I have writers block. SEVERE writers block. It seems to come in spurts – a few days of inspiration, maybe even a bit of humor. And then nothing. Completely blank.
So until the next spurt of fresh ideas come, know I’m wishing you all well and hope your having a simply fantastical day!
Filed under Random
I came across this verse in this week’s Radically Obedient study and it has stuck with me ever since.
1 Timothy 1.5 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
May this be true of all who profess Jesus as their Lord – that we would be marked as people of love, a love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. What a verse!
Eliana Faith is now seven months old! How we love this little girl! She wakes each morning with smiles, growing more curious about everything each day. She has mastered sitting up on her own and recently began rocking on her hands and knees. Crawling is just around the corner! (Life is about to get REAL busy)
Currently, her favorite toy is Duckie. Just one glance at it and she gets the biggest smile on her face. Eliana also loves fruits and veggies, though she absolutely detests apples. She loves roasted butternut squash, pears/pineapple, blackberries, mangoes and sweet potatoes. But she will NOT eat apples.
One of the biggest changes in Eliana’s life is teeth! She now has two peeking through her bottom gums. She’s been a champ through it all, rarely ever crying. I can’t believe her gummy smile will soon be leaving…how I love it! But it is certainly a blessing to watch our little lady grow up.
Happy Seven Months, Eliana Faith! We love you so!
Filed under Eliana
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking to Plymouth Church in Raleigh. What an honor to spend the morning with them! In preparing for the message, God laid Isaiah 61.1a & 3 on my heart, particularly the phrase “beauty for ashes”.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me…to provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
God has certainly been faithful to provide beauty in place of ashes in my life, to take my mourning and put gladness in its place. It was humbling to share a bit of our journey with Isaac and a joy to testify to God’s faithfulness in that situation. He certainly has brought forth great beauty out of a difficult season.
His Word is so clear – God is able and desiring to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8.28). As the song goes: “He gives beauty for ashes, strength for fears, gladness for mourning, peace for despair.” My prayer is that it will bless you, that the Bible would speak for itself, and God would draw you to trust Him further with any areas of your life that have been reduced to ashes. He has beauty in mind.
Most of you following our blog know that Patience writes most of the posts here. The reason is obvious, she has a gift for writing and a way with words that is God-given. God has spoken through her writings and has impacted many lives as a result.
It seems lately that God has been opening up doors for her to not only write, but also to speak. A couple months ago she was asked to be an advisor to the Improving Pediatric Critical Care Program at UNC Children’s Hospital. It’s a board of doctors, nurses, administrators, and a couple advisors (Patience being one of them) that speak into the process of improving communication, education, and overall care of the patients and their families while in their stay at the hospital. It has been so awesome to have the opportunity to support and be a part of the place that took such great care of our son Isaac in 2007, and we look forward to seeing what opportunities come out of this ongoing relationship.
Last Friday (February 19) she spoke at the UNC Dance Marathon to over 1,700 college students who were there helping raise money towards grants that would help patients and families in intensive care at the UNC Children’s Hospital. The event raised over $421,000 for the hospital! I was proud of not only the way she shared our story and the mission of that department (the one I mentioned above), but the way she captivated the audience. I love watching God use her so powerfully.
(click on the images to enlarge)
Tomorrow morning (Sunday, February 28) at 11:00am, Patience will be giving the sermon at Plymouth Church in Raleigh. She will be sharing a little bit of our story, but will be mostly sharing a message that’s on her heart, based out of the scripture Isaiah 61:1-3. Good stuff!
It’s so fun to watch God open up doors for her and use her so powerfully. I’m an extremely proud husband and look forward to what God has for her and for us in the future. God is good!
Filed under Chapel Hill, Patience, Updates
Our friend, Nathan Lawrenson, captured this image of Eliana while our families caught up over breakfast this past week. It was wonderful to see him, Tricia, and Gwyneth. If you’re not familiar with the Lawrenson’s story, check out his blog this instant! You’ll be challenged, inspired and truly blessed. As you can tell, he’s also an amazing photographer. Thanks again for the pic, Nathan!
Its been quite a week: Valentine’s weekend in Charlotte, speaking to 1700ish college students at UNC Dance Marathon, traveling to Macon, GA where Jordan played drums for Josh Via, heading back to Chapel Hill today to conference with Improving Pediatric Critical Care. Much to catch up on. Much to blog about.
But for now, we’re just remembering a little redheaded boy who would have been three today. Happy Birthday, Isaac.
Our sweet girl is slowly on the mend. While she still coughs quite violently, they are steadily decreasing in regularity and in the midst, she remains the happiest little lady. We are so blessed to have Eliana. What is only a 2ish week bug for her would have certainly landed Isaac in the hospital for intense care or worse. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful, strong, healthy little girl. She is such a gift.
Back to work. Her runny nose is calling…
Thanks for the post suggestions, everyone! You’ll definitely be seeing your ideas in upcoming posts. We’re feeling a tad under the weather in the Leino household, so this is it for today’s blogging. Here’s a new pic of our sweet girl to hold you over until tomorrow. 🙂
This one’s for the readers! I’m gathering ideas and inspirations for upcoming posts and thought to bring you in on the process. What topics/areas would you like to see featured or discussed on LeinoLife? Leave your ideas and questions in the comment section. Who knows…you just might see it in an upcoming post. 🙂
Filed under Blogging
This past Wednesday, I came across a passage in the Psalms that has stuck with me. It is a passage about the voice of God that has left me in awe. 1 Kings 19.11-12 tells that the voice of the Lord can be a gentle whisper, but the Psalms show how truly majestic it is as well. I can’t get this strong imagery out of my mind.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks.
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
This awesome God, Whose voice splits cedars and makes the earth quake, He is the One who calls me by name and numbers the very hairs of my head. He created me and knows all the days before me. This voice spoke creation into existence and sustains every living thing. He is mighty. He is holy. He is most worthy of all our praise. May we all be awestruck by His splendor and in the presence of His voice cry, “Glory!”
Filed under Thoughts
The era of eating puréed foods has begun! We gave Eliana her first taste of apples this past week. Let’s just say that she was not entirely enthused about it. Poor thing even shivered after every bite! Not so much fun for her, but hilarious for us! Oh well. We’ll just have to try Honey Crisp apples next time. Can’t go wrong with those. Sorry, honey! Its good for you, I promise!
To those who prayed for us as we returned to UNC last week, thank you! It was an incredible day. From the moment I walked into the Children’s Hospital, a total peace washed over me. Strange as it may sound, I felt like I had returned to my home away from home. Walking in to the conference room, I saw familiar faces – doctors and nurses who had cared for Isaac. In many ways, it didn’t feel like two and a half years has passed since last seeing them, but rather just a few weeks. We caught up on our lives, shared stories, and reminisced on the 5 months we spent on the PICU.
All levels of staff involving PICU care were represented – from attendings (docs who run the unit) and nursing staff to patient relations and infectious disease docs. As I sat among these caregivers, I quickly remembered something I always enjoyed about UNC’s PICU staff – their commitment for excellence in their treatment of critically ill children and their constant desire for growth. I witnessed a true team effort. Not once did I ever see anyone pull rank in discussion or demean anyone in the conversation. UNC’s PICU team truly works together for the good of their patients. Their passion for these kids came through in everything they discussed.
Through the course of the meeting, I was able to interject thoughts about family care and getting parents more involved in the medical care process, particularly participating in morning rounds. Their genuine interest in my thoughts simply blessed me. To think that our experiences in ’07 could benefit other families with critically ill children overwhelmed me at times.
After the meeting, Heather (one of Isaac’s nurses who was at the conference and recently got engaged!! Congratulations!!) watched Eliana in the lobby so that Jordan & I could go up to visit the PICU. It was wonderfully strange to be back in the unit again. They have added 4 new rooms but it still felt just the same. Seeing the children and parents on the unit reminded us what life was like and how grateful we are to now have a healthy child.
Overall, it was an incredible experience. The conference itself was both fascinating and invigorating. I just love the medical environment! We enjoyed seeing familiar faces and catching up with some of the staff. In the months ahead, Patient Relations hopes to develop a focus group and eventually an advisory board to continue improving parent involvement and family care on the PICU. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of Wednesday’s meeting and look forward to contributing more in the future.
Filed under Chapel Hill, Updates
Today is a day I’ve long wondered about, curious what it would be like. It has been peculiar indeed. Peculiar and delightful. Today, Eliana Faith turned 24 weeks old. She woke with a smile that never left her face until she lay down to dream tonight. She laughed with her daddy more than she ever has and sat herself upright for long lengths of time. Not a sniffle in sight, Eliana is in perfect health. Her development is right on track and even ahead in some areas. She’s sweet, strong, and smart. She’s more than everything we ever hoped she would be at this age. We truly are blessed to have our Answer To Prayer.
And yet today has been strange. Today Eliana is the same age Isaac was when he went home to heaven. I remember that day so vividly. It was a day of strong emotions, last moments, and goodbyes. But not today. Not this 24th week. No, today was a day of laughter, joy, and blessings. As I held my perfectly healthy, beautiful daughter, I felt overwhelmed. She’s made it. She’s with us and growing more each day. There have been times since Eliana’s birth when the fear of loss would come knocking at my heart, whispering lies and trepidation over me. It would come suddenly, speaking “what ifs” and doubts over the future. Would she make it to the 24th week? To her first birthday? What awful surprises lay just around the corner?
I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m growing in trust and knowledge of the One who holds my future. God surrounded me with grace to walk through Isaac’s early homecoming and His faithfulness is ever before me today in the form of Eliana. To many, today is just another day of a parent with their child. But to me, it is and will always be so much more. Today, Eliana turned 24 weeks old. It is a sweeter gift than words could ever say. As the old children’s song goes, “God is so good. He’s so good to me.”
Not a moment goes by without the thought of Haiti close to mind. As I sit here – typing on a laptop in a warm, comfortable apartment, with sounds of laughter coming from my daughter in the next room- I struggle to wrap my mind around the ongoing crisis just a few thousand miles south of us. Questions of why flood the mind and I’m reduced to a state of wonder. Why is it that I was born here rather than Haiti? Such tragedy could happen to any of us. Why them? Why not me? Why?
In light of the devastation in Haiti, we who are elsewhere have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to rise up and respond. Now is the time for action, for compassion, for sacrifice and steadfast prayer. James 1.27 states that religion pleasing to our God is to look after widows and orphans in their distress. Join me in partnering with the following organizations that are on the ground in Haiti, meeting the need.
May we be found faithful in this hour by swift response and vigilant prayer on behalf of those who are suffering.
Tomorrow we’re traveling back to Chapel Hill. More specifically, UNC Children’s Hospital.
A few months back, we received a call from their Patient Relations department. They were working on forming a small advisory group of families who had previous experience with their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for the purpose of improving family care on the unit. We were both surprised and humbled to have been nominated by the medical staff for this group.
As most of you know, we spent nearly 5 months living on the PICU back in ’07 with our son, Isaac. We were very involved in his care, often working alongside the medical staff as decisions were made and issues discussed. He received excellent medical care from UNC as did our whole family on a personal level.
I’m very excited for this opportunity to go back to the Children’s Hospital. I’ll be sitting in on multidisciplinary rounds for the PICU to give my observations and feedback on how they can better involve parents in their child’s medical care. The hope and goal is to optimize the experience for future PICU families. Patient Relations plans to develop a focus group in the months ahead for continued improvement of family care on the unit. I’m deeply grateful that we were suggested for this process, knowing that our experiences in Chapel Hill with Isaac will be used to improve care for future families of critically ill children.
We appreciate your prayers tomorrow as we return to Chapel Hill. I’m greatly looking forward to this opportunity, but also realize I may experience unexpected emotions on seeing familiar faces while returning to the place we lived with our son. Our prayer is God would use our journey for the betterment of others, to be His voice of encouragement and insight to the medical staff, and above all that the love of Jesus would flow out of us to everyone we encounter on the unit.
Filed under Chapel Hill, Family, Isaac
Recently I was introduced to the All That Glitters project. More than your average CD, its a journey to find where true worth lies. We’ve all heard the expression “all that glitters isn’t gold”. This project, through song and spoken word, reveals the state of man and the sovereign, unfailing love of the Savior. I’ve had the songs “Yours Alone” and “In His Hands” playing over and again this morning. All That Glitters has been a blessing to me. Perhaps it will be for you as well.
Eliana Faith is 23 weeks old today. We are crazy in love with this little girl! She has the sweetest disposition and is curious about everything. Eliana can now hold herself upright while sitting and has mastered the art of rolling over. Her favorite activities these days are jumping, putting everything possible in her mouth and throwing whatever she can get her hands on. She’s also become quite the chatterbox. She’s constantly trying to communicate with laughs, blowing bubbles, and happy squeals.
Lately she’s developed a game of ooo’s. She purses her lips into the tiniest “oo” until you do the same. Then she smiles, laughs and the game begins again. It’s hilarious! Of course, we’re always happy to oblige in playing along.
We are truly fortunate to have Eliana. Not a day goes by without our marveling at the precious, beautiful gift God has given us in her. We treasure her life, her health, and her happy spirit. She’s growing up quickly before our eyes. May we be found faithful with this gift who God has entrusted to us. Thank You, Lord, for the past 23 weeks. Every day has been a blessing.
Filed under Eliana
A Life Of Patience 