Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Few Prayer Requests - UPDATE

Yesterday was a crazy day in our home. I had to take Benjamin to the doctor for a minor urology issue he was born with. He will be having a surgical procedure done on March 12 to correct the problem, hopefully for the last time.

It had been a crazy morning getting everyone ready and organizing childcare and vehicles. I needed to leave early to make a stop at the March of Dimes office to drop off the photos for the slideshow. Since the appointment was at 2 and Ben would be missing his nap, I figured I could leave early and he would sleep in the car. Thankfully, he did. As I was driving my cellphone rang and I saw that it was my OB office calling, so I picked up the phone and spoke with my OB's nurse. She said that the ultrasound we had done last week looked good, but that they were not able to get all of the measurements they wanted and that the doctor wanted me to come in sooner that four weeks to try again.

This instantly sent my heart into a bit of a panic, I started asking questions, and she assured me that everything looked fine, but because of the baby's position they weren't able to get all the measurements needed (which we knew) and that the doctor thought coming in sooner would help to assure we get the proper measurements before the baby grows too big. So, our next ultrasound will be next week. It has been moved to February 11. So we would greatly appreciate your prayers from now until then. I am trying hard to tell myself not to worry, that this is all perfectly normal, but I am just not even sure what normal is anymore.

I also would like to ask your prayer for Howard. He is having a difficult time with work right now. As most of you know he is a teacher. He teaches in a public school. He really likes the district and the teachers he works with. He has always had waves of frustration hit since he started teaching, but it seems to be getting much worse. I have been in his classroom and I know he feels like what he is doing isn't making a difference, but I know otherwise. You could spend a day in Howard's classroom and see that he is "shining his light". He wants so badly to make a difference, he has a passion, but it is slowly but surely getting squashed. There is so much more to being a teacher than just teaching. Anymore the politics of it all are overwhelming and many teachers feel that their hands are basically tied. He teaches Current Events and since this is not a subject that is tested via standardized tests, there is not as much importance placed on that subject and that is a tough thing for a teacher who fully believes that what he teaches is of the utmost importance...I mean come on, in today's society, kids need to be aware of what is going on in the world around them. I am struggling to see him so torn and frustrated.

Ok...I have to go get breakfast for two hungry boys, but I would greatly appreciate your prayers in these areas. Thank you all for your love and support! You mean the world to me!


******UPDATE*********

As I have spent as much time as possible in prayer for Howard this morning, I feel God has given me some scripture to use in all of this...

13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-14


I am praying this afternoon that Howard is able to see that he is the salt. The salt in a rotting and rotten world....sometimes salt causes irritation in the process of fertilizing and preserving. We must live for the benefit of this rotting world even when it is hard and frustrating. Salt prevents decay, and there is certain decay in the world and the educational system today. I am praying that Howard is able to see his role as the salt even when it is hard and disheartening. I pray that God would use him to protect and preserve what is good from rotting away and that he does not lose his saltiness.

I am praying that he can see that he is shining Jesus' light in the darkness. Sometimes being that light brings with it resistance and persecution. Sometimes we make mistakes, we are human, but what is important is that we not allow ourselves to conform and become part of that darkness...I am praying that he doesn't give up, but keeps fighting for what is right and good and for the lives of our young people. The world's perspective does not define the truth of who we are, the world's perspective is skewed. Interestingly enough when we walk with Jesus, our lives instead of becoming easier, often become harder, and we suffer even more. This happens because this world is not our home and we cannot be fulfilled fully here. I pray that the Lord would fill Howard with the hope, joy and comfort that he needs right now to be that salt and light in this world of darkness.

15 comments:

mrsrubly said...

kristy you know i will be praying for little peanut and your emotions! i know this just has your heart torn and going to pieces on the inside! i can only imagine! i will also pray for Howard. teachers are wonderful!

Suzie said...

Praying for you so much right now! I understand your worry, and I will not even try to tell you not to worry...I know I would as well. Just remember that God's plan is playing and he will guide you.

I love ya girl, and I miss you too!!!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Kristy,

I will be praying for all things requested. My heart jumped to my throat as I read the first part about the OB. I can only imagine your nerves. Praying it will all be fine. Praying for Howard too and for his heart as he works so hard to make a difference. And for Ben's surgery to be the perfect and last one. I love you girl.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Shannon said...

Praying for you Kristy!!! Just remember what God told you, this is a new thing He is doing. This is what He wants you to focus on. I'll be praying for Howard too, from a fellow teacher's wife : ).

Hang in there.....XO

Anonymous said...

Kristy,
We will be praying for everything you are going through!! God has his hands around your peanut and will keep him/her safe. He is knitting him/her exactly the way He has planned. I understand the Howard thing, John is a teacher at a preschool and there are days he comes home and you can tell his passion is getting squashed. We will be praying for everything!!
Jessica

Rachel said...

Praying that all continues to be well with your sweet little growing baby. Praying that next week you get more reassurance and maybe some profile and gender pics too! As far as not getting all of the measurements it really is common for them to have you go back sooner then later to check and I have heard of lots of people that have had to go back for a second peek when they had a stubborn baby. I totally understand that while this may be a normal time for most pregnant ladies to get another peek at their little one it brings anxiety and fear with it for you. Sending prayers up for peace and hope as you await next weeks appointment.

Praying also for Howard. I was a school teacher for ten years and was really getting to the burnout point when Rose was born and I got to become a SAHM. Praying for encouragement for him as he teaches these kids. May they take his class seriously and see the love he has for them.

Hugs and Prayer
Rachel in PA
PS Praying for Ben's surgery to go well also.

Susie (So Blessed) said...

"Interestingly enough when we walk with Jesus, our lives instead of becoming easier, often become harder, and we suffer even more. This happens because this world is not our home and we cannot be fulfilled fully here."

Wow, this statement rang so true with me. Thanks for sharing that, Kristy.

I am praying for God's peace to fill your heart and mind until the sonogram appointment next week...and I'm praying for Howard, too.

Love,
Susie

Ang said...

You better know I will be praying for you!! I can't forget Feb 11th it's my husbands birthday :) So let's switch..reminding me of Charlie's birthday will be far less stressful than you worrying about that ultrasound...so I will take that off of you so you can enjoy this next week...deal? (((hugs))))

Lisa said...

That was my daughters memory verse for school this week, and she has been reciting it every day... interesting that I read it on your blog too! (:

I'll pray for all those things you requested!

Mama10EE said...

Kristy,

We are all praying hard for your requests, especially for Howard and next week's ultrasound. I can imagine the stress Howard is under, and it hurts my heart that these teachers who try so hard are sucked in political school battles that need not involve teachers. I will certainly keep him in my prayers over the coming days.

Also, I saw this on another blog I read and thought Howard might be able to help out.

http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2009/02/attention-all-middle-and-high-school.html

Wendie Tobin said...

a) Im such a dork. I just posted on an old post of yours because it showed as your last post. It's amazing what the refresh button can do.

b) Congrats and I am so excited for all the good news that I've been waiting to read.

Alexis said...

Praying for you guys!

Devin said...

Just checking back in on you today, girl. Hope you are having a much better day--all of you!!

Sheryl said...

kristy, wow howard is blessed to have you!

praying for you all.

Rachel said...

Just wanted to let you know I will be praying for you this week as you go for your ultrasound. Praying also for Ben's surgery.
Hugs and Prayers
Rachel in PA