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November 20, 2011

Waiting here for you Lord…with my hands lifted high in praise

We sang this song today in worship.

It was for me…from my Father in Heaven.

My heart needed to sing it to Him today…

Today’s message was no different.

It was for me…from my Father in Heaven.

And I’m waiting.

For Him.

With my hands lifted high in praise.

These last few months have been…well, I can’t even think of the word. I’d say confusing–but my God is not the God of confusion. Maybe different. Different than anything I’ve ever experienced.

Physicially–I’ve felt different. More tired than ever before. And it’s not because I have 4 children. Yes–that might add to it…but it’s a different kind of tired. I’ve felt more like what I’d guess someone much older than me feels.

Whether it’s Lymes disease or Sjogren’s–they both make you tired, have arthritis pain, memory loss…the opposite of characteristics I used to take pride in.

A mommy that was fully of energy…lately I want to nap several times a day (but of course can’t with my littles and homeschooling). Homeschooling??? Really Lord? This would be the year You called me to homeschool???

A mommy that had/has a dream of writing…all of the sudden I feel like I have trouble thinking of words that so eloquently used to come natural.

A mommy that felt called to adopt again…to have finally finished the home study process…to feel out of sorts and like I needed to get a rein on health…something I have always taken for granted. To be told I might have something that would close the door–to then we could move forward with doctors approval…only to feel not quite myself and know that it wasn’t the right time.

Walk by faith.

It’s so easy to let the fear of the future keep in…what will it look like??

“We will never walk by faith until we are desperate.” -Crawford Loritts

Moses’s parents stepped out in faith. His mom BELIEVED in faith that God had something better for her baby boy than to be killed by Pharaoh. In faith, she hid him for months to save his life. In faith, she put him in a basket in the Nile where alligators thrived. REALLY LORD? I’m sure she asked this. In faith, she sat and watched–hoping and praying for something better. She believed. She followed Him in faith. And…He was indeed faithful.

“Where God is taking you is ALWAYS better than where you are.” -C. Loritts

And the road to where He is taking you–might not be comfortable or easy. But He who has called–will be faithful in taking you to your promised land.

I really believe the Lord called me to write…with a passion to speak even…regardless if I have trouble remembering the words or let fear of memory loss creep in. I believed He called me to do those things one day…and He will be faithful. I believe the Lord called us to grow our family. And right now–I know I need to see how the months unfold and if symptoms worsen or fade away. I know this is where He has me. I know He is faithful. I know He has a purpose.

The promised land.

The promised land–the personal promises–in our lives may not come immediately from our Father. They may not come in the timing or the way we would hope or expect. And the journey to the promised land–our promised land–is one of great faith. There will be many trials on the way. There will be Red Seas in front of us. Seas that do not part–until we are some times knee deep in the water.

Today–it felt so good to worship Him. To lift my hands high and just praise Him for His complete goodness in my life. To know that I can trust Him with my future…with the story that HE is writing for me. If you have been reading my blog for some time or you are a dear friend of mine–then you know when I turned 18 and accepted Jesus as my Savior that I prayed that He would give me a life of adventure–one that would bring complete honor and glory to His name…

So far…my God has been so faithful. What is a beautiful story without hard days?? Days where He shines through and makes the impossible happen…where He is seen as faithful through a story of a child of His following Him in faith.

I praise Him today because He has been and will be faithful.

I praise Him today because I continue to see Him write and work in my story.

I praise Him because He is enough for me…and I believe He is simply asking us to step out in faith when things all around us are uncertain…and to trust and follow Him.

I can’t wait to see how one day He leads me to the personal promised lands He has written on my heart. It’s going to be beautiful…I just know it…

And I will wait.

With my hands lifted high.

Blessings to you today as you wait upon Him!

Andrea

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Elle J - November 20, 2011 - 7:10 pm

love this. your reflections on life. you can still write eloquently, andrea. *hugs*

Lindsey - November 20, 2011 - 9:53 pm

Hey Andrea! I have been following your blog quietly for awhile now. I’m signed up to attend Created for Care this year and you have been a great blessing to me without even knowing it.

I just wanted to share with you that I have MS (was diagnosed in high school) and what you are experiencing is so familiar to me – the unexplained exhaustion, confusions, lack of words, etc. There have been times GOd absolutely put me on my face with this illness. HOWEVER, it is one of the main avenues that God has used in my life to draw me closer to Him and ALSO to step out in faith to do things that many people would tell me are crazy – such as adopting our twin baby girls who had lots of health issues and a birth mom very close to our family. But He continually proves so incredibly faithful.

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Cor. 12:8-10

Prayers for you as you face this struggle and continue to give yourself fully to the Lord and your family and all the ways He’s using you in His Kingdom. He will prove strong in your weakness.

Love to you all!
Lindsey

Rachelle - November 21, 2011 - 3:44 pm

It feels like you wrote this just for me. I know you didn’t but it feels like it;) Thanks for being an example to look up to.

samosn - October 15, 2012 - 4:45 am

Hey Andrea! I have been following your blog quietly for awhile now.I am a big fun of you Am called Samson. stay blessed

November 18, 2011

The next thing {Can He really satisfy?}

I was cleaning the basement today. A for REAL clean. Dumping all the cubbies upside down–sitting there with two garbage bags–trash and give away…and tossing the very few keep things back in each cubby. And smiling here and there knowing that tomorrow it will all be messy again.

And then it happened.

All over again.

Longing for more. For the next thing. Not even knowing what the next thing is.

Or is it just me?

And then my mind drifted back as my heart started singing a song.

She sat beside me with her guitar in hand strumming and singing. We were a world away–and she was the only friend who spoke English–the only other American girl. And we best learn to be friends. And even sing together. We had taken a year off to do mission work across the world in East Asia, and while it seemed exciting–after months past I began to long for the familiar. I hadn’t seen my parents, family or friends for months…and with a year ahead before seeing them again–I felt so alone.

“Sing with me,” she said.

Months in a tight space–doing missions together–our personalities being night and day. I did NOT want to sing. I did not want to sing with her. Could this be real? What had happened to my heart? Not wanting to sound rude or pouty or unkind. I sang. I felt awkward–unauthentic…and I really didn’t know the words. I remember kneeling over, closing my eyes and singing quietly–and wondering if the words would really be true for me that year.

Weeks passed and then months…and as they passed–that same song would be played. Over and over and over again. The words of that hymn were soon written on my heart. And this friend–was now one of my best friends as we learned to seek and be satisfied in Him alone…across the world…where there was little material possession or activities or tv programs in our language…or really anything in our language for that matter.

She would stop playing the guitar half way through the song now and our voices harmonized. It was beautiful, authentic and worshipful. We were being satisfied by our Creator, our Sustainer…our Great Provider.

I ran upstairs to see if I could find the song…to see if I could find someone who sounded like the version we had snuck in country, one where missionaries were not allowed, to listen on our cd player. And it took me back. (turn off music at bottom right before playing)

As I listened–I was reminded that our feelings–just like history–repeat itself. As long as we are in this world, we will be tempted to look, wonder or desire the “next thing”…something more…something better. But if the longing isn’t Jesus–the longing will always be there.

There will be days we struggle. Can we really be still? Can we stay right where we are–and allow Him to satisfy us right where He has us?? I know that He wants to.

I am so thankful that He has sought me and found me and brought me to Himself. He wants to satisfy ALL our longings. The question is–can I be still and allow Him to fill all my longings?

May you be reminded of Him when feelings of longing come into your heart…may you feel His presence as you slow down and wait upon Him to fill them and meet you where you are…and may you be filled with His glory and JOY as you walk forward being filled with His Spirit.

Blessings to you this weekend…

andrea

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Brantley Freeman - November 18, 2011 - 8:17 pm

Needed to hear this. Thanks for sharing!

Dawn Wright - November 18, 2011 - 8:34 pm

Beautiful! May we be satisfied by HIM ALONE!!

Lauren - November 18, 2011 - 8:40 pm

beautiful and exactly what I needed to read today! Thank you friend!

Megan - November 19, 2011 - 7:39 am

Thanks for speaking truth to my heart. I’m always longing for the next things…and so often Jesus isn’t on that list. Praying for a real change of heart.

Candy - November 19, 2011 - 12:40 pm

The last few years of my husband’s life before he got so ill, he would say, “I just know that God has something more for me, but I don’t know what it is.” Little did he know that that “next thing” was heaven.

april - November 19, 2011 - 3:57 pm

I needed this Andrea…i’m longing to adopt again but God is working in us to help us become good stewards of our money and pay off our medical debt and loan. we are taking the dave ramsey financial peace course and learning so much. I want to adopt and so does jim so badly, from uganda right now but I realize unless God shows us a different way and gives us the go ahead and peace about doing it right now, I realize He may be wanting us to pay off our debt first which we hope to have done by the end of 2012. Anyways, i dont know the future or when exactly He will have us adopt but my heart is aching so badly for NOW! So thanks for this reminder to just rest in Him and have him guide us and to be filled with Him and His joy right where we are!

November 18, 2011

funny babies

Isaac is in THE most fun stage ever right now (and I have video to prove it;). He loves to imitate EVERYTHING he sees anyone doing. And Frankie baby—well, he’s a full fledge 3 year old now and our 3’s are always more challenging than our 2’s in the Young house;).

Here’s some footage of some of our November fun. Loo-bear is still loving ballet–snagged some of her practicing…and I was cracking up at Isaac trying to imitate her too! (snuck in us singing happy birthday to Frankie baby too…do I have to stop calling him Frankie baby now that’s he’s three???)

What do you think of Isaac’s Nutcracker skills? Pretty impressive, huh?! Or those faces?? They keep me laughing that is for sure!

Thankful Friday is here! Richard has been in Traverse City and finally as of Friday he’ll be home! We have a very low key weekend planned–thankful for that too. And speaking of Thankful–thought you would smile knowing that EVERY night Frankie baby says he is thankful on his thankful leaf for the SAME thing. Every night he says, “Tank-ful for Jesus mommy.” I keep waiting for him to change it–but it’s always Jesus. So sweet…out of the mouths of babes…he ministers to my soul.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings from our family to yours!

XOXO!

Andrea

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april - November 18, 2011 - 7:21 am

oh andrea…your kids just made my morning! i LOVED all of frank and isaac’s faces and then absolutely cracked up when isaac started mimicking your daughters ballet moves…hilarious! precious babies! we are so blessed to have our children that God has given us!

Elle J - November 18, 2011 - 9:30 am

LOVE your videos!!! =)

Heather Dawn - November 19, 2011 - 3:15 pm

AdOrAbLe!!!!!! And I completely agree with the 3’s being more challenging than the 2’s. After 5 kiddos I can say that I have loved the 2 year old stage … oh, we love the 3 year old stage too, its just a bit more work 🙂

Rachelle - November 21, 2011 - 3:24 pm

Thanks for sharing the fun from your house:) Makes me happy:)

November 15, 2011

Give me Jesus

If you subscribe to my blog via email or networked through Facebook or Google Reader…scoot over to my blog for a minute. The first song playing is by–oh my soul–Fernando Ortega…Give me Jesus.

You can give have all this world–but give ME Jesus…

No matter what the Lord has set in front of you today–this afternoon–tonight…whenever you are reading this…He is enough.

In the morning…when I rise…Give Me Jesus.

Go on over…

Listen.

All that is on your plate.

All that is on your shoulders.

All your fears.

All your worries.

He wants.

For some reason–He allowed those things…each and every one to come your way.

BUT. He never intended for YOU to really carry them.

He wants to.

But He can’t.

Until you hand them over to Him.

One by one.

You can say them by name.

And tell Him—you don’t understand them all.

But He does…

And He has an amazing plan for each one.

WHEN you hand them to Him.

He wants us to sit before Him…empty handed.

And then–He wants to fill us.

Listen again…

You can have all this world…but give me Jesus.

Waiting on Him…

I had a sweet conversation with our agency representative today. With the diagnosis from the doctor–we can get doctors notes, get them cleared from the agency and country rep and if all looks well–move forward. However, I told her that I couldn’t help but see the Lord trying to show us something…to slow down…to make sure I’m 100%…to simply wait on Him and His perfect timing. I want to be sure I feel good in 1, 2 or even 3 months. I want to make sure my heart isn’t getting ahead of the Shepherd leading it. And just wait on Him. He is too good not to lead me. He has been so faithful. And He will guide us…and lead us…and if it’s His will for us to bring home a precious princess in China–He will lead and guide us in His perfect timing.

Some times a door closes. And it’s closed for just a time for forever. Days–weeks and months might pass…and the door opens. I never want to look for open doors MORE than I look for Him standing in it…and calling me to come…in His time.

My homeopathic doctor thinks he can have Lyme’s cleared in 6 months. My rheumatologist says there is no cure for Sjogren’s–it’s just arthritis pain here and there…maybe some forgetfulness/memory sprinkled in…some of this and some of that…but nothing to take it away. I figure we’ll continue natural Lyme treatment and make sure all is well…and as we wait–and walk this part of the journey…we’ll keep our eyes on the open doors and wait on Him to say COME.

Blessings to you today.

Andrea

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Joy - November 15, 2011 - 9:35 pm

I am praying for peace, healing and discrenment for you. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Amy strachan - November 15, 2011 - 11:36 pm

Have been thinking of you and praying for you Andrea. So admire you for waiting on Him for that ‘come’, is the absolute best place you could be, walking closely with Him. {hugs}

Lara - November 15, 2011 - 11:40 pm

One of my favorite songs.

Kim - November 15, 2011 - 11:43 pm

Oh sweet friend. How you are ministering me in my own season of waiting. Repatriation is simply NOT easy. Kids are doing fabulous. Mom & Dad however miss the adventureous expat life that is so far removed from the American Rat Race that is sucking us in. I keep reminding myself that God always has plans for my plans. Thank you for the reminder of the lyrics (and truth) of this song … Just Give Me Jesus! Praying for your recovery and for wisdom on your Chinese princess!
Love & Blessings,
Kim

Rory - November 16, 2011 - 9:38 am

Andrea, praying that His blessings overtake you today. You are so wise to wait on Him (so much easier said than done sometimes!)…STRENGTH rises when you wait upon the Lord. You WILL run and NOT grow weary, you WILL walk and NOT faint…you WILL mount up on eagle’s wings…praying for you in the wait and as your body COMPLETELY heals. (Though you already outrun and outdo most of the moms I know, so the world better just buckle their seat belts when you are back to 100%!)
Love ya!
~Rory
P.S. You are so sweet to fix the comment and email. Just another thing that makes you such a wonderful person, and I am thankful today that you are one of my sisters in Christ.:)

Sandi H. - November 16, 2011 - 12:25 pm

This normally super active momma was told yesterday by the MD to REST for a month after all of a sudden starting to have scary asthma attacks. No volunteering, no serving others in ways that require physical exertion, no crazy schedules, to stay close to home & just BE for a while. I told him he obviously hadn’t read the stay-at-home mom/volunteer extraordinaire job description. I almost think that sometimes God just wants to bring you back into the nest to focus solely on you & to REJUVINATE YOUR SPIRIT. Maybe like a wounded bird he uses unexpected slow down times bring us UNDER HIS WING & teach us NEW things that we may miss in the everyday rush. Maybe he also uses it to remind us of just how perfectly HE is in control. It has definitely got me reflecting on how he has BLESSED us & just how much he has given us to be THANKFUL for. Praying for lots of PEACEFUL, happy family moments & REJUVINATION for your spirit during this slow down time!

Andrea - November 16, 2011 - 2:39 pm

Praying for you as you wait to hear from the Lord.

Rachelle - November 16, 2011 - 2:59 pm

Just wanted to stop and say, hey and thanks for always being a light of truth:) God bless!

Angela - November 16, 2011 - 5:36 pm

I have been thinking of you at a hard time of uncertainty in your life and you are an inspiration to me. I love your blog and seeing pictures of your sweet family!! Our 6 year old ET daughter has now only been home for 3 weeks and we are stil waiting to get clearance on our little guy (2 yrs old) so we can bring him home!! We have 4 bio kids, so it’s busy but I love following blogs with similar situations!!

Melissa - November 17, 2011 - 10:32 pm

It feels like God used you to send a message to my heart that I desperately needed this week. Thank you once again for your beautitul messages and for so graciously sharing your heart. You truly lifted my struggling spirit with this post.

November 14, 2011

when west meets east…

SO…my rheumatologist was able to give me a diagnosis today!

According to western (I say western because I totally dig eastern, more natural doctors with an eastern approach) medicine and blood work lined up with symptoms–I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome. Never heard of it?? Well, if you are a tennis fan–then maybe you have because of Venus Williams. You can read about her journey with it here. And just for kicks and for your growing education;), you can also read about it on the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation here. There isn’t a cure…so it’ll be a journey of figuring out the ins and outs of this auto-immune disease–so my rheumatologist said we’d be good friends:).

I’ll still have to get our doctor to write a letter to our adoption agency–and it’ll still have to get cleared by them and China…but if it’s His will–then it will all work out when the time is right.

Praise–it’s not lupus! Bummer–that it IS something. It’s okay though–I know have a good excuse for memory loss and fatigue BESIDES being a busy momma!

And then…there’s the east. My homeopathic doctor and the blood tests he ordered line up with Lyme’s disease (scored a 50 when it needs to be 200 on CD-57). The treatment is all natural supplements–so I guess it’s worth a go, and he might be on to something.

BUT because I’ve had Sjogren’s symptoms much longer than that tick bite last year—I’m guessing I could have Lyme’s on top of Sjogren’s. Not discrediting either. And totally will listen to both sides–because I’m open minded like that.

(Word on the street is medical doctors don’t like to diagnose or test you for Lyme’s for political reasons. I don’t believe everything I’m fed–even if we do live in a free country folk. I believe we are to question everything–no matter how smart it sounds. SOOO…even if something that is completely unknown or different or might even sound nuts to me–like foreign eastern medicine because I grew up in a western country–I don’t think it should just quickly be tossed out the window. SO…why would I even listen to him…besides the fact that eastern medicine has been around for so much longer than western?? Aside from that–GET THIS. Full on NUTS! When we brought Isaac home the western doctors–the pediatrician, urologist, GI doctor, pediatric pulmonologist…ALL were diagnosing our sweet boy left and right. He was on steroids and meds GALORE…to help him with kidney problems, severe asthma, x-rays every week…the list goes on. I went to this AMAZING homeopathic doctor who is also a strong believer and he said, “STOP giving him all this! The boy has giardia!!!” He had tested negative at the labs my pediatrician had done–but my homeopathic doctor explained how HARD they are to catch and you can test negative 10x for parasites before you get a sample that would test positive. He ran some of his tests–and said he was simply a little boy overtaken with a parasite that was hard to catch and treat with strong meds. I took a step of faith and took his advice and gave him the natural stuff–and in TWO WEEKS my sweet boy was a DIFFERENT baby!!! I was jaw-dropped and SO THANKFUL! We had seen THE “best” pulmonogist in our area, and he was jaw dropped at how his severe asthma was now GONE! My pediatrician couldn’t believe it either and although it didn’t make sense to him–he told me to please keep doing whatever it was we had been doing because he had NEVER seen a child make such a miraculous turn around! He scratched his said and said MAYBE it WAS parasites after all! Our visits to EVERY doctor…the best of the best…quickly came to an end ALL AT ONCE! It was AMAZING!) SOOO…all that being said–I could have Lyme’s (I guess) and I’ll do his natural treatment and it can’t hurt:) I’ve been on the homeopathic treatment for Lyme’s for 2 weeks–and I already feel a difference in my joints–so it’s all good either way!

So the funny part is today when I told my rheumatologist that my naturalist doctor thought I had Lyme’s. He told me I have Sjogren’s–and NOT Lyme’s…because he has never heard of CD-57 and you can’t get Lyme’s in Georgia. I thought that statement was funny:). (Everything else he said sounded so intelligent–but that conclusion made me bite my lip to keep from snickering!) I’m so bad because I did say, “Um doctor, have you heard of cases in North Carolina? You have? Well, do you think deer and ticks don’t cross borders?? Alright–so I’m not in denial that I have Sjogren’s…I just think it’s funny that deer and ticks can’t cross borders and he didn’t even want to test me for Lyme’s. He said my blood markers line up with Lupus and Sjogren’s–and because I miss some clear, key Lupus symptoms and all my symptoms and blood tests line up with Sjogren’s–Sjogren’s is today’s lucky winner. And that was that.

My rheumatologist says Sjogren’s will be with me forever. SO–maybe it will. Or maybe this will be another time when east meets west. Regardless–my blood work shows I have Sjogren’s–and for sure an auto-immune disorder…so we’ll be chill in’ over here, eating healthy and slowing down. (And now I have a legit excuse for forgetfulness, being tired or cavities!)

Thank you for praying! Thankful to have a diagnosis. And totally not blowing off the eastern one either. Ultimately, I’m thankful to have a Great Physician who knows more than either–and who is the ultimate Healer for each and every one of us. Amen?

And word on the street is ALSO that Venus Williams is making a career come back. I’m diggin’ that attitude Venus. Y’all watch out. This time next year…crafts and crazy kid activities will be making a come back on my blog too.

Thankful to have some of the coolest and most amazing blog readers to pray for me, encourage me and be on this journey with me! LOVE y’all! And super thankful that this syndrome is NOT on the “can’t adopt” list for any country. Praying that if it’s His will for us to bring home a little girl–that He will pave the way in His perfect timing!

Andrea

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Sandi - November 14, 2011 - 5:35 pm

We’ll be praying for ultimate healing from the Almighty Physician. PS from a friendly Dietitian-with Sjongren’s all that stuff about raw fruits & veggies helping autoimmune disorders is absolutely true. Also daily exercise even though you will be so tired some days will works wonders in how you feel! God bless- praying, praying for healing!

Amy Nabors - November 14, 2011 - 5:55 pm

I wouldn’t discount either but I have a friend from high school whose daughter was misdiagnosed with lupus at the age of 10 by Children’s Hospital here in Alabama. They treated her for lupus for a year and she continued to worsen. My friend researched & pushed for Lyme testing. It was Lyme. They sought treatment all over spending hundreds of thousands raised by their community because insurance didn’t want to pay after a certain amount. They brought her home to die and then heard of an alternative treatment center in Nashville. She has a long road but she is healing finally. That long story to say if she can get Lyme from a tick in Alabama then you know you can get it from one in Georgia. I wish doctors weren’t so anti homeopathic. Thankful for our pediatrician who balances them both. Hoping you are feeling better soon.

Rory - November 14, 2011 - 6:06 pm

Andrea
Just catching up with the story on the last few posts…praying for God’s COMPLETE healing. Also, you are TOTALLY right to not discount more natural remedies. While we still go to a pediatrician, my naturopath (who is a born-again Christian) has been more helpful and healing with natural remedies for my kids than anything I’ve experienced with western meds (not to say they don’t have their place, and even my naturopath says he is totally FOR some of those meds too! Keep being open minded and gathering research and we’ll keep praying! I am reminded of the passage John 16:13 where it says that the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. And while I know the context wasn’t about medical issues, the point is His character is still the same. He’s a truth teller and He’ll get you right where you need to be with the answers you are seeking. This creates an amazing set-up for God to get some serious GLORY! Hang in there sister!

Rory - November 14, 2011 - 6:07 pm

Okay, not sure what happened to my comment! Just here to say we’re praying and that God’s got it in hand…sorry for the cryptic message up top.

Elle J - November 14, 2011 - 6:08 pm

So true, Andrea. East, West, combo … only HE will give you the wisdom to know the direction to take during the rest of your life dealing with Auto-Immune/Sjogrens. I know about Sjogrens through my mom being diagnosed 30 yrs ago, and with RA diagnosis recently. You are a fighter and have a “don’t give up attitude” like she does ~ I have NO DOUBT you will amaze yourself in all that you will continue to do. Love ya big time and cheering for you as you move forward.

Dawn Wright - November 14, 2011 - 6:34 pm

PRAYING for you and whatever treatment will help!!!!!!! God knows! And sometimes it is great to get different sides to the story!

Naomi - November 14, 2011 - 6:56 pm

I would rather go east than west anytime!!! I really believe in the natural remedies and homeopathic doctors as long as they are not tree huggers but God huggers. Still you can’t throw the baby out with the bath water! I am so not into medicine and I think that most of the stuff they give you actually covers up the real issues.

Glad to hear that it is not more serious and I would agree with you to do the natural treatment. It is wonderful that God has not closed the door for you to adopt!

Lauren - November 14, 2011 - 7:42 pm

Love the detailed update! You know I’m praying!!!! Interesting that the doctor didn’t think you could get Lyme’s disease in GA… haha

Cristie - November 14, 2011 - 8:26 pm

Been praying for you, girl!! You rest and find some delicious healthy recipes and spend extra time with Jesus! In other words, take care of yourself, and know you are loved!!

Sherrie - November 14, 2011 - 10:50 pm

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few months ago, when my doctor wanted to put me on antidepressant med’s I started doing all kinds of research (on the internet mostly) and went to see an actupuncturist, my symptoms are gone!! NO MED’S at all.. I do take an auto immune vitamin which is great.. Be sure you check all your bases before taking any medication..

Best Wishes,
Sherrie

Joyce - November 15, 2011 - 8:36 am

I follow your blog through my daughter’s blog, and found this post very interesting! My husband has been going to a naturopathic doctor who has done WONDERS for him. He had a blood clot last fall that nearly killed him, and he suffers from Crohn’s disease. This nat. dr. has found things going on in him that the med. drs. never did, and he is a different person today because of the natural remedies he is taking. I’m all for the natural route! Hope you get along as well with this as he did! So enjoyed reading about your experience with Isaac and his medical treatment! GO HOMEOPATHIC AND NATUROPATHIC!!!! A year ago I didn’t believe in it. I DO NOW!!!

Joyce - November 15, 2011 - 8:49 am

I follow your blog through my daughter’s blog and found this post very interesting! My husband has been going to a naturopathic doctor who has done WONDERS for him. He had a blood clot last fall that nearly killed him and he suffers from Crohn’s disease. This nat. dr. has found things going on in him that the med. drs. never did and he is a different person today because of the natural remedies he is taking. I’m all for the natural route! Hope you get along as well with this as he did! So enjoyed reading about your experience with Isaac and his medical treatment! GO HOMEOPATHIC AND NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS! My daughter is bringing 3 yr. old twins home from Ethiopia, anD she wants to take them to this nat. dr. Good luck to you, and God’s blessings!

Joyce - November 15, 2011 - 9:01 am

Sorry there are 2 posts. When I tried to post the first comment I got a message that there was an error and it didn’t post. So I posted again and it went through fine, and then I saw that the first one did, too. Sorry, one should be deleted.

Alison - November 15, 2011 - 9:17 am

Praise God that you finally have a diagnosis! Was just praying for you this morning! I have an autoimmune disease too, and it was a tough few years after I was first diagnosed. But PRAISE THE LORD, that besides a medication I will take daily for the rest of my life, I am totally symptom free and feeling great! Will keep praying that God will restore your health!

Tiffany - November 17, 2011 - 9:15 am

Feel badly that you are dealing with so much stuff…but at least the news is a bit encouraging…you have been on my heart the past few days. We love the homeopathic doctor! We still do both as well…but I’d have to say, we have had much more success with Eastern medicine lately…something to be said for giving the body a chance to heal itself, rather than just treating symptoms and living with it. Way to be vigilant!

Erin Crenshaw - November 17, 2011 - 10:17 pm

Andrea,
I am praying for you and for God’s provision and leading of your sweet family. I am so glad you know something. I love that you are looking at it from all angle’s! 🙂 Praying for healing!!!