Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Many things come to my mind today as I read Philippians 4. God has taught me much and yet He is still doing so much work in me. A few months ago I set at the task of memorizing verses 6-8 in this chapter. I knew that I am instructed in the word of God to memorize scripture but I honestly didn't feel in my heart that I really comprehended this to the full extent. But after already having these verses stored in my heart, when I read them today they really meant something to me. And not only that but I truly felt like I finally understand why it is important to memorize scripture. When I read verses 6 and 7 I was excited and began to think, "this is what God is doing in my life right now!" I memorized these verses and God is putting them to action as I'm dealing with the news of Mia's surgery.

When people ask about her or find out about the surgery or what we've been through, often the response is, "I can't imagine going through that" or "This must be really hard" or "I'm so sorry that you have to go through this". But honestly, I don't feel like it is a trial or even a hard thing to deal with because through memorizing these verses God has changed my heart...at least in this situation I am not anxious. I have, as the verses say "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests me made known to God" and in return He has given me "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding". And truly this peace does surpass all understanding...it doesn't make sense to me that I should be so calm about my baby having spinal surgery. If this had happened even just months ago I would have been in total despair over the situation...but God has brought me so far through even just my small obedience of memorizing a few verses. Which makes me think, "what could God do with my full commitment to Him?"

But as the time approaches for Mia's surgery in the next month I must, as verse 8 instructs, think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise and avoid thinking on the "what-ifs" and focusing on my own doubts and worries and frustrations. I pray that God will keep these verses in my mind as we wait and make plans for Mia's surgery.

Update on Mia

I haven't been able to blog since Mia had her test on Monday so I wanted to update everyone on what is going on with her. A few months ago she had a urodynamics test which had determined that her bladder could hold very little fluid so it was refluxing onto her kidneys. And the ultrasound she had on the same day showed that her kidneys were both swollen and urine was collecting on top of them.

On Monday Mia had a cystogram which required her to be catheterized like she had been for the urodynamics test but this time they filled her bladder with fluid and took x-rays of her bladder and kidneys. They determined that on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being normal and 5 being really bad)her bladder was refluxing at a 3. They told us that this type of reflux can either be a primary issue and it will just get better on its own. Or it could be a secondary issue caused by her tethered cord and it would require surgery. The urologist seems to think that it is probably the latter but has ordered an MRI to help determine that.

Right now Mia is on an antibiotic that she has to take every night to prevent any infection due to her bladder/kidney issues. She is scheduled for another ultrasound and consultation with the urologist on June 8 and we are waiting to hear back about when she is scheduled for an MRI and a consultation with the neurosurgeon. We are currently in monitoring mode...if anything changes with her (good or bad) we will know more. Because of all the tests that she has had done we at least now have a reference point to work from. She'll be going back to the hospital about every 6 months so that they are able to monitor her condition.

Thanks for all the prayers! I have really felt them in the last few months and especially on Monday. Eventhough Mia was distressed and screaming during the test, I felt like I could stay calm and strong for her. I don't worry about her as much as I once did because I know that God is in control and he has a perfect plan for all of this.