Another week of Eliot! He jumped up on the scales and proved what the pictures have been revealing all along. He tipped the scales at 8 lbs. 14.oz. This weight gain is quite an accomplishment.
Seven more birthday parties. Seven more baths. Seven more days with our son.
Arkansas whipped Auburn this week. Therefore, Eliot's friend Claire reluctantly donned her razorback gear in order to keep up her part of a bet. If you have not made it to Claire's site, I encourage you to read about her life and lay your eyes on one upset lady. In order to appease a woman's scorn- and much to his mother's dismay- Eliot opted to put on his blue and orange.
Eliot has had quite a few new readers. Here's some pointers for the new folks:
- New posts typically on Wednesday.
- Check the archives in order to learn of Eliot's condition.
- Feel free to comment. We have been encouraged.
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Eliot's life is always teaching. Ever instructing. Gently nudging observers to truth.
Our world is one in which we all strive for control. Everyone possesses a plan. Sure, some hang on more tightly than others, but, to some extent, we all desire to influence our circumstances. When something is wrong, we act. We do something to fix the problem. This all comes very naturally- if hungry then eat, if tired then sleep. You get the idea. Early on, one learns that his actions can determine the outcome.
This system works quite nicely, and I like the sound of it. It's so American. The "pull yourself up by the bootstraps", self-made man mentality that our grandfather's tried to pass on to us.
Everyone is afraid to admit that they do not have a plan. I love asking college freshman what their plans are. They've got it all mapped out. We crave control; and at the least we desire the appearance of being in control.
Eliot has managed to shatter our illusion of control. We can do nothing. Our utter dependence on the Lord is glaring. He's sick...so we take him to the doctor. They can do nothing. It's a helpless, powerless place that we are in. But, truth be known, this reality is where we have always dwelled. Eliot just helped us realize.
I am thankful that we know the one that controls. This is not always comforting. For His ways are not my ways, and I want my way. All I can do is trust Him. And with Eliot I've begun to see that His ways are better and He is worthy of trust.
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand." Job 38:4
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This week ushered in both the lowest and highest points of our son's journey as of yet. We, honestly, are not prepared to reveal specifics, but suffice it to say that describing Eliot's life as a miracle just may be an understatement. Eliot is with us, and we are overjoyed.
Matt & Ginny Mooney
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13 comments:
Mooney family,
What a excellent reminder as I start the day!! Rely on God. So easy to say, but so hard to do. I pray that you have a smooth week and a wonderful time enjoying your beautiful son. Eliot's life has been a good reminder to me to enjoy the small things with my own two boys. Thanks so much for your example.
We love you guys
Jena Griffin Baker and family
Heys guys,
Blogger is running a little slow for me today. I think that everyone is running between Eliot and Claires posts. I posted to Claire to let her know that I think Eliot has chosen a fine young lady for a girlfriend that is beautiful both inside and out. He has good taste just like his daddy, or should I say his mommy??? Anyway, I cant believe how chubby cheeked he is getting! What a chipmunk! Whatever he is eating seems to be agreeing with him. Know that i continue in prayer for all of you and am so thankful for another week with eliot. Oh yes, I dont think Orange is Eliots color either. Why dont you try Purple and Gold?
Love you tons,
Aunt Amy
Good morning Mooney Family! What a handsome little man precious Eliot Is! Please take care of yourselves as you continue in your journey. My words are inadequate to express my gratitude for the opportunity to witness God's hand in so many lives. You live the serenity prayer.. and that wisdom to know the differfence is the hardest part. Praise to the One who IS in control and holds us in HIS hands. Please be uplifted by that power, love and strength. I agree with Aunt Amy.. Let's see our little tiger fan in some purple and gold. Love,prayers, and hugs, Mrs. olivia
Matt and Ginny, It's been way too long. I think of you two often even though our paths have not crossed for years now. Now I have three Mooney's to think about. Eliot is so CUTE!!! Thank you for sharing your lives with so many. You are both an inspiration and I love all three of you very much. Praying for you guys. I didn't even know you had a baby until two days ago. What a blessing!!! Megan Hirleman
hey guys. well, after reading yesterday and finally sending you a message, i'm compelled to send a note again!! Matt, what a great note to us -- if only i would have admitted as a college freshman i didn't have a plan i might not have wasted time majoring in biology!! i have less of a plan than ever. . .though it's taking time to feel the freedom in that rather than the chaos. i pray for freedom for both of you this week. i pray that uncertainty, as we call it, brews in you freedom to be completely unbound from the world, from your own standards/expectations, from your thoughts, your fears. . .and that even in your own words, Matt, God shows you not having a plan isn't chaos but release from chaos. maybe I'll learn it too :) "Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been granted in what He ordaineth?" God bless you, every bit of the way :)
We're praying for sweeter highs and gentler lows...
Natalie, Dwayne, and Meryt
Macon, GA
If Eliot is taking requests...how about some black and gold for the UNDEFEATED Missouri Tigers? We continue to keep you in our prayers. I don't always understand God's plan either but am always comforted by scriptures. I am thankful to see you put that in your blog also. Much love from Missouri!
I was directed to this blog by a link at hannahsprayer.org . I've read every word you've written of your journey with little Eliot... crying the whole time. Please don't take this the wrong way, but can I say how jealous I am?
Probably not something you hear often, but it comes sincerely from the heart of a mother who had only 108 mins with her son. Your son is truly a miracle. I envy both your highs AND your lows. I'd endure them in a heartbeat!
I know that God's hand was in my finding this site today. It could just be a bad day, or the overload of hormones running through my 8 month pregnant self, but I've been having a very hard time as the one year anniversary of the day my son was born and died approaches next week. The temptation to wallow and indulge my broken heart is great, but I also truly want to be able to celebrate the wonderful year my son has spent in heaven.
Like you, my longing for heaven is great. If you haven't read it, I recommend the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I devoured it!
I will certainly pray for your family and your precious son. Not only for TIME but also that, like Job, you will continue to be able to accept the good and the suffering and praise God through both.
If you'd like to see pictures of our boy, Nathaniel, they're at www.imageevent.com/bundys . Our naming of Nathaniel was also taken from Job (1:21). Nathaniel means "God has given", his middle name Achaziah means "God has taken".
God bless you guys!
Amy (in Canada, so more international prayers!)
Eliot, you just get cuter everyday! Claire sure is a lucky young lady to have a suitor like you! Matt and Ginny, please know that you and Eliot remain constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We love all three of you.
Carrie Uberecken and family
The simple truth is that I rarely respond to your blogs-- mostly because by the time I think of the words, a week has passed and you have posted another entry. Know that my son and I continue to pray for you each night, even on the days my words fail. I will try to get more consistent in responding to help to remind you that so many are praying for you and your family. Each week I race to read your entries to see how your little man is growing and teaching sooo many. It's so hard to give up the control to God-- and situations such as your truly put it to the test. Your faith inspires and challenges me. Thank you so much for having the courage to share your experience with others.
Love, Kari Ritter
Matt and Ginny...I've been checking your blog often and am always left encouraged. Thank you for sharing. It sounds like this week has been full...I'll pray! Love you guys!
I appreciate your words every week. How true that we want things our way and God knows what is best for us.
We are praying for Eliot as well. I pray for much more highs than lows for your sweet family and boy.
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