"It came to pass after these things that God did test Abraham."
- Genesis 22:1
One of my favorite people in Scripture is Abraham. He responds always as I wish that I would.
When it was time for he and Lot to part ways-- he deferred to Lot and allowed him to choose what seemed to be the best land. Esteeming others more highly than himself.
When Lot was in trouble, Abraham rescued him with his trained servants-- yes, he was prepared and ready. Diligent in important matters.
When the king wanted to reward Abraham for returning the kidnapped people that his army was unable to save, Abraham refused-- he was faithful to what he promised God and would not even take even a sandal strap from the spoil. Abraham trusted God alone to provide for him.
And when God asked him to sacrifice his son-- his only son that he loved-- we are told he packed up and left the very next morning to obey God. No complaints. No discussion about how human sacrifice did not line up with his theology.
You may know that our six year old, Lydia has been having seizures since December. Every month since then they have been coming at a steady rate of one or two per month. We've come to expect them. But this past month- in August- she had eleven.
We have been searching for months to find the specific causes for Lydia's seizures. We've gone to various doctors and had tests run. And we have learned something. Epilepsy is not exactly a disease. There is no "one size fits all" cure. Really, it is a reaction by the body- a warning cry- that can be caused by a host of things. So while various people are helped some specific fix-- an increase of magnesium; the elimination of allergens, the treatment of an infection and so on... that is just not the fix for everyone.
Ultimately-- God is on control and He has a plan.
We meet with a new Neurologist today at 3:30 pm Pacific time. We will be praying for clear direction, but most of all to be faithful in trial like Abraham. If you would like to pray with us, we would be blessed.
As my friend Wendy wrote me today:
God is always loving.
God is always kind.
And God is always in control.
Amen.
Whatever the outcome- whatever the direction- that is the truth we desire to cling to.
Many blessings to you!
Posts
Rebecca, dear sister. You guys are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteStopping by to say we will be lifting your family up in prayer as you continue to search for answers.
The picture you posted of your precious Lydia is beyond adorable! She is such a doll :0)
Lots and lots of prayers coming from Texas!!
**God is good all the time. All the time God is good**
Hugs,
Kelly
Praying for God's hand to move over you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI have walked your path - am walking it still. I understand and am praying for your journey.
ReplyDeleteJulie Guske
We are keeping you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you. And for sweet Lydia's Dr. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteGabi
Praying!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog often, and really enjoy it...though do not comment often...time is limited I guess. :) However, I felt I should comment here...and let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers today.
I know how difficult it can be to have a child with health issues...it's tough, and we are walking the path of the unknown (in many ways) as well. However, I just felt I should share something I've recently come across and researched a LOT in the past month or so. It is called the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS diet). Not sure if you've ever heard of it...but it's basically a low carb, high fat (healthy fats) diet. The first time I heard about it, I thought "No way! We could never do that." But after reading and researching I have come to change my mind. We will be starting shortly mainly for our son, but are putting our whole family on it as I believe the benefits are worth it. Anyways...just thought I'd mention it, because I know that I have been grateful for all the suggestions & ideas that people have found for me...even if some of them never did pan out. I truly do believe that this is the answer to many, MANY of our health problems today though. If you are interested, the main book on GAPS is: http://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Syndrome-Internal-Bliss-GAPS-Cookbook/dp/B002OON192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315514039&sr=8-1 (Gut and Psychology Syndrome - Revised Edition) - there is a chapter in the book on Epilepsy/Seizures which you may find especially helpful.
Praying that you find the answers...
Thank you so much for your prayers and helpful suggestions.
ReplyDeleteYou bless! : )
Praying for your sweet little girl!
ReplyDelete♥Michelle
Praying dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you're there right now - it's midnight here in the UK (8 hours ahead). I am going to pray right away for Lydia and for the appointment you're attending. I hope there will be encouraging news!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI will surely pray for your sweet Lydia tonight.
~Catherine
Rebecca, I'll be praying for you precious Lydia.
ReplyDeleteIt is never more a test of faith then when we put our little ones in the un-seen hands of God.
But there she is most loved and most protected. May you feel the peace that only the Lord can give. May the Dr.'s and nurses treat your family with respect and care. You are being prayed for in Louisiana honey.
God Bless,
Allison
Thank you so much for your encouragement dear ones. I was so very tired by the time I finally got home and found myself getting teary eyed as I sensed God's love through the email and blog notes I received from each of you.
ReplyDeleteLydia's appointment went really well. I sense in this doctor a desire to really manage Lydia's case and yet a willingness to try some specific changes with diet and routine before pushing her onto medicine. We are very thankful that he is open and hopeful about that.
Most of her recent seizure activity has been in the form of Petit mal rather than Grand mal seizures which I learned today are far less damaging (According to our doctor Grand mal seizures cause a loss of oxygen to the brain, Petit mals do not).
Lydia passed the Nuerologist's diagnostic tests with flying colors- which means he is not seeing permanent damage.
In the meantime I will be implementing the changes he has suggested and look into a few other things including allergy testing that may also help her.
Very thankful for your prayers.
I just saw this blog post (several hours late 80) ). And THANK YOU for the update!
ReplyDeleteI am praying sweet friend!
80)
mb
That is encouraging news!
ReplyDeleteContinuing in prayer :)
Andrea
Just got the news via CVP Message Board. SO GLAD! Will continue praying for the Lord to bless the efforts of the suggested changes over this next month.
ReplyDeleteRebecca! Totally praying for your wee little Lydia - and your family! Love and hugs!!
ReplyDeleteJust seeing this now. SO glad the appt. went well and you left feeling hopeful! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI missed this post but wanted you to know that we are, as we have been, praying for your sweet Lydia and for your family.
Kim
I'm glad the appointment went well Rebecca. All the very best for your beautiful Lydia! xx
ReplyDeleteRebecca, will hold your family up in prayers today. Was listening to this song as i read you blog. " All the Way my Saviour Leads Me" ..AMEN!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKkDzII4s4s
Thank you dear ladies!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Kim-- I know that you faithfully pray for our family each week. What a blessing that is! Please forgive me for not having the chance to email you recently.
In love.
Thank you for the update! I will continue to pray for Lydia and for your efforts!
ReplyDelete