Resting in His Sovereignty
Thank you, thank you for all your prayers. I really appreciate them.
I was able to get a few hours of sleep last night and only had to have blood drawn once in the night - which is something to be grateful for as the more times they draw blood, the harder it is for me since I'm quite anemic and I've also inherited my mom's weak stomach when it comes to blood draws.
As of last night, the doctors don't have any clearer answers as to why I'm having the various problems I am. That could be good news or it could be not so good news. I was initially admitted with the thought that I had an infection and would need a few days of IV antibiotics. However, after various tests, that doesn't seem to be the case. The most concerning thing right now seems to be my very low platelet count but there are a number of other abnormal things as well and nothing seems to be adding up in the test results to a conclusive diagnosis. There have been many potential problems brought up which would be much worse than a simple, treatable infection, but everything is still very up in the air.
It would be easy to start down a road of worry and complicated "what-if" scenarios, but I must instead cling to the Sovereignty of God. A God Who is enough. A God Who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. "I will trust and not be afraid..." We'll see what today brings. I'm just trying to take one hour at a time and trust the Lord for the rest.
My specific prayer requests right now would be that I would continue to have peace and strength in the Lord, that the doctors would have wisdom and discernment, and that I could be a blessing and a witness to all those I come in contact with here. Also, I would ask that you especially pray for Jesse that God would pour out His grace, strength, and blessing upon him as he has much on his shoulders right now. We are so thankful that the baby seems to be extremely healthy in spite of all this - that is a huge blessing. Please pray that he or she would continue to be protected, nourished, and cared for.
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement and for taking time from your busy lives to pray and care. It means so much and I pray the Lord richly blesses you all for blessing me.
I was able to get a few hours of sleep last night and only had to have blood drawn once in the night - which is something to be grateful for as the more times they draw blood, the harder it is for me since I'm quite anemic and I've also inherited my mom's weak stomach when it comes to blood draws.
As of last night, the doctors don't have any clearer answers as to why I'm having the various problems I am. That could be good news or it could be not so good news. I was initially admitted with the thought that I had an infection and would need a few days of IV antibiotics. However, after various tests, that doesn't seem to be the case. The most concerning thing right now seems to be my very low platelet count but there are a number of other abnormal things as well and nothing seems to be adding up in the test results to a conclusive diagnosis. There have been many potential problems brought up which would be much worse than a simple, treatable infection, but everything is still very up in the air.
It would be easy to start down a road of worry and complicated "what-if" scenarios, but I must instead cling to the Sovereignty of God. A God Who is enough. A God Who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. "I will trust and not be afraid..." We'll see what today brings. I'm just trying to take one hour at a time and trust the Lord for the rest.
My specific prayer requests right now would be that I would continue to have peace and strength in the Lord, that the doctors would have wisdom and discernment, and that I could be a blessing and a witness to all those I come in contact with here. Also, I would ask that you especially pray for Jesse that God would pour out His grace, strength, and blessing upon him as he has much on his shoulders right now. We are so thankful that the baby seems to be extremely healthy in spite of all this - that is a huge blessing. Please pray that he or she would continue to be protected, nourished, and cared for.
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement and for taking time from your busy lives to pray and care. It means so much and I pray the Lord richly blesses you all for blessing me.
posted by Crystal Paine at 7:16 AM
67 Comments:
Dear Crystal and Family,
i am a regular "lurker" on your site and enjoy it very much! thank you so much for all the ways you minister to others! i am definitely praying for you and your family! Keep us posted...
By His Grace,
Jen in Al
you are all in my prayers, Crystal.
Dear Crystal,
I'm also a "regular lurker". Thanks for what you do. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Best wishes,
Jennifer in PA
Praying mightily for you and your family today! I will pray for a clear answer for the doctors and a simple solution to your problems... and a quick release from the hospital so that you can be back home enjoying your family again!!
Crystal, I don't comment very often at all, but I read every day and am always encouraged. I'm praying for you and your family!
You will certainly be in my prayers Crystal. If you ever wonder whether your blog has any effect, don't. The strength you find in God is such an example to me (and many others too I'm sure).
-Kara
It is my heartfelt prayer that you and Baby are healthy and that God would grant you and your family His grace and strength during this challenging time.
Dear Crystal and Family,
My daughter (19) and I are also regular "lurkers" on your site and have been for several years and have been so blessed by your site and how you enourage others (young moms and young maidens especially) to walk the narrow path of this world. We are definitely praying for you and your family. My God give you His peace that passes all understanding.
Serving Him,
The Hopes
Being kept in thoughts and prayers; believing you thank God He is working all things toward good even in the most intricate details(so I will, too). Hugging toward encouraging you all of His love toward your precious family ~ :-)
Still praying, dear one!
I'm praying for you and baby and the rest of your family. May the Lord give you and your family peace; may He keep your little one safe; may He give wisdom and direction to the doctors.
I'll continue to pray for you as the Lord brings you to mind. This hits close to home as I'm due just a few weeks before you (June 14th).
Keep us updated as you can!
I'll be praying for you Crystal. I hope they are able to figure out what's wrong and fix it soon!!!
Dear Crystal,
You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.
Lydia
Remembering you all in my prayers.
Annaelisabeth
Crystal,
I will be praying for this situation. I am so sorry you are going through this.
Hugs
BTW, I know the hospital beds are terribly uncomfortable.Those plastic mattress coverings are a big sweat producer. Eeee! You could ask Jesse to bring in your own pillow(s) from home. ANother thing I do (or suggest) is to wear your own nightgowns/pjs. Those Johnnys are washed in some kind of strong stuff and feel awful against the skin.
Hope these suggestions help.
-Zan
Crystal & Family,
I am reminded of the poem Footprints...it is in the rough times that God's carries us through. :) What a promise! Trusting that you are resting in His arms, that Jesse's burdens are laid at His feet, and that the entire family feels His love envelope you each day. Trusting God for recovery and a healthy and safe delivery!
Christie in TX
Remember what God's Word states..."I am the Lord who healeth thee!"
Many hugs and prayers to you,
Ruth, PA
My prayers are with you. I hope they can figure it out quickly and that there is an easy solution.
jennifer
Crystal, you are in my prayers as is your family. Glad to hear the baby is healthy! Now all we need is for YOU to get healthy too, and I'm confident the Lord will heal you of whatever ails. Lifting you up....
Praying for you! I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed listening to your workshop, "What My Parents Did Right" (I listened to it last night after the kids were in bed). I loved that you gave specific examples of what your parents did to give you a strong foundation in the Lord. Those of us who were not raised in an environment like that need specifics about what we can do to raise up our children to follow Jesus. Please keep us posted about your condition. Valerie
Crystal, one more thing. I am a doctor myself, and was wondering if your doctors have mentioned if you have HELLP syndrome? Since you mentioned a very low platelet count, I was wondering if might be what is going on. Your liver function tests (detected by blood test) would be abnormal with this as well. I don't know if that is what is going on, but will continue to pray! Valerie
I didn't have time to get on here yesterday, just wanted to let you know I'll be praying for you and I hope that they can get you feeling better (and out of the hospital) in no time!
I will be lifting you and your precious family up in prayer through this time. What a beautiful witness you all are!
Much love...
In Christ alone,
Amy B.
Crystal,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, as well as the doctors and nurses taking care of you.
You are such a great example to all of us who read your blog, and I pray you will be a witness to those caring for you in the hospital as well.
Crystal - I will be praying. How is Catherine handling the seperation? I know she probably misses you, but I hope she's having too much fun with Daddy and Aunty to dwell on it much. It's excellent news that the baby is well. I'll be praying that you're back on your feet soon, too:)
I am another lurker who reads daily (I've commented a few times)
I'm so glad to hear that your little baby is doing well, despite all that is going on- what a blessing!
I will be praying for your health :)
-Kailey
You are setting a very good example in staying positive and trusting in God. I am sure that you must be aware that many people are thinking of you and your family right now. Thank you for keeping us up to date with what is happening.
I will continue praying for you, Crystal, for your baby and all of your family.
Praying for you and your family, Crystal
Praying for you and your sweet family. Keep your positive outlook and try to rest. What a witness you can be to everyone around you!
Love in Christ.
Praying for all these things for you Crystal. Keep us posted.
~Samantha
Depending on how long your stay will be, I would definately suggest bringing in some of your own pillows from home--those hospital beds are torture for a pregnant gal's back! :-) I would also have a soft throw or light afghan from home to snuggle up with as the hospital rooms are sometimes on the chilly side and all of their bedding tends to be itchy and reeking of bleach. I always wore my own pjs and robe during my various hospital stays. It makes such a difference, plus you feel more "put together" should you have unexpected visitors.
Even though it sure isn't fun to be in the hospital,the worst part for me was feeling rushed to get out and back home to my children, so it's great that you will have your sister to help out. It makes such a difference knowing that your home is in capable hands. I'll be praying for you and baby (I think it's going to be a little girl!) and hope that you will be recovered soon.
Hi Crystal,
I'm praying for you and your family.
I think alot of people have the misconception that home birth/midwife equals inadequate medical care, so without meaning to be, you are a witness to the fact that most midwives are trained and very knowledgeable and know what to look for. I know these things are scary. With my first baby, an ultrasound showed very low amniotic fluid and since I was already over due, they had me go directly to the hospital to be induced. Everything turned out just fine in the end, but the in between time was scary, not knowing what was going to happen. Like you said, the best thing to do is to trust God fully. He has your best interest (and baby's) in mind and will give you the strength to get through the road ahead with peace. As one who has been through longer than expected hospital stays, I know it is frustrating to feel powerless and weak, so hang in there! We are all praying for you. Keep us posted!
Another lurker wishing you and yours all the best.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you; May He look upon you with favor, and give you peace.
Laura in MN.
I know I already commented that I was praying but we are going to kneel down as a family and bring you before the Lord, We love you in Christ, Phallin (The Jennings family)
Praying for you. Joy
Praying for you and Jesse, that you'll have peace, and that the doctors will soon figure out what's wrong!
Praying for you Crystal!
~Sarah:)
Praying for you Crystal and family!! What a testimony to the glory of God you are being even in trials! May we all be satisfied in Him!
Was surprised to read that you are in the hospital.I will be praying for you.
Take care and get some rest.
I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Crystal! I pray that God's hand will be over you and the little one and that He will guide the doctors in their search for what is wrong with you!
Crystal,
I will have you in my prayers. You have been a encouragment to me during my down and sick times during my pregnancy. Blessings, hugs, and kisses.
Chrissy T. IL
Crystal,
I will keep you in my prayers.You are a great example of trusting in Him. I pray that God gives you His Strength. Blessings!
well that is great news! Keep us posted young lady and KEEP RESTING! homemakerang
Crystal, I am praying for you and your precious baby. When I was pregnant with my twins, I had some complications and became quite ill. I had low platelet count, and abnormal blood, kidney, and liver function tests. I did have HELPP syndrome, as well as it's cousin, preeclampsia. I know this is an incredibly scary time for you. I pray for God to sustain you with HIS strength. In the end, I recovered totally, and I have two beautiful almost three year old girls!! They are absolutely perfect and 100% healthy, despite their early arrival at 30 weeks! And I know you are much further along than that! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless!
Shanna
Praying for you!
May the Lord give the doctors the wisdom and discernment they need to figure out what is wrong. May the God of all peace wrap you and your family in a blanket of sweet peace as you wait and rest in Him.
It is hard work to keep our focus on the here and now. May He enable you do do it.
In Him,
Theresa
Praying for you!
Crystal:
I am praying for your whole family. Your work here is such a blessing to all of us!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Crystal!!! :-)
Praying now Crystal!
Lots of love,
Sommer
My Family and I are praying for you Crystal,for your beloved husband, for your lovely daughter and also for your newest blessing waiting to be born.
God Bless,
Mrs.Garcia
Praying for you, and that the drs. will have wisdom in finding out exactly what the problem is!! Take care and keep resting in Him. :)
Keeping you and family in prayer here.
I am also a regular "lurker" from up here in Canada. You and your family (including the future addition) are in my thoughts and prayers.
You and your family are in my prayers as well. Keep resting in His Sovereignty.
Dear Crystal,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for your encouragement to me as you live your life so sweetly as a sacrifice to our Lord. You are a sweet fragrance. God bless you and keep you and your family.
I am praying for your health and for your family. Blessings to you from Japan.
Crystal,
I hope you get out of the hospital soon! It's hard enough to be so sick, but to be away from the hubby and the little one and worry about the baby on top of it all must be overwhelming.
Remember that God's with you and keep your reading your Bible when you're not resting!
I'll be praying for you at home and at church and so will my daughter when we do her daily Bible story and prayers.
I also can't thank you enough for being such a positive influence in my life in many, many ways.
In Him,
Amy
Crystal,
I am so sorry you are having these problems. I ask the Lord that he will sustain you and keep you strong throughout this ordeal. I ask that he keep you and the baby safe and healthy and protect your family. You are in my heart.
-Shannon
Hi Crystal!!
We are still praying for you here in the U household!!!
His,
Mrs. U
Will continue praying for you. What a blessing that you are past the 30 week mark and well into that last couple weeks. I had wanted natural births with both my pregnancies, and it just never worked out that way, due to one complication or another. so I can relate to being helplessly confined to a hospital bed! God is good, however, and I want to encourage you to keep trusting Him.
We're praying for you and are very concerned about your health conditions. We praise the Lord for the good health of the baby! Praying you will all have God's peace when things seem to be spinning out of (our) control, but as you shared, God is in total control - Sovereign! We love to get updates on your condition, but understand you need to rest and find out what's wrong with you; that is the most important thing right now. I'm sure you're a sweet testimony to the hospital staff and God is using you in a special way on your "missions trip" there. When I spent time in the hospital, I enjoyed listening to good music and putting pictures of my family around, and putting Scripture up. Love you in the Lord, Crystal. P.S. My girls used to get Polished Cornerstones so I feel like I've "known" you for quite a few years!
praying for you, Crystal.
Crystal,
You don't have to post this as a comment, but when I read about your low platelet count and low hemoglobin, combined with the anemia, it immediately reminded me of a condition that my aunt has. It's called ITP; idyopathic thromboceitic penic pupura. (don't quote me on the spelling!) basically, the immune system thinks that the platelets are an infection, so it destroys them, hence the low platelet count. I don't know if this is something the doctors have considered, but i just thought i would let you know, as it is a very rare condition and many health care professionals themselves are not even aware of it! Hope you feel better soon, and take care.
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