God Over All

As many of you know by now, our family has had a crazy week. On Tuesday, my wife took my daughter Jana to the doctor. After running a couple of tests, the doctor came in and told my wife that our daughter has juvenile diabetes. She told us to go to the Akron Children's Hospital immediately. She was admitted into ICU on Tuesday evening with a blood sugar level over 600. We have spent the last 48 hours learning more about what all this means and how we need to care for Jana going forward.

Today, Jana is doing much better and the doctor has told her that she will be able to go right back to normal activities as soon as we arrive home. Most likely we will be heading home this evening but we are still waiting for an official word. (I am typing this from the hospital room.)

Many thoughts have run through my mind this week...but I will just share a few:

1. God's hand of providence is all over this. It is times like these that I "rest" in our God's Sovereign care. I am reminded of Romans 8 that teaches us that God (the Father) did not spare His own Son...so if he would not spare His own Son (the greatest gift and treasure that He could possibly give) than He will not withhold any good thing. Since we know this is true, than even when difficult times come our way...we know that God is good and intends good for us in anything He brings our way!

2. This has been a great teaching opportunity with my daughter. A major part of my role in life is to be a "priest" to my wife and children. I hope that I always take advantage of the opportunities God gives me to lead them, but sometimes the opportunities are greater than others. This trial has given me more opportunities to teach her about our Great God and how He intends to use this for His glory!

3. I am so thankful for the two ladies who live in my home. My wife is an incredible mom who always puts our needs before her own. As I watched my daughter this week, I saw the same characteristics in her that are in my wife. Determination, strong will (which is good most of the time!!), courage, commitment and faith in God! I am truly blessed to have these 2 daughters of God in my life!

4. Finally, my wife and I (and Jana) would like to thank everyone for their prayers, concerns and acts of kindness during these past few days. We have always known that God's plan for how the body of Christ works...works! But, it is another thing to experience it! We have experienced it this week. This is one of the reasons why God created the church and His plan is best!

Btw, I am really looking foward to worshiping together in church this Sunday. As we planned music for our services (6-8 weeks ago), here are a couple of the songs that we chose for this Sunday:

- This is my Father's World
- It is well with my soul
- Thy way, not mine

And last week we sang "God over all" and one of my favorites by Fernando Ortega, "I will praise Him still".

The reason I bring this up is to show how much God is in the details of our lives, even when we do not realize it. These songs will minister to us this coming Sunday, assisting us to praise Him on our best and our worst days!

Thanks again and please continue to pray!