Monday, January 31, 2011
Bath Time for the Hoskins' Boys
I don't have anything really worth writing about tonight...well, anything that you might find worthy or reading anyway. So, here are a few pictures of my boys taking a bubble bath. Since the weather limits our outdoor time, bath time is one of Bryson's favorite times of the day! Avery enjoys it too, of course.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A Much Needed Break
Yesterday afternoon the boys and I got home from spending a few days in Pigeon Forge with my parents. Dad and Mom were planning to go and they had an extra bedroom at the resort where they were staying, so I thought, "Why not?" We attended services at the minister's meeting while we were there and heard some inspiring messages. I really wish Phillip could have gone; he would have loved it! But, someone has to bring home the bacon, and thankfully, it's him.
Mom and I did some shopping. Although it was mostly browsing and not buying,we still had fun. We also ate way too much and just relaxed when we could. Bryson thought the big jacuzzi tub was as fun as a swimming pool, so he spent a lot of his time in there. All in all, it was a much needed change of scenery. If you've read any of my blogs recently, then you have probably gathered that this winter has been a difficult one for me. It's nice to know there's only a few days left in January, and then February is a short month.
We're waiting, somewhat impatiently, on our hematologist to finalize his referral for Avery to Johns Hopkins. We are scheduled to see a neuro-geneticist out there on Feb. 7th, and we're hoping that the hematology department can see us as well that week. So, we may be on the road again soon, but not for leisure. Avery's hemoglobin and platelets have dropped, and we've had to go back up some on his steroids. He has been acting more tired than usual, and he has bruises everywhere. I'm really hoping that someone at JH will be able to give us some advice on the best plan of treatment for him.
As I write, I'm washing the mountain of laundry that I returned home with. Today, Bryson goes back to school, and we'll get back into our routine. I only wish I could take another trip somewhere else and return in March. If our trip to JH gets put off, I may just head south to Alabama for a week or two.
I guess that's all for this boring post. I better get on with my housework!
Trying to stay warm...Bethany
Mom and I did some shopping. Although it was mostly browsing and not buying,we still had fun. We also ate way too much and just relaxed when we could. Bryson thought the big jacuzzi tub was as fun as a swimming pool, so he spent a lot of his time in there. All in all, it was a much needed change of scenery. If you've read any of my blogs recently, then you have probably gathered that this winter has been a difficult one for me. It's nice to know there's only a few days left in January, and then February is a short month.
We're waiting, somewhat impatiently, on our hematologist to finalize his referral for Avery to Johns Hopkins. We are scheduled to see a neuro-geneticist out there on Feb. 7th, and we're hoping that the hematology department can see us as well that week. So, we may be on the road again soon, but not for leisure. Avery's hemoglobin and platelets have dropped, and we've had to go back up some on his steroids. He has been acting more tired than usual, and he has bruises everywhere. I'm really hoping that someone at JH will be able to give us some advice on the best plan of treatment for him.
As I write, I'm washing the mountain of laundry that I returned home with. Today, Bryson goes back to school, and we'll get back into our routine. I only wish I could take another trip somewhere else and return in March. If our trip to JH gets put off, I may just head south to Alabama for a week or two.
I guess that's all for this boring post. I better get on with my housework!
Trying to stay warm...Bethany
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A Little Something about Tolerance
Phillip told me yesterday that my blog has been boring lately. What can I say? My blog is an extension of me, and I am kind of a boring person. So let me apologize in advance in case what you're about to read is indeed boring. But, it's what has been on my mind the last little while, and I think I'll feel better if I can write about it.
We live in a world where black and white rarely exists; instead, everything seems to fall into the gray area. Instead of absolutes, the truth is relative according to each person and his or her life experiences. I would imagine that most people would agree that murder is wrong, but then there are a lot of exceptions to the rule when it might be acceptable or at least, when a person might not be responsible for his or her own behavior in committing it.
It's popular to be open-minded. It's politically correct to be tolerant. The funny thing is, I always considered myself a fairly open-minded, non-conforming kind of person in many ways growing up. I avoided the "I can't live without a boyfriend" syndrome that so many young girls suffer from; I pursued education and a career; While I associate myself politically with the conservative side of politics, I'm not blind to the major flaws in our party, nor do I disagree with all liberal views *gasp*. Although I don't think anyone can claim to be totally free from bias, I have always tried to treat people with respect regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, IQ, disability, etc.
So what is the problem, one might ask? I have been aware for a long time but reminded frequently lately how this attitude of tolerance has crept into the religious circles. I've read a few pieces lately talking about how all individuals find God in different ways, how there is not a "right" or "wrong" way to express our Christianity, how being intolerant is so unchrist-like...you get the picture? I've also noticed some of my own friends and acquaintances that just don't see things like they used to. The standard they once held is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and they are opening themselves up to things they once avoided, all the while maintaining that their relationship with God hasn't changed. While I can appreciate this embracing of diversity within our society, I'm worried about how it is affecting some Christians. People are shying away from any kind of definite beliefs about Christian practices based on fear of offending someone, seeming self-righteous, being labeled a legalist or holier-than-thou. It's so much easier to say, "God sees our hearts. God is love. It's a personal experience. It's about a relationship, not religion."
While I agree with all of those statements, I have to counter that God does see our hearts (and that really scares me sometimes), that God is a God of love, but He is also a jealous God and one of judgment, and that while our relationship is of utmost importance, our religious practices are an extension of that relationship. Many people use the previously mentioned statements as excuses to go on about their lives as they please and believe that God is up in Heaven smiling at everything they do.
I heard a preacher once say that many people want to talk about worshiping, but few want to talk about repenting. Before one can worship, one MUST repent.
At the risk of sounding like a narrow-minded fool, let me share some scriptures that I have read recently. After all, isn't scripture the inspired Word of God and what we will be judged by? I do have a degree in English, so I'm not so blinded to the fact that some literature has many interpretations and can mean something different to different people, and that the written word can be manipulated to mean what one wants if one attempts to take it out of context or twist it. That is certainly not my intention. Here are a few scriptures that are plain, and I believe are unambiguous.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4: 17-18
I'm no Bible scholar, but I believe that these scriptures are clear about a few things. First, there is only ONE way to God, and that is through His son Jesus. Secondly, there is a broad way that many people are taking. It's easier to travel and easier to find, but the way that leads to eternal life is the narrow way, the more exclusive way, the less traveled way, and there are only a few who find it. Thirdly, not any old thing and any old way will do. The righteous are going to make it in to Heaven by the skin of their teeth. What about the sinner and the ungodly?
A person could go on and on about this topic, but I think I've made my point. I hope I have anyway. Above all things, I want to live a life that is pleasing to God. And yes, I believe that there are things that displease Him. I read a sign somewhere that said something like, "Don't get so open minded that your brains fall out!" It's silly, but true! God, help me not to become so enlightened that I no longer see any black or white; help me not to feel good and and justified in my actions; help me not to worship before I repent. I want to stay on the narrow way that leads to eternal life, because Heaven is my goal!
May God bless!
Bethany
We live in a world where black and white rarely exists; instead, everything seems to fall into the gray area. Instead of absolutes, the truth is relative according to each person and his or her life experiences. I would imagine that most people would agree that murder is wrong, but then there are a lot of exceptions to the rule when it might be acceptable or at least, when a person might not be responsible for his or her own behavior in committing it.
It's popular to be open-minded. It's politically correct to be tolerant. The funny thing is, I always considered myself a fairly open-minded, non-conforming kind of person in many ways growing up. I avoided the "I can't live without a boyfriend" syndrome that so many young girls suffer from; I pursued education and a career; While I associate myself politically with the conservative side of politics, I'm not blind to the major flaws in our party, nor do I disagree with all liberal views *gasp*. Although I don't think anyone can claim to be totally free from bias, I have always tried to treat people with respect regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, IQ, disability, etc.
So what is the problem, one might ask? I have been aware for a long time but reminded frequently lately how this attitude of tolerance has crept into the religious circles. I've read a few pieces lately talking about how all individuals find God in different ways, how there is not a "right" or "wrong" way to express our Christianity, how being intolerant is so unchrist-like...you get the picture? I've also noticed some of my own friends and acquaintances that just don't see things like they used to. The standard they once held is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and they are opening themselves up to things they once avoided, all the while maintaining that their relationship with God hasn't changed. While I can appreciate this embracing of diversity within our society, I'm worried about how it is affecting some Christians. People are shying away from any kind of definite beliefs about Christian practices based on fear of offending someone, seeming self-righteous, being labeled a legalist or holier-than-thou. It's so much easier to say, "God sees our hearts. God is love. It's a personal experience. It's about a relationship, not religion."
While I agree with all of those statements, I have to counter that God does see our hearts (and that really scares me sometimes), that God is a God of love, but He is also a jealous God and one of judgment, and that while our relationship is of utmost importance, our religious practices are an extension of that relationship. Many people use the previously mentioned statements as excuses to go on about their lives as they please and believe that God is up in Heaven smiling at everything they do.
I heard a preacher once say that many people want to talk about worshiping, but few want to talk about repenting. Before one can worship, one MUST repent.
At the risk of sounding like a narrow-minded fool, let me share some scriptures that I have read recently. After all, isn't scripture the inspired Word of God and what we will be judged by? I do have a degree in English, so I'm not so blinded to the fact that some literature has many interpretations and can mean something different to different people, and that the written word can be manipulated to mean what one wants if one attempts to take it out of context or twist it. That is certainly not my intention. Here are a few scriptures that are plain, and I believe are unambiguous.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4: 17-18
I'm no Bible scholar, but I believe that these scriptures are clear about a few things. First, there is only ONE way to God, and that is through His son Jesus. Secondly, there is a broad way that many people are taking. It's easier to travel and easier to find, but the way that leads to eternal life is the narrow way, the more exclusive way, the less traveled way, and there are only a few who find it. Thirdly, not any old thing and any old way will do. The righteous are going to make it in to Heaven by the skin of their teeth. What about the sinner and the ungodly?
A person could go on and on about this topic, but I think I've made my point. I hope I have anyway. Above all things, I want to live a life that is pleasing to God. And yes, I believe that there are things that displease Him. I read a sign somewhere that said something like, "Don't get so open minded that your brains fall out!" It's silly, but true! God, help me not to become so enlightened that I no longer see any black or white; help me not to feel good and and justified in my actions; help me not to worship before I repent. I want to stay on the narrow way that leads to eternal life, because Heaven is my goal!
May God bless!
Bethany
Monday, January 17, 2011
"Miracle Today"
I heard a song a couple days ago for the first time and was really struck by how relevant the words are to me. It's been on my mind the last couple of days, so I thought I'd share. Maybe it will touch you like it has me.
Lord, you see the puzzle not the piece
You see the forest not the trees
you know what's best for me
Lord, you have bottled my tears
You see my questions and my fears
And the way it has to be
I know that there are others more deserving than I
I know that I'm not worthy but You listen when I cry
So if this cross is mine to bear, I'll praise you anyway
But Lord, I could sure use a miracle today.
You are faithful more than words
You feed the lilies and the birds
You catch the sparrow when it falls
You know exactly where I am
So I'm not questioning your plan
There's a reason for it all.
"Miracle Today" Mike & Kelly Bowling
Lord, you see the puzzle not the piece
You see the forest not the trees
you know what's best for me
Lord, you have bottled my tears
You see my questions and my fears
And the way it has to be
I know that there are others more deserving than I
I know that I'm not worthy but You listen when I cry
So if this cross is mine to bear, I'll praise you anyway
But Lord, I could sure use a miracle today.
You are faithful more than words
You feed the lilies and the birds
You catch the sparrow when it falls
You know exactly where I am
So I'm not questioning your plan
There's a reason for it all.
"Miracle Today" Mike & Kelly Bowling
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hibernation?? Yes, Please!
Today I'm sitting here curled up under a blanket on my couch wishing that I could somehow hibernate until about March. Just imagine, I could wake up feeling refreshed from an incredible sleep greeted by rising temps and approaching spring. I wonder why God didn't give humans the ability to hibernate?? An added bonus for me would be waking up hopefully nausea free. Now that really would be something!!
I've been griping some to Phillip lately about how difficult this winter has been on me. While I much prefer warm weather, I always try to embrace the seasons with optimism. If I'm going to live in Ohio where we have the extremes of weather, I figure I might as well find the good in it. So, I've usually been able to enjoy winter by romanticizing the beautiful snow, the relaxation of being snowed in with people I love, the soup cooking on the stove, and the fire in the fireplace (although it is electric). I'm having difficulty shaking my pessimism recently as I only feel the chill clear to my bones, the hazards of walking and carrying little ones on snow and ice, the long, dark evenings when my husband is at work and kids are stir crazy, and the ridiculously high electric bills caused in part by my lovely fireplace.
Like right now, it's time for me to get up and get myself and my little rascals ready for Sunday evening service at church. I've got to admit that getting up and getting ready seems about as difficult as me climbing Mt. Everest, especially since Phillip is at work, so I am once again going to brave this nasty cold with two kids solo. Heaven help me when baby number three arrives! I truly may just stay home until he/she is walking and potty trained.
But somehow I'm going to muster every ounce of waning energy I possess and get up and go. Because I know it's the right thing to do. Because I'm a STRONG woman (at least that's what I'm telling myself). Because I have two precious boys that need me to. Because that's what my mom would do. So I must end this post to get on with things since I'm only prolonging the inevitable.
Until next time, dear friends...
I've been griping some to Phillip lately about how difficult this winter has been on me. While I much prefer warm weather, I always try to embrace the seasons with optimism. If I'm going to live in Ohio where we have the extremes of weather, I figure I might as well find the good in it. So, I've usually been able to enjoy winter by romanticizing the beautiful snow, the relaxation of being snowed in with people I love, the soup cooking on the stove, and the fire in the fireplace (although it is electric). I'm having difficulty shaking my pessimism recently as I only feel the chill clear to my bones, the hazards of walking and carrying little ones on snow and ice, the long, dark evenings when my husband is at work and kids are stir crazy, and the ridiculously high electric bills caused in part by my lovely fireplace.
Like right now, it's time for me to get up and get myself and my little rascals ready for Sunday evening service at church. I've got to admit that getting up and getting ready seems about as difficult as me climbing Mt. Everest, especially since Phillip is at work, so I am once again going to brave this nasty cold with two kids solo. Heaven help me when baby number three arrives! I truly may just stay home until he/she is walking and potty trained.
But somehow I'm going to muster every ounce of waning energy I possess and get up and go. Because I know it's the right thing to do. Because I'm a STRONG woman (at least that's what I'm telling myself). Because I have two precious boys that need me to. Because that's what my mom would do. So I must end this post to get on with things since I'm only prolonging the inevitable.
Until next time, dear friends...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Hoskins' Baby #3!!
Yesterday I got to peak inside and see the new little baby that is growing there. Even though this is number three, as soon as that baby appears on the screen, a big smile spreads across my face and I feel so happy! He/she was very active, moving his/her little arms and legs and extending his/her little body then curling up again. I was once again amazed. My sister went with me since Phillip wasn't able to make it. She had never seen a live ultrasound and was really amazed as well. I said, "So there's the little rascal that's causing me all of this trouble!" At this stage, he/she actually looks like a baby now. Of course, the head is really big and abdomen is really round, and those legs and arms look like sticks. I showed Bryson my pictures last night, and he said, "Mommy, what's wrong with our baby's nose?"
My ultrasound was at Perinatal Partners, the specialists that I saw with Avery and who gave us bad news seemingly weekly. My OBGYN referred me there because of my history. So, yesterday was supposed to be a measurement of the neck nuchal fluid and protein checks to see if this baby is at risk of congenital defects or chromosomal disorders. Avery's ultrasound was disheartening; his fluid was very prominent and his neck was way too thick. I have to admit, I've been quite nervous about this upcoming ultrasound, and it seemed like de ja vu as I walked into that dark room for the scan. This one, however, was much different! First, as I said the baby was moving. Avery rarely moved, even in ultrasounds. Secondly, although the baby wasn't quite long enough to do the official measurement, the tech and doctor agreed that the fluid in the neck is very thin, so that is a great indication at this point! The umbilical cord is difficult to see at this stage, but it also appeared that there were three vessels, unlike Avery's whose only had two. I left PP yesterday feeling relieved and excited. I know there is no guarantee that my baby will be healthy, but things are definitely looking up.
I have to give praise to the Lord. I told Phillip, "Surely God wouldn't let us have another sick baby!" But, sometimes God's plans aren't like ours, and I wasn't sure. Yes, I know, we are to give praise in good times and bad. That is something I've been learning for quite a while now, but this is something that I have really prayed about. I can't help but believe God saw our desperate prayers and our hearts' desire and is creating us a healthy little baby. I'll keep you all informed as the little miss/mister grows.
Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us as well!
~Bethany
My ultrasound was at Perinatal Partners, the specialists that I saw with Avery and who gave us bad news seemingly weekly. My OBGYN referred me there because of my history. So, yesterday was supposed to be a measurement of the neck nuchal fluid and protein checks to see if this baby is at risk of congenital defects or chromosomal disorders. Avery's ultrasound was disheartening; his fluid was very prominent and his neck was way too thick. I have to admit, I've been quite nervous about this upcoming ultrasound, and it seemed like de ja vu as I walked into that dark room for the scan. This one, however, was much different! First, as I said the baby was moving. Avery rarely moved, even in ultrasounds. Secondly, although the baby wasn't quite long enough to do the official measurement, the tech and doctor agreed that the fluid in the neck is very thin, so that is a great indication at this point! The umbilical cord is difficult to see at this stage, but it also appeared that there were three vessels, unlike Avery's whose only had two. I left PP yesterday feeling relieved and excited. I know there is no guarantee that my baby will be healthy, but things are definitely looking up.
I have to give praise to the Lord. I told Phillip, "Surely God wouldn't let us have another sick baby!" But, sometimes God's plans aren't like ours, and I wasn't sure. Yes, I know, we are to give praise in good times and bad. That is something I've been learning for quite a while now, but this is something that I have really prayed about. I can't help but believe God saw our desperate prayers and our hearts' desire and is creating us a healthy little baby. I'll keep you all informed as the little miss/mister grows.
Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us as well!
~Bethany
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
And a New Year is Here
Happy New Year!!
We're already a few days into 2011, which seems so strange to say. I didn't even bother making any resolutions. I have to say that I wasn't sad to see 2010 end. It was filled with a lot of heartache and stress. Of course, there were some great things too, but it seems like the negative overshadows the positive sometimes.
I wonder what 2011 will hold for us?? I know that God, in His wisdom, doesn't allow us foresight because it would be so overwhelming to know what was in store for us. If someone would have told me that Carolyn would die and Phillip would have a difficult job loss in 2010, I don't know if I would've wanted to crawl out of the bed in the morning. I'm praying for a good year, one of healing, recovery, security, and spiritual growth. What if this is the year that the Lord returns for us? Although I enjoy my life, there are times when I'm eager for that day to come.
Whatever comes, I pray that I will keep my trust in God! Trusting God in good times isn't so difficult, but when things don't go our way, trusting gets a little tougher. But in such an unstable world where we can't rely on the government, jobs, economy, even friends and family, I'm so thankful that we can always rely on God!
So, here I come, New Year! Here's to hoping for a great one!
~Bethany
We're already a few days into 2011, which seems so strange to say. I didn't even bother making any resolutions. I have to say that I wasn't sad to see 2010 end. It was filled with a lot of heartache and stress. Of course, there were some great things too, but it seems like the negative overshadows the positive sometimes.
I wonder what 2011 will hold for us?? I know that God, in His wisdom, doesn't allow us foresight because it would be so overwhelming to know what was in store for us. If someone would have told me that Carolyn would die and Phillip would have a difficult job loss in 2010, I don't know if I would've wanted to crawl out of the bed in the morning. I'm praying for a good year, one of healing, recovery, security, and spiritual growth. What if this is the year that the Lord returns for us? Although I enjoy my life, there are times when I'm eager for that day to come.
Whatever comes, I pray that I will keep my trust in God! Trusting God in good times isn't so difficult, but when things don't go our way, trusting gets a little tougher. But in such an unstable world where we can't rely on the government, jobs, economy, even friends and family, I'm so thankful that we can always rely on God!
So, here I come, New Year! Here's to hoping for a great one!
~Bethany
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