Soon end in JOY

This new season of life has held a lot of unexpected blessings and trials. In times like these when God's hand is so clearly at work our faith is grown and tested. Recently, when thinking about all of these things that God has set before us I began to consider that hard or sad, challenging or exhausting, God only has good things. He has sovereignly designed all the circumstances in our lives to teach us more about Himself and to know him in new ways.

Two weeks ago in a somewhat comedically terrible visit to Quizno's where loaves of bread that were on the floor were used and germs were blown all over condiments, I left with something that gave me food posioning (my doctor wisely counselled me to leave if I ever see something like that ever happen again). Since then my daily routine has been interrupted and my newly returned health was taken away. I have been challenged with almost consistent nausea, upset stomach, and am often sick after I eat. Date nights have been at home, family trips have been postponed, and our social calendar has been adjusted. Yet still I rejoice. Why? Because God is good and has good in this. I can't see it right now, during some moments it's even hard to remember what it was like to be able to eat and not be sick, but He is in this and He is going to lead me through this. Seth and I are going to know God in new ways as we walk through this trial and we are going to see His hand move and make His faithfulness and power known. We pray for healing and have faith that He will do this, whether through practical means of modern medicine or through his power to move without the aid of doctors or tests. We have no idea the outcome but I know He is near and He is after our hearts. That is why we have joy in spite of our many limitations and circumstances.

I have been spending time in Psalm 103:1-5:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his
benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is

renewed like the eagle's.

One another note, my love has been wonderful. Yet again he has risen to the occasion. One night he stayed up late to clean up our apt, just because "he knew it would bless me." He has laid down desires and plans so that I can rest or take it easy when I am feeling sick. He has been there to snuggle and is always so eager in the moments when I feel really bad to pray for me. What a comfort it is. I am so grateful for him! He does so much to bless me and works so hard to provide for our family! I have been so aware of how much I love the simple moments with him, playing Scrabble in bed, reading through book catalogs and listening to him tell me all about the dozens of books that are on his "wish list", praying together every night before bed, and the list could go on. He is such a sweet boy to me. I love him so much and consider him one of God's greatest gifts to me!

That's the latest from the Remsnyders!