grace led in life: Mercies new each morning

We continue to take life a day at a time -

Recovery of my health issues is very up and down. But, my "up" is still very unwell and the "down" is downright really difficult. The fight through autoimmune diseases is quite a battle. I have my next infusion treatment later this month for my ulcerative colitis and am continuing two other treatments specifically for that as well. We continue to pray and keep up hope that my body will respond. On another front, I am continuing to communicate with a team of doctors from out of state that specialize in a rare and specific autoimmune condition that I may be facing. I have seen some signs (test results and symptoms) pointing in this direction for some time and I need an expert opinion. They are reviewing my referral very closely. We pray they can accept me as a patient and get in me in soon. We've been told it may be a long wait, but again, we remain hopeful. We really appreciate all the prayers and encouragement! I will admit, these days are heavy and there are times that I feel overwhelmed. I am a mom of littles. The needs the kids have in a day are many and the energy I start the day with feels close to empty from the start. In my mind...it can feel like it does not all add up. Justin is working hard at Boeing...his ability for medical leave time has shifted and it is very minimal now. This creates a lot of stress, yet we are so grateful for his job! Justin continues to care for us all so well and we are so thankful for all he does both at home and at work!

The kiddos are doing well. Yet, the circumstances of this season are prevalent in their lives too. They are amazingly in tune to life and they feel hurts and joys like we do. They are growing like crazy, having lots of fun together, learning more each day, and also dealing with the realities of some hard days. Our life feels so very pressed and hard right now. Each day feels very stressful and we truly are living in faith knowing our strength is from the Lord. Something we read a couple of days ago in our morning devotional time really stood out to us (New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp).

"...God's mercy is new morning mercy. It is formfitted for the needs of your day.

It is sculpted to the shape of the weaknesses, circumstances, and struggles of each

and every one of his children. Yes, we all get the same mercy, but it doesn't come

to all of us in the same size and shape. God knows who you are, where you are,

and what you are facing, and in the majestic combination of divine knowledge,

power, and compassion, he meets you with just the right mercies for the moment."

New Morning Mercies - by Paul Tripp

We are not going to lie...life has been hard in so many ways.

Just. plain. hard. Stress is present, discouragement is real, physical pain is constant, exhaustion is a battle, finances are a struggle...it can feel so weighty, right? We know we are not alone...so many face these challenges. It is such a great reminder to remember God's mercy...He is faithful! Every. Single. Day! I am not sure who else may need to hear this right now. But, I wanted to share. This brings us so much peace. So often we wonder how I will get through the day while facing pain and with so little energy. Yet, I do! And, it surely is not on my own strength. I truly feel the Lord's mercy and am so grateful that I do not have to fear if I have "enough" for each day. I can rest in his promises. I can rest knowing that the next day is not about how much courage I have to face the day or how well my body will function, but about abiding in the Lord whose strength and mercy will get us all through. Doesn't mean it is always easy-peasy/peachy keen, but there is a peace over the day. His mercies are exactly what we need for that day...no matter what we face.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

We wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to our sweet friend Jacinta (and her fam!) who held the Young Living Essential Oil DIY succulent fundraiser event in Minnesota and raised money for our family's medical needs from sales in the month of July. THANK YOU Jacinta for hosting the event and for all the work you did in giving us fun, informative classes and info on essential oils! We have been using oils for years, as a family, and we love them! Hope you all enjoy yours as well!
THANK YOU to all that participated and ordered!! We cannot thank you enough!

July and August are special months in our family. The kiddos each have their birthdays and we have the special anniversary days of when we were "matched" with Z and I. We do not take any of these days and moments with them for granted and we celebrate with humble and grateful hearts! We will never forget the days that we first saw these precious little faces...it is forever engraved on our minds and in our hearts!