{Life}

Today's post comes as an update and apology. First, my apologies for not getting the Scripture Challenge posted last Sunday. There has been a lot going on here, and I physically and mentally could just not get it done. Please forgive me. Now a little bit about what has been going on.

If you remember this layout below, it shares a bit of the things we have been dealing with this year. Well, things have really been hard this month and lots of things have happened in just the past 17 days.

Kody Boy

First, we had to make the terrible decision to put down our Kody Boy on Saturday, October 4th. He was only 3 years old and had epilepsy. On October 2nd, he had a seizure that lasted six minutes, and at that point the vet and our family knew it was time to make a decision. Since August 2013 we have been trying to get his seizures under control but were never able to. He had been on many different meds that he took 5x each day, he had been to the ER vet countless times, and we did all we could for our precious boy. We are thankful he is no longer suffering but the decision was so difficult especially since he was only 3 years old. Rest in peace our Kody Boy.

Surgery Scheduled

Then one of our daughters has been dealing with a disc herniation since July. A second MRI on October 7th revealed that it has gotten worse. Since October 7th, we have had countless hours and days at various doctor's offices. And we found out Wednesday of this week that our daughter will have back surgery within the next couple of weeks. This surgery is usually 85% effective but in her case they are only giving her a 50% chance of success. Our choices are to leave her "as is" and not do surgery or give this a try. She currently has a handicap tag and a wheelchair because she cannot walk far at all. Leaving her "as is" was not an option. If she has worsened this much in just 3 months, where will she be by January without surgery? Prayers for a successful surgery, outcome, and recovery would be much appreciated. We are looking at a surgery date of either 10/30 or 11/4. We are waiting to hear from the neurosurgeon's office.

Celebrations

Then during this time, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends in Ohio. We could not attend because of my daughter's back issues and many doctor's appointments. It was so hard to miss such an amazing milestone in their lives. Here they are as a young couple in their first year of marriage. Dad was career Air Force as a fighter pilot, and Mom was by his side through it all raising the family while he was in Vietnam and through many TDYs, moves, and you name it. My parents are a great inspiration to me, and we love them so much. Happy 50th Mom and Dad!!

But through all of this we trust that God is the author and perfector of our faith. We use these times to grow and glorify Him. He has the plan, and we completely trust that.

Hebrews 12:1a-2a "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

With Him we will not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 12:3). Thank you all for your prayers and understanding during this time. Joyfully in Christ,