Lauren Sparks

We just got through January – almost,  and it’s National Fun at Work Day!  I’m not at work because my oldest daughter, Shelby, had major surgery last Thursday.  She and I will be hanging out together for the next several weeks as she heals and recovers.

Two years ago in January Shelby endured a spinal fusion that improved her posture and mobility immensely.  Unfortunately, some hardware came loose in her lower lumbar necessitating a second surgery.  She has taken an anti-convulsant medication for 20 years that affects bone density.  So this time the surgeon bone grafted from her pelvis and added an artificial agent (I’m not even going to try to remember what it’s called) to encourage a stronger bond.

January brings insurance changes for lots of people.  That means a lot my work for me and my co-workers.  So I logged lots of hours while I could – knowing I had time off for Shelby’s surgery coming up.

The hubs and I treated ourselves to an early anniversary date (24 years).  We went to dinner and a night time flight around Dallas in a Cessna Cardinal.  Was so fun to do something different than our normal dinner and a movie date.  Which I also love, by the way.

A good friend of mine had a milestone birthday with a fun surprise party and my Papa celebrated a different milestone.  I enjoyed visiting with both!

My daughter and some friends started a Friday night bible study at our house and even lead worship using a song she wrote with other one of the teenagers.  These are the things that fill me with so much joy and gratitude.

And the day after Shelby’s surgery,  I accompanied my daughter, her friend and her friend’s mom to Baylor Campus for a scholarship event.  Exciting and stressful and nerve wracking.  All the things.  This girl needs some private school money!

I Just Got Through This Entertainment

Chuck and I have been watching the newly rebooted Quantum Leap.  We both loved the OG starring Scott Bakula.  I don’t think this one is as good, but we are enjoying it enough.  And we are still checking out DVDs of The West Wing from the library.  We’ve made it to season 4 so far.  December was all about Christmas shows and Christmas reads so I put everything else on hold until after the holidays.

We went to the theater with Shelby to see A Man Called Otto with Tom Hanks.  I found it so bitter sweet.  I laughed and cried.  It probably won’t win any awards because it is so sentimental and a little predictable, but I highly recommend.

I am attempting to read Joy:  Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C.S. Lewis by Abigail Santamaria.  I say attempting because I’ve gone back and forth several times on whether or not I should quit it.  It’s a bit of a slog so far, but I’ve mentioned before how hard it is for me to give up on a book.  I’ll keep you posted.  I do certainly hope that this woman’s early years were more exciting in real life than on paper.

Now that I’ve gone through what we just got through in January, I would love your prayers for my daughter’s continued healing and recovery.  She’s a tough girl and I’m grateful.  And as always, I love you, I thank you and I hope February treats you well!

Now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

In a world that’s so full of darkness, it’s good to be reminded of what happens in the light.  

The Link Up

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

 Now Let’s Link Up!

If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe!  Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.