Samuel update

It  has been  a few  days since our last post, and  a busy few days it has been. Samuel came home  from  the hospital Saturday around  noon,  praise  the  Lord!  Samuel continues to have labored breathing  at times, and it will probably be weeks before he is back to a full measure  of health. Still,  at this point, our  pediatrician thinks it  will be fine  to continue our  travels on  March  21. We thank those who have  been praying, offering  help, sending  meals, and  just being an encouragement as we have walked through this trial.

Sara is catching up on sleep, though she is more inclined (as am I) to stay up and watch Samuel sleep than to get sleep herself. As parents, I suppose we worry more than we care to admit, but are learning more each day that God is in control and we are better to leave things in His hands. We have been led more and more to pray for our children, in sickness and  in health, in plenty and in want, and  are reminded of Paul's sentiment in Philippians 4:11-13:

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. "

Our friend David Crossman wrote  a song  from this passage that  rings in  my head often  when trying times come. What a  blessing spiritual  songs  are  to  us, singing  and making melody in our hearts to the  Lord.  We have found  strength and comfort in  God's Word so often,  knowing that we are not taking this journey alone, and we have no reason to complain.

We are reminded that there are Christians being persecuted all over the world today. We  know many parents have children that are at death's door, and some that carry the  burden of  raising a child by themselves after losing a spouse. Still worse,  there are men, women, boys and girls around the globe that  have  no  knowledge of the true and living God. These people  will do more than walk through the valley of  the shadow of death, but will experience eternal  death in the lake of fire. When we look at the bigger picture, we consider  ourselves blessed, and we  praise  God  for His  provision in  all things.

Looking at the scheduled departure date on the calendar has reminded us of  a few other  things. We have just  12 days before  we  leave Maine again. In  the meantime, we have meals planned with friend and  family,  trips around the state to visit other Christians in Hancock County and Central  Maine. 

I thought I should send out this update, as  many have called or emailed  asking about Samuel's condition. Thank you again for the prayer and help in so many ways.  We are truly blessed, and thank God for you all every day.