Joanne Heim

Memorial Day, New Season (Toben)

Memorial day this year marked the end of the school year for the girls. We are on to a new season! I think I am looking forward to their summer vacation more than they are. I love having them at home. I know I have mentioned this in the past but nothing makes me happier ten having all my girls under one roof. I think this summer will offer some "firsts" for our family.

Audrey has a boy friend...of sorts. It is more like a crush but she and said boy have spent a little time together (under close supervision) and I think they really like each other. This is a big deal! He is really the first boy that she has shown any interest in. So I am trying to parent wisely through this touchy time. I don't want to freak her out or be overbearing and over protective, but as one of my new favorite writers says, "Protect your daughters. Use a shotgun if necessary!" I am not quite to that point, but it has lead to some interesting and compelling discussions with Audrey. 

Emma. What can I say about Emma. I will brag a little here: Emma was the number one student in her entire sixth grade for the second semester (out of 300 students), topping a 4.o by several percentage points. WOW! I knew the kid was smart, and I knew she worked hard but this is really something! And it means a great deal to her. Emma is sort of quiet but she is fiercely competitive. Coming out on top means the world to her. She will honestly miss being at school this summer. She just loves it so much.

Audrey on the other hand will be more then happy to be out of school. She runs around the house yelling, "I didn't fail any classes!" And that means as much to her as Emma's accomplishment means to her. I am amazed at how different two kids raised byt he same parents in the same environment can be. I am sure that is the case for many of you parents out there. You have a couple kids and they are exact opposites. How strange and  wonderful that is. How boring it would be if Emma and Audrey were carbon copies of one another!

We really don't have any big plans for the summer. We are going to spend a few weekends in Winter Park and Jo's sisters house up there. It will be a nice change of scenery. But I think that may be about it. I need to figure out some other close-to-home activities to keep the girls from getting too bored. At this point I think Audrey is most excited about sleep and spending time with friends. Emma is getting into video games and helping out around the house. She actually said yesterday, "When I get bored I get a lot done!" 

So what are you doing this summer?

Toben

This Side of Heaven (Toben)

Had a conversation yesterday with a friend who has suffered much. I mean, a lot! She has been a good sounding board for me over the last years as we have walked through Joanne's situation. She definitely has a unique perspective. A lot of times when we talk we get a chuckle of of the things people say to try to make us feel better. Obviously we are quick to acknowledge that people really do want to be an encouragement but sometimes that uplifting word just creates more questions than it does answers. So here's one:

God promises healing, but does that mean that He promises healing on this side of Heaven or is He more often talking about the restoration that will occur in each and every one of His children what we pass away and enter His presence? I need to go back to scripture and re-read some of the key passages on healing and view them through this lens. 

My friend talked about the fact that both doctors and the scriptures can be correct even if they seem to be saying completely opposite things. Doctor: no, you're not going to get any better. God: I will heal you. In an eternal perspective both of those things can be true. 

Interesting food for thought. Would love to hear your take on this in the comments.

Toben

Life in CO Springs by Emma

Hey guys I haven't done a post in a long time and I wanted to tell you about my life in CO Springs.

I absolutly love Eagleview!!!! It rocks. I have made many new friends, my teachers are so nice. This quarter I'm in photography and drama, super fun, and pre algebra 7 and accelerated LA.

I get to see my sweet little kitty 2 times a week, she is doing great. Can't wait for spring, still can't beleive that we got 4 inches of snow on may day. 

 

CO Springs is awesome, i love living near my grandparents.

 punpkin:)

 

Emma

Wings of Eagles Meets Gravity (Toben)

This morning in devotions I was asked to read Isaiah 40:31. I am sure many of you already know it. It says:  

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."

I was at the doctor, who I have been with for the last 10 years, this week and we were talking about Joanne's situation. One of the doctors was pretty blunt and just told me that Joanne was as good as she was going to get. Her "18 month window" was closed and that she would spend the rest of her life in her current condition. Minutes later a PA came in to do some other tests and she brought up Joanne and said, "Don't listen to what anyone tells you. Joanne can get better. You just have to have faith and keep trying." Wow, what whiplash! Who to believe?! 

Joanne's primary doctor was pretty blunt about the "18 month window" too. He said we may see little improvement here and there but for the most part we are at where we are at for the rest of Joanne's life. 

So what do I do with old Isaiah 40:31? What does it mean to "mount up with wings like eagles?" I am writing this because I totally confused. I don't want to get my hopes up that some miracle is going to happen and Joanne is going to be healed.  But I also don't want to deny God's power. How foolish would that be as a Bible believing Christian? 

So I sit here stuck between eagles wings and gravity. The gravity of the situation pulls down and down and down without ceasing. But the Word promises flight. I don't want to live in fantasy land and I don't want to live in constant disappointment, but I also don't want to underestimate God. Hmmmm....

Anyone have any insights on this one? I'm not looking for simple answers and would love to hear from people who have beat the odds (especially medically) to be restored in the name of Jesus.

Toben