Happy Wednesday friends!
I am thrilled to report another wonderful day here at the McClendon house. Kayleigh has felt good and been busy all day. She’s been to the movies, played with Grace, Cole and our wonderful Natalie, and played with cousins. As I type this post she is valiantly fighting sleep next to me. She says she can help me write tonight’s post – anything to keep from actually going to sleep she’s quite the little con artist!
So, I asked her what I needed to write… She says to tell you all two things:
1.) She had a great time celebrating birthdays with her cousins tonight
2.) Don’t forget God parted the river
And that my friends is all, but it certainly is plenty. At least it’s plenty for me to talk about! You see, our pastor preached about that river not too long ago and Kayleigh’s words brought the lesson back to mind. So often we talk about God parting the Red Sea, we overlook sometimes that he parted the Jordan River for Joshua. If you have a minute go read Joshua chapters 3 & 4, they are not long. Then come back and read my thoughts…
As I reread the story tonight I see a picture of God’s perfect timing for the Israelites and for Joshua. I see God’s might displayed – stopping a river that is rushing at flood stage and sending people across on dry ground. Dry land… Sometimes we miss that detail. Not just the water stopped but the ground wasn’t mushy or hard to cross. It was dry. And then I see God’s wisdom being passed down to us through the remembrance stones. Once across the river God instructed a stone be brought from the river, one for each tribe of Israel, and set as a memorial. So no one would forget what was done at that spot and so future generations would ask what those stones meant and it would be an opportunity for them to be told about God’s miracles and faithfulness.
As I reflect on what that means in my life I just have to stop for a moment. Yes, DIPG is like looking at a river that is rushing at flood stage. If I try to cross that river under my own ability I will surely be swept away and drown. For me alone, it looks hopeless. But for me with God, it looks like another opportunity to set forth stones of remembrance.
Nearly every day I hear “I don’t know how you do it” – but really, the answer is so simple. We aren’t doing it, God is. God doesn’t look at Kayleigh’s diagnosis and wring His hands. He knew this was a part of our story from the foundation of the world. He also knows how the story ends, He’s personally crafted every detail. And this Almighty God sees fit to grant me peace when I pray for Kayleigh’s healing this side of heaven. So yes, you read my posts and yes, I really believe what I am writing. I’m not covering up internal angst, I am at complete peace. I believe the same God that stopped the rushing river is going to stop the DIPG in my baby. I believe He has a path set for us to walk across dry land – I have no idea what that path looks like or how long it is, but I know it is already set and I know as long as I trust Him I will have sure footing. And I believe when we get to the end of this river crossing God is going to help me set up stones of remembrance so that when anyone sees them they will ask and be told of God’s amazing greatness and miracles.
I am looking forward to the miracles God has in store for Kayleigh and the rest of us – both big and small. I know there will still be hurdles and obstacles but I also know God has everything under control. It’s just my job to be faithful.
Joshua 4:21-24
21 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. 24 He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”
Kayleigh has finally drifted off to sleep but I think she did a vey nice job with tonight’s post. If you see her let her know you liked her message about God parting the river. She thinks she isn’t really doing anything, that she is just a kid, I keep telling her that by just being herself and letting me write about her, she is making a difference.
Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜
Hanging out with our awesome Natalie!
Movies
Sweet sisters