More than I Can Handle

These last few weeks have been hard- emotionally and physically. It's the season we're in. It's the season we've asked for.

At times I've questioned if what we are doing is worth it, if perhaps it is too draining, too taxing on my children. Does Jesus really want us to be doing this? To be this tired? Doesn't he want us to be happy and well rested?

My flesh cries out yes! Jesus would want me to balanced and whole. He wants me to be happy.

But something else, someONE else is crying out inside me, too.

Isn't it when you fill empty, but you reach out anyway, isn't that the moment when the sacrifice begins? And isn't God pleased when we give sacrificially, not just skimming off the top of our overflow?

And what about suffering? Oh my. Aren't we called to suffer along side Jesus? I'm afraid I don't even know what that looks like! I'm not sure I've truly experienced it, let alone counted it as joy!

Phillipians 1:29

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also suffer for him."

And then my mind turns to our missionary friends and I am appalled at what I define as my personal suffering for Christ!

No matter how tough my day has been, I have a comfortable bed to sleep in, medical care available 24 hours a day and within a short drive, a Starbucks to drive-through, a church with endless resources and countless other conveniences at my disposal.

I recently read a book that is truly one of the best books I have ever read. As soon as I finished it, I began to read it to my kids. It is called, Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis. Watch this video and you will get a glimpse into why I love this young woman's heart so much.

This is an excerpt from Katie's book. I want my heart to look like Katie's. Actually, I want my heart to look like Jesus's heart, the Erika version.

"I have learned to accept it, even ask for it, this "more than I can handle". Because in these times,God shows Himself victorious. He reminds me that all of this life requires more of Him and less of me. God does give us more than we can handle. Not maliciously, but intentionally, in love, that His glory may be displayed, that we may have no doubt of who is in control, that people may see His grace and faithfulness shining through out lives.

And as I surrender these situations to Him, watch him take over and do the impossible, I am filled with joy and peace- so much more than I can handle."

A Perfect Cause

I am so excited to post about this great opportunity! How would you like to help three incredibly great causes at once?

These bracelets cost $3.

$1 goes to benefit girls rescued in Nepal from human trafficking. These girls also make the bracelets.

$1 goes to Ruth's orphanage, Les Ailes de Refuge. This is Therese's former orphanage in Yako, Burkina Faso. You can follow Ruth's blog here.

$1 goes to an orphanage in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This is the former home to Little Matheny, a sweet three year old boy, who is blind, and recently joined his forever family. Read about his amazing story here.

Can you think of a better cause? If you would like to place an order, send an email to Cami at camiwarning@gmail.com

A Bad Christmas Letter

I'm afraid today's post might read a little bit like a bad Christmas letter, you know the one about Aunt Lou's bunion surgery and Uncle's Leo's valve replacement?

But alas, what is the Solgos family without a huge packet that comes from Blue Cross bi-monthly?

All silliness aside, our sweet Safe Families baby, is in the hospital. He has a virus. For a healthy child, a virus is a drag, but something easily fought and won. For Baby J, he needs to be in the hospital. He is on oxygen and needs regular suctioning. I know the hospital is where he needs to be to recover physically, and I am trusting that God will provide for his emotional needs as well.

Carter had his cardiology appointment yesterday. You can imagine the logistical nightmare of getting Carter to his appointment on the north side of Chicago while Baby J's hospital is on the way east side. No stress there! Carter and Daddy had a long day with echos, EKGs and x-rays of his pacemaker, but a good report ensued. Praise God! This mama could not have handled any complications yesterday!

Tomorrow, Carter has his EEG to check for seizure activity. This means he stays up late tonight, and I wake him early tomorrow, so that he can fall asleep during his test. He is brilliant at this and I admire his ability to fall asleep in the clinic reclining chair (can they not spring for a bed?).

In the spirit of this sounding like a bad Christmas letter, I cannot resist the final piece of Solgos medical news. Next Friday, I get to have a tube put in my ear. Yup, even though I have four kids, none who have required tubes, I need to get a tube in my ear at age 36.

The End.