Oh How He Loves Us...

Per my last post, we have been waiting patiently for the Lord's direction as we "wait" on the physician in California to push forward with surgery.  Once again, the Lord had different plans.

On Friday, July 20, Kealyn had some friends over to play for the evening.  When it was time for the girls to go home, my friend Kari came to pick up her daughter.  She began to talk to Kraig about her testimony in dealing with a local naturopath who had helped her 3 children tremendously.  She told him about "foot baths" and how they pull the toxins out of your body.  She said that she felt lead to tell us about this doctor and that on Monday evening, she would like to use her foot bath for Emalee's benefit to show us what they did.

Monday, the 23rd, I took Kealyn to cheer camp and there in the school, Kari allowed Emalee to use her foot bath.  We sat for 25 minutes as the foot bath did its job and what we saw at the end will forever change my perspective on medicine.  The bath had pulled metal out of Emalee's foot and a whole lot of other gunk.  I was amazed!

I called that very night and made an appointment for Emalee to go see Dr. Harris on Wednesday.  Emalee had a body scan done which found that her body had large amounts of chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins.  The doctor described to me that every body has a tolerance level as far as toxins etc are concerned.  Emalee's is overflowing!  Our bodies were not created to handle the poisons that we come in contact with every day pertaining to foods, air, fertilizers, chemicals and medications.  She explained to me that every thing we come into contact with causes a reaction in our bodies.  Emalee's body has deposited it's toxins throughout her body and in her brain which has not only produced the cyst, but has produced her neurologic problems as well.  Her neurotransmitters do not fire on all cylinders due to the build up of toxins in her brain.  The body does not know how to get rid of them. I told her that when Emalee is in a pool with chlorine water, that she cannot talk, slurs her words, and can barely stand up.  She said her body is reacting to the chemicals. She also said that we could do the brain surgery, removing the cyst, but it would come back as we would have still not taken care of the cause of the problem.

Dr. Harris offers many different forms of treatment and Emalee has done several this past week.  She did a foot bath Thursday afternoon and I continue to stand amazed at the amounts of junk that came out through her feet.  The doctor believes that as we are able to pull the toxins out, her body will begin functioning as God's word commands it to.  This totally makes since to us and we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to treat Emalee naturally.  No medications, only supplements that are healthy for her body and train her body to function as God created it to function.

We are believing that at Emalee's next scan at the end of November, that the cyst is going to be gone!  I have another new passion!  I want my friends and family to know that in almost every case, medication is not the answer.  It is literally adding to the problem or causing a different problem.  The body needs to detox, even children.  Emalee has been doing great, but we know we have a long way to go.  Not only that, but naturopathic medicine is not paid for through health insurance.  We know that our God is our source and He will provide the means necessary to see this to the end.  In the meantime, we will be purchasing a foot bath so that we can continue helping our family and those that the Lord brings to our attention through this.

If you know of people whose children are ADHD, on seizure meds, chemo patients, etc, please send them my email address: karthur99@cox.net.  I would be glad to help them get to Dr. Harris.

I say all this to say, OH HOW HE LOVES US!  He will never forsake us...He is faithful!  He created our bodies perfectly and the amounts of medications and toxins that we put into our bodies, when you think about it, is overwhelming.  He created all things to work together for good.

Thank you for your faithfulness to prayer for Emalee and our family.  We are continuing to see Satan throw darts at us and try to bring us down, but I will tell you, God is prevailing.  No weapon formed against us will prosper!  Our source is found in Christ alone and He continues to show us His great love, compassion and power!  He holds our girl in His hands!

So thankful for His direction and divine appointments...Thank you, Kari, for heeding to His calling on your life.  Your testimony of God's faithfulness is amazing!  We are so thankful!

Believing the best for you,
Amanda

Being Still

Sometimes things don’t make sense in our natural minds.  Sometimes this can be down right frustrating.  Sometimes, we just want to plan things the way we want them to happen, the way they SHOULD happen.  But, sometimes, our God has other plans….It is time to be still and wait on Him.  I have never had as much difficulty doing that as I do right now.

After a recent MRI, it was found that Emalee’s cyst has grown by another 2mm.  This growth has taken place within the last 8 weeks.  This is very alarming as her parent because I just want the thing to quit wreaking havoc on her precious little body.  But, I am not in charge and my plan just went out the window yesterday.  I just knew the surgeon was going to call and schedule Emalee for surgery in June.  I just knew that we were going to be headed to LA in a very short amount of time.  I just knew that I had this thing all planned out, but God just knew it wasn’t the right time.  No big deal right?  I mean after all, I do trust Him with her life right?  After all, He did create her in His image, right?  Right!  Except, the news I received put all that right back into perspective for me. 

Dr. Shahinian told me that he wanted to do a rescan in one year.  One YEAR!  So, I asked him if I understood him right, that she would miss another year of school, gain another 60 pounds and live another year with very little quality of life!  I was furious!  This is not what I had planned for my daughter!  She is pushing every day and now I had to tell her that she had to endure for another year.  People, I am telling you, she is amazing, but she is twelve years old.  This is a hard spot to be in at 32 much less at 12.  He told me he would compromise and rescan in 6 months.  Seriously, that is like Thanksgiving!  No way, there is just no way!  He told me that if her symptoms worsened, headaches, seizures, etc. to notify him immediately and that was the end of the conversation (in a nutshell).

I got off of the phone and immediately I wanted to ball my eyes out, but I couldn’t find the tears.  I wanted to feel sorry for myself, for Emalee, for our family, but I felt such a peace.  What in the world was going on?  I began to pray and the Lord spoke into my heart to be still.  He STILL holds my girl in the palm of His hand even when MY plans fall through. 

Who am I?  And why in the world would I ever think that MY plan would ever be better or more timely than HIS plan…I realized that I don’t want my plan anymore….I want HIS plan.  Right there, he renewed my strength.  He showed me how He has carried us all for the past year and He will continue to.  There are so many things about this season in Emalee’s life that seem so unfair.  No basketball camps this Summer, no Dry Gulch USA, her favorite thing to do in the Summer, but she can’t!  She can’t because this year of her life has been set aside that she would know and see that the Creator of her fragile little body is bringing her closer to Him, stretching her faith, and demonstrating that HE IS SURELY ALIVE!   Praise the Lord!  His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone.  So thankful that he is renewing our faith and our strength day by day.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our family.  This has been such a trying time, but we know that God chose it to fulfill a part of His calling on our lives.  To teach us what it means to solely look to Him and to be thankful every day that souls will be forever changed by the courage and joy that Emalee and our family portray and give out each day even in the midst of our storm.  So thankful to be used of Him, so so thankful…This is part of HIS PLAN, to be used to demonstrate HIS GLORY.  I can’t wait to see it revealed...She is healed by the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony.  She is an overcomer and no weapon formed against her will prosper.  She will live the way the Word of God says she will live…ABUNDANTLY.   We are sitting in the middle of our circle believing that the revelation is near.  She has received her Healing and the Glory of the Lord will be revealed on every face.  She is the healed of the Lord for the Lord has big things in store for her life….She will forever change the nations of the world because her testimony is going to rock their socks off.  People get ready! 

PUSHING FOR EM!

Love you all,

Amanda

P.S. Humbled every day that I was chosen to be her mother.  After all, I have so much to learn and she has taught me more than I can ever explain.  She is my hero!

12 Years Ago Today...

I am so sorry that I have not been faithful to my blog, but I have been trying to be faithful to my girl. Much has happened since my last blog post...Sleep Studies revealing what they say is narcolepsy with cataplexy ( I personally think there is an underlying issue), and a wasted trip to a pediatric endocrinologist who said there was nothing there endocrinologically(is that a word?). At the same time as all of this was going on, we went to our naturopath in Jenks, Dr. Leu, who found an issue with Emalee's thyroid. He put her on a thyroid medication that has helped but her levels are back to normal and she is still extremely fatigued and gaining weight. By gaining weight I mean she has gained a total of 37 pounds in 7 months! Seriously?!?!

On Thursday, we will be seeing another pediatric endocrinologist in Oklahoma City. We are believing he will have some answers for us. After blood tests two weeks ago, it was revealed that she has extremely elevated prolactin levels. We will see what his thoughts are on this as I have already come up with my theories from my extensive time online!

So tonight I sit here thinking about this date 12 years ago. I sat in this very spot preparing to go to the hospital on March 7, 2000 to deliver my baby girl....Tomorrow is my hero's 12th birthday! I am believing this is going to be the best year ever! I believe her healing has been received and that the Lord is gathering people around...lost and saved, to reveal His glory and power. Tonight, I spoke with her at length about how I would take all of this from her if I could, but I told her I think God chose her because she is stronger than I am. She is amazing! She has over 25 scriptures that she speaks over herself daily. She is an inspiration! Each day she pushes herself to attend school for 2-3 hours depending on what she needs to do. And above all else, she is HIS child and HE is doing great big things in and through her.

Last week we were out to dinner and we saw one of her friends that she has from Jenks. Emalee took it upon herself to walk over and say hello to her and her dad. After Emalee walked over to our table, the girls father had tears in his eyes. Kraig had coached his son in football two years ago and Kraig and I went over to talk to them. He told us that he was amazed at the spirit she possessed. He knew that she had been having health concerns, but he was blown away with the spirit she possesses. This is what I am talking about. She is shining Jesus in spite of her hardships...This is why she is my hero...Loving people and caring about people in the midst of her own pain and struggle. The other day she told me that she had been meditating on the scripture that says "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." She said, "Mom, I have done this and you should too." I love it when God speaks straight to me through His children!

Again, I count it a major privilege to be her mother.

Ems, I not only love you, I adore you. I can't imagine how much more our Father loves you. You are so confident that this is for His glory. You tell me all the time that you will not be like this much longer. You are truly amazing! I can not believe it has been 12 years since you were placed in our care. I am so proud of you and the beautiful girl the Lord is molding you to be. He is doing great things in you which will be revealed through you in your testimony in the months and years to come. I have realized how lucky you are to be used of Him to reach His people. He is about to reveal Himself to everyone! You are the healed of the Lord and I believe this is going to be your best year ever! Even though I miss your little bitty hands and sweet little blue eyes staring up at me, I am looking forward to the years ahead. I believe they will be fruitful for the kingdom and that the Lord will continue to look down on you and say, well done girl! You won't bend and you won't break and you definitely won't water down your faith, you won't compromise in a hurting world, but you WILL be a light for future generations and for me, as I continue to be amazed by your lessons on faith!

I love you to the moon and back sweet girl. I can't wait to be by your side cheering you on in the days ahead! Come on JESUS! Your will be done!

Thank you all for your prayers and support. She will overcome!

Much blessing to you,

Amanda

So behind....Sorry!

Yes, yes, I know. I am a little behind. I need to back way up to get to where we are now.

Let's start with Wednesday the 14th...I called the sleep physician, Dr. D'Souza to see if I could get Emalee in for her consultation and scheduled for her sleep study. I told you earlier that my appointment with him was by divine appointment and it played out to be just that. The girl told me that he could see her at 11:00. Like, that day at 11:00?!?! Yes! I was beyond thrilled! So we took her in at 11:00, do our series of questionnaires and go back to see the doc. He told us that he believes she has cataplexy, which is a form of narcolepsy. With narcolepsy, the patient falls asleep when they have strong emotions such as laughter, anger, sadness etc. With cataplexy, the patient loses "tone" in their legs and falls down when the emotion arises. This is definitely something Emalee does. (We have a new rule at the Arthur house that when we are walking, Kealyn is no longer allowed to talk. We always knew she was funny, but never as much as when you have to run to keep Emalee from hitting her head as she falls to the ground! It is constant! Love that girl, but there is a time and a place for being funny and now, when we are walking, that is not the time)

The doctors only question is why the cataplexy has presented so quickly. He said that in most cases, this takes years to present and Emalee's case has presented in a month and a half. He is anxious to see how the testing comes back at the endocrinologist and still is wondering if the cyst is playing into something, although he trusts that everything is clear neurologically.

So the doctor ordered a sleep study that will be done the first Wednesday of 2012! She will have a full night study and will stay at the center for the next day until 5:30pm. They will do a series of tests on her through the day during her allotted nap times.

One doctor down, one more to go....I'm telling you, when these Arthurs(Kraig and Emalee) get sick, they do it right!

Since I was having such favor, I thought I would go ahead and call the endocrinologist. The lady who answered the phone informed me that there were 20 referrals in front of my Emalee and she had no idea how long it would take to get them all processed and scheduled. Shucks! Which bring us to Monday, the 19th...I decided I am going to be that mom...Yes, that mom who drives the doctors so crazy that they just schedule the patient to get her to stop calling! I know this works from experience...:) So I called the same lady who told me she had 20 referrals in front of Emalee and she puts me on hold for a few seconds. Comes back and says, "I grabbed her referral, and although there are still about 12 to process, I will go ahead and schedule Emalee since I have you on the phone." WHAT?!!? I am about to come unglued! (Sorry to those 15 who were in front of us who may not have gotten your appointment yet, but I am thrilled that we got ours!) So Emalee is scheduled to go in to the endocrinologist this Thursday, December 29th. She told me she double booked the doctor and that we would be there longer than normal to which I told her I didn't care if we were there all day I was just so thankful to get in!

Christmas was mostly good for Emalee. She had a great Christmas day playing Just Dance with Kealyn for most of the day. The break has been nice for all of us.

We continue to PUSH for our sweet girl as we seek out wisdom from the doctors that we believe is being given by God at every turn. Although these Arthurs do it right when they get sick, our God does it better in their healing! He is so good and we believe she IS the healed of the Lord as He keeps saying, "Child, this is for my glory." So Jesus bring the rain...In you alone we place our trust.

Blessings to you all this New Year as we are believing this will be the best year ever, as we celebrate the best day ever...until tomorrow.

All my love,

Amanda

Waiting it out

So Monday was the big day. The day of answered questions, wisdom, and direction. The doctor, Dr. Seigler, was wonderful. Great with Emalee and just an all around great guy. He did some tests with Emalee for examination purposes and then asks us if we are aware of what is going on with her MRI scans. We reply that yes, we had been told about the cyst and we wanted to see what his opinion was as to who we needed to go see next. He looks at us as if we are not on the same page and replies that he believes the cyst is a non-factor, her EEG is perfectly normal, and the test he did with her were normal . He does not believe it is what is causing her symptoms. He believes we should just have scans about every 6 months to make sure it doesn't grow significantly and if she develops headaches then he will want to see her again. WHAT?! And so it was our turn to look like we were not on the same page with him. So I proceed to ask him questions like: then what is causing her sleepiness, weight gain, and falling when she is laughing. He tells us that he believes we now need to have a sleep study to rule out possible narcolepsy/cataplexy. A lot of times, patients who exhibit symptoms of falling down during strong emotions such as laughing, crying, or feelings of excitement, will lose control and fall asleep due to cataplexy. He also says that there could be a chemical/hormonal imbalance in her body that is causing her excessive weight gain, so we should also go see a pediatric endocrinologist.

We have taken the doctors instructions and been having Emalee weigh each morning. It is amazing that her weight can fluctuate 2.3. or even 4 pounds from the day before! The poor girl is just miserable in her skin!

So I am on it starting tomorrow to push to get in with the sleep physician, which I happened to meet with on Friday by divine appointment, and make sure that the pediatric endocrinologist receives the referral to get her in asap. Although I am not totally at peace with the decision to leave the cyst be, due to my "knowledge" I received on the internet, I will follow doctors orders and check these other things out. Hopefully, the sleep study will happen within the next couple of weeks while Emalee is out of school and some of the testing etc, with the endo will be done as well during that time. I know that she really wants to be back at school with her friends and learning. She really misses it....Kealyn, on the other hand, thinks it is just unfair that Emalee doesn't have to go to school...ugh!

Thank you so much for your continued support, kind words, and most importantly, your prayers. We are definitely feeling them. Emalee has covered her desk in her room with notecards with scripture on them. She is meditating on them day and night and believing that the Lord is doing big things in and through her. She is a champion and once again, I am so honored to be her mother.

Blessings to you all as we continue to PUSH for our sweet Emalee!

Much love,

Amanda

Walking out a Miracle!

It has been a long while since I have made a visit to our blog. So much time goes by without even realizing that so much has changed. Their hair, their size, and unfortunately "her" health. By "her", I am talking about our precious Emalee. Since August of this year, Emalee has been battling extreme fatigue and increased weight gain. It has progressed into not being able to laugh without falling and even falling while walking. I am talking losing control of her limbs to the point of almost hitting her head on the ground. She is fully conscious, but gets scared because she is unable to control herself at those times. We have had every blood test under the sun performed, a diagnosis of possible mono, a diagnosis of possible stomach or strep infection and the list goes on.

Through out this time, it has been extremely hard to send Emalee to school just out of concern. But the Lord provides, and he provided an angel to help her every day. Her name is Lygea and she has truly been a blessing to our family. Each day Emalee goes in and gets vitamin C from her and most days she checks on Emalee in between each class. She is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Her line that she tells Emalee every day after school is "Today is your best day ever... until tomorrow!" And that is how she gets through the day....her angel by her side every step of the way giving comfort and support to not only her, but to mom as well. Praise the Lord for His angels on earth! We are so thankful for her.

We have a great team of doctors working with us on our "mystery diagnosis", and after a battery of conversations and consultations, it was decided that Emalee needed to have a brain MRI. So Last Friday, December 2, 2011, Emalee went in to have just that. I honestly was expecting nothing. The scan would be clear and this just must be something hormonal and that would be our next step....test hormone levels in the body and make sure everything is working properly.

Much to my surprise, I received a phone call from one of Emalee's doctors on Sunday evening. A 9mm cyst was found on the pineal gland which is located almost smack dab in the middle of the brain. WHAT! And what in the Heavens is a pineal gland? I had never heard of that in my life! So our journey began. SHOCK, SADNESS, FEAR. Kraig and I cried our eyes out. Emalee, on the other hand, never wavered. She was rock solid. Solid in her faith and in her knowing that she was healed. I asked her what her thoughts were and all she said was, "I am healed by Jesus stripes. I will be fine mom!" Childlike faith... The only thing that she says scares her is the possibility of having to have surgery on her brain. She has a great friend at school whose brother recently had a tumor removed so she knows the anxiety and fear that can come with that. We have agreed that we will speak against that in Jesus Name!

Yesterday afternoon, we met with Pastor Rod at Victory Christian Center, who prayed over her and believed with us for full healing in her body. I told someone yesterday on the phone that the most upsetting part of this whole thing was that Satan had stolen her laugh. For those of you who know Emalee, you know that she has a contagious laugh that lights up a room. She has been holding it in for weeks for fear of falling. Last night, I was folding laundry and I heard her in the kitchen....LAUGHING! And then this morning, again, I heard her LAUGHING. I just cried because I knew that the Lord was showing me that He was not going to allow Satan to steal from her. It was truly music to my ears!

Today she had to go in to the neurologist's office for an EEG. I had to make back-to-back presentations out of town, so Kraig took her in. She did great. No fear or anxiety just cool as a cucumber. After she was finished, she wanted to go get some lunch. Kraig told her they should probably go home first to wash her hair and she replied that she would just put it in a pony tail and it would be fine....until she looked in the mirror and realized, due to the goop that was used to stick the electrodes to her head, that she definitely needed a shower! So Kraig, being the thoughtful and pampering dad that he is, took her to the place he gets his hair cut and ordered her up a Tea Tree Experience! Facial massage and all! They also went and had sushi and tonight she told me, she had "the best day ever" with her daddy! Love it that her future husband is definitely going to be a great man, because he has some stiff competition with daddy! Not to mention, she has been up since 5:00am and has only slept for 30 minutes all day! This in itself is a miracle as the main problem at hand is constant sleepiness and an inability to stay awake...

So Monday, we go to the neurologists office for our consultation. Today during my prayer time, I was reminded once again that the same God who created her body will fix it! She was created to be a vessel for Him and no weapon formed against her will prosper! I also realized that she is not mine, she belongs to the Lord. He will bring her through this for His glory. He will reveal himself and perform a miracle and all will know that it was from her maker. She will be victorious and what Satan meant for harm will be used for good. She is healed in the name of Jesus! She is that little girl that we know, every morning when her feet hit the floor, Satan is saying "oh no, she is up!" Yes, she will overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony will be heard in nations of the world for Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in her life! Blessed be the name of the Lord through whom all things are possible!

I will close with words and a picture of how the Lord brings things full circle for people. Emalee's angel posted this on facebook today and I was taken aback at the faith of my precious child and thankful for the seeds that have been sown in her life to prepare her for this time.

When helping a student get their books and backpack to go home - my precious wasn't feeling well...my eyes fell upon their dry erase board! First I saw the scripture and declared this over this little angel...next my eyes fell upon my own words they'd written on their board. My eyes filled with tears!! Today is the best day "ever" of our lives ...until tomorrow!!!! This will bless me for the rest of my days!!!

So as we walk out our miracle, I would ask you to pray and meditate on the verses that you see above and believe these for our precious Emalee. I have to tell you, I am honored to be her mother, for nothing, nothing could make me as proud as to know that my child is walking with the Lord. God bless you all as continues to perform miracles daily...PUSHING for Emalee

P-praying

U-until

S-something

H-happens!

Much love,

Amanda

Oh how the years go by...

We are back to school and back into the swing of our hectic schedules! The girls started their first year at Victory Christian School and absolutely love it. Their teachers were definitely purposed by God, and they are thriving in this environment full of grace and love.

Mrs. Christie Waters and Kealyn

Mrs. Marti Malhi and Emalee

Not only were their teachers purposed of God, but Emalee's best friend from Kindergarten and First grade when she attended Grace Christian School, Avery Atkinson, is in her class! She is on cloud nine I tell ya!

As I put them to bed tonight, what is most important to me about their experience and education at VCS became evident. We have two very dear friends of ours, Jackie Wilks and Cheryl Hunter, who are both battling cancer as we speak. As it came time for prayers, both of the girls not only prayed for our friends, but they used scripture and stood firm on their faith that they were healed! It is amazing as a parent to witness this night after night as they talk to God as their best friend. Praise and worship is continually on their lips and they are memorizing scripture like crazy! CAN YOU TELL I AM THRILLED???!!!

Academically, they are doing fantastic! New curriculum has presented its challenges but they are pushing through it and giving it all they have each day. Phonics and language are a new concept for them, but they are doing great.

This week the girls had their annual Kumon awards ceremony. Kealyn received an award for being in Kumon for 3 years and an award for working at 4rd grade level on her math. You are a rock star KK! You make us so proud and thankful for who you are in Jesus!

Emalee received an award for reaching level G before 5th grade. Level G is the beginning of Algebra and Emalee is now working on an 8th grade level in Math. Each year in Kumon, many kids complete the program. This year they gave an honorary award in the name of each completer to a younger Kumon student. Emalee was chosen to receive the award from her favorite Kumon student/teacher in the center. Her name is Mary and little does she know, she is sewing seeds in Emalee's life each and every time she comes in contact with her. This was an amazing award as there are over 730 students in our Kumon center. Congratulations sweet Em! You are so deserving after countless hours of work and dedication to your studies. You are truly amazing.

So here we are, grade 5 and 2. HOW IN THE WORLD! I mean, I remember 5th grade and I know it wasn't that long ago!!!

To my sweet, sweet girls:

My sweet Tinsy Two(A.K.A. KK) You are oh so precious in His sight. He loves you so so much and is making himself real to you each and every day. Your heart is so pure and you have such a willingness to help those around you. God is instilling gifts in you every day and I love to see them come shinin' through. Last week, after school on Tuesday, you and I had a great time in worship together! It was absolutely amazing! The spirit of the Lord is dwelling in you and you are now able to use the gifts you have each and every day. You are learning to share the goodness of God and even when others may overlook your heart, you stand firm. You also are truly amazing! I love you pumpkin!

Noonie...For I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord...You told me two weeks ago, that the Lord has called you to missions. I am totally ecstatic! Oh, how I would have loved to have felt the Lord speak to my heart and know from the age of 10 what my calling was to be! The heart of the nations has pricked your heart and it is truly amazing to see how your heart has been changed. This weekend, we were doing your research paper on Afghanistan, and you stopped on your conclusion and were nearly in tears at the though of 80% of the people in that country being Muslim. It tore you up to think that 80% of those people did not know Jesus personally. How in the world do they live? you said. The Lord has set a fire within you and you are fixin' to do big things for Him! I adore you precious one!

So as I come to a close, I wish to challenge those of you reading this. How are the years going by in your life? Are you taking the time to be still in Him and let Him be God? He is still on his throne and through this time of financial hardship, physical hardship, emotional hardship, He is still there! He is waiting to bring you into His arms and heal all your wounds. Savor these moments with your children for they come and go so fast. Our lives are but a twinkle and then they are gone. I would also ask you...what are you doing for the Kingdom? How are you sewing into lives you come in contact with daily? Just something to think about as we make a difference in the lives of people, positively or negatively, as our years go by....

Blessings,

Amanda