Hannah

How can I describe Hannah? She grabs life each day and squeezes everything she can out of it. She is a joy carrier and a child who just seems to enjoy life and keep on smiling. Sure the princess has her moments like every child but her disposition reflects an enjoyment of life. When we learned that she needed a heart monitor for 30 days, Hannah took it all in stride. Within hours of being "monitored" we learned that she needed to go to the hospital immediately for a very rapid heartbeat.

Because she walked into ER, the staff did not have a sense of urgency. Only after they began to take her vitals and discovered for themselves what we were trying to tell them all along, did things begin moving quickly. She was moved to a treatment room and a team was called asap. It was then that I realized the seriousness of what she was facing. Within a few moments she was given oxygen, an IV was inserted, and she was hooked to the monitor. Her heart rate was hovering in the 230's - 240 and treatment was needed. In the midst of all this, Hannah remained calm and was not crying at all. Only after they administered the drug which made her sick did she begin to cry. The staff told us that the treatment makes you feel horrible because your heart stops for 3 seconds. We were praying and crying out to the Great Physician.

The treatment was successful and a normal heartbeat was restored. Now we move forward to learn all of the options for SVT. Now we pray for wisdom for the doctors and her parents.

Lesson learned - a grandmother's concern and pain is a "double portion". Not only was I concerned for Hannah, I also felt the pain that my daughter was experiencing as she watched her little girl.

There are also many blessings in all of this. On the first day of the monitor the problem was diagnosed, Kara found the hospital in time (she was lost), and the treatment was effective. I'm also grateful I got the voicemail and could be there to support the family I love.

Our times are in His hands

Thankful

Reading the headlines leaves me in disbelief. How can it be that right is called wrong and sin is exalted? The Bible warns of all that we see unfolding before our eyes and yet it is hard to imagine how we have arrived here. We are pilgrims and sojourners :-) in a foreign land.

May we keep our eyes above and cherish each gift He provides day by day. We are clothed, warm, fed, enjoying the love of family, friends, our church. The Word of God is available to us, Christian radio, the beauty of the sky, sun, moon and stars, laughter with friends, creative thoughts and energy, and hope infused by the Holy Spirit when discouragement threatens our peace.

May we remain faithful in the midst of a faithless world. God is on the throne and none of this is catching Him by surprise.

Psalm 121 - Lift up our eyes to the hills, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Encourage One Another

If you still read the printed page, the news isn't good these days. Because many of us get our news from alternate sources like the internet, newspapers are frequently closing. Whatever the source for news, the tone is largely negative. The government is spending trillions on bailout, the moral fiber continues to erode and embryos are now fair game for stem cell research with federal dollars by the stroke of a politician's pen.

Our hope and anchor amidst the turmoil must be the Lord Jesus Christ. It is easy to find ourselves downcast and troubled by the uncertainty. Psalms 3:3 is the perfect pick me up :-)
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from his holy hill. Picture a little child who is dragging his chin on the ground in disappointment or sorrow. Just as we lift their chin, look in their eyes, and reassure them it is alright, the Lord does the same for His children. Look up, look into His eyes, we have a Father's love, a Savior's redemption, the Spirit's comfort and all of eternity ahead of us for those who are redeemed.

Uplands or Lowlands?

Oswald Sanders in his book on Spiritual Leadership states that leaders can influence others toward the "uplands" or the "lowlands". We are all influencing someone whether to the upland or the lowland. As mothers and grandmothers this is part of creating a heritage. What will they remember about us? What part of us will they carry with them forever? Will it be our faith, our love, or something less noble like a habit of anger or a bitter spirit.

We cannot change everything at once but by God's grace He can help us change through His enabling power. None of us should be content to stay in the lowlands. Lift up your eyes and see the uplands ahead rich and green and begin taking one step at a time....today, not tomorrow.

Psalm 121:1-2 - I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Playing Catch Up!

The old adage, "my how time flies" proves itself true with blogging too! My daughter pointed out that I haven't updated the blog since last April and it was hard to believe, but true.

Tonight we celebrated our grandson Alex's 11th birthday. It was a great family time and he really liked his Indiana Jones cake. I must admit that request had me baffled for the last few weeks as I pondered how to do it. I had alot of fun creating it today.

The fall was a busy time as we prepared for David and Nicole's wedding. They originally had set a date of August, 2009 but decided to scale it down and get married on January 17th. The wedding was beautiful and honored God. It was a cold and snowy day - quite beautiful!

Perhaps my next entry will explore some of the emotions of a mother as she marries the last of her children and truly has an empty nest.