Day 121 - October 14 - Results of the day
Connor's trip home went well today. We brought him in and tried the place out, and it looks like things will be workable with only a few minor adjustments. Connor was visibly moved to be back home for the first time, and it was a joy to have him back in the house. I think he was a bit frustrated and upset that he had to go back to the hospital afterward, but Joélle has made a point of taking movies back up there and spending the night at the hospital with him, so hopefully that eases some of those feelings.
I was really struck again by the fact that our house hasn't felt like a home for the last four months, but it did for a little while this afternoon. Not because Connor was there, but because we were all four together in our house. That's what made the difference.
I do have a couple of prayer requests tonight - first (in my never-ending quest to think too much), I have been only partially successful at not worrying myself sick about all the particulars and potentialities of bringing the boy home. My mother has gifted me with a genetic structure which is able to take any situation and extrapolate it into the worst possible outcome, and then also believe that that's the ONLY possible outcome. I've gotten better at not doing this over the last few months, but I'm not perfect, and the pending move home has fired up the synapses again. So I'm asking for your prayer that I would truly be confident in the provision of the Lord for our future.
Second, I would ask for your particular prayers for Connor over the next few days, that he would be able to graciously wait for Thursday - he wants to be home so badly that everything that isn't home is automatically bad.
Oh, yeah - my mom wants me to update you on the addition - they're framing the molds for the foundation and should pour it sometime this week. Pictures are on their way...
If I haven't told you "thank you" lately for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement, THANK YOU!
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 8:55 PM
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26 Comments:
So glad the trial run went well and that you had a long awaited "family moment". We continue to watch and pray and see what the Lord is doing in your lives. Tell Connor to hang in there. He'll be home before he knows it. We pray the transition will be smooth and that the Lord will have his hand on this entire transition.
Kathy for the Silva Family
God bless your entire family. It has got to be exciting, yet with some anxiety, to have Connor finally coming home. I appreciate your openness and honesty in your journey through all of this. I pray for you often and check the site almost daily but have only left a comment 2 or 3 times. You have been an encouragement of how to press on in spite of circumstances, how to wait and trust the Lord, the importance of family and friends, and God-given strength. And Connor is an inspiration. Hang in there kid...you are almost home! And still praying for restoration....keep knocking!
KSchwamb
Congratulations, Connor on going home! I've been following your story since Day 1, and I remember praying way back when for you to someday to be able to return to your home in Morgan Hill. Here you are! This is so wonderful! Following God's plan for you! May His blessings continue to pour down on you as you recover and reach your goals!
Hooray! Great news on the trial run! We'll definitely be praying about your anxiety and Connor's patience regarding the move. What a blessing it will be to together again at home - and for more than a short visit! And even that gives you but a small picture, a faint foreshadowing of what it will be like to all be together in heaven, praising God properly and continually for Who He is!
Praying for you all as Thursday approaches. Wishing you all a restful night.
Sandi
Gilroy
I tried posting yesterday, but it ended up somewhere else in cyberspace (more likely just plain lost)! But it has been so strong in my heart as I've constantly thought of you guys, especially in the last few days, so I decided to try again.
I was driving around yesterday running errands, minding my own business so to speak, when I began to think of all of the new experiences, and the new "normalcy" you will encounter with Connor at home. Gosh Eric, no wonder you had a sense of foreboding last week! This is another huge MOUNTAIN! But, it's a good mountain, and you all will conquer it with our Almighty God's help.
So, even though I know you know these verses, I wanted to encourage you to keep them as much in the forefront of your hearts and minds as you can as you go through these next days and weeks of yet another (good) transition.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Of course, the contexts of these verses were different than what you're experiencing, but the truth of them is just as true for you as it was for Joshua and the people of Israel.
You're in my heart.
Praying lots,
Lisa G.
Durham NC
Praise the Lord!
Connor,
When my girls were little and they anxiously awaited a trip, upcoming event, or something exciting, you know, like the first day of school (lol), they would count the days as "sleeps". So as I think of you today, the day before you get to go home, I encourage you w/ the thought that you only have one more "sleep" before you are back in your home in Morgan Hill. I am glad yesterday went well, great to see smile from your own home. I will pray specifically for this transition, for you (a "strong man" ), your dad (the provider and protector of your family), your mom (the consoler and encourager), and Joelle (the bringer of joy). This, today, Wednesday, October 15, is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Love to you Strong Man,
Cera Malech
It was great seeing that picture of Connor at "home." I am so happy for him, and will be praying that God will let him endure until Thursday.
I am sorry I have not commented lately. I was still reading, between class time, but did not have time to comment.
I have not stopped praying. :)
We like the smile on your face Connor! We look forward to seeing more of those kinds of smiles when you are at home full time!
Eric, when I (Jen) was doing my bible study last night I came across a verse that reminded me of your struggles with fear. Coming from a neurotic family that is plagued with the "what ifs", it was a great verse for me as well.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Derendinger Family
Eric
My Dad blessed me the exact same ability to imagine the worst and then expect it as the only possible outcome. We love them anyway, eh? Just in the last month God has been addressing this in my life and using Romans 8:28( And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose )to teach me to overcome anxiety with His truth. While my anxious thoughts and fears are truly nothing compared to yours right now, I know that God's Word, which is sinking deeply into my heart and working His will in my life, is equal to any challenge you face as well. When I start to sink into complete anxiety and desperation I remind myself that, even if this worst possible scenario comes true, God will work it for good in my life. But that's not enough to really quell my anxious heart. I need to also remember that what I am seeing as the future outcome ISN'T TRUE because it hasn't happened yet. I am then usually freed of much of the fear, because I remember that God says to dwell on whatever is true, not on my imagined (usually horrible) future.
I feel a bit foolish instructing you when you are walking through such a trial and are leaning every moment on God for strength and encouragement, but just please know that God does ease even intense, heart-pounding, blood pressure-raising anxiety when we choose to dwell on what is true, not on what we dread.
And finally, to end this very long post, I found these words in the Psalms today to be somehow fitting for your family: Psalm 111:4 "He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate." He performs miracles and does His works so that we will remember his graciousness and compassion.
I'm so glad that the trial run went well. Hang in there, Connor, just one more day!
I second what Lee said. What a day that will be! As impossible as it seems right now someday these trials will seem so small.
2nd Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
As I look around I can't help but think that our time is drawing near. How exciting.
Praying for you all.
God is good....all the time! We are lifting all of you up in prayer!
WOW! So great to see that smile and Connors face. I myself do know that feeling of leaving the hospital after a 3 weeks stay. Although I can only imagine the wonderful crazy feelings he is having after a long 4 months. This will be Connors place of Healing. He will be in a better mind state and feel at most comfort. Now is the time that we are really going to see the Miracles happen. Good changes are coming soon friends!!! Love you guys see you soon...xxoo...Sara
Yeah!
Congradulations Connor! Coming home will be most excellent! We rejoice with you all in this time. And will be praying for you in your transition as well.
Sorry my posts are fewer and further between, but like so many others we are praying and checkin in...thanks for keeping us posted!
Deuteronomy 12:7 NIV
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:7 NIV
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:7 NIV
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Psalms 64:10 NIV
Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!
Psalms 118:24 NIV
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
The Shipe Family
It was so awesome to see Connor at home! After visiting last month, I have been picturing him being home. It was such a joy to see it happen (albeit briefly for the time being)!
Still praying, knocking, asking and resting in God's goodness and sovereign will!
Praise God for HIS perfectness! Welcome Home Connor...Thursday will be here before you know it!
Love you!
By the way....CONNOR YOU LOOK AWESOME!
Hello,
I have been following the blog from day one. It is wonderful to see Connor at home, even if it's only a trial run. Happy Day, and many more to come.
You guys are always in my prayers.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
We will continue to pray for God's provisions in bringing Connor home, and that God would be please to raise him up.
How exciting that your son will once again be home.
Praying Daily,
The Chacon's
I'm so happy that the visit home went so well yesterday.
I'm praying now that all of the big AND little details of Connor coming home on Thursday go smoothly. My 7 year old daughter said last night, as she was getting into bed, "You know mom, God knows the number of hairs on our head." I said, "Yes, he does." Then she said, "And He doesn't ever forget." It was a reminder to me that God cares about every aspect of what is going on in our lives, no matter how small it might seem. We will be praying for Connor and the family, as well as rejoicing in his homecoming.
Debra for the Underwoods
Hey Dearest Williamsons..
Well, Eric you were talking about anything that we've gathered from the day we fasted, and it wasn't the Monday but the next morning when I read something that really struck me. I'm getting through the book of Isaiah which at times can be quite interesting. In chapter 38 I almost fell off my seat when I read this chapter. I won't type it all out because you can read it, and perhaps you've already stumbled across it, but it's about when king Hezekiah gets sick and Isaiah says he's going to die, and Hezekiah begs the Lord to allow him to live and he weeps bitterly. Then, although God had already decided that he was going to die, he then says that Hezekiah can live another 15 years...which I think it's pretty obvious that GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS! Is it not?
Then after Hezekiah heals he has this weird little poetry entry (almost like a blog entry if you will:) and talks about his bitterness and how miserable he was...Then in verse 17 "Behold, it was for my WELFARE that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back..." verse 20 "The Lord WILL save me..." WOW! So through all this bitterness, sorry and grief, God is going to work this out for Connor's welfare - for Connor's BENEFIT! It sounds ABSURD, but we know we serve a faithful and compassionate God...As He has done through the ages, so shall He continue to do...I just thought that was so neat, and when I read it I immediately thought of Connor and thought I'd send this thought your way...
I'm praying for you guys and missing you all! Know that many prayers are going up for your family and Connor - even here in the U.K. :)
Be Encouraged!!!
Love,
Mary Glass
Congratulations and Welcome Home Williamsons! Connor and all of you will be in my prayers tomorrow as you move him back home. God will be with you all and not stop giving. Never stop believing.
Eric and family, I am so excited that you are all going to be able to be home together. There is no place like home with family. We are still praying daily for you and I can empathize with your feelings as I often feel despair and imagine the worst. But never forget the verses in Phillipians regarding our thoughts: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Phil 4:8. It is so easy to let our minds go to places that are not true and not lovely and not pure. You are not alone in these issues. Blessings on all of you. Jann Hija
You are still in our thoughts and prayers! Our church still prays for you every Sunday!
Hard to believe the time has come for Connor to return home tomorrow. Didn't know till yesterday, that it's tomorrow, thought he still would be there for some time. Bet he and all of your family is thrilled to get him home tomorrow.
We continue to pray for Connor's recovery. In the meantime, sure are happy to hear of everyone helping to get an add-on to your house for Connor! That is wonderful!
Much love and prayers!
Kim & Ken
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