Ask my good friends. Even better, ask my family. They will all admit that I am a really bad listener. I tune people out. I start doing something else. Sometimes I think I already know what is going to be said. I have a self-admitted problem. I may hear you, but often, I don't really listen. Now that we all know the deep, dark secret---the question is, what do I do about it? How does one really listen? Specifically, I am speaking about listening to God, but this can also cross over to listening to others as well.
Regressing back for a minute, every year I pray and search Scripture to see what ONE WORD I believe God wants to show/teach me as the underlying theme of the year. In 2010, it was WAIT. In 2011, it was ABIDE. In 2012, it was HEAR. Each year, there was true meaning in what the Lord was teaching me through that single word and Bible verses surrounding it.
So over the last 2 weeks, I have been seaching Scripture and praying asking the Lord what He wants to teach me. I keep coming back to the word LISTEN.
Gen 27:8 Now my son listen carefully and do what I tell you.
Deut 30:20 Love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.
Isaiah 28:23 Listen and hear my voice, pay attention and hear what I say.
Proverbs 8:32-33 Now then my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
Luke 8:18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
So in 2013, I commit to really trying to LISTEN to what God has to tell me. And then doing it like James 1:22 says. And also trying to truly LISTEN to others. Especially when they know more than me and are speaking truth into my life.
So, please forgive me if in the past I haven't given you my undivided attention. With God's help, I will be a better listener in 2013.
-Jo Anna
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Monday, December 10, 2012
8 weeks of hearing, a good report and new beginnings
Life often seems hum-drum. The same thing, same schedule--day after day, week after week. After a while, it seems as though we are just going through the motions and not too much change is happening.
In our instance, the last 8 weeks have been just that. The routine of putting on Luke's external sound processors over and over again as he gets used to wearing them, the importance of learning to listen techniques, the Ling 6 sounds, therapy sessions, daily care of the devices, etc.
Today we saw the audiologist and tried booth testing to determine more objectively at what level Luke was hearing. And today we had success! Luke actively participated in the testing so that we were able to determine a general baseline. This allowed the audiologist to again change the settings and programs on the devices to allow for continued progression to optimal hearing ranges.
Luke is continuing to be more verbal and interactive with others and the world around him. That being said, he is also more inquisitive and michievious! He is definitely all boy and very much a two year old! He is very determined and will use verbal or physical (hand over hand) means to get what he wants! Eye contact continues to improve as well. His laughter is contagious. It never ceases to amaze me how God has bonded my heart to this little boy. A hundred, a million times over---I am forever thankful to God for blessing us to love and cherish this little boy as our son.
Jo Anna
"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."-Mother Teresa
In our instance, the last 8 weeks have been just that. The routine of putting on Luke's external sound processors over and over again as he gets used to wearing them, the importance of learning to listen techniques, the Ling 6 sounds, therapy sessions, daily care of the devices, etc.
Today we saw the audiologist and tried booth testing to determine more objectively at what level Luke was hearing. And today we had success! Luke actively participated in the testing so that we were able to determine a general baseline. This allowed the audiologist to again change the settings and programs on the devices to allow for continued progression to optimal hearing ranges.
Luke is continuing to be more verbal and interactive with others and the world around him. That being said, he is also more inquisitive and michievious! He is definitely all boy and very much a two year old! He is very determined and will use verbal or physical (hand over hand) means to get what he wants! Eye contact continues to improve as well. His laughter is contagious. It never ceases to amaze me how God has bonded my heart to this little boy. A hundred, a million times over---I am forever thankful to God for blessing us to love and cherish this little boy as our son.
Jo Anna
"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."-Mother Teresa
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Luke's Hearing Birthday 10/16/12 and Progress
There was much anticipation and excitement leading up to activation day. This is the day when the audiologists turn on the cochlear implants and Luke begins to hear! Our family of 6 arrived, along with a good neighbor friend.
The audiologists had to play 5 test sounds and also record measurements in each ear with the sound processors on. Luke cried and screamed and kicked. He tried to pull them off. He vomited at least 4 times there at the office. I guess I shouldn't have fed him breakfast-but our activation time was 10:45am!
The audiologist said everything looked great. But Luke was so scared. This was VERY TRAUMATIC for him. We couldn't even get both CIs on him at the same time. We took a long break between each ear. They set the first 4 programs and showed us some basics. The audiologists told us not to have him wear them home. They told us to get him lunch and a nap. Then try to put at least one on (hopefully both) and try to get at least 2 hours total time with them on today hopefully while doing something fun.
I was very anxious as what would happen after his nap. Praise God, despite some resistance, we got a total of 2 hours of wear on the first day! We are gradually increasing his "wear time". Yesterday, we got up to 8 hours on. Our goal would be 12 hours on a day.
Here are some pictures of Activation Day.
Here are some pictures taken the next day.
We thank God for this wonderful gift!
Jo Anna
The audiologists had to play 5 test sounds and also record measurements in each ear with the sound processors on. Luke cried and screamed and kicked. He tried to pull them off. He vomited at least 4 times there at the office. I guess I shouldn't have fed him breakfast-but our activation time was 10:45am!
The audiologist said everything looked great. But Luke was so scared. This was VERY TRAUMATIC for him. We couldn't even get both CIs on him at the same time. We took a long break between each ear. They set the first 4 programs and showed us some basics. The audiologists told us not to have him wear them home. They told us to get him lunch and a nap. Then try to put at least one on (hopefully both) and try to get at least 2 hours total time with them on today hopefully while doing something fun.
I was very anxious as what would happen after his nap. Praise God, despite some resistance, we got a total of 2 hours of wear on the first day! We are gradually increasing his "wear time". Yesterday, we got up to 8 hours on. Our goal would be 12 hours on a day.
Here are some pictures of Activation Day.
Here are some pictures taken the next day.
We thank God for this wonderful gift!
Jo Anna
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Cochlear Implant Surgery Picture Diary
Monday, September 17, 2012
A Shameful Confession
Peace. I crave it. I mean, who doesn't want a peaceful home? Shalom. Yeah, if you have more than one child, you know EXACTLY what I mean. And you also know how difficult it can be when it is missing in one's home.
It has been a hard (but good-but hard) 4 months. Lots of arguing. Lots of tantrums. Lots of misunderstandings. With the bigs. With the littles. With the parents. With the parents and children. Those of you that have brought children home from hard places know what I am talking about.
This morning I had a light bulb moment with God. Not exactly the good kind, either. It hit me like a ton of bricks--I crave peace in my home above all else. I would like to fool you and say my greatest desire is to see my kids love Jesus most. But in reality, I just want everyone to get along and respect each other. Can I get an AMEN?
I began to think on the words of Jesus:
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Lord, help me cling to your words in the hard times.
So this got me thinking- What do you crave most in your home, for your family?
Jo Anna
It has been a hard (but good-but hard) 4 months. Lots of arguing. Lots of tantrums. Lots of misunderstandings. With the bigs. With the littles. With the parents. With the parents and children. Those of you that have brought children home from hard places know what I am talking about.
This morning I had a light bulb moment with God. Not exactly the good kind, either. It hit me like a ton of bricks--I crave peace in my home above all else. I would like to fool you and say my greatest desire is to see my kids love Jesus most. But in reality, I just want everyone to get along and respect each other. Can I get an AMEN?
I began to think on the words of Jesus:
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Lord, help me cling to your words in the hard times.
So this got me thinking- What do you crave most in your home, for your family?
Jo Anna
Surgery: T-16 hours
Today we had our family picture taken. This day marks an end of life as we know it...
Tomorrow is Luke's surgery date. We have the orders to be at Brenner's Children's Hospital at 6 A.M. We are expecting surgery to last 4-5 hours. Dr. Adele Evans will be performing a possible adnoidectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant surgery.
Some related prayer requests:
1) successful surgery
2) minimal pain
3) no complications
4) sleeping (Luke sleeps on his side, and since this is bilateral cochlear implant surgery he has no safe 'side')
5) that this would not affect his developing attachment; he would still find comfort in us
6) for us as parents - the strength, stamina and wisdom how to manage his recovery
then...
7) that he would develop sufficient 'hearing' (though it will never be like ours) as a result of the implants
8) that he would develop sufficient speech
For His Glory,
Jo Anna
Tomorrow is Luke's surgery date. We have the orders to be at Brenner's Children's Hospital at 6 A.M. We are expecting surgery to last 4-5 hours. Dr. Adele Evans will be performing a possible adnoidectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant surgery.
Some related prayer requests:
1) successful surgery
2) minimal pain
3) no complications
4) sleeping (Luke sleeps on his side, and since this is bilateral cochlear implant surgery he has no safe 'side')
5) that this would not affect his developing attachment; he would still find comfort in us
6) for us as parents - the strength, stamina and wisdom how to manage his recovery
then...
7) that he would develop sufficient 'hearing' (though it will never be like ours) as a result of the implants
8) that he would develop sufficient speech
For His Glory,
Jo Anna
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Two weeks from today...
...our little guy undergoes bilateral cochlear implant surgery.
Would you keep us in your prayers?
God continues to shine grace into our lives. Today I am thankful for:
*week 3 of the girls' home school and it is going well
*for friends and family who walk beside us in hard times
*for family and friends who overlook our faults and still love us
*for a prayer request being answered
*for laughter and giggles of little ones and big ones in the home
Have a blessed week,
Jo Anna
Would you keep us in your prayers?
God continues to shine grace into our lives. Today I am thankful for:
*week 3 of the girls' home school and it is going well
*for friends and family who walk beside us in hard times
*for family and friends who overlook our faults and still love us
*for a prayer request being answered
*for laughter and giggles of little ones and big ones in the home
Have a blessed week,
Jo Anna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)