Shawn has been in Brazil a little over a week now and will be there for another two. Before he left we were sitting in our office and we prayed as a family for safe travelling mercies and protection both for him and us while he is away. Of course I was crying...me, emotional, what? lol! Jase saw me crying and we explained that Mommy was just sad that Daddy was going away and Daddy told Jase that when he sees someone crying that he needs to tell them it will be ok and give them a hug. Needless to say I got plenty of hugs and "it will be ok Mommy" that evening. Shawn also told Jase that when he looks up at the sky and sees the moon to know that Daddy will be looking at the same moon. It was the sweetest thing...and of course there I went again boohooing! lol! So, every time I see the moon, of course I think of Shawn.
That evening and the next day I really longed for Shawn. I completely realized how much he means to me and this little family that God has created. I also realized that I take him for granted way too much. Not only does he work full-time, but he is a great help around the house (dishes, laundry, etc). And it's not just what he does around the house that sticks out the most, it's his simple presence, his support, his smile; he's such a godly man and I am truly blessed to be his wife. If you're reading this, you may think this is way too sappy, but I can honestly say these are my true emotions towards him. He is definitely my soul mate.
One night this past week I was upstairs with the kiddos getting them ready for bed and when Shawn is gone we have our little nightly routine. We all start off in Jase's room and read for 20-30 minutes, then we'll turn off all the lights, say our prayers and lay in Jase's bed. (Btw, Jase is apparently too old for songs or he doesn't like my voice because he never wants me to sing anymore...probably the latter!) Then I'll take Allyson in her room and lay her down in her bed. Well, I was laying down in Jase's bed just thinking and had a huge smile on my face. I had this joy that had completely overtaken me. I knew it was the touch of the Lord. While Shawn is thousands of miles away I was at complete peace with everything. It was a great feeling to have and know that myself and the kids are doing just fine.
Earlier this week a friend of ours' baby (6 months old) had surgery on his heart to repair/plug a hole. While they were operating, they found two additional holes: one that does not appear to be operable and the other they tried plugging, but had complications. He will probably have to have another surgery in the near future. Since his surgery he has developed further pulmonary issues and now has fluid in his lungs and body making it very difficult to breathe. He had his breathing tube reinserted to help increase his oxygen. This family has been very heavy on my heart lately and I am praying for them frequently. In our evening church service we gathered together as a church family and had prayer time. It was very powerful to be part of this prayer service and lift this little boy and his parents up in prayer to our Lord. We know that God is still in the miracle performing business and nothing is too big for my God! Please God touch his little body and heal him up, be with his parents and give them the strength they need to endure this. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
I'm looking forward to the new week and my goal is to turn all of my fears and worries over to the Lord. I want that peace and joy every single day to where I cannot stop smiling...what an awesome feeling!! I hope you can do the same!
Added after a friend asked why I did not blog about it:
Last night while we were praying at the altar at church one person would pray, then after they finished another would start. We just kept praying until everyone had been given an opportunity to pray if they felt led to do so. Well, Jase was sitting with me and had been moving back in forth between myself and my sister, Alisha, who had been sitting next to me. So many thoughts were running through my head as he was doing this, like I hope that he is not distracting anyone or can you please sit still? lol! Well, he was sitting with Alisha and all of a sudden I heard "Dear Lord" come out of his mouth...he was starting to pray. Alisha told him he needed to ask his mom. So, he came and sat with me and he told me he wanted to pray for baby Lincoln. We have been praying for him at home together so he knew of the situation, as best as a 3 year old could.
So, I told him that when the lady finished praying that he could, but he needed to speak loud so everyone could hear his prayer and he said ok. At this very moment my heart started pounding, I started getting hot flashes...not kidding at all. He could probably feel my heart beating on his back! I was very nervous, like I was about to pray in front of the church. I said a prayer for him right then and there and maybe one for me too! When the lady finished her prayer Jase began (not word for word, but close): "Dear Lord, please be with baby Lincoln, he is sick. Be with the doctors and his mommy and daddy. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!" I think he also tried to say Elisabeth (the mommy's name), but then did not know how to exactly pronounce it, so then he ended up with mommy and daddy! :)
While he was praying, tears of joys were streaming down my face. Definitely not trying to boast, but I was proud of him. Proud that he was asking the Lord for help. I know for me, I have never prayed in public like that before, so for my 3 year old son to do it, just melted my heart. Makes me think of a couple of things: that I need to have faith like a child and Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I'm so thankful that God hears our prayers and Shawn and I pray to God asking that our children will come to know him through salvation one day and it is awesome to see God already working in his life...what a miracle.
A little funny...after he finished praying he looked at me and I was still crying and my eyes were closed because there was no telling what my face looked like with mascara on. He said "you're crying and getting me wet!!" It was funny! He probably thinks I am a basket case...jury is still out on that one!! :)
