad that it was a rainy day so that Jeremy was able to go with me.
Both kids did well at the doctor's. They are both growing so much! (and of course, Troy is, too!) Ty was 41 lbs (which puts him in the 75th percentile) and only lacked 3.5 inches being 4 feet tall (90th %)! Audrey was 18 lb 8 oz (95th %) and 27.25 inches tall (95th %).
Audrey had to get 2 shots. She got so mad about having to be held down. She turned beet red and screamed her little loud lungs out. After we let her up she was fine. Just like flipping a switch.
They think Ty may have to have glasses. We are supposed to have an appointment being set up with the eye doctor sometime soon. This should be fun.
He also said he thinks Ty has something called PFAPA syndrome, and that this is what is causing him to keep getting fevers. He gave us a prescription for a mega dose of steroids to try if it happens again.
Yesterday, Audrey got to coughing pretty bad. She had had a runny nose the day before, but nothing major. And we also found out our friends' kids have RSV....so hoping that's not the case with Audrey, although we are treating it like it is for now. We are going back and forth about whether to take her back to the doctor tomorrow. We have been giving her medicine, per the on-call nurse's orders last night. But I still don't know if she needs to be checked out or left alone, if it doesn't get any worse. One of the tough parts of being a parent. *sigh* She has coughed till she is hoarse. And Troy is coughing and snotting, too.....
Wonder what tomorrow will bring???
Of course, Wednesday Ty had to go to the cardiologist. Thank goodness everything was alright there. Then Thursday, he and Audrey both had their well visits with Dr. Parmer. I am so glad that it was a rainy day so that Jeremy was able to go with me.
Both kids did well at the doctor's. They are both growing so much! (and of course, Troy is, too!) Ty was 41 lbs (which puts him in the 75th percentile) and only lacked 3.5 inches being 4 feet tall (90th %)! Audrey was 18 lb 8 oz (95th %) and 27.25 inches tall (95th %).
Audrey had to get 2 shots. She got so mad about having to be held down. She turned beet red and screamed her little loud lungs out. After we let her up she was fine. Just like flipping a switch.
They think Ty may have to have glasses. We are supposed to have an appointment being set up with the eye doctor sometime soon. This should be fun.
He also said he thinks Ty has something called PFAPA syndrome, and that this is what is causing him to keep getting fevers. He gave us a prescription for a mega dose of steroids to try if it happens again.
Yesterday, Audrey got to coughing pretty bad. She had had a runny nose the day before, but nothing major. And we also found out our friends' kids have RSV....so hoping that's not the case with Audrey, although we are treating it like it is for now. We are going back and forth about whether to take her back to the doctor tomorrow. We have been giving her medicine, per the on-call nurse's orders last night. But I still don't know if she needs to be checked out or left alone, if it doesn't get any worse. One of the tough parts of being a parent. *sigh* She has coughed till she is hoarse. And Troy is coughing and snotting, too.....
Wonder what tomorrow will bring???
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