And the peace that passes all understanding….

Is guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As we head into the shunt surgery tomm – that is where we are. We have prayed and asked God to heal Sara in such a way that she would not require a shunt. So far, He has said no. So, He will heal her and allow her by His grace to live a great life with a shunt. And we are totally at peace with that. Our faith is not shipwrecked because God said no to our request. It is not a lack of faith on our part or those who have prayed. God our Father in Heaven has decided that the best way we can show His glory and become like Christ is through living with a shunt. And we trust Him!

A well known pastor has said that the area of your greatest pain has the potential for your greatest ministry. Jennifer and I look forward to the day God can use us to minister to other families who live in the NICU for several months. And we have often said to each other – you know it would be harder to minister to them if our testimony was – “Well God healed Sara with a miracle and she doesn’t need a shunt, hope He does the same for you.” God hasn’t promised to heal everyone this side of heaven and now we have the opportunity to help those who face the same dilemmas we have faced.

Some good news today from the CAT Scan. There was a mass of fluid the doc was worried about that was accumulating in a spot on her brain that was causing some developmental problems he had noticed. Guess what? It's gone!! Praise God for that. He can even tell improvement as he checks her each day for that ability. Sara is so much fun to be with. She has these huge smiles and even squeals. Jennifer and I both got some huge ones today. Now if only we can get her home, roll her around and floor, let her sisters play with her, and smother her with kisses - it's gonna be great!!

Please continue to pray for Sara and us through the surgery and hopefully quick recovery before we head home. Pray that no infection will result from the new shunt or anything else that could happen down the road. Pray for a mom who struggles to deal with the heaviness of watching her baby go though her 5^th surgery in the last 4 months. We know it is all going to be ok, but it is not the most enjoyable process. Pray for the docs and nurses, our second family. We will keep you all posted tomm, thanks again for checking in and lifting up.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,

but to your name give glory,

for the sake of your steadfast love

and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115:1