Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:6-8 NIV)

Still battling the diarrhea and spitting up. No idea what the cause is. On the plus side, Nora is in decent spirits. We’ve been able to get a few smiles out of her today. She does seem uncomfortable at times, but definitely not in any pain. We will probably have her seen by a GI if she doesn’t show some improvement through the night. It’s so so hard to keep my thoughts under control. How many more times does God need to teach me the futility of worrying?? You’d think I’d get it by now.

I finished reading a book today called To Heaven and Back about a woman’s near death experience. I love reading books on this topic not because I’m looking for proof of heaven, but because these glimpses of heaven are so beautiful and encouraging to me. The last few sentences at the end hit spot on for me this afternoon:

“I think it is only when a person truly sees God working in his own life that this faith can be transformed into a complete trust that God’s promises are true. Complete trust that God has a beautiful plan and that it is one with a hope and a future allows me, and each of us, to face challenges with confidence and courage, even when the plan and its beauty seem hidden.

-Mary C. Neal, MD

I so needed that reminder!!!! God is so completely obviously at work in our lives. That can’t even be questioned, but do I really GET IT??? I want to face these challenges with confidence and courage, but I feel so afraid especially in these moments when everything seems hidden.

I took a break from writing this post after I’d typed the excerpt from To Heaven and Back. I was tucking the big kids into their beds and kissing them goodnight. During my visit in Greta’s room she asked me why I looked sad although I don’t know that I actually did. She’s just very intuitive. I explained to her that I was worried about Nora and how silly it was for me to worry when God has gotten us through so many rough times. What makes me think He won’t get us through this one? Greta looked at me and said, “God never breaks his promises,” either incredibly wise beyond her years or prompted by her angel. Then she asked me to read her today’s and yesterday’s pages from her Jesus Calling devotional. Yesterday’s was entitled “My Promises”

THREE TIMES tonight I was reminded of God’s promises. Though they appear hidden right now, they are no less true.