BOLD request

I have to be honest, I wasn't planning on posting this one on the world wide web.  I sent the following email to my family and couple of close friends earlier tonight.  The more I thought about it, the more I  felt prompted that is might encourage someone who is in throws of a struggle, too.   So...here ya go!

First, I want to praise that mom gets to go home from rehab today! She's almost two weeks post-op back surgery, and I hear she's been a star patient! I truly hope people will provide meals, help, encouragement for you and dad during this next transition.

Pray! This afternoon/evening has probably been one of my worsts.  My pain has increased. My lack of sleep is just making me delirious; therefore, I'm not coping mentally or physically well-which is obviously taking a toll on family.

Right now a battle in our minds is JUST as excruciating as the physical. I'm battling putting off the old and putting on the new, balancing being strong for girls but being completely real with them in showing them how mommy is trusting God and relying on Him for healing and strength.

So,  facts are (and trying to not let crazy emotions/lack of sleep take over)...
> God is in control.
> He will provide.
> He is faithful.
> I see slight improvements but seem to take two steps back each time I return from Bangkok.
> I need massive amounts of sleep (side effect of high doses of steroid and already self proclaimed insomniac)!!!!!
> This is testing us beyond anything we've ever seen.
> We still don't doubt we are suppose to be in this country.
> I'm thankful for my doctors.
> The girls are doing amazingly well despite circumstances, but I know they are feeling the stress in their own way.
> We are praying God's provision for helper/cook- difficulty finding english speaking helper and simply don't have energy to deal.
> God is silent at times, and we need to remain faithful.
> Asking/seeking His will.
> Thankful for prayer warriors.
> I'm nervous that CPK has increased (will find out on Monday)-I need not fear.
> Not understanding there's not remarkable improvement since IV treatment.
> Good things have happened through this.
> Expats have come to our rescue.

> His will is not always easy, and just because it's difficult at times doesn't mean you are not in His will.

>David is having to return back home in a few weeks for the training he missed due to my Bangkok hospitalization.

I'm asking for BOLD prayers for us. I KNOW He is faithful, and we ARE going to make it but we are weary. Please join us is expecting GREAT things and continued wisdom for doctors and acceptance of this disability.

Believing HE will answer!!

Christa : )

So to end with some of my favorite things that brought smiles to my face today...

Abigail...

Simple beauty...

Majestic creation...

supportive family...

compassionate daughters...

Audrey An...

You may have seen/heard this song floating around on the net the past few weeks.  I certainly have, but it wasn't until my sister sent me the link earlier this week that I played it and played it over again and really listened to the words.  Now, Abigail asks for it to be played.  It's one of her favorites.  Encouraging words through this song, "Blessings".
"What if your blessing come through raindrops?  What if your healing comes through tears?  What if your 1000 sleepless nights are what it takes to know Your near?  What if your trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?" 

 The "jist" of the song is...
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Is. 55:7-9