What do you say?

What do you say to someone who is questioning God? Not all the time, but sometimes. And different questions every time--like, IS there a God? Does He care about me?

Why do I ask this? A friend of mine has gone through some incredible challenges with her youngest daughter. About 11 months ago, when her daughter was 19 months old, she suffered a brain aneurysm. She almost died, but thanks to the thousands of prayers so many lifted up, she survived. She has been left severely impaired, though. She can laugh and cry, but not talk. She is unable to sit up on her own, roll over on her own, etc. The emotional toll on this family has been incredible. They spent 38 days in the PICU, months in rehab, and have had their entire life turned upside down.

So, how would you answer her? When she asks why this could happen to her child, how do you respond. Yes, we know in Romans that "All things work together for good to those who love Him"--and yes, they do love the Lord and serve the Lord. We also know that there is sin in this world and illness/disease is a result of sin in this world. We know that God is ultimately in control. And we know that God loves our children even more than we could possibly begin to love them.

But, those answers--as theologically sound as they are--don't always soothe the heart. What can you say? I gave those pat answers to her yesterday, followed by a "but I've never been challenged in that way before." I apologized to her today for not really listening to her heart.

So, I guess that these questions, "Why my child," "Why does she need to suffer like this?" "What good can come from this" may not be answered this side of Heaven. As a believer, I have confidence that someday I'll have all the answers to all the questions. In the meantime, for both myself and my friend, we have to rely on the fact that we know Who God is.

And, if you think about it: Please pray for this family. There are many specific ways: For improved rehabilitation for their daughter, for strength for the parents. Specifically, though, please pray that their house sells. They have a cute house not far from mine that is not functional to take care of their daughter. It has been on the market for many months with very little activity.

Almost time for vacation!

Woohoo! Three semesters of nursing school down, two to go! I can hardly believe it! I am so grateful for this opporunity to go back to school, and I am so thankful that the Lord has provided amazing sitters for my girls so that I don't feel that guilty for leaving them (Thank you, Anna and Ericka!) After a bumpy start, I ended the semester strong, and I am now DONE!

But, "done" as a mom is entirely different than "done" to the rest of the world, especially when you're planning your high school reunion and leaving for a 2000 mile (each way!) road trip--all in the same weekend. I've been trying to clean the house (you know, the kind where you're on your hands and knees washing baseboards), get the packing done for the trip, deal with drama from planning a high school reunion (seriously, people--we are DONE with high school, let's not keep acting like it!), and still be a fun mom! Thankfully the girls have VBS every morning this week, so I am getting some desperately needed "me-time." Today I even was able to take a nap :-) Yes, that means life is VERY good!!

So, if I'm quiet over the next few weeks, rest assured that we are on vacation, having a good time (I hope!) and celebrating the marriage of my brother-in-law, Logan, to Staci. I am SO EXCITED to have a sister-in-law who is an adult (although, I love the other ones a lot, too!), and I am so grateful that the Lord brought her to Logan. Staci and I talk on the phone all the time and are building a great relationship.

Have a great rest of the summer! I FINALLY feel that I'm on summer vacation--amazing what NOT being in school can do for ya!

Whew!

24 hours now, I'll be taking my final for this semester of nursing school. I AM SO READY TO BE DONE! Summer is a rotten time (in my opinion!) to be in school up to 30 hours a week.

This week is shaping up to be a busy one! We have my 10 year high school reunion on Saturday (I still feel 18, even if I *am* starting to get these fine lines around my eyes), and on Sunday, Luke and I (and the girls, of course!) are leaving to DRIVE to Washington state.

Yes, I said drive. Yes, I know it's 2000 miles each way. Yes, I know that 3 and 5 year-olds don't always travel well. No, I couldn't afford airline tickets. Even with gas at it's current ridiculous price, we will still save almost $1500 by driving--that's including food, hotel, gas, and a little bit of fun along the way. Luke and I are borrowing my parents' Garmin (a GPS), I bought some new toys and coloring books for the girls, we have a portable DVD player, and I might even throw some ear plugs in for good measure :-) We plan on stopping at Mt Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Wall Drug, the World's Largest Buffalo (if we can find it--my dad really wants us to see it!), and various Mc Donald's and rest stops along the way.

I am thankful that we have the ability to travel. Our main reason for visiting is to see Luke's brother, Logan, get married to an amazing young woman named Staci. We are so thankful that God has brought the two of them together.

Well, I ought go now and study for this final!