Updates and random thoughts

So Simon is almost 9 months old. He's standing some by himself. I first caught him standing two weeks ago while holding the remote control in his mouth. He is cruising around some, but sometimes crawling is faster. I often let him crawl around the kitchen, dining room, and living room while I am working on supper or just folding laundry. I have caught him crawling to the laundry room and heard the sound of the cat food bowl. I think I will need to put up the baby gate soon.

Today happens to be my birthday. I had a little time to reflect this morning on my life. It has had its ups and downs. I have had successes and failures. I once was reminded that without failures, we don't appreciate our successes. It does seem that now my successes revolve around my family more than myself. Over the last year, I have had a baby at term who has been a great joy to my life. I never imagined the bond that Simon and Luke would have. Luke has started school, too, and I did not cry that first day of school. We have already adjusted to getting up earlier and getting to school on time. Jeff continues to be a great support with the kids and allowing me to work. At work, we are getting busier and I feel we do a good job. We did get a new boss, so we are all adjusting to that. My church family has changed some, but I am happy where we are - with genuinely loving people whose goals match mine.

Today also marks 40 days until the election. Anyone who knows me already knows my views. All I can say is this country needs some help. We have to pray that God will forgive us and heal us. We need to pray for godly leaders who want the best for all people. We want someone to have morals. We need to pray for vision to protect Israel - God's chosen people.

So what else is on my mind? I was thinking about it the other day that really, truly, I am a kind person. I try to think of others a lot. I always remember birthdays, babies, people's financial and personal situations. I am burdened by my lost patients. Yet, it seems that I often get the "short end of the stick." I have found myself feeling somewhat annoyed about it all, but then I remember how kind and tender-hearted my Jesus has been. And I strive to be more like Him - despite how I am treated, even when I am hurt.

The Only Thing Constant in Life is Change...

Change is always upon us. Sometimes, it is difficult to experience change. And sometimes it is a wonderful thing. There are events to look forward to - like the birth of a sweet little boy. And then are those changes that are difficult to muddle through and swallow.

So far, it's been a wacky 2012. I had a baby, and now I'm back at work. Good for the budget but miss the little smiling baby. The weather has been mild this winter - good for my heating bill, bad for experiencing snow with the kids. And so many other changes that would be too complicated and possibly boring to mention.

The experts tell us that there are stress levels associated with change, like marriage, moving, and starting school are some are the heavier ones. And I am very happy that I experienced getting married, moving to another town (to be with my new husband) and starting medical school - all within a span of about 6 weeks. And the cool thing is that my Lord carried me through those changes.

As a doctor, I see a lot of stressed people. And they often seek medication to help them. And because I believe there are some benefits to those medications, I will prescribe them.

As a Christian, I also know that "Great is Thy faithfulness" and that stress needs to be turned over to Him who will fulfill His will. And our trials will make us stronger for Him as well. We just need to trust the Lord and not fear what lies ahead. Our future is great.

So change can be a really good thing!!

Princesses

I did not think I would care much, yet I found myself drawn to the TV and internet today to see glimpses of the Royal Wedding. First of all, they seemed so down to earth and happy. They smiled and joked. Kate's reaction to the people on the balcony was "Oh, Wow!" And Kate's dress was elegant - modern but tasteful - not sleezy as some others I have seen. And I really wish the best for them. Oh, by the way, I did not get up at 4 am to watch it. Mostly, I saw some of the end of the wedding, their processional, and of course, their first royal kiss - quick but crowd-pleasing.

So what would it be to be a princess? Today, there is all the requirements and decorum. I would not want to be in the eye of everyone like that.

BUT, I am a princess. I am a Child of the King - with no requirements - just a gift that I accepted many years ago called salvation. A gift given with no bargains. A simple gift of love. It was paid on a cross many years ago with the death of my Savior. And my gratitude for that gift is eternal serving Him with gladness no matter what comes my way. For one day, I will get my crown.

And as a side, I am very proud and honored that my 4 year old knows that Easter is about Jesus who died on a cross when the soldiers hammered nails in His hands and that He came back to life and now lives in heaven.

I am definitely blessed beyond measure.