an update

Sorry that it's been over a week since the last post. Somehow time gets away from us.

Since the stomach surgery, Samuel has not spit up once or had any visible signs of reflux. We are so thankful for this change. We are able to feed him 7-8 times a day, directly into his stomach and we are in the process of transitioning back to all breast milk and off of the hypoallergenic formula. We will have hopefully made the transition fully by this weekend.

Speaking of this coming weekend ... we are planning on taking the two big kids to the beach ... and leaving Samuel here! One of the things we are realizing (though it is hard to admit and not feel guilty for) is that we need breaks. Individually we need breaks and as a family we need times where Samuel isn't always the central demand. We are looking forward to getting 2 days with just AC and Colin. Overall they have done wonderfully with the addition of their little brother. This can only be from God's Spirit at work in them, as there is plenty of opportunity for them to become bitter and angry and express frustration towards him - they never have. Even so, they need us to pay them special attention too, and we are looking forward to having that opportunity this weekend.

Of course, that means that there are several folks here that are stepping up HUGE to keep Samuel while we're gone! It is hard for us to be needy and dependent on other people - easier for this preacher to preach about grace than to receive it. But God is showing us his faithfulness and care for us through the love that his body is showering on us and we are grateful.

Two particular things you could pray for as you remember us these days:

1. That Samuel would begin to sleep well at night. He tends to wake up several times during the night with coughing, crying and general fussiness. We are usually able to get him back to sleep but at times it is an all out lights on, everybody up working at it kind of thing. Several nights of this in a row and we get pretty weary and that affects our relationship with one another, our attitude generally and our souls, to boot.
   
2. Pray that Sara and I would be able to accept our limitations ... our need for breaks and time away. I was reminded by one of our elders yesterday at lunch that we've got to remember we're in a really long race here ... this is no sprint. Maybe something like the Tour de France - 120 miles today and another 110 tomorrow and a time trial the day after next ... etc. Only God is sufficient for such tasks and we must find our rest, refuge, energy, sufficiency in him. So we struggle with being faithful and responsible parents (and spouses for that matter) and being week and imperfect parents (and spouses for that matter). Pray for wisdom here and a constant dependence on Jesus (whatever that looks like).

The fact is, God has promised us trial in this world AND that he is present with us in the midst of it.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
from Isaiah 43

Pray that we would live like this is true and rest and refuge in him even in the midst of the river and of the flames.