Trust God

It's been a while since I've given an update. Things are going pretty well. Emmalyn's collarbone is slowly healing. We had another x-ray last week, and though it is still crooked, it is encased in bone and will straighten over the years. My heart still aches for the pain I know she must have experienced the first few days, but it didn't slow her down for long. In fact, we have to constantly remind her to slow down and be careful! My leg is much improved. It gets swollen and tired after standing for a while. It is not painful like it was four weeks ago, thankfully. I am still tolerating the shots; some days seem to hurt more than others.

 I have five rounds of chemo down, with only one more round of this regimen left in early July. Then, I'll get a break from chemo until after the baby is born. I am so blessed to not experience horrible symptoms. I've even managed to stay healthy from colds and such. I guess my white blood cell count has not fallen too low. I am very grateful and realize how blessed I am when I hear the experiences of others. Maybe pregnancy is helping me feel well!

We've reached 27 weeks gestation. Baby James moves ALL the time, and my belly is growing. At 25 weeks, he was growing on schedule according to ultrasound and weighed one pound, ten ounces. We'll have another ultrasound at the next appointment at 28 weeks. The weeks are passing quickly. We have only three more months!

 Monday, June 25, marks seven years of marriage for Stephen and me. I am very blessed to have entered this covenant with a man who honors it as I do. I have seen our vows in action, specifically the "in sickness and in health" part. Marriage isn't always easy, but it's a promise we made to each other before God. Stephen works hard to provide for our family. He takes good care of me and spoils me every now and then. He is a great daddy to Emmalyn and will enjoy our coming son. Our full vows from our wedding are below, and I pledge to keep them for the rest of our lives! I love you, Stephen! We are spending a few days in New Orleans next week. Stephen actually has a conference, but we will leave Emmalyn with her grandparents and enjoy a little time away.

 "I, Leah, take you, Stephen, to be my wedded husband, and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."

 Emmalyn had a great time at "Sky" VBS at our church a couple of weeks ago. She loves the songs, and we now have the cd in the car; we have to listen to the same two songs over and over. The amazing thing is, her favorite songs really speak to me and are a great reminder of the promises and provision of God. Her favorite song is "You, You, You, You Can Trust God." Her other favorite is "Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome in power, Our God, our God." She knows all the words and sings them constantly. The theme of the week was "Trust God, no matter who you are, no matter how you feel, no matter what people do, no matter what happens, no matter where you are," which is very important to remember for both children and adults. I am blessed by Emmalyn's little heart, and I know Jesus is praised by her sweet voice.

 Some of the memory versus from the week...
"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God." (John 14:1) 

 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles." (Isaiah 40:31)

 "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love." (Romans 8:38)

 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

 I found they were all quite poignant! We are still being encouraged and overwhelmed by the prayers, meals, flowers, gifts and cards that arrive nearly every day. I'll say it again...we are so blessed!