Rainy Thursday

Hanging out last night...




Today is Thursday and wow has it ever been raining. Both kids are asleep (go me!) and I'm actually somewhat rested to where I feel like blogging and cleaning during naptime. :) We managed a quick trip to the grocery store this morning. I LOVE Publix! They always give out free balloons, free cookies (to the kids of coarse) and they have these nifty carts that can fit two full-sized kiddos on a bench and then the regular cart attached to the front so you can shop comfortably with multiple children and still fit in groceries. I especially love a particular Publix we go to near our old house because it has a lot of organic produce, dairy and meats and I don't have to make a seperate trip to the health food store.



We're all still sick here in the Bates household, but the medicines are kicking in. Avonlea was at the doctor's yet again yesterday for her asthma (see picture). I never knew a cold could off-set asthma, but it can. Thankfully I remembered what her asthmatic coughs sound like so I began breathing treatments the other night after I would be up from feeding Lincoln (yep, still not sleeping through the night, but hey, he's only 2 months old!). So, we have spent over $200.00 between the 5 trips to the doctor and all the medication we've been on. Craziness!! I will say this though (and I've mentioned it before), I am so grateful that we live in a country with insurance and medical care. Last night, I prayed over dinner and thanked God for the blessings of doctors and medicine. I also prayed the Lord's protection and healing over the millions of sick babies all over the world who's mothers can't take them to the doctor's or a pharmacy for medication. Mommies are supposed to make "boo-boos" better and I just can't imagine not being able to make my children better.

I will honestly admit that since having Lincoln, any spare time I get is dedicated to sleep. Well, today is felt so good to sit down and read my Bible. I've been working through a devotional by Women of Faith called "Living Above Worry and Stress". I joined a Bible study last year after leaving teaching to stay at home with Avonlea so I joined right in the middle of the devotional book. I have recently been going back and doing the beginning devotions that I never got to do. I came across a series of verses today that I thought I'd share (it skips around a little):

Matthew 10:26-39

"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows...Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Jesus loves us THAT much!!!

I hope everyone has a sensation Thursday and remember that that's how much YOU are loved by the Creator.