Trusting God "Even when Life hurts"

Trusting God is actually a title of a book written by Jerry Bridges. I read the book about three years ago and just recently found it. The book talks about:
-God is completely sovereign
-God is infinite in wisdom
-God is perfect in love
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. It also gives biblical references to what many people question: If God is both powerful and good, why is there so much suffering, so much pain and so much heartache in the world?
Gods ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9) God's plan and His ways of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust even when we don't understand........

Which brings me to our last appointment. We went down to LA on April 8, to see Dr. Mark Skalansky. (Luke's cardiologist and he also specializes in fetal echos) Luke was getting his regular three month check up and I was there for Dr. Skalansky to perform an echo and see if he could better diagnose our baby girls heart condition.

As for our baby girl-At this time Dr. Skalansky feels she has Tetrology of Fallot w/Pulmonary Artersia and MAPCAS. There was much concern as far as the severity, but at this time he felt that we should wait until I reach my 26-28 week mark for a better view. So for myself and bay girl Chez we are currently being seen by a specialist out of Saddle Back Hospital in Laguna Hills and in two weeks we will get an ultrasound with the cardiologist to see if they can further confirm her diagnosis. In the midst of the all the news, one good thing was I was taken off bed rest. Which has been so wonderful!

As for Luke's appointment-Unfortunately we were taken by complete surprise once again. Dr. Skalansky found Luke's valve that was replaced in open heart surgery just 6 months ago is already narrowing and looks to be obstructed. The valve that was put in was suppose to last up to 5-7 years. We were informed that Luke may need to go back into open heart surgery to replace the valve and or we could look into some type of intervention. We have also been struggling with major GI issues with Luke. He has been having extreme stomach pain and is vomiting at least once a day.

There are so many details with Luke and I do not want to loose everyone so at this time this is where we currently are:

1. Adam has consulted with two Dr.'s one in Miami and one in Boston that specialize in intervention and the Melody Valve (which is amazing!) However, the required age and weight are 5 yrs 45lbs. Luke is 4 and 31lbs. Luke would be the smallest case in the US at this time.
2. We have received an opinion from CHLA
3. We are currently in Palo Alto at Lucielle Packards Childrens Hospital-We are meeting with Dr. Frank Hanley (surgeon) to obtain his opinion as well.
-In regards to Luke's GI issues those are extremely important as well. Yesterday we met with a wonderful GI Doctor (Dr. Ken Cox at Stanford/LPCH) and he has been extremely helpful in guiding us with the correct testing we will need for Luke and we are also considering a few meds to help with his reflux and esophagitis.

Highlight of our visit-We were able to see precious Moriah and our dearest friends Justin and Victoria Nelson. Please check out there blog http://www.momentswithmoriah.blogspot.com/and help us with many others to continue to pray for their family.

The plan at this time is to get Luke in for an MRI to see if there is even a possibility that his valve can be saved through intervention.
The most frustrating part through this whole situation is everyone has a different approach and opinion as to what should be done. I have shared this with a few of you, but our plan is to gather all our information and PRAY that God will open and close the necessary doors.

After the passing of our sweet Gracie we are so frightened at having to make a decision and it is extremely painful and difficult. The most comforting part is that if we stay focused on leaving it in Gods hands and trusting in him we know the correct decision will be made. Nothing goes on beyone HIS control.

When we heard the news about baby girl Chez we were devastated....when we found out about Luke's heart we fell into the same spot once again. Our hearts are heavy with all that continues to come our way. BUT one thing that never changes and that is we are still trusting in God "even though life hurts right now" Don't get me wrong, there are times when I am very weak and feel so discouraged and upset that we cannot seem to escape these great trials, but I don't let myself stay in that place too long. We keep our focus on God and let him carry us through each day. We continue to do our very best to live for the day and to enjoy the present. Most importantly we try not to worry about tomorrow for the day has enough to handle on it's own. Through all this we make sure to enjoy each day together and are trying our best to fit in "fun days" as we know the road ahead may be a little bumpy.
I know I always end on the same note, but I have to. THANK YOU each and everyone of you who continues to support our family. God has used all of you to lift us up and trust me you do! Your prayers, visits, meals :) emails, and calls are one of our special blessings. We love you all and know that God has given each one of you to us to help us during this time! I've always shared that God never promised there would not be trials and suffering HE did promise we would not walk through it alone!

We will be keeping everyone updated within a the next couple of weeks.
All our love,
Terra, Adam, Luke, Angel Gracie and baby girl chez