This week my youngest is going in for her second brain surgery to address her Chiari Malformation. She had this done back in June of 2012. She’s really strong and did really well the last time and so I’m praying that it goes really well this time also.
I know we're very anxious about it but I told my wife last night that God loves Aria more than we do. I know that He has her in His hands and He will take care of her. I have faith in my heavenly Father.
#2 Our Children’s Behavior
It’s not easy to go through and I know it really wears on our family. My wife says that she can tell that it’s bothering the kids. When she drops off the kids for school, Aria does not want to go unless mommy promises to come to school early in the afternoon to be with her in the classroom. I’m very thankful that Tina is able to do that, although I know that puts a strain on Tina to get the things done she wants to do for the day.
Suzanna and Haydn have been acting up a little more than normal. Tina thinks it’s because they’re bothered by all that’s going on with Aria. She’s probably correct but it could also be their way of attracting attention since Aria gets the most due to all her medical treatments and we cater to Aria because of how much she goes through on a daily basis.
Have you ever been at a loss on how to correct your children’s behavior?
Have you ever felt like a failure because your child just can’t seem to control him/herself?
Do you ever worry that you, as a parent, must be doing something wrong when your kids just can’t seem to listen?
Probably not and it’s just me but that is some of the challenges that I face when it comes to our kids’ behavior.
#3 Finances
Bills are always a stress and if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Medical bills come in the mail on a regular basis. Our car was hit a couple weeks ago and we had to come up with the $500 deductible plus 20% of the cost of a week’s rental on a car. I had to replace all four tires on my car about two months ago.
BUT, God is good!!
- I have a job that pays most of the bills.
- Tina works some and does what she can to bring in some money.
- Tina is awesome at saving money and finding that bargain. For example, this week on three different occasions she’s saved between 65 and 85% at the grocery store.
- Our kids have more than enough to eat and clothes to wear.
- We live in a nice house that God allowed us to refinance last year that lowered our mortgage.
#4 Faith
Do you ever wonder why God allows bad things to happen to people, especially people who believe and put their trust in Him?
I know people who are struggling with or deny that there is a God because it can be hard to believe in a good, loving God when all you see is bad things happening all around.
It's especially hard when bad things happen to yourself and/or your family. We've all wondered how God could allow such a thing to happen. Doesn't God love us? Couldn't have God stopped it?
Faith can be a challenge but I believe Roman 8:28 when it says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Challenges are a part of life. The challenges that come into our lives should help remind us to focus on Him. That's not always easy because we like to focus on ourselves.
Let's remember what James 1:2-5 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
