I am the Lord...Do NOT Fear

Growing up I had the privilege to go to a camp called T Bar M.  It is truly a second home for me and I have such great memories and God moments there.  From time as a camper to working there during summer in both high school and college, it truly had an impact on me.  One of my favorite moments at camp was doing praise and worship and singing a song simply title, Isaiah 43.  The lyrics are:


When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
And the waves they will not
Overcome you.
Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are Mine.


When you pass through the fire,
I will be with you,
And the flames they will not
Consume you.
Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are Mine.



This song comes to mind tonight as it has really been a difficult weekend for Princess.  Since being home we were able to slowly adjust back into life, so it seemed.  Monday was spent getting reoriented around the home and then deciding to take a small trip to the grocery store and see what memory would come back while at the store.  Tuesday was a chance to rest more and take it slow.  Wednesday was another small trip followed by an opportunity to spend some very precious time with a friend who has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  By Thursday, Princess was feeling well enough to begin to reorient herself with some things on the computer and even a short visit with Physical Therapy as they will be coming out to the house to help her in strengthening her legs, help with her balance.  Additionally, we have a sweet friend who came and took Pierson for a quick play date that allowed for us to get some necessary items taken care of.  Unfortunately, whether our work was too much, too soon, or something else, Princess' seizures returned after experiencing a two week hiatus. 


While the evening was met with a seizure and a few almost seizure moments, we were soon met with daunting thoughts and even some intimidation of what we just came out of.  Friday, we tried to muster through and had a doctor's appointment that served as a distraction and then we were able to have our customary Friday date!  While the day provided for some distraction we still ended up with a couple seizures and overall just being completely without energy.


Saturday was a tough day that meant Princess was in bed for most of it and pushed through one aura after the other, though we were grateful to not have to count any seizures.  And that brings us to today...


While our hope, our prayers, and our thoughts were that today was going to be much different, it has turned out to really be quite a rough day.  While we're not quite to two weeks ago, my mind is bracing for the next moment that I will need to get Princess back to the hospital as the seizures and auras have picked up, quite a bit!  Again, we're not too sure what to make of this... Is her threshold just so low right now that anything (literally- emails on the computer, a walk to the mailbox, visual stimuli, strong scents- perfumes, detergents, oils, etc.) can trigger a seizure at any moment.  We don't want it to be so, yet just even this evening moving was even too much. 


So, to the War Room I go.  And I ask you as well.  And why I ask you to go there and talk to our Father in Heaven, don't only go there for Princess.  We prayed this evening selfishly for our own situation, and yet our words and our hearts were quickly taken to pray for many more that are hurting this evening...


Pray for those that are affected by Cancer- we are praying for you...
Pray for a husband that just lost his wife and is now left to raise twin 2 year old boys...
Pray for a family that is struggling and needing to find a new home..
Pray for a Sister that is grieving her own sister who is severely ill, yet due to family strife, she cannot find her sibling and love on her.
Pray for a grieving family who has just lost a daddy, a husband, a friend. 


So, I thank God that He is strengthening me.  I thank God that he is strengthening Princess.  Truly, the waves rise up and don't overcome us.  The fire gets hot, yet we are not consumed.  Blessed be the Lord!  Truly He is the Lord and there is nothing to fear!


Lastly, thank you to our dear friends, brothers, sisters who are continuing to daily encourage us! 




"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"    -Isaiah 43:2,3