Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Looking Up!

Things are looking up around the Biedebach home. On Monday, I took this picture of Ami in her new school uniform on her first day of school (ever). Since she has only known her mom as her teacher, it has been quite an adjustment. A bit of nervousness, a lot of excitement, new friends, new routine, but all in all, Ami is enjoying this transition - and for that we are grateful.

We are also grateful for another good day for Anita. No seizures or episodes today (yeah!). She is still very weak and has a lot of convalescing ahead of her but things seem to be looking up.

Again, we ask for your continued prayer. It has been a steady source of encouragement and strength for us and we believe God has used many faithful prayers to help pull us through this trial thus far. We have found great comfort this week that no matter what the outcome is, God is all knowing, all loving, all powerful, and He orchestrates everything for our benefit and His glory. Even trials benefit us, because we learn to trust Him more. Even suffering can bring glory to God because ultimately there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39) and no trial will compare with the glory a genuine believer will one day receive (Romans 8:18).

Tonight, I was lying on the carpet with baby Allison just before (6 year-old) Ami went to bed. She came in and asked me, "Daddy, what does it mean to trust?" It was one of those sweet moments you pray for as a parent. She stood there in her pajamas and I said to her, "Stand straight up, close your eyes, and fall towards me - I will catch you." She did it, and I caught her. She laughed with joy and wanted to do it again and again and again. A couple of times she caught me off guard and I nearly missed her. Once she tried it and saw that I wasn't looking and she caught herself before she landed on me. I said to her, "When you catch yourself by putting your foot down first, its because you don't 'trust' that I will catch you. I may not always be there to catch you, but no matter what the circumstances are like around you - who can you trust?"

She knew the answer.

8 comments:

Lynn said...

Ami looks wonderful in her uniform! Will be praying for her! Please tell Anita that we have also started a blog. Maybe she will be able to have a look when she is feeling better. http://thevandermerwe.blogspot.com

Linda Russell said...

What a precious girl! I am sure Ams will have a ball.

Sybrand and Beth de Swardt said...

Love you guys and continue to pray for you! Ami looks very cute! I got a good report from one of her teachers today :). She'll do so well in school but its more exciting how she's learning those important biblical truths.

Darcy said...

She looks so sweet in her uniform! I am glad to hear that Anita had a good day!

Lorraine said...

What a sweet blessing. We are praying for continued recovery for Anita and for Ami and all the changes for your family. When Anita's up for it, we'd love to trek out from Camarillo for a visit.

Christine Dixon said...

Sweet.

Anonymous said...

Ami looks lovely in her uniform. Sorry I have not been on the blog for a while so did not know Anita was sick. I hope you get better soon and we will pray for you. Missing you here in Malawi. xa

Lishe said...

wonderful moment, a talk about trust with your daughter! That is what we all pray for indeed!
she looks lovely and good to hear she doens't mind to get other teachers now :)