Day Thirty-nine

Prayers for Healing -- Be Daring… God is a loving, responsible Father. He will give us what is good for us (a carrot rather than candy). Prayer is daring when we truly seek God’s will – not my will be done, but Thy will be done.
Prayers for Healing -- Be Hopeful… God is our hope and promise. He is in control and He does perform miracles. We are part of His family and He does love us. Even when we are in serious trouble, we do not need to be afraid, but just trust Him. He is concerned about our daily needs, as well as our problems. He can see the big picture and knows what is best for us. We need to rest in Him, obey Him, and seek His will daily through prayer and reading the scriptures. God looks at our hearts. Our problems can bring us closer to God and heal our hearts so we can reflect His light and love to others.
Prayers for Healing -- Find Strength… God, give me the strength to face further cancer treatments. Help me see ways to use this painful time to pray with feeling for others. 

-Nancy Tuttle 

First and most importantly, Ryan had a good day today.  Father, thank you for this blessing!

Yes, Mirjan, you are in the right place!  This just looks a little different. A personalized banner, the page will stretch if the browser is expanded, and a larger font because, according to the test at Sams Club, your eyesight is worse than mine. :)  Now, if I could just allow Mirjan to build a virtual farm here, she would read this all day!!  (I say, "I love you, Mirjan" as I walk to the doghouse.)

Ryan's best friend in the world came by today to play.  Mirjan says that they think alike and act alike. Ryan is always talking about him, so I think this was great for him. I was surprised and happy that Ryan wasn't wearing a hat in the picture Mirjan sent me.  In just a week and a half, he has overcome many concerns regarding his 'bolted' head. I guess all of the discussions, activity books, hair fairy book readings, etc., are making a difference.  Thank you, Lord...and Go Ryan!!

Here are some random things that I remembered from this weekend: 

I was walking upstairs on Sunday after working in the yard, and I heard Ryan saying, "Lord, please help Mommy's boo boo get better."  He was saying it over and over and over.  I eventually heard Mirjan say, "Thank you, baby.  I think the Lord heard you."  I didn't see him, but I pictured what he looked like as I've seen his impromptu prayers before.  He puts his hands together, squeezes his eyes shut and starts praying.  It is awesome that his first reaction is to go to God!

On Friday afternoon, we went to a party at the hospital (just downstairs from our room) sponsored by Palmolive and Fiesta.  They had donated some Wii game stations (really cool) and there were coloring books, toothbrushes, cookies, drinks, and crafts (still not sure why toothbrushes were part of that mix, but we got one).  The news station was in the room taking video and said it would be on at 6 and 10.  However, it didn't make it that day or the next, so we still have 15 minutes of fame left.  I met one of the coordinators for the Starlight Children's Foundation (Austin Chapter), and she talked about the activities that they coordinate for families (putt putt, bowling, etc.).  She sent me an application to complete, which I did and returned. I think it would be good for all of us to get out together and do something fun, since we haven't done much for the past month.  It would also be good for Ryan to make friends with others that might share his new 'bolted' look, This new language and routine, etc. 

I showed this picture to Ryan, and he thought it was cool.  "Are they really making a picture of me?  Where is that?"  Davianna looked at it and thought it was Mirjan painting the picture.  The kids are fun at this age!

What else today?.....Mirjan was helping the kids with their workbooks tonight and then would take a break to work on potty training.  Go Mirjan! 

Happy Birthday, Nanna!!!! We love you!

Father, thank you for the confidence and comfort that your presence has provided. We experience your love and blessings each day, and we are grateful.  I ask in Jesus' name that you continue to heal Ryan, provide us strength, and guide us through this journey building a stronger relationship with you, our family, and others.  Amen.