The Great Adventure: Two weeks with Beth

Little Beth has now been in our home for a week and a half. We are very thankful. The first week was a little rough. We got to bring her home from the hospital two weeks ago and then we had to re-admit her the next day because her jaundice got so bad. The admitted her in the ICU and throughout the day it got worse. Later that night, they hooked her up to an IV and three lights. After three days, she was able to come home. We are very grateful! It was definately a difficult week in that I was trying to keep track of Beth and Jess in the hospital, our girls at home, maintaining hours at work, and keeping my head above water at school. However, I am grateful for the experience. My empathy has really grown for those who have complications with little ones. We also greatly experienced the grace and strength of God. We grew a little more in understanding the words of Christ to Paul "My grace is sufficient." We are so very grateful that Jess' mom was here to help us through that time. That was a huge blessing.

School is going well. I am already four weeks in. Last week was extremely busy as I had three papers to write and turn in. Things should level out a little bit now, but it is just going to be very busy for the next two months.

The girls have been going to AWANA here in town at great church. That has been fun, but it has made me feel old! It is weird to have children in Sparkies and Cubbies! Rose earned her vest last week and she was soooooooooooo proud! The look on her face when she came bouncing out of her classroom with it on was priceless! I think Kate will earn hers tonight.

We are starting to move into the thunderstorm season here. The rain is starting fall and the and skies are getting dark. As I am writing, I am watching a storm come in and it is enjoyable to see the variety in weather. There are not any flowers yet, but the shoots are starting to come up in the yard. It is always fascinating to watch the seemingly dead ground, trees, and bushes come to life. It is a visible picture of what happens when Christ comes into one's life. The dead become alive as the Holy Spirit breathes true life throughout every ounce of one's life. It reminds me of Ephesians 2:4 where Paul writes, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved." I think the Lord has given us many theological illustrations through His creation.

Speaking of God's creation, we were blessed yesterday to be able to go out for our first picnic and hike with Beth. It was a chilly hike, but it was wonderful to be out. We went to our favorite spot, Bernheim Forest. Great to be out in God's creation!

Blessings,
Shane