So…Kepler has learned to jump up on the chair in the living room.
Now every time we walk into the room, this is what we see:
Our only challenge?
To keep them from biting each other!!!
Learning How to Pray
We had a prayer request at our church, several weeks ago, for a young soldier who's feet and legs had been shattered by a land mine in Afghanistan. (His great uncle is a member of our church.)
I put his name in my phone on my daily calendar, and have been praying for him every day; but some days, I really didn't know how to pray for him. I really didn't think I understood what he was going through, and so I just asked the Lord to meet his needs each day.
However, since I've been stuck here, in so much pain with my back, I have learned exactly what to pray for him. Most days, I've been able to pray for him the same thing that I want for myself.
- For pain relief
- For the desire to be healthy again
- For a friend who understands
- For the meds to do their job
- For the muscles, ligaments and bones to heal
- For patience
- For more faith in God's ultimate plan
- For a good night's sleep
- For a friend with a really good sense of humor
- For something to distract his mind from the pain
- For relief from the FEAR of the pain
- For physical strength and mental fortitude to try again
- For release from embarrassment
- For someone to listen and not judge
- For a friend who has been through it already who can encourage
- For a kind caregiver
- For someone to pray FOR
I am glad to be able to pray for him better now. I have been helped and relieved and encouraged that I know exactly how to pray each day for him.
The last time I talked to his uncle, he said there was a possibilty that he would lose his leg. I don't know if that has happened or not, but I have prayed about that too, even though I cannot begin to understand how that would affect a person.
Sometimes the situations that we experience are difficult; but those same experiences open us up to a world of understanding that would otherwise be closed to us.
God works His will in us in extraordinary ways.
Can the trouble you're facing today help you to pray more compassionately for others? It's a good thing to consider while going through our trials.
By the way, this soldier's name is Joel, if you would like to pray for him too. 🙂
Blessings,
Alesha
How Great is Our God!!!
No surgery needed for Isaac!!!
The shunt was actually drawing too much fluid from his brain, which causes the same symptoms as if it were not working well. They adjusted it with a magnet and sent them on their way!
THANK YOU for your prayers! God certainly showed up and answered them!!
So very grateful,
Alesha
Praying for Isaac
Isaac has been having symptoms of shunt failure for about 3 weeks now. We had to rule out ear infections, sinus infection, etc. to know what was going on. I talked with the neurosurgeon PA yesterday, and she feels his shunt needs to be tapped to see what is going on. (They have a tiny needle hooked to a tube that they literally "tap" into his shunt line, right through his skin on his head.) If they get fluid there, they know the shunt is not working properly.
Doug is taking Ike to the children's hospital ER at 2 p.m today. They will tap the shunt. If it is not working, they will do emergency brain surgery. If you recall the 03/10 surgery was to replace the tubing of the shunt. This will be to replace the shunt itself – a much more serious surgery.
Due to his previous surgeries, there could be complications. His first shunt could not be removed due to the skull's calcifying around it. It had been in place for 5 years. They laid the 2nd shunt right beside that one. That was 5 years ago. If the same thing has happened to the 2nd shunt, I believe they would have to remove one or both of them to put in a new one. That means lots of blood loss and much more extensive surgery.
Of course, I cannot go. (I cannot sit up long enough yet for the ride there, much less all the walking, etc. that would be required.) That is almost more than I can bear.
Thanks for praying.
Alesha
Managing My Mondays
I'll be managing this Monday from my bed. My back suddenly went out on Saturday. I have been in bed ever since. My plan is to get to the chiropractor this afternoon.
So, I'll leave you with the latest puppy pics. 🙂
Have a Happy Monday!
Alesha
Foto Friday
Best Puppy-Training Device EVER!!!
Happy Weekend, y'all!
Alesha
Just a Few Things
This looked really yummy to us. We will definitely be trying it soon.
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I thought you might be interested in the recipe to my "All Purpose Floor Cleaner UPper":
In a spray bottle mix the following:
A few squirts of your favorite liquid soap (I prefer Basic H from Shaklee)
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
Water to fill bottle
This is what I have been using to clean up the puppy puddles on my floors. I have also used it on any area rugs that were "sprinkled" as well. It is a great spot cleaner for other spills too. The vinegar smell is pretty strong when first sprayed, but it disipates very quickly.
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This was an interesting article about how microwave ovens cook:
Microwave Oven Diagnostics with Indian Snack Food
I had always wondered about that.
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All 3 of us are recuperating nicely, praise the Lord!
Wishing you a lovely evening (or morning!),
Alesha
Obtaining Mercy 