Jason Update--Jan 7th

After Jason's doctors consulted with one another today, they agreed that he should undergo exploratory surgery, which was scheduled for 4:30pm tomorrow. However, Jason has felt improvement in his pain level for two days now, and he has decided to decline the surgery at this time. He asked to be sent home, and he is resting comfortably at home this evening. He is hopeful that his pain will continue to improve on its own, and would like to return to work by next Monday. The doctors did not send him home with any pain medication, and they let him know that if he needs pain medication, or if he has to return to the hospital, then he will need to undergo surgery. Please pray that this will not be necessary and that he will continue to improve and be able to return to work

We do have to follow up with the nephrologist in two weeks. She would like to run another test at that time, but at this point, they believe his kidneys are fine. We will also do repeat CT scan in three months to check on the spot that was seen in the last CT scan from January 3rd.

Thank you for your prayers.

Jason Update--Jan 6th

Today was a fairly uneventful day. Jason's pain was much improved last night and today, so we are hoping this is a good sign and that he will be released from the hospital soon. He has not had any pain meds since yesterday and is only experiencing moderate pain.

Today, we had a consult with a surgeon who said that he does not believe there is a reason for surgery at this point. He wants to talk to the GI doctor and see if a few more days of IV meds might be needed just to ensure that the diverticulitis is entirely cleared up. Jason will be finishing up the labwork tomorrow afternoon, so after that we expect to know more about what is going on with his kidneys. We have had on-call doctors this weekend, and we are hoping that once all of the regular doctors are able to talk and look over the test results tomorrow, that we will have a better idea of what to expect.

Jason has a new roomate tonight. He wasn't able to say much, but I could tell that he wasn't happy about it, so please pray for him. I'm not sure exactly what the problem was, but I'm hoping it won't interfere too much with Jason's rest/recovery.

My two little children have some sort of crud, so please pray for their quick healing. I came home early tonight to assess the situation, but I really want to back up at the hospital tomorrow to visit with the doctors.

Psalm 91:4 "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge"

God has truly been our shield and refuge today, and for that we are very grateful.

Update on Jason

I'm going to start posting updates for Jason on my blog because of the number of people that are wanting to keep up with what is going on with him. It is getting overwhelming for me to remember who to call each day, and I want people to know how to pray for him.

An overview of the situation: Early in the morning of December 20th, we took Jason to the ER for abdominal pain and bleeding. They immediately admitted him and ran a whole battery of tests (bloodwork, bleeding study, X-rays, CT scan), diagnosing him with diverticulitis. He spent three days in the hospital being treated with pain meds and IV antibiotics. Saturday evening, we talked the doctor into releasing him to go home because our children were in a Christmas play at church on Sunday morning, and Jason wanted to be there. He was able to go to play, although he was on serious pain meds and doesn't remember much about it :-(

He continued taking antibiotics and resting at home, and although the doctors thought he would be feeling better, his pain was still pretty intense even after completing the antibiotics. A repeat CT scan was ordered for Wednesday Jan 2nd to find out why he was not better. On the way back into the CT room, Jason doubled over in pain. He decided to let them do the scan anyway, because he knew that the doctor would need it in order to find out what was wrong. At that point, we were concerned that he had perforated, but that was not the case.

After the scan, they wheeled him over to the ER and the ER doctor told us that the CT scan showed that the diverticulitis was improved, but that there was a "spot" on his left kidney. He felt that the spot was either an small area of infection or an infarction or "dead place" on the kidney. He also told us that he did not believe that this would account for the pain that Jason was experiencing. He had him admitted as an inpatient for further testing.

On Thursday, Jason was sent to nuclear medicine for a renal scan to find out what was going on with the kidney, although the doctors kept telling us that they did not believe that this was causing his pain. This was another day of long waits and plenty of bloodwork, but no answers. However, they were good about keeping his pain under control.

Friday, he had a colonoscopy which showed nothing significant other than that his colon was very tender (which we already knew--picture the rolling eyes here). We also learned in passing (because we didn't get to see the doctor and ask questions) that his renal scan was abnormal and that they were sending in a nephrologist to consult with us.

Saturday morning, the nephrologist informed us that the scan showed both of Jason's kidneys were functioning at only 50%. However, she cautioned us that this might not be correct because these results were not being confirmed in the bloodwork and urine. She has no explanation for this, but wants to confirm the results with bloodwork and urine before putting him through a bunch of extensive kidney tests.

So, at this point, we have had two different tests point to issues with his kidneys and absolutely no answers because nothing is being confirmed in the labwork. Today, he begins a 24 hour test for blood and urine, and I believe more bloodwork will be done tomorrow. Please pray that, if we need to find something, that it becomes evident in the labwork.

We do not understand how two different tests could be so wrong, but I know that God works in mysterious ways and perhaps he is healing Jason for his glory. We are continuing to trust in Him for answers and praying that he will guide the doctors to any problems that need to be uncovered.

He has been off work since December 20th and is now without pay. God has been faithful to provide for our needs, and we trust that He will continue to do so. Hobby Lobby has been wonderful, and his co-workers and supervisors have expressed nothing but love and concern towards him.

We are resting in Him and waiting on Him for answers, because the doctors seem unable to give us any at this point. God is good and his faithfulness to us during this time continues. Pray for strength for Jason and I and those who are caring for our children. Pray for our children, as well, because I know this is getting hard on them being with so many different people.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

Encouragement for Troubling Times

A couple of years ago, we had some really hard times in our family. My mother had a heart attack and a stroke at the same time that my dh was having headaches and undiagnosed neurological problems (it turned out to be sleep apnea!). During this time, I found myself encouraged by God's Word and Elisabeth Elliot's book, "Keep a Quiet Heart". I journaled many of these things as I came across them, and I have been rereading them over the past few weeks because, once again, I am struggling. I would like to start transferring the things that encouraged me from my paper journal to my blog, in hopes that they can encourage others. This is the first set.

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." Psalms 16:5

Can we say that there are things which happen to us which do not belong to our lovingly assigned "portion"? (This belongs to it--that does not.) Are there some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? Whatever happens is assigned. Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion, other options are cancelled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence, my heart becomes inexpressively quieter.

RESPONSE IS WHAT MATTERS!!!

A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace. My assignment entails a willing acceptance of my portion. We can only know that Eternal Love is wiser than we, and we bow in adoration of that loving wisdom.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And GOD IS FAITHFUL; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

Think of these promises, and keep a quiet heart. Our enemy delights in disquieting us. Our Savior and Helper delight in quieting us.

--From "Keep a Quiet Heart" by Elisabeth Elliot--

In Memory of Declan Stewart

A little boy died this morning.
While we were getting ready for church-
showering, blow drying hair, shaving, and other such Sunday cares,
His soul was fleeing this earth on angels' wings.
God's messengers had been in dread for this call,
So they were prepared and already winging their way
As the last syllable of God's command left His throne room.
His heavenly Father called him home because no child of God's should endure what he endured.
God is not blind to the suffering of even the littlest lamb.


Had God tarried too long? To some of us left behind: Yes!
Do we want him back? Yes! But only if the beatings stop.
But God's Word assures us that God is in control of time,
That none of the tears this little boy cried fell in vain.
God saved each one in a bottle that is now an ointment of healing for his battered soul.


This precious child whose earthly father is unknown
Is even now sitting in the lap of his heavenly Father who loves him dearly.
The cuddles he should have received will now never end.
The wonders of heaven are his to enjoy!
The joys of Jesus are surrounding him like a warm blanket.
The love of God assures him he is special.
And none too soon,
For all the pain and suffering from the harsh hands of those who preferred him at least dead, if not nonexistent, had bruised his soul.



God gave us many chances to help, but,
Earth failed to help him.
His parents failed to love him.
The government failed to protect him.
The courts failed to save him.
And so...

He is gone but never forgotten.
Let us not let this happen ever again.
Let none of us fail another child, ever.
Voices must speak out,
Letters must be written,
Authorities must be questioned and urged to act,
Old laws must be thrown out,
New laws must be enacted,
Judges must stand before God,
So that there are no more stories about battered children,
So that his life was not in vain.
So that another family does not suffer the greatest loss known to man: that of a child.
So that angels do not have to wait in dread for another journey.



In memory of Declan Stewart
Born April 23, 2002 Died August 12, 2007

Books, Books, Books

Anyone who has known me for long, knows that I am a complete bookaholic. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a support group for this problem, but rather many friends who will encourage and support me in this "vice". I am a member of a book club. Fortunately, it is the "right kind" of book club, if you know what I mean. We read only classic, high-quality literature. No twaddle allowed.

We are getting ready to read "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins which is supposed to be one of the first great English detective stories. I am looking forward to it, as its not a genre I have explored a great deal--other than Agatha Christie's works. One of our next works will be "Lorna Doone" by R.D. Blackmore. I have only read through the first couple of chapters of "Lorna Doone" and I can tell that it is going to be challenge. I am looking forward to it.

Some of our past reads have included: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (which has caused me to fall in love with and explore her works for their own merit--not just because it is a popular trend), "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (which is well-written, but a rather dark story for my taste), "The Dean's Watch" by Elizabeth Goudge (which starts off slowly, but is excellent once you get involved with the characters), and "The Keeper of the Bees" by Gene Stratton Porter (a wonderful book, which makes me want to explore some of her other works such as Girl of the Limberlost and Laddie, which I've heard a great deal about).

I am also reading "Philip and Elizabeth" by Gyles Brandreth, after having just finished "Lillibet" by a different author. I have become obsessed with British history recently because of a "school book" I am reading to my daughter--"Our Island Story" by H.E. Marshall. We have learned so much about British history and am discovering more about many of our famous and infamous ancestors, including Henry VII, Henry VIII and his children Elizabeth I, Mary I and Edward IV--although these were cousins, rather than directly up the ancestral line. Apparently, we are also related to Lady Godiva, which may explain why one of my daughters is obsessed with horses, while the other likes to strip naked in public places. We are also related to the Carmichael clan in Scotland which has several famous descendants including Amy Carmichael and Hoagy Carmichael. The Carmichaels still meet every year at the Carmichael estate in Scotland for a "clan gathering".

In addition to these books, I am also reading Superimmunity for Kids, which is about health and nutrition for children--emphasizing the importance of essential fatty acids(EFA) in the diet. This is probably the best book I have ever read about health and nutrition for children and I am being inspired to make many changes for our family. It will be interesting for me to see if there are behavioral changes in the children, as well, after changing their diet.

I believe I read a quote a long time ago that went something like this (don't quote me!): "If I get a little money, I buy books. If there is any left, I buy food." This sums up my philosophy exactly (although with children I am having to modify my philosophy a little since it wouldn't do to let them go hungry--lol).

I was telling my husband last night that, while I have no problem reading five or six books at a time, I wish that I could read them at the SAME TIME. There are so many things in this world that are interesting to learn about. God is so good. I am hoping that by giving my children a classical/literature based education that I will instill the same love for learning in their lives, that I have in my own life. Although I was an unfortunate product of the public schools, I realize that my love of good literature outside of school, is what has helped me to become the person that I am--a person who loves to learn:-)

Habits of Decency and Propriety

The habits Charlotte Mason mentions in her series of books can be outlined in basically five broad categories: mental, moral, decency and propriety, physical, and religious.

This week, let's take a look at Habits of Decency and Propriety. How's that
title for sounding intimidating? But habits of "decency and propriety" are
simply those habits that you develop in your child so he won't be "a social
outcast" (Vol. 6, p. 101). (Don't you love that description?)

And most of these habits, Charlotte believed, a child would unconsciously
learn as he lived in an atmosphere that is filled with them. "Cleanliness,
order, neatness, regularity, punctuality, are all 'branches' of infant
education. They should be about the child like the air he breathes, and he
will take them in as unconsciously" (Vol. 1, p. 125). "Every look of
gentleness and tone of reverence, every word of kindness and act of help,
passes into the thought-environment, the very atmosphere which the child
breathes; he does not think of these things, may never think of them, but
all his life long they excite that 'vague appetency toward something' out
of which most of his actions spring" (Vol. 2, p. 36).

Here are the habits she emphasized that fit well in this category of
Decency and Propriety (with a few definitions to clarify).
* Cleanliness
* Courtesy
* Kindness
* Manners
* Modesty and Purity
* Neatness ("pleasing and suitable"; similar to good taste)
* Order (everything in its place)
* Regularity (adhering to a schedule or routine)

She also briefly mentioned some other habits that fit in this category, but
didn't really elaborate on them:
* Candor (not prejudiced; sincere; respecting the opinions of others)
* Courage
* Diligence
* Fortitude (bearing hardship or discomfort with courage)
* Generosity
* Gentleness
* Meekness
* Patience
* Temperance (moderation in action, thought, or feeling)
* Thrift (careful management, especially of money)

More than once Charlotte encouraged parents to have a record of habits that
they wanted to cultivate in each child and to keep track of his or her
progress. She thought that birthdays would make good milestones for regular
evaluations and plans. "Obedience in the first year, and all the virtues of
the good life as the years go on; every year with its own definite work to
show in the training of character. Is Edward a selfish child when his fifth
birthday comes? The fact is noted in his parents' year-book, with the
resolve that by his sixth birthday he shall, please God, be a generous
child" (Vol. 2, p. 65).

Remember, focus on only one habit at a time, but be intentional. "Parents
should take pains to have their own thoughts clear as to the manner of
virtues they want their children to develop. Candour, fortitude,
temperance, patience, meekness, courage, generosity, indeed the whole role
of virtues, would be stimulating subjects for thought and teaching" (Vol.
3, p. 136).

What do you think about the idea of having a "habit record" for each child?
Would such a checklist help you to be more intentional about cultivating
good habits on a regular basis? Do any of you already have some sort of
record that helps you? What does it look like? Share your thoughts at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/home/blog/2007/1/11/habits-of-decency-and-pr
opriety/#comment

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