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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Social Studies, History, and Bible Study Make For a Full Day


The girls and I show off our "I voted" stickers

This morning the girls had a little social studies lesson. Following Laura Kate's dentist appointment (which went really well), we headed to our polling place to cast our vote. Of course, when I say we and our, I mean me and mine. No voter fraud here:) The girls were intrigued with the voting machine. They were really quiet and stayed right next to me. I was grateful for that. Of course, I spent a good deal of the morning (before voting) explaining what we were doing and why. The concept of "country" is still a little too big for them, I think. They understand city and state, but country is still a little confusing. As is Earth, for that matter. They do know that a globe is a representation of Earth. I think they're doing just fine :) On a side note, I did not vote for the president elect. I didn't think he was the best choice for our country for a lot of reasons, not the least of which are national security concerns. However, I think we should respect the office. He will be president, our president. And it was an historic election. The first black president is absolutely nothing to sneeze at. 61% (according to GMA this morning) of his voters were not minority, they were white. I hope this election puts to bed the notion that our country doesn't have the ability to see past skin color. God made us black, brown and white and expects us to love each other because He first loved us and we're His creation. I agree with the late Dr. King that it's not the color of one's skin, but the content of his character that is of importance. Evidently our country does as well. We have come a long way in 50 years. From segregation and voter intimidation to an African-American holding the highest office in the land. Partisan politics aside, that's pretty awesome. That's our history lesson for the day.

On a different note, we have Laura Kate's scope scheduled. It will take place on November 24, first thing in the morning. She's not really been having stomach pain lately, so we've been second guessing whether or not we need to have the scope done. It's not something we're thrilled about having her go through. And, it's not like we can pay our copay and have the procedure done. We have a deductible to meet since our insurance reset in October, so there's the financial aspect as well. I have to keep telling myself what I told Justin: if the GI specialist wants it done, you do it. Scott and White will just have to put it on our (ever growing) tab! Could that be the math and science lesson? I dunno.

We just have to have faith that we're doing what's best for our little one and that the Lord will provide the means by which to do that. In Philippians 4:19, Paul tells us that "my God will meet all you needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." A GI scope isn't a want, I can guarantee you! It's a medical need. I like what Jesus says about the Father supplying needs in Matthew 7:9-11 (emphasis mine): "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" So we ask Him to provide what we need.

I've been doing the the Experiencing God study by Henry and Richard Blackaby. If you haven't done it, do so. I promise you'll be grateful that you did. Here are my thoughts about our situation, based on what I've come to understand: If we accomplish a task by our might and resources, how is that glorifying to God? It isn't. People don't recognize His power in that instance and aren't drawn to Him. He wants to accomplish things through us that we are incapable of doing on our own so that His power is showcased and people can experience Him in a way they couldn't have otherwise. I can assure you that our (the Mitchells) emotional and financial resources are limited. I've wondered why Laura Kate just doesn't get completely well. We've asked for healing. You've asked for healing. I know and believe He could do it if He so chose. Perhaps it's to increase our faith. Perhaps it's to demonstrate His power and resources, since ours are limited, and increase your faith as well. It's probably both. I assure you that we are not without some times of stress. Truthfully, those are times of weakened faith that call for repentance. However, at our core we believe God is good and He loves us. He's our Dad in heaven. Our dads here on Earth took good care of us when we were kids (and continue to). Oh, how much more can we depend on our Dad in heaven! Bible study-check. Whew...busy day :)

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