Tomorrow.

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These children? They are actually the real teachers.

One of the first times I realized this was when Zoe was around two years old. I had specifically been praying about how to teach her to pray, because I felt that I was very weak in that area. And how do you teach something that you are still learning?

I was outside one morning, hanging out laundry (yes, those are by-gone days), and I heard a little voice talking, but I couldn’t see her. Walking around, I saw my little daughter sitting on the grass, hands folded, praying with words that weren’t even all intelligible. “I pray, Mommy,” she lisped, and I stepped back softly. This was holy ground, and I didn’t want to interrupt a sacred time.

My eyes filled with tears, because I remembered my prayers, and realized that God was filling in the cracks for me. I’m not a perfect parent – I never will be a perfect parent. And it’s for that that we need Jesus – because we cannot do it on our own, and we cannot turn the heart of a child to her Savior. Only the Spirit of God can do it.

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Since that day several years ago, she still challenges me in prayer. If she has a bad attitude, often all I need to say it, “You need to go talk with Jesus, Sweetie.” And she’ll go into her bedroom, and soon I’ll hear a little voice with tears in it, words tumbling out on top of each other, sometimes angry, sometimes upset, sometimes sorrowful, but talking with Jesus. And most times when she comes back out, her heart is calm and peaceful. Sometimes I need to still talk something out with her, but many times, that’s all it takes. I’m so amazed at how the Spirit of God can work in a heart so young.

[post interrupted because of a case in point :) ]

Recently she’s taken to journaling a bit. My sisters and I are all the journaling type. Not necessarily every day, but often a few times a week. So if she sees me writing in mine in the morning, she will often sit beside me with her own little journal and pen.

Looking through that little book feels like snooping to me, but she doesn’t seem to mind. This particular entry blessed me so much, because I know it’s not something I can manufacture in her. Her little heart is so fully trusting in the goodness of God! It is such a privilege to be taught by these precious little children.

PicMonkey Collage

God is my God. He will not harm me, but He loves me.”

Tomorrow, Zoe is having surgery for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. From the time she was a wee girl, she’s had such trouble with strep throat and awful allergies, among other things. Doctors gasp at the size of her big tonsils. I know the surgery is one that will help her in the long run, but today, I have a queasy feeling in my stomach at the thought of a knife being taken to my baby.

She’s being so brave, but this morning we sat and cuddled for a long time on the sofa, she talking and asking questions, and me trying not to cry when she says she’s scared. Truth is, I’m scared too! I wish it were me instead of her. The hardest part is not being able to be with her until she’s sleeping, and being scared about hemorrhaging afterward…

So, if you could pray for Zoe [okay, and her mommy!] on Tuesday morning, we would be grateful! It’s an out-patient surgery, so we will be back home sometime tomorrow.

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The rest of the week I’m just expecting to lay low, read lots of books, introduce Zoe to “Anne of Green Gables”  and any other idea you may have to keep a six-year old occupied on the sofa for a few days??

Also, the nurse told me to feed her popsicles & ice cream until she can eat food with texture again. And while I’m not a health nut, that just sounds like a tummy ache to me! Do any of you know of other smooth textured-foods that would be safe & at least somewhat nutritious?

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Thank you in advance for your prayers, your helpful advice :) and care! I wish you all a lovely week!
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76 Replies to “Tomorrow.”

  1. I’ve enjoyed following your blog, got hooked at first because of all your wedding photos! But hung around because of your love for Jesus. I will for sure pray for you and Zoe. God Bless, KItty

  2. Hi Clarita, Prayers for your little girl! Smoothies would be my first choice for something smooth, cold and creamy with lots more nutrition than ice cream! Try half a frozen banana, strawberries and almond milk (and a little protein powder if you have it) in the blender for a yummy pink smoothie. The banana gives it that creamy texture. Another great one is frozen banana, peanut butter, almond milk and cocoa powder or chocolate syrup. Tastes like dessert but much better for you! I recommend almond milk because too much dairy is mucous producing, which probably wouldn’t be good while recovering. It tastes the same in a smoothie and has lots of calcium and magnesium. :) And soups are a go-to staple for us when under the weather- creamy potato is a favorite! (I use almond milk in my potato soup too, and my family never notices)

  3. Hi Clarita… My lil guy had a surgery too in July & oh how I echo your feelings! It is tough on a mommy heart! Prayers for you all. : ) Smoothies are a great option… Water, a bit of frozen oj concentrate, spinach & frozen banana & berries makes a tasty & nutritious smoothie. Coconut/almond milk, plain Greek yogurt & vanilla & frozen fruit of choice is yummy! Warm chicken or veggie broth is an idea. Blessings…

  4. Clarita, I will be praying for both you and your daughter. I know what a scary time it can be; my husband had a tonsillectomy a year after we are married. He recovered quickly and it helped his sleep apnea go away. I’m sure that your daughter will feel so much better once she is healed. As for ideas for food, instead of ice cream which can irritate the throat, I bought coconut milk ice cream for my husband. He did have popsicles as well. Another thing I made was an old-fashioned bread pudding. I put extra rice milk on it when I served it to him and he enjoyed it. Here is a link to my recipe. http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/old-fashioned-bread-pudding/790f3338-59c6-4312-a3c1-3e4d0cf6b101 Creamy soups can be easy to eat as well and she’ll probably be ready for regular food again before you know it.

  5. Hi Clarita,
    I’ve been reading your posts for six months now and have enjoyed getting your updates from “down south”. :) I have never commented before because I’m a full-time mom part-time painter, and so my time is limited too. :) Our oldest daughter had her tonsils out when she was in third grade. She had also been having a lot of strep throat and she had asmaha. When we took her in to the ENT he very surprised by how large her tonsils were! So surgery was scheduled. I remember that day as a blur. She had them out at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. They staff was very helpful and we got to be with her while they put her out. I held her hand and the anthatist (sp) told her to count backwards from ten. She was soon out. My husband and I waited in the waiting room for what seemed like a long time. But it was really only 90 minutes. I guess it feels longer when it’s someone you know. We got to sit with her when she got out, once she was awake. Her throat was really sore and she cried a little. The nurses were really kind and brought her ice cream. But even that was hard to swallow. So Jello, popcicles, and juice were brought in. They went better. At home she liked jello and ice cream, somewhat melted. She slept a lot and Tylenol helped a lot too. Once the sores had scabbed up we used motrin. And they told us no chips or anything hard for a couple of weeks. That first week was a lot of movies, games, books, and sleeping. Applesauce and pudding were added in next. Nothing hot. The best part about the surgery was she almost got rid of her asmaha. She didn’t have an attack for almost three years! That’s when she started sports in Jr high. So I hope this helps a little. The things God brings us through makes us stronger by relying on Him. Who knows seven years from now you might be telling someone else how Zoe’s tonsillectomy went to encourage them. That’s how God works! :)
    Blessings and prayers,
    Angie Pazurek

    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Angela! It was so reassuring to hear from someone else who has had the same experience, and advice for how to take care during recovery. It is amazing how soon a child can recover from a surgery like that, and we are already able to tell a difference in her speech – it’s much clearer – as well as her sleep – she doesn’t have the sleep apnea anymore. Zoe has rather enjoyed the soft food diet of smoothies & applesauce & ice cream. :) And yes, I don’t know what we’d do without painkillers! That has made all the difference in how she’s felt through this past week. And yes, it’s so true – God uses these things to show us just how much He can be trusted, by us and by our children! It’s been a precious time in that regard. Blessings right back to you!

  6. Oh, dear Clarita, I just want to encourage you to embrace this new thing that God brings to your family to show Himself strong on your behalf. I so totally understand how you feel because I went through the same thing 23 1/2 years ago with my then 19 month old son. I even know the exact date because I wrote it in my Bible, June 19, 1990.

    My little boy had had one ear infection after another for the year leading up to the surgery to have tubes put in his ears. He had lost 60% of his hearing along with running a fever all the time. Finally, the doctor decided it was time to put those tubes in. It meant putting him under anesthesia and, as I’m sure you know, some people respond poorly to it. I was so scared but I prayed for him, holding him up to Jesus.

    The morning of the surgery, as we waited for him to be called in, while he stood in the too big, Mickey Mouse covered hospital gown, I played a game with him that we played all the time. “Who does John love?” and he would reply, “Ma” or, “Da”. That morning, when I asked him, “Who does John love?” his answer was, “Jsus!” which was how he said Jesus.

    The time came for him to be put under, and since it was a Children’s Hospital, they let me be there with him until he fell asleep. When they put the mask on him, he cryed and fought it until his little eyes just slowly closed and he was out. I had to leave the room then and cryed all the way out not knowing if I would ever see him alive again.

    While I waited, I read my Bible. I read 5 Psalms every day so that I cover the whole book every month and then start all over again the next month. On the 19th of the month, I read Psalms 91 through 95. When I came to Psalm 91:14-16, I read,

    “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

    I knew right then and there that God was telling me he would be OK. God promised me that He would deliver him, set him on high, answer him, be with him in trouble, honor him and show him His salvation! Wow! What promises! Notice how it says, “I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” My little boy knew Jesus’ name and had just been saying it as best he could at that tender age.

    My son just turned 25 last Sunday. He is in the Army and married now. My other two boys are also in the Army. My 23 year old son just returned from Afghanistan. If God had not taken me and my son through that surgery, and shown Himself strong on our behalf, and shown this scared Momma that her little boy was a treasure to Him so many years ago, I don’t know how I would be able to give my boys my blessing as they entered the Army. The best thing is that my son has embraced that passage of scripture, and really the whole of Psalm 91, as his own from God. He is a strong christian and does know God’s salvation. Did you know that Psalm 91 is considered the Soldier’s Psalm and my son is now a soldier? Can you believe that?! God gave it to us all those many years ago and it continues to comfort my son to this day.

    God has you and your daughter in the palm of His hand too, and He’ll be there right beside both of you tomorrow. Embrace this difficult time as another step in your faith journey with our loving Heavenly Father and thank Him for giving your family an altar of remembrance of His great protection and care.

    1. “I just want to encourage you to embrace this new thing that God brings to your family to show Himself strong on your behalf. Embrace this difficult time as another step in your faith journey with our loving Heavenly Father and thank Him for giving your family an altar of remembrance of His great protection and care.” These lines stuck with me all through the evening before and the day of surgery, and each day since. I LOVED that. Not just that God would help her be brave, but that it would be a time when God would show Himself strong on our behalf. That changed my perspective from God enabling her to God showing her His care. THANK YOU for those words, and for taking the time to write and share a bit of your story. I cannot even tell you how much you blessed me! xo

  7. My eyes got teary when I read the part of Zoe praying when you tell her that she needs to talk with Jesus. What a humble heart she has! …All of you are in my prayers, Clarita. Concerning healthier options for her to eat, I would recommend banana soft serve (frozen bananas, put them in a blender or preferably a food processor, add a little bit of milk – just enough to allow the blade to move – and turn on the machine until you get a soft, and creamy texture. You could do the same thing, but adding other frozen fruits, like strawberries, berries, mango, etc and sweeten them with honey once is served, and add some cinnamon if she likes it). Also, for something savory she could have cream soups (from potatoes, pumpkins, squash, or any other starchy root). :) If you need specific recipes, just email me and I’ll be happy to share! Hope this helps.

  8. We did this a few years ago too. It wasn’t quite as traumatic since we’d already been through open heart surgery but it was still no picnic. I think you’re plan sounds fantastic!! I recommend the Whelch’s real fruit Popsicles over the artificial blue ones :) for stomach ache resistance. Yogurt and applesauce are great options and after the first couple of days even things like scrambled eggs and soft baked potatoes are good if she’s willing to try. The last few times (yes, we’re regulars) we were in the OR they gave him a teeny tiny pill to help him relax before he left me, you could ask if that’s an option if you think separation might be hard for her. Or maybe they would give you one. HA! Don’t forget to take the stuffed animal and the favorite pj’s!

    1. Ooooooh my word, you’ve been through open heart surgery and tonsilletomy and all that!? It makes my stomach hurt just thinking of it. I think it’s harder on a mother than the kids! Thank you for all the great advice – we definitely used it. The nurses did give Zoe a little drink of something to relax her before they took her, and I think that helped. And yes, stuffed animal and pajamas were great too! Thank you!

  9. I just love your blog! I will be definitely be praying for both of you tomorrow. As a gal who has gone through MANY surgeries in life I can empathize with how unnerving it can be. A verse that I have had as my “surgery” verse that my mom and I always focus on is from Psalms 4:8- I don’t know if y’all have already memorized this but it is of great comfort to me! :)

    I am currently on a liquid diet (due to some health issues) and one recommendation that I have is for blending everything. Right now we are doing a LOT of blending to get all of the nutrients that I can! :)

    Praying for BOTH of you!!!
    :) Rebecca

    p.s.- I think someone said this above- but I am 33 and I STILL request and insist that my mom is with me until I go to sleep and I have ALWAYS had that happen (except on one occasion – due to a very extensive and long surgery). Just a thought! :)

    1. Rebecca, wow, I feel so humbled by your comment! I cannot imagine being though many surgeries, and having to repeatedly have not only the surgery but also the recovery! The Lord is such a comfort during these times, to not only enable us with strength, but also to give us more of HIMSELF! We wouldn’t ask to go through our particular experience again, but we are so grateful to how the Lord has been so faithful and used this as a precious time for us! May the Lord give you much sweet grace and strength, Rebecca! xo

  10. Hello…I found your blog through a mutual friend and have hung around because of your love for Jesus! :) God has blessed me with singleness, so I am not a mother…but a nurse :) who works weekly with children who come in for T & A’s! I have breathed a prayer for you, your husband, Zoe, the surgeon, the nurses, and the surgery team and will continue to as God brings you to my mind tonight and tomorrow. From a medical perspective, keeping her hydrated the first 48 hours post surgery is so important…ice water, gatorade, popsicles, smoothies…the cold feeling makes their little throats feel better. Will be praying for rest, peace, wisdom, an uneventful surgery, and a full recovery for Zoe. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    1. Cheryl, thanks so much for your advice! It was so great to hear of the recovery process from a nurse’s perspective, and I often referred back to what you recommended. I so appreciate your input! And thank you for your kind words. Blessings back to you!

  11. Awww….dearest Clarita. I know how your heart feels. May peace surround you as you entrust her into “her” Maker’s hands. Thinks like this are hard on a mama. I will pray for you and for her healing.

  12. Will be praying for you all tomorrow! And just one idea as an alternative to ice cream might be this: plain, greek yogurt blended with frozen strawberries and a little honey. Instant frozen yogurt!! This is my go-to on days I don’t feel well. Wishing Zoe a speedy recovery and lots of patience for the mama.

  13. Oh, how our mother hearts can ache at times like this! I will be praying for your little family too! I always say we can’t ever pray too many prayers! Jesus is only a prayer away! For a soothing comfort food once sweet Zoe can handle soft food is tapioca pudding. I have a recipe I can share with you if you are interested. It’s made with minute tapioca not the “fishy egg” tapioca:)
    Jan

    1. Thank you so much for your prayers, Janet! They have been so much appreciated. And if your offer is still good, I would like your recipe for the minute tapioca! I think Zoe would enjoy that. ;) You can email me through the ‘contact’ tab on the top of the page. Thank you!!

  14. I know too what your feeling today… My 7 year old boy had his tonsils removed & tubes put in his ears in February. (its his 2nd time for tubes put in) The worst was letting him go to surgery with out me :'( but make sure she takes her favorite stuffed animal or blanket along… After the surgery he got very upset because he hurt so bad… They say only cold/frozen food are allowed due to bleeding… He ate popsicles, floats, lots of crushed ice & smoothies. I added spinach to some of the smoothies for vegetables!! You WILL get thru it! And it is worth it in the end!!! :) {hugs & prayers}

    1. Oh wow, you DO know what it is like! Great idea with the stuffed animal – I suggested that to Zoe and she took along her favorite little dog. :) And yes, only cold and frozen foods the first little while… Zoe ate a lot of the same diet you mentioned. And we’re getting through it!! Thanks for your support! xo

  15. Oh Clarita! I will be praying for the both of you tomorrow. Having a child go into surgery is scary.
    May God give you the peace and comfort only He can give.

    As far as something nutritious…I see you have a million smoothie suggestions already, so I’ll be different.
    To make things easy…How about Naked Juice! That is always a special treat in our house when someone gets sick. :)
    I know it is still a smoothie..but it comes in a special bottle and there are lots to choose from. ;)

    Keep us posted!
    Love you. XxOO

    1. Ooooh, that Naked juice was such a great idea! That was a treat for me after I had been through labor & delivery, and I LOVED it. :) I went out and bought several different kinds of those.
      Thanks for thinking of us, and for praying! xo

  16. I think of the song/lyrics (not sure who sings it – Gaithers?)..
    “Many things about tomorrow – I don’t seem to understand – Yes! I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”
    ***
    she’s in Jesus’ hand. She sounds like my little guy (6yrs) and I’m sure we’ll be heading down this same road…in surgery one day. The way he is..

    Blessings.

  17. I’ll pray for you and Zoe. I know what it’s like to send a child into surgery . . . wishing you could go through it for them. :)

  18. Hi I have so enjoyed your blog…. I will be thinking and praying for you…. a month ago my 2 year old son had his removed and he had a long recovery but we are happy with the end results!!! Just when you think they won’t ever eat again they will get better and be your happy bouncing child that you love….

    1. Thank you so much, Crystal! And you know exactly what it’s like to have a child through that surgery! It’s nearly a week into the recovery, and she is just starting to seem like herself again. She’s been a sweetie through it all, but it definitely was a lot of couch-time and very quiet activities. And so far we are pleased with the results as well – better sleeping, and even her speech is a lot more clear.

  19. Bless you in your efforts to raise your children to love God! I will be praying for you and your family, and those who will be caring for Zoe tomorrow. Will she be able to eat applesauce? I like jello made with hot water and the same amount of applesauce instead of the cold water. Best of luck!

  20. Praying for you and your precious little lady Clarita. Zoe is such a brave girl, wow! I will pray for peace and safety and an extra speedy recovery!

    1. Thank you so much, sweet Lindsay! Those prayers are so special, and we could all tell people were praying for her! Zoe’s recovery has been so much better than I ever expected – it’s about two weeks long, but she has been a sweetie and we’ve had no emergencies. :) xoxo

  21. i’ve been thinking of you so often today…
    praying just now that surgery has gone well and that the recovery goes really smoothly.
    and, wishing that your mom could be there with you during this time….but, if she cannot, i pray that God will fill that void in ways most meaningful for you during this time.
    (hugs)

  22. Just prayed to our big, good Father for you both! Both of your tender hearts are touching and inspiring.
    In our family, we love “banana milk” and it’s nutritious! 2 frozen bananas, a couple cups of milk, a tblspoon of vanilla. Blend up! Add more or less milk depending on how thick you want your ‘shake’. It’s cold, sweet, and delicious! I buy a lot of bananas at a time, wait for them to ripen up, then peel and freeze them in gallon ziplock bags. :) Hugs!

    1. Thank you so much for your prayers! I am so humbled by the care of other people, and definately felt that people have been praying!
      And the ‘banana milk’ sounds great! She is still drinking a lot of liquids and smooth-textured foods, and this is one I will make for her. Thank you for that idea!

  23. This is so true! I have these learning moments with my children as well. I often forget that they watch me so closely, learning good and bad from my example! This is why I love dinner time. Sitting around the table, talking about our day. I learn so much! So much is revealed in their little spirits!

  24. I’ll be praying too, it’s amazing what the effectual and ferent prayers of others can do!! Do you have paper dolls? Cardboard cutout dolls, my little one loves to play those with mummy, you cou draw a new wardrobe and cut it out etc. My little also likes puzzles, colouring, the Enid Blyton books, Heidi etc. Take care of you too, miss 6 at our place has had two surgeries already and I found it a very prayerful experience! Love Oie

    1. Hi Clarita!
      Hoping everything went well for your sweet Zoe today & that you are both doing well tonight!! Smoothies are a great idea, but NO STRAWBERRIES!!! Our ENT specifically told us nothing with SEEDS!! Aside from smoothies, applesauce & pudding we also used one of those “as seen on TV” slushy mugs for everything!!! Carnation Instant breakfast (either the ready made kind or the powdered kind you add milk to) has vitamins, & can even help speed healing! Lots of flavors, vanilla, strawberry (no seeds) and chocolate to name a few… We also used them for juice, gatorade, etc. When my then 8 yr old was especially resistant, we played the slurpee or milkshake card. No warm foods at all until you get the doctor’s ok. Then mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, scrambled eggs, creamy soups, we even tried refried beans with cheese! Heartfelt prayers and well wishes to you all!! <3

      1. Great great suggestions and advice, thank you, Tami!! Yes, we learned that NO warm or hot food for quite a few days, even if it’s soft! It’s been close to a week since the surgery and Zoe is just now starting to eat warm foods. Mostly just because the cool felt so much better on her throat. Thank you so much!

  25. Dear Clarita,

    First of all, I just wanted to say I am tremendously blessed by your blog…I think I found it through a mutual friend…I don’t remember exactly how. However, seeing your heart for our beautiful Savior and for your family is so encouraging and uplifting.
    My mama would be the same way, and I know nothing about what might be “bad” for consumption after the specific operation she had, but a few things came to mind (I have not read the above posts, so please forgive me if this is repetitive). Yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, soups (if warm isn’t bad), and mashed potatoes were a few. :)

    Many sweet blessings on you and your baby girl today. May it be an morning full of the grace of our Savior.

    Because of Him,
    Melanie

  26. I think there can be no better reward as a parent than to see your children following Jesus. I just pray I’m the example mine need when they are old enough to understand. Prayers for you and your little one. I hope all went well and you are enjoying being lazy watching Anne of Green Gables. :)

  27. Praying for Zoe and for all of you! I pray that she is able to sleep tonight and that her throat heals quickly! Enjoy this time nursing her back to complete health! It seems so long ago that mine were little and snuggled in on the sofa with their favorite movies and books. We always loved the Walton’s, Anne of Green Gables and Little House. It is such a blessing that you are home with your children and you will look back on this time someday all too soon and be so thankful for the time you were given to love and raise them up for Jesus! It is so rewarding to know that they love the Lord with all their Heart! I love your blog! Blessings to you and your precious family!

    1. Thank you for your prayers, Sue! I appreciate that so much, and it was amazing to feel the support from so many people. Thank you for the movie recommendations! The Waltons we have not watched, that will be added to the list. :) And yes, I count it such a privilege to be home with my children – I know so many women wish for this! Thank you for your kind words… Blessings right back to you!

  28. Praying for Zoe to have a quick recovery. Hope she’s feeling better today!
    I love Anne of Green Gables! I read the entire series the summer I was pregnant with Lydia.
    Zoe’s journal entry is so precious! Isn’t it amazing how God gives our children exactly what they need when we are so incapable?

    1. Thank you, Kellie! This is almost a week later, and Zoe’s recovery has been so much better than I ever expected! I’m so thankful.
      And your comment makes me want to read the ‘Anne’ series again! It’s been years since I did that, and I think I’d enjoy them more now than ever before!
      And yes, God DOES prove His faithful even to the little ones, I think because their faith in Him is so real and pure! I love it so much.

  29. This post brought me to tears…..Zoe’s journal entry is just heart wrenching. And in the light of her surgery isn’t it all SO comforting to you? He loves her and will NOT HARM HER. Amazing, just amazing. And her little 2-yr-old prayer? Oh my, I could just cry even more. I feel so desperately inadequate when it comes to giving my children a heart for prayer. I feel like I am a child myself when it comes to prayer. I have SO much to learn. But I am already going to try the “Sounds like you need to talk with Jesus” with my girls, what a lovely idea! You have so much to offer, Clarita…as a woman, as a wife, as a mother, as a homemaker and as a fellow Christian. Never lose sight of that or think that you don’t. Your blog is a blessing! Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Shelley! You are a fellow-blogger as well, and I’m sure you know the discouragement sometimes, or wondering if it’s really worthwhile… Words like yours bless me more than you’ll ever know! I still feel like a little child myself… let’s just grow up together, shall we? :)

  30. Thank you for sharing your story about her praying. How very sweet. Holy Ground for sure! :)

    Praying her surgery goes well.

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