Keep Faith, He Will Be Right With You

Before I begin this post, I just want to include this quote from today's coloring page. It says "Be still for a moment; the world will wait." "Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

This quote reminds me that this fight that can sometimes seem like days is really just a small moment of time. The world will always be moving and have it's to dos and be filled with activities and events. My focus isn't on what I may be missing out there. Instead, God has blessed me with this small moment in Asher and my life story to just rest in Him and only focus on Him and this fight. Sometimes when we travel bumpy paths, we worry too much about what we are missing and how we can't be out living in the world as normal. However, it is these times God is blessing us with letting go of the world and instead giving us time to just hold on to Him and be still. 

Last night, my parents stayed in Evansville to give Easton and James some time to enjoy home. Dad, James, and Easton had a guys night at our house, while Mom and I enjoyed a girls night here. I felt blessed that my mom spent the night with me. It's nice getting time to just spend together. James looked forward to a night in our bed at home all to himself. I joked with him and said he better cherish each moment in the comfy bed. I was glad though that both he and Easton got to enjoy time back at our house. Easton loved getting to be outside, ride his Little Tikes truck down the road, play with his many toys and of course dump them all over the floor, and just be at home in his own room. Mom and I listened to music, watched movies, and enjoyed each other's company.

Easton playing peekaboo in his sheets😊

This morning, mom and I watched Asher on the heart monitor and ate breakfast. After breakfast, Dr. Fitzpatrick came in. He noted that I had a few contractions yesterday evening. I wasn't aware of it, but at that time I remember counting down about 8 minutes until I would be off the monitor because I had to use the restroom but wanted to wait until it was off since it was about time for it to be done. However, my nurse came in asked me if I had to use the restroom. I told her yes, but was just going to wait for the monitoring to be done. She then told me that I had several contractions and wanted to see if it was my full bladder. So, I went and then she put me back on for 15 more minutes. I then didn't have them anymore. I learned a lesson to not hold it as it can cause contractions!

While on the monitor early this morning, Asher also had a few low dips in his heart rate. So, Dr. Fitzpatrick said that with the random dips and knowing his cord is lying around his neck, he wanted to monitor me for 24 hrs to see if there are any patterns and/or how many dips Asher has in 24 hrs. As much as having the monitor on gets uncomfortable, I was actually very happy he decided to do this because I have been curious myself and wonder how he does when not monitored. Again, I put my full trust in God and know He is holding Asher's hand and keeping him strong.

After he left, I colored my next devotional page and opened a new daily devotion book that I had received as part of a very thoughtful gift from all the girls at my sister's bachelorette party. My mom had brought me in a pink gift bag yesterday. Inside was their generous gift that included this neat book along with a beautiful cross. They didn't have to get me anything, but their kindness is truly appreciated and made my night. When I opened up to the first morning devotion, it really touched my heart and I felt God and Josh speaking to me. Wouldn't you know the first Bible quote was the one I keep in my heart and thd one that means a lot to me: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 God and Josh were reminding me to keep strong and know they are with Asher and I always. There is nothing to fear because they are always right here. Along with the quote, there is a reflection for the morning. The last line again gave me comfort in knowing God is fighting with Asher and I and will guide us to His beautiful will. It said: " Walk with feisty faith today! He's got you.

Thank you girls for your thoughtfulness and giving me another devotional book to add to my days. It is these books that keep me strong, get me through my sometimes long days, and most importantly let my relationship with God grow stronger as I can hear Him speaking through them to me. Your kindness truly made my day!

Soon after my devotion reflection, dad and Easton came into my room. Easton is my morning sunshine. Seeing him makes me smile and brings me laughter and joy. James had stopped at the grocery store, so mom, dad, and Easton waited here with me before they headed home. Easton was again being his goofy self making funny faces, saying the cutest things and just running around full if energy. My dad and him walked to the cafeteria to get some food. When they returned Easton made us laugh as he ran in full of smiles because Papaw bought him some hard boiled eggs. He kept saying he wanted to eat his eggies . It's these little moments that just make my day!

Soon after he ate his egg, James arrived and it was time for my parents to take Easton home with them. Easton was so excited to go because they were taking him swimming. Before he left he showed me his swimming moves by swinging his arms and kicking his feet. He then gave us goodbye hugs and kisses and of course a sweet kiss on my belly for Asher. It was very hard for James and I to see him leave as we got to spend most of the weekend with him and it flew by. But we are again so blessed to have our parents help, and I am so grareful that Easton still gets to enjoy the summer! We will get to see again Tuesday.

After they left, Father Ed knocked at the door. What a beautiful blessing he us to us! Each Sunday that we have been here, he has taken time to come by to see how we are, pray with us, and give us Communion
 I thank God for Father Ed and all his kindness. Receiving Jesus is very important to us, and what a gift it is to us to have him bring Jesus to us each Sunday!

Dear God, thank You for keeping us strong. Thank You for all the quiet times I get to spend with You. You speak to me in so many ways. I know You are right with Asher and me always. You have created us into the fighters we are! You a full of miraculous works and everlasting love. I pray I continue to grow closer to You. My full trust is in You, even in the scary times. You get me through and add sunshine to my everyday. I truly love You above all things!

Thank all of you for your never ending prayers for Asher, me, and my family. What a blessing you are to us! God is right with all of us as we join Him, Josh, and all the Angels and Saints in this amazing fight! He's got us and will carry us through!