Wednesday, August 1, 2012

"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all straregies of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11)

This week has been a pretty good week as far as Gracie goes.  We were notified last Thursday night that we were approved for the grant we applied for in hopes of getting her AFO brace covered.  Turns out we got approved for the EXACT amount we were quoted.  This felt like the first victory in our corner and I could not be more grateful for all the prayers and of course, for God hearing and answering those prayers with His provision!  I took Gracie on Monday and got her re-fitted for the brace and they anticipate it will be ready in a couple weeks.  Its a good thing we get to go back because Mark (the man who fits her) has won Gracie over.  She literally jumped out of my arms to see him and did not want to come back to me.  LOL!

We haven't gotten any update on the Fair Hearing Request for Medicaid, so I will be calling them soon to try and hurry them along.  (As much as one can do with the government anyway).  I'm noticing that it seems to be busy busy busy, and then wait wait wait.  Right now, I'm kinda waiting for some of the work to come together.  Friday we meet with a woman who is going to help us write up a press release for Gracie.  We want to get the media involved to 1-get people interested in helping her, 2-increase awareness, and 3-see if I end up in contact with any families close to me that are going thru the same thing.  I am also setting up a non-profit this weekend.  I'm still going to do a TON of fundraising for Gracie, but on the side I will start this non-profit with the goal of really amping up awareness of Fibular Hemimelia, and doing what I can to assist families who aren't able to get the best medical care possible because of cost/travel, etc., or who don't know where to find it.  As soon as I have that set up I will post the name on here.  It's going to be a lot of work, but I'm starting to wonder if this isn't what I'm supposed to be doing anyway.

Our church has been teaching the past month on the Armor of God.  It has been one of the best lessons I have ever heard!  I am so grateful to go to a church where God really uses the staff to reach people.  Last Sunday was about putting on the helmet of salvation.  Basically, it boils down to what you focus on, is what you feel.  You choose based on what you think about or focus on.  When I start focusing on being depressed, or worrying, I don't have to stay in this place.  God's armor, the helmet of salvation can help me guard against my thoughts.  I can still feel depressed or worried, but I can also meditate on God during those times, not on our circumstances....and that is what the armor of God will help me to do.  So, for Gracie's sake, for the sake of my family, my marriage, and for my sake....I am putting on ALL the armor of God, not just the helmet.  I'm choosing God when things are easy, AND when they are hard....and I believe in His promise to hear the cries of my heart. 

Now, I just HAVE to brag real quick.  I post so much about Gracie, and her circumstances, but my lil man Landry is AMAZING!  I love him more than words can express, and I am so grateful God choose me to be his mommy.  So Landry has been loving the water this summer.  Him and daddy go swimming a lot at my moms, and at 3 1/2 he has decided to swim without floaties or any devices.  He jumps in the pool and swims to the side!!!  It is the coolest thing to watch!  I had to brag about my baby and post a video!  He's so stinkin cute!