I'm Back--if any one is interested that is!

Well, It has been quite while. I've had lots of thoughts, and no time to post them. UGH!!

Last week I ended up working 3rd shift the entire week, as someone quit. It really wasn't that bad though. I was able to sleep while the boys were at school and Rob at work, I woke up shortly before they'd get home and do the normal evening stuff. You know, homeowork, housework, cooking. All the fun stuff. It was nice because I got off at 6am Friday and had the entire weekend off. AHHHHH!!!! We went to see a movie with the boys on Friday evening, and then Saturday I got Austin's birthday picture taken. Okay, Okay it was only 2 months late, but whose counting. He did real well also. Sometimes he likes to be a little difficult. Rob was sick this weekend though. He has bronchitis. Not fun. I made him go to the ER on Friday night. He was having such a hard time breathing, and I knew he needed to get some meds in him before he went back to work this week. He is doing much better now.

Sunday I was able to go to Memorial Baptist Church. Praise God for that. I miss going there so much. Rob has been interim Pastor for a few months at a Congregational Chruch, and we've not been able to be in Sunday services at MBC. It was so refreshing to be among those of like faith.
This Sunday will be our last Sunday at New Liberty Cong. church. I will miss the people, they were very kind to us while we were they. They are good people. And I pray that they will find a pastor soon.

My friend from work came to church with me on Sunday. It was pretty exciting for me. She is from my former faith family. God has opened her understanding to the real gospel message. I count it a privelage to be a part of her life. I get so excited when I see someone begin a new life in Christ alone. God is so good to us. It has been, and will always be, my prayer that God will use me to be a witness to those held in bondage to a legalistic religion. I so totally understand where they are coming from. God has done so much in my life, and I just want to share it with anyone who will listen. Let me tell you the neat part of it. I had published my testimony on my blog a while back, well, I just happened to print a copy of it, because there was someone I had wanted to share it with, and then I didn't see them. Well, it was in my purse, and my friend and I got to talking, and I just handed it to her, and said, "here, this will hopefully explain to you the change in my life." That is the begining of this story.

Well, back to the "reason for not posting", this week on Monday. A transformer, or maybe 2 or 3 blew in UC and it fried my computer. So, yesterday I had to go and get it fixed. Thankfully it was under warranty and didn't cost anything but gas $ and time.

I'm sure I'll have more to say later. I really need to utilize my day, and get some things done in the house. I do have to work this weekend.

LONG Weekend

I justwant to give a short update on my family.

My brother came home from the hospital on Friday night. He is doing somewhat better. He is still not able to eat solids. He will also have to visit this doctor that did the final surgery for a year, just to be sure things remain good for his liver. Thanks for praying.

My sister had the growth removed on Thursday in the am. We should get results soon. I'll post as soon as I know anything.
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Now, let me vent.

I worked yesterday 10 hours so that today I could just go in and do my paperwork and deposit for the store and still go to church. Well, 2 people called in. I worked yesterday from 6 am until 4 pm. Then, get this, I went back in at 10pm until now, which is 9am. My husband and I decided it'd be best if I stayed home and slept, so as not to be grouchy with the boys this afternoon. Therefore, I must go to bed. I shouldn't even be on this crazy computer now. I just had to post the updates, and also share my frustration for people who don't think it is important to come to work when scheduled.

Enjoy your Lord's Day.

Dirty front room

This is what ones house might look like after 3 days of both parents working full time.

Wednesday--Rob started his new job. I worked all day. We, all 5 of us, got home at the same time. We cleaned up, went to Burger King to eat, then off to church. Homework was done in the van. Home and it was bedtime.

Thursday--We didn't even have milk or bread in the house. I took the boys to school, did a little grocery shopping, got luch for Rob and took it to him. I had to work the evening, since I had to make a trip to Chicago, I had to switch schedules with someone else. Rob fixed the boys frozen pizza and they did homework, came to visit me at work and they were all in bed when I got home.

Today--Rob went to work before we even thought of waking up. Jordan got himself up and ready for school, he rode his bike, so he left as we were getting out of bed. I woke up with a terrible headache, I think it is from my allergies/sinuses. UGH!!! I went to breakfast with my friend. Took Rob a lunch--since I didn't feel like packing it last night. Zach also asked for a sack lunch, which I agreed too only because I had to go out to get Rob his anyway. Then, despite the STRONG DESIRE to nap, I worked a little in the house.

DIrty dining area

 

Another angle of the dirty kitchen

 

One dirty kitchen

 

Yummy desert

Dessert too?! The kids will like me tonight. LOL! 

Dinner is served! Doesn't that look yummy? It was super simple. It is mac & cheese lasgna.
I'll post the recipe later, just in case someone would be interested. 

What a relief! A cleaner house

This is after only 2 hours. I even had to run to the store in order to finish my dishes. I didn't have any hand dish soap. I also, ran in the grocery to get stuff needed for super. 2 hours and a cleaner house and super and dessert. I only say cleaner, because it is really not CLEAN--only on the surface.

More After

 

more after

 

More after

thought to ponder!

Are we sinners who sin OR are we sinners because we sin?

Just curious for some thoughts out there.

New request

Thanks to all who helped us pray for my brother. He is doing better. He was moved from ICU to a regular room.

New request. My sister, Melinda, has a mole like thing on her back. It started bleeding yesterday. We all told her to go to doctor. She did. He is not happy with the way it looks. She is having it removed on Thursday and it will be sent for a biopsy. She is extremely scared at this point. I would appreciate it if you would lift her up in prayer. Thanks in advance.

Everything went well

Tony's surgery went well. Thank you all for the prayers, I could feel them, and I know he could also.

We got to Chicago about 6pm. Tony looked much better than I had expected. In fact, I'm pretty sure he looked better than the day before. He was doing much better the day we got there. We were able to visit with him quit a while. Evidently, he kept asking "when is Sis (that's me) going to be here." That made me feel good. (you know it is all about me--lol!) At any rate, the infection was somewhat under control by Sunday evening, and his white blood cell count was closer to normal. He went into surger around 9:30 am and they were done around 1:30. The surgery was successful and there was not much damage to the liver, in fact they were very pleased with the results. I was able to see him for a quick second after he was back in ICU. We didn't visit long, because he needed to rest. When Bridget, my sis in law, called last evening, Tony was doing well. He was awake, although still a little groggy from the anesthia.

Rob and I made it back home safely. Smiling providence once again. Zach slept the entire ride home, with the execption of making him eat when we stopped to eat. Then they all slept from that point on. We made it in about 2am.

Thank you all for your prayers. We definately could feel the effects of them. God is so faithful. I could feel his presence with me during this trying time.

UPDATE

They did not do surgery today. The surgeon wanted to sabilize his condition and be sure the infection hasn't gotten worse before they open him up. The surgery is scheduled for Sunday 8am. Rob and I are heading up there to be with our family tomorrow. Please continue to pray for my family. Again, I am praying for his salvation as well as his healing. Thanks for the prayers. I can feel the effects in my life the last 2 days.

**oh, his first name is Tony. Sorry I haven't put that in yet.

Not looking good for my brother

My brother was careflighted to University of Chicago Hospital last night around midnight. They are going to try yet another procedure. If this fails, he will need a liver transplant. Pleas pray for my family during this. I couldn't post last night, I was just a mess. I am thankful that I have comforter, the Holy Spirit, with me through this.

Please pray for strength for my family and salvation for them. My brother is only 38. Myheart is aching, thinking that he is not saved through all this. Maybe, just maybe this is that "effectual call" on his life.

Thanks.
In Christ
Melissa

Update on my brother--Tony

Things are not looking good at the present.

He had his gall bladder removed last week, it was gangreous (sp) and so they put some sort of drainage tube to drain the poison from his body. It was not working properly. Yesterday, Bridget, my sister in law took him to the ER for pain. They ran tests, and kept him overnight, in anticipation for the procedure this morning. He had some leakage from a bile duct. The plan was to place a stintt in to help drain properly. The procedure was not sucessful. He has some blockage. Right now they are trying to remove the blockage and then move the stint were they want it. Please pray for this need. The worst part of this whole thing is that he is not saved. Oh how my heart aches right now. I appreciate your prayers more than words can say.