”Lay me down”

For my birthday gift, Tim and I were blessed to go to the Chris Tomlin concert at the Biltmore house! It was actually right beside the house on the terrace. As we sang the beautiful worship songs we were surrounded by the majestic mountains and a fiery red sunset. The glory of the Lord truly surrounded us! It was glorious! Tim and I were also blessed with 24 hours together (kid free)! It was peaceful and just what we needed. My precious sister and mother were confident in taking care of Samuel . He has been sick for so long and up so much at night. A good nights sleep was a gift in itself! They were up for several hours with Samuel, but cheerfully did this so that we could have a break. I am so thankful! Mama even had the family over Sunday night for a party! She made my favorite, her special lasagna and the sweetery cake! Yum!
  As we were praising and worshipping together at the concert he introduced us to a new song, ”I lay me down”. I gave my life to the Lord when I was young and have always strived to live each day for Him...which is a constant struggle because of sinful nature.  When I sing a song, I focus on the words and part of this song was difficult for me to sing, because I desire to live it wholly, but it is hard right now to say ” it will be my JOY to say, Your will, Your way”. I am not sure how to say, with joy, it's ok for my boy to struggle and leave us.  It has been difficult the past couple of weeks to watch him battle fevers, almost constantly, To watch him struggle to breathe easily, to see him looking worn out. Samuel has been such a blessing to so many and I know the Lord has a plan.  This little boy, who has never  spoken a word, verbally, has taught many things... from being content amidst your circumstances and trusting the Lords plan to how powerful a smile is...and much, much more! I am thankful today for the promise in the Bible that says this...

Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB

”Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary,
And to  him who  lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up  with  wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”

How precious to think of Samuel ”gaining new strength” and running and walking and worshipping the Creator. Thank you Jesus, Son of God, for the promise of heaven!
I pray my Father will bring us His joy, even in the midst of great trials. And may we all lay down our will, no matter how difficult and say ” It WILL Be my JOY, to say, Your Will, YOUR WAY, JESUS!
Watch "Lay Me Down - Chris Tomlin Ft. Matt Redman (Passion: White Flag)" on YouTube

My new favorite praise song! Watch "Jesus Son of God - Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels - Passion 2012 - White Flag - (WITH LYRICS) (HD)" on YouTube

Loving unconditionally

I have been greatly encouraged hearing from so many friends who ask about Samuel and missed reading the blog!:-)   We are very thankful for all of our prayer warriors, friends and family!
We have had many things going on! Samuel has been stable these last couple of weeks. His fatigue and stillness are becoming the new norm. for him. He is still frequently uncomfortable and has been running a fever for a couple of weeks. We are not sure why he has a fever, but it may be what my friend calls a” neurological fever”. Right now I am holding him while he sleeps. I came in to check on him and he looked miserable, but when I picked him up he settled down and fell asleep! I am thankful he feels comforted in my arms right now.
He is not cheery and happy like he used to be, so when we see a small grin it is wonderful!
The last couple of weeks he has mostly been home resting off and on. Even though he did not feel good, I have taken him to the pool because it seems to perk him up for a few minutes.
His girlfriend Lydia was able to come and swim along with her twin sister. Our other dear friends, the Dances came, too. It was a very special day with special friends! It was neat to see how the siblings were such” little caretakers” and were happy to help their mamas with their special sibling. The Father has blessed my children with friends who are also learning how to love and care for a special needs sibling and this relationship is precious!  It was a beautiful day to watch all of the children interact. It reminds me of how we all should love unconditionally, treat each other and be willing to be servants.
My own precious children are constantly loving & serving Samuel (even though he cannot give then anything in return, except sometimes a grin). Micah laid down beside Samuel last week and held his hand and said he just wanted to snuggle with his brother. Annaleigh asks almost daily to hold him for awhile. Gracie loves to entertain him to get a smile, by falling on the floor or jumping around and acting silly. I know this road we are on is difficult, but I am thankful that He gives is strength each day and my children are learning to love unconditionally.

We have had so many exciting things happening at our house! We have a new wall at the front door and now Micah has his own room!!! He and Samuel have been sharing and since Samuel has been up so much at night, Micah hasn't been sleeping as well. Now they both have their own space and it is wonderful! Micah can play with his trains and legos and be noisy in his new cowboy room! His precious friend Jake passed his entire cowboy room to Micah! What a blessing!!  He loves it so much! It had changed his life! Samuel has a recliner in his room now, thanks to Memaw, so we can sit with him, rock, read books and I can sleep by him when he needs me to! He also can sleep peacefully, since his brother isn't in there being noisy. :-)   Our converted garage isn't quite done but its getting close! Please continue to lift up Tim in your prayers, he is still in pain from his wreck. He is still doing so much, but it has been difficult for him.  I am thankful for the exciting changes in our home and Samuel is excited about having his new therapy area to hang out in (since he is usually home in the living room).  Its bright and cheery with lots of sunlight! Even though its not ready yet, we still take him out in his wheelchair and read by the window.
I will post some pictures of the last couple of weeks! I'm glad to share some sweet visitors and happy memories! Thank you for continuing to pray for Samuel and our family and ministering to us faithfully!

Matthew 11:25-30 NASB

At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Thankful for the promise of His rest for our souls.