Sharing in Thanks

Mr. Weinberg made the point at a Wednesday sharing night that we should share of the goodness of God - He's been doing some wonderful things lately, and I'm very thankful! So, here's some sharing:

• Our 12-year-old washing machine, after many fixes, has died. On one hand, this conveniently happened right after a massive, fantastic sale at a great appliance place. On the other, it happened the day a $100 nation-wide rebate went into effect, and my father "just happened" to find a top-of-the-line Maytag Steam Washer for less than cost. That, plus the rebates and a great home-owner's policy and others' generosity, means we'll payed about $125 for a new washer that retails for over $1,200.
• I accidentally over drafted our account to the tune of $130 dollars a few weeks ago. It was totally my fault - but, the nice lady at the bank reversed half the charges, and then a random check from EvCC's Teacher Union arrived in the mail to cover the rest. He is gracious even with our stupid mistakes!
• We never received a bill for Andy's anesthesia services from last October's appendix trauma, though we did get an explanation of benefits from the insurance - they sent a $600 check to us towards the $1800 bill, but still showed a $1200 balance we would need to pay for the out-of-network provider. Lo and behold, the bill finally arrived today - and they discounted the $1200 and we only owe the $600 check the insurance initially sent us!! That means we don't have to pay any out-of-pocket for an $1800 bill.
• I've been feeling good, and all my numbers except my fasting blood-sugar have been well under control with diet changes. I am now on medicine two-times a day, but that's not horrible. I also feel better - though I love carbs, I'm not sure my body loves them, and I just feel more healthy and energetic. My fasting blood-sugar is still a little high, even with the medicine, so prayer needed on that front!
• I finished my last official day of class - perhaps for a long time, and at least until late September. I have a wonderful, flexible, rewarding job and a gracious Grandma and Grandpa who willingly watch Merian. It's a fantastic situation, but I love being home and sleeping in just a little.
• Andy has been getting enough hours at work - and even a little over-time! And, he has a day off tomorrow, which will allow him to fix some things around the farm and work on Tyncy projects, which is a massive blessing to me, as I can't do those things right now.

God has been answering our prayers in so many ways. I feel like He's showing me His faithfulness in the small things (like washing machines) to remind me He'll take care of the future, larger, more looming 'problems.'

A Carb By Any Other Name Would Still Smell As Sweet

Just a brief update on the Diabetes front. I had diabetic counseling today, and it was an encouragement. When I first heard the diabetes's news, I was crushed that my lack of self-control or weight issues might have caused this disease that will potentially affect Tyncy both as an inside and outside baby. It was comforting to hear that, though weight does influence things, it's more genetic pre-disposition + risk factors + pregnancy hormones.

To summarize the appointment, I have to monitor my blood-sugar four times a day (for now) and reduce my carbohydrate intake. The nice nutritionist showed me how to test my blood-sugar, and as she pulls out the smallest little needle I've ever seen, asks me if I'm going to be okay. Nice Lady, I have birthed a child. What's a little needle to me? The discussion of carbohydrates was more painful and traumatizing than that blasted needle. When given the choice between a candy bar and a bowl of pasta, I will always take the pasta. Good, Italian, Carb-loaded food wins over any other food on the planet. Thankfully, I can still have up to 14 'carb-servings' a day, so it's not the end of the world (though the skies rolling back any time now would be fantastic. I can't wait for Heaven's version of cheesecake).

But, how good is God?! All my years of learning how to read nutritional labels, measure food, and monitor carbohydrate intake via South Beach or Atkins or Weight Watchers have all helped prepare me for something that matters - my sweet Tyncy! I know good proteins, I understand how to cook and be creative on a limited carb-allowance, and that's fantastic! Not so fantastic is that low-carb diets cost more money, but as I drove home and saw a beautiful rainbow above Smokey Point, I was reminded that God cares for us and *always* keeps His promises. I think my insurance will even cover the diabetic testing supplies!

It seems food and exercise and nutrition will always be in my life. That little Leila chunk in Weight Watchers in the fourth grade will never quite escape the need to monitor dietary choices. I must discover an aerobic activity that doesn't make me want to poke out my eye (running, anyone?). This all used to upset me as I watched the pretty-perfect-people (so I called them) eat whatever they wanted. But, this keeps me humble, and it keeps me dependent. I need that. So, please keep praying. If my blood sugar isn't controlled by diet changes, I might need to start medication. If Tyncy responds well, awesome, but if he or she starts having a huge growth spurt, we'll begin exploring induction/C-section stuff further down the road. My prayer is for a healthy baby, delivered naturally, but ultimately I want God's glory to radiate - like a cosmic plate of wood-fired pizza.