Patience During Tribulation and a GIVEAWAY FOR ALL YOU MOMMYS OUT THERE!

 The last month has been a busy one for the Hall’s. We spent the past few weeks preparing for Justin’s back surgery that took place last Thursday, and the days sense trying to ease his recovery. Addisyn will be SIX MONTHS on Saturday. It seems like it was just last week that we were preparing her room and counting down days to her arrival. Life has been full of good things, that keep us very busy. Addisyn is now eating solids; her favorites include banana’s, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and avocado. She has two teeth coming in, that both appeared within the last two weeks (one overnight!). She is in a new stage in her development where she attempts to figure out toys, is aware that we have left the room she is in, and cries when she wants something and cannot get to it. (It’s beginning!)

I have gained a new respect for single parents within the last week (you guys ROCK!) It is has been incredibly demanding to meet all of Addisyn’s needs and my patient’s needs, as well as still keep up with my business, the household chores, meals, the pup, and sleep too. Oh yeah…sleep…I miss you!

The time before and after Justin’s surgery has been hectic. However, the Lord has provided such help to carry us through. The weekend before Justin’s surgery we were having hardwood floors put down on the entire first floor of our home. It was an eventful day of banging, bumps, and sawdust,  yet Addisyn managed to still get in a few naps in. At the end of the workday on Saturday, I was surprised at how much had been completed. Only two rooms remained; our kitchen and living room. Demo was partially complete in these rooms and they were far from usable. The contractor is set to return at 9AM on Sunday. (Yay, they’ll be finished by lunchtime!) Except…he doesn’t. Except…we go to church and return to find an empty home, still in shambles. Then it’s confirmed (in a majorly unprofessional way) that he, in fact, is not coming and expects to get back the following Saturday. There’s not time for how many things are wrong with this picture. My husband, who could hardly sit through our church service because of his pain, rallies together his friends, GREAT friends, who come in and work all day and into the night so that we had flooring. These are amazing people.  Thank you to all of the guys who came over to give us floors right then and there, as well as your amazing families who sacrificed you with absolutely no notice last Sunday!

Fast forward to after Justin’s surgery. I have never seen another person in the level of pain Justin was in when I entered the recovery room. The neurosurgeon had came out to inform me that the procedure went as planned and to let me know what to expect for recovery. He mentioned that Justin would be able to walk around that day and although the recovery was lengthy, that he would be feeling better immediately after surgery. That is NOT what I walked into, when I entered that room. Justin was in so much pain he could not speak. The nurse let me know that they couldn’t give him anything else through his IV because his oxygen levels had been dropping. He was unable to open his eyes or communicate with me, due to the pain.  As I sat beside him, talking with the nurse about options to control his pain, all I wanted to do was take away this burden from him. Instantly, I was consumed with thoughts of God’s love for us, and how he must view us when we are hurting.

The love God has for us surpasses all of the pain and hurt of this life. No matter the event that originates the pain or heartache in our life, God is more capable than that event. When it’s too much to bear, God is there. Our earthly minds fixate on the present disappointment, heartache, fear or pain we face at that given moment, but just as physical healing comes with time, so will healing come to our spirits when we put our trust in Him. It is the grace of the Lord that gets you through those times. 2 Corinthians 6:4 talks about the patience that is needed during tribulations. When there’s no obvious answer or remedy for a difficult situation, life requires a bit of extra patience. When Justin’s pain was unable to be controlled I stopped and prayed for him right there in that room. While relief did not come instantly, he had the strength and patience to stick it out until the doctors were able to make him much more comfortable. Sometimes that’s all you can do, pray for the strength and patience required until the matter resolves itself in your life. Do not be discouraged! He is with you!

And now, for the freebie! Great opportunity for all you parents out there, especially you busy mommys! Debbie at www.allaboutparents.com, is a mommy blogger who writes about life and reviews and recommends products. Check her site out moms! It just happens to be Debbie’s BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA and she’s giving you all a chance to get in on the action! Happy Birthday Debbie! Good luck all!