A blog that inspired

http://www.joelroyaltyfamily.blogspot.com

I knew Deena from our college days, but only recently came across their blog when I had heard about the extremely difficulty delivery of their 6th child and how wonderfully God spared both Deena and the baby. That brought me to their blog, but then I kept reading....and reading....and reading. I was so thoroughly blessed by the stories of this family - the lightheardedness, the transparency, and the truly Godly spirit that they show.

Then, it made me think about my blog, this blog, called, "God is so good." I wondered if I have really shown God's goodness on the blog. So, I determined to blog better - first by looking around and seeing how good God is everyday in our lives and then by sharing that goodness with anyone willing to read.

So, today I thought, "What can I see today of God's goodness," of course thinking about what I can share on the blog. I realized that I haven't updated much this summer or even this year because not much is "going on." James did very well in school this year, even likes reading more. Johannah is doing SO much better this year. No treatment, only normal trips to the doctor, etc, etc.

Then, something happened today that made it all come together. I took James to the dentist. Up until now, James has always had to be premedicated with an antibiotic before going to the dentist. But, today the dentist said it wasn't needed. I thought, "Oh no, you don't know what you're talking about. James has ALWAYS needed premedication. I will call the oncologist and get this straightened out." Which I did! But, the nurse called back from the oncologist's office and said, "Nope, he doesn't need the premedication. No central line, no treatment....no antbiotic." I think only a Mom that has a child with a chronic illness, that has needed chronic treatment, can understand what I'm feeling. But, when you have done something for so long - whether it be an antibiotic regularly or chemotherapy or whatever - and that stops, there is a fear of leaving the "comfort zone" of therapy.

Here is my "God is so good" moment....that life is SO normal this last year that there isn't much to write about and there isn't even a need for an antibiotic.

When we took James for surgery last summer, we knew it wouldn't be a cure. What we hoped for was at least a few years off treatment to give him a break. But, soon after moving here, an MRI showed that the tumor was coming back. I was discouraged, wondering, "Had we done the right thing?" But, here we are!!!! One year down with no treatment. God has so graciously held that tumor at bay, allowing James a year of "normal." For that, I can say GOD IS SO GOOD!! Although we know that these circumstances can change with the very next MRI, we can rest today in the knowledge that this last year was given to us by God.