Alright–so it’s been awhile before giving an update…a REAL update! Soo…thought I’d fill ya in!
Things have been PRETTY CHILL at the Young house. The biggest news as of late being our dryer broke–AGAIN.
Sooooo…just TWO Black Fridays ago–Rico Suave and I thought it’d be fun to go wait in the Brandsmart line and get a new dryer–because we needed one. We bought this really nice Kenmore front loader dryer that has now broken THREE times…and almost caught on fire once! The highlights were it was energy efficient and played a cute little tune when it was done drying–but after it broke AGAIN this week…we were done with fancy dryers. Boo to Kenmore.
Thanks to Craigslist and a kid who buys used dryers, repairs them, sells them (and doesn’t call you back after he delivers them because it’s a rigged up dryer)…we are now the proud owners of a Whirlpool that was just $100. Granted it doesn’t cut off on it’s own so you have to keep checking it every 30 minutes–but at least it doesn’t catch fire like fancy pants up there…or at least not yet:-)
Our house sounds EXCITING, huh?
No new knows with our adoption. Still on hold. And I’m feeling the hold is probably much longer than my heart would want–but it is good.
We are still figuring out my health stuff. Still being treated for Lymes. Still trying to figure out whether I also have Lupus or Sjogrens along with Lymes. I am more tired than I have ever been. I go to bed earlier than I ever have…even with my pregnancies–and I thought I was tired then! My joints feel like I’ve aged 50 years–and I have blurred vision in my right eye. BUT oddly enough…things are really, really, really good.
I am married to THE most amazing man. He looks after me–cares for me–and for Christmas and my birthday he bought me a FAR infrared sauna to help momma get better!!! These are special saunas that help joint inflammation too–and it finally shipped YESTERDAY so it should arrive next week!!! I was SOOO shocked that he got this for me! I was going to pay to go to the one at my doctor’s office a couple of times a week so now I’ll be able to do this at home even more–and I’m so, so, so thankful! Next week I’m going to a ophthalmologist that specializes in infectious disease–so hopefully he’ll be able to help me get normal vision back in my right eye again. Richard and I have laughed A LOT (we are choosing JOY!) about my ailments–and I am trusting in the Lord’s healing.
I’ve been stuck on a REALLY, REALLY good book. I love to read–but instead of buying a million bestsellers–I stick to 1 or 2 for like…10 years. I’ve been on this book for about 2 years! It’s called “Where There is Love, There is God”. It’s Mother Teresa’s writing–and daily I am challenged and convicted by her words…and led to truth in scripture. I am learning so much about being THANKFUL…NOT COMPLAINING…REFUSING TO GRUMBLE.
A couple of months ago, I got scared and let fear seep into my heart–what if my health declines? What if Lymes makes me really sick? What if it something really bad happens?? One day I even called MY DADDY and cried…and told him I was scared. I realized MY FEAR was NOT something bad happening. MY FEAR was really PRIDE and LACK OF TRUST IN GOD BEING ENOUGH. Seriously–would my kids be okay if I’m not okay?? Do I believe He is ENOUGH? Why would God call me to homeschool, adopt, lead retreats…add to my plate–and then allow me to have a disease that tires and cripples? Do I believe God is enough? What would happen if something happened to me???
You know what I realized? The world would go on. And what I consider “my world”…would go on to. And praise be to God–I’d be with Jesus. God would be enough for my family. Enough for my kids. Enough for my husband. (One night, I even told Richard I was praying IF anything happened–that he would get remarried within a year to a godly woman that was way cooler than me;). He didn’t think that prayer was funny at ALL–but more and more I see that we were NOT made for THIS world. We were made to run this race here. To run well–to run hard…to rest in Him…to know Him…to tell our children of His goodness. SURE I’m challenging my kids to pray with me for healing–but I’m also teaching them if I am not healed–that He is SO GOOD!!! But I’m believing and praying for COMPLETE HEALING!!!
Our homeschool has started back up. And oh. my. goodness. MY HATS OFF to all you moms who homeschool. Guys, this is HARD!!! It is good–don’t get me wrong:). But homeschooling is THE hardest thing I have ever done. I’ll have to write an update post on this later. I completely see the benefits–but I also completely see the benefits of their precious small Christian school they were at last year. (And being a former public school teacher–I can see those benefits too!) On a side note–let me tell you that it DOES NOT MATTER where your kids go to school…but rather that they are in the environment where they will feel the most loved and the most valued. I guess the Lord thought that was in our home this year–so I’m trusting Him for strength, guidance and help as we start our 2nd semester. (BY THE WAY…we’ll be taking FRIDAY FIELDTRIPS this year!!! Momma needs to get OUT a bit more!! Soooo…stay tuned for Friday Fun:).
Finally–my after kids bedtimes have been full of planning a retreat for 400 ladies in January and almost that many in March. Before this–I had NO idea what went into a ladies retreat. But I have to say it’s so much fun for me and it’s such a fun creative outlet:). I am so excited about this upcoming retreat and just being with other moms who share a heart for adoption, for orphans…and most of all for Jesus:). Can’t WAIT!
Alright–so that’s our personal update for you. For 2012 I want to get my house more organized. One of my doctors told me not to exercise (HA! Funny, right?!) soooo…you don’t have to worry about me trying to get in shape. Instead I’ll be sitting in the sauna reading Mother Teresa…and making last minute retreat notes:)
Blessings to you all! More pictures to come! Parker got his FIRST BUZZ CUT (this made me sad b/c he looks SO grown up!!!!). FRANK has officially moved into Parker’s room…another BIG boy! Isaac has moved to the nursery (he’s been in our room for over a year now!) and Laney–well, she and I have had the sweetest girl bonding time as the only girls in the house. Life really, really is good right now. And I’m thankful!
XOXO!
Andrea
XOXO!
by admin
Just wanted you to know that your desire to trust God and rest in the confidence that HE IS ENOUGH is inspiring to me and may others. Also, so thankful that you’ve allowed yourself to be used by Him in the planning of this retreat. Last year at this time we were planning our second trip to bring Hermela home and this year I look forward to celebrating this anniversary time with 400 other mom that share my heart for the least of these! Thank you!!! Looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks, but until then will continue to pray for you and the team. Blessings, Julie
Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. ~Mother Theresa
like usual, god used this post in my life. when i saw the little picture of the dryer, i immediately thought “i want one of those fancy dryers!”. and then i read how you “demoted” your dryer life and i was reminded that life is not found in a fancy dryer.
thanks for letting us in the fear and trust of walking this new road of lyme’s. i am excited for your sauna. we have dear friends who have walked the lyme’s road with the mother and daughter. they are with crusade in orlando. if you want their information, i am sure nanci would be delighted to talk with you. i can give it to you in a couple of weeks, if you want it. 🙂 yay, c4c!!!
Praying for your health. You need to be strong and I pray that the Lord will heal you…keep your light shining brightly …you are so dear to so many !
Love your inspiring blog! Have you tried B12 shots? My husband get them every month which help him feel less tired.