Ruth's Story: Trusting Him

Hello again!

Update on Baby Ruth

We went back to the specialist on January 31, 2013.  It was a good visit.  All continues to look good.  She is very healthy.  The nurse measured her weight at 2 lbs 12 oz.  She should have been about 2 lbs 5 oz.  They estimated her weight at birth to be about 9 lbs.  :(  I hope they are off a little on that one!  As for Ruth's left hand, things look similar to as they did four weeks prior.  She still shows us somewhat of a palm, four little bones for fingers, and a bone for a thumb.  The specialist told us to come back in six weeks instead of four weeks.  So, he seems to think Ruth is progressing well enough to space out our appointments.  We are very happy about her healthy development.  And we will continue to pray for sweet Baby Ruth.

Lessons Mom Has Learned

Since this appointment, I have thought alot about prayer.

When leaving the appointment, I had mixed emotions and thoughts for a bit.  I was kind of bummed for a second.  We had left the last appointment with good news to share.  This time we would leave with news that there was no new change.  For a moment, I thought "well, I guess God didn't answer that prayer."  Then I told myself "wait a minute, Wendy - you haven't been specifically praying for two hands."  I have been praying that God would give her two hands if it would help her and if it would glorify Him.  Then another thought followed... God doesn't guarantee that our prayers will be answered.  God tells us to ask and be bold in our prayers.  God tells us that He listens.  But God doesn't say we will get exactly what is requested.

Prayer is more about our connection to God.  When we pray, we are communicating with God.  In prayer, I tell God my worries, concerns, and hopes.  He desires a constant relationship with us.  Prayer helps build that relationship.  Through a close connection with God, we gain perspective on life's blessings and life's frustrations.  This connection gives us understanding, peace, direction, discernment and more.  Life makes sense when we trust in the Lord.  But we don't understand that trust unless we pray and study His Word.

Prayer is not about what we can get out of God.  Prayer is about how we connect with God and build trust in Him.  This trust leads to peace.  I am very grateful for the peace I have about our baby Ruth.

Much love,

Wendy and Shawn