Author Archives: Ethan

My Mustard Seed

Posted on by
17

It’s been 367 days since I posted on the blog. Don’t let the title fool you, it says the Whaleys on it, it’s really Julie’s blog. But today I feel the need to post something. Today is a big day, PET and CAT scans today to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of her body. I admit to being worried. Over the last few days I’ve allowed too many what-ifs and negative possibilities to crowd my mind. I have not lived as though this is the day the Lord has made, and I have not lived with confidence. I’ve struggled. What I’ve realized is that not that my mind wanders, and the details of where it goes aren’t important, but that those seeds of doubt cloud so many other things.

I think about Jonah. I think of his story as one of disobedience, but what if it’s really about doubt. What happened before the disobedience, the defiance, the anger? How many times did Jonah ask himself – what if they don’t listen to me? – what if I’m not strong enough – what if they kill me? How did all the doubt affect his decisions? Can one drop of doubt taint a full bucket of faith? So today I am reminded to take every thought captive to Christ, my supernatural thought filter, and to trust in the Lord’s sovereignty over our lives. I am reminded that He cared for and protected Jonah even through his doubt.

So here is my prayer for today.

Lord may you reign over our lives, and may we lovingly submit to your will. Allow me to give myself in service unselfishly. Allow me to love joyfully. Allow me to live today without worrying about the future. Give me the strength to trust in you through all the news and results. I ask you Father for good results, for the cancer to be contained, for Julie to be strong and that through all things you will be glorified. Today take my mustard seed and grow it. I pray all these things through my savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

On another note, I noticed something important. Some people marry up in money or looks or smarts. I married up in faith and have been eternally blessed because of it. My wife has a faith that I admire, and I long for her confidence. Her steadfast devotion has often been the inspiration I need when things seem difficult. Thank you baby.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

30

Posted on by
2

I don’t remember the time before Alison was born, seems she was always there. Basically always around. We did elementary, middle, and high school together. All the ups and downs Noz was there. Part confidant, part instigator. Part friend, part combatant. In other words the perfect blend of best friend and kid sister. I can’t imagine doing it any other way.

And to mark her achievement of thirty years I was going to list all of Alison’s various injuries or illnesses but that would take, well thirty years. So instead I will highlight my favorite three.

1. Rolling down the driveway on the skateboard on your chest, hitting the hose, falling off, and finally scraping off your face. Not literally but pretty darn close. Brother in charge: me.

2. Slipping on rocks in a creek bed while on vacation, opening a huge gash requiring stitches, and sidetracking Mom and Dad for hours. Brother in charge: me. (Although Adam did carry you back to the cabin.)

3. Finally, signing up for a coed soccer league, playing every Sunday with me, crashing into some dude who wasn’t looking and breaking your collar bone, which grounded you for months. Brother in charge: me.

Why are these my favorite three? Not because of their horrific, and somewhat bemusing outcomes. Certainly not because they are the worst you’ve been through. No, you have been through worse with all the  grace and dignity you could muster, and steadfast service to your loving God. These are my favorites because we did them together. You were always the friend to hang out with, the playmate I could always count on, the sister when I needed support. And the crazy thing is even with all the injuries and times I messed up, said the wrong thing, or behaved poorly you still came back for more. That’s how I knew you loved me.

I look back on all the fun and stupid stuff we did (remember trying to climb up on the frozen roof, you really would have followed me anywhere) and I hope that it shaped you to become the beautiful woman you are today.

I am amazed at your faith.

I am amazed at your commitment.

I am amazed at your honesty. 😉

I am amazed at your perseverance.

I am amazed at your service.

I am amazed at your really bad luck.

I am amazed at your ability to put up with me all these years.

So thanks Noz for all the fun and the laughter. All the serious talks and life moments. Thanks for the honesty and support. You are the perfect kid sister and I can’t wait for another 30.

Happy Birthday and Merry Chirstmas.

Ethan

She’s here!

Posted on by
39

Megan Elizabeth Whaley was born at 11:58 pm, Sept 21st. She is 6 lbs 14 ounces and 20 inches long. Her lower lip quivers just like her sister’s when she cries. We rejoice with our Father in Heaven over our wonderful blessing.

Megan