Day 8&9 - Wait for it...Miracle!!

Soooooo much to be thankful for.  We feel as though we are climbing out of the manhole into the light of day.  The difference we've seen between today and two days ago is nothing short of miraculous.  I left off on the last post with me getting the flu...well, never before in my life have I felt like that and not been immobile for at least 24 hrs.  But I kid you not, I woke up around 2am drenched in sweat because my fever broke.  Went back to sleep and woke up in the morning feeling weak and a little sore throat, but totally fine to function and meet the demands of the day.  Miracle!! Praise God and thank you all for praying!  Yesterday we went to this massive seven story shopping center full of market-type booths selling everything from Hello Kitty trinkets to pirated CDs and iPads.  It was insane.  We escaped alive (after indulging in the food court - we're going to miss that) and returned to our hotel. Caleb didn't scream when we entered the hotel room, played in his first bath ever (and loved it) and went straight to sleep with his bottle laying on me in our bed.  Another miracle!! Last night he slept almost 13 hours without waking up and crying in the middle of the night...Miracle! (Do you see a pattern here - we are so grateful.)  He was happy and hungry at breakfast and didn't scream when we came back into our room.  Miracle!!  We went to drop off laundry at our beloved hole-in-the-wall laundry lady in the back alley then to 7-11 for some "supplies" (like iced espresso).  He was great in the Ergo carrier, came back and took a one hour nap after lunch without crying...Miracle!! We walked to Lumphini (Central) park and played on the playground that only 3 days ago he didn't want anything to do with. Miracle!  He loved it so much that he threw a tantrum when it was time to leave.  But even in that we are thankful b/c it gives us opportunity to show him we are his loving authority, there are boundaries and he is safe with us.  It's good...hard...but good.  Especially when all the Asian families in the park are staring at you and talking in Thai about you :)  We fed the freaky fish and headed home for another bath.  It's like 90 degrees with 100% humidity here, so you need a shower as soon as you step outside.  Caleb did great again in the bath and then after dinner played and interacted with Micah and Savannah on skype.  Miracle!  We then brushed his teeth, read him a book, gave him his bottle, prayed, sang a song and he fell asleep laying on the bed with us next to him without a single scream or cry.  HUGE Miracle!  So our spirits are up and we so see God at work all around us.  I told Greg it has literally felt like a prayer mosh pit - you know, like the prayers of the saints have been holding us up and carrying us along.  My scripture for today has been Ps 61 & 62 - "Here my prayer, O God, listen to my prayer; From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings..." & "My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; my fortress, I'll never be shaken...One thing God has spoken, two have I heard: That You, O God, are strong; and that you, O LORD are loving..."  mmmm...so true.  We sense the nearness, goodness, mercy, STRENGTH and sovereign care of our tender Father in this time.  I was listening to spotify today (we've been streaming that sucker nonstop...what a blessing) and "The Desert Song" by Hillsong United came on.  I wanted to hang on every word, but it was verse 4 that caught me most.  Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong/the_desert_song.html ]
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

"I know I'm filled to be emptied again; The seed I've received I will sow" - With every miracle today...every taste of the harvest of His grace, love and blessing in our lives...the purpose has been and always will be for God to shine forth His glory.  That He might use the breaking, refining, pinholes, miracles, and grace upon grace to be fruit that carries in it a seed for us to sow.  To magnify Jesus. To bring Him praise.  Yes. This is why we live, move and have our being.  With every email, phone call, skype session, comment on the blog I have been refreshed with broader perspective, which has been oxygen to me in the days I was grasping for breath. Today, this eternal perspective has again helped me plant a firm foot forward.  Turning the gaze from inward to upward, onward and outward. Helping me love Caleb with renewed purpose and vision.  God knows it's not in me to do this (the cupboards of my heart have been opened and shown bare), but by His grace, we will continue to receive and sow the seed.  We reap the harvest of His love (no matter what it looks like) and we give thanks.