Thorburn Family

 :-) 

Today we got a fun “Happy Birthday” email from Ken Mick, whose kidney used to live in Rich.  So, it’s really an adoption anniversary (appropriate, since that is a recurring theme in this household :)).   One year ago today Rich and Ken were in surgery.  We even have a video of it for proof!   We are so thankful for the way God providentially made Rich a match for Ken, for the finances coming in for both families to pull the recovery time off, and for all He taught us through it.  We are happy to report that Mr. Kidney is doing great, and that Ken and Rich are both living normal and healthful lives.

We know at least two people who need a kidney right now.   The other day I was at the doctor’s office, and the nurse shared with me that her sister recently died waiting for a kidney.   Most of her family would not even agree to be match tested! So let me take advantage of a successful kidney transplant anniversary today and give a little plug.   While any surgery is a serious matter (and painful), donation and living with one kidney is amazingly safer and more successful that most people seem to understand.   We have been surprised w/the questions Rich has gotten at times, and his standard response is, “I don’t even walk lopsided.. it’s amazing!”   :^) The only “side effect” that Rich has from giving a kidney is that he will not use Ibuprofen/NSAIDS ever again b/c it is nephrotoxic (the nephrologist told us that in his opinion, NObody should touch Ibuprofen b/c of its effects on healthy kidneys). Other than that, he lives 100% normally, and still works at his heavy physical work daily.  It’s always a serious matter to consider subjecting a healthy body to a surgery in order to help someone else, but if you have someone in your life that needs one, consider doing a little research before passing up the opportunity to help.  <3

Well, what else could it be when the Duggar and Maxwell families get together?   It makes me want to go rearrange the teabags, just thinking about it!!!     The two planets did merge for a moment, and you can see that at the link in this email.

Many of you know what a great tool Teri Maxwell’s Managers Of Their Homes book/system can be in a quest to live intentionally & wisely during this particular season of life.   That’s been a help here for years.   Last year, our family implemented for the first time their Managers Of Their Chores system and chore packs using the online Choreware program that the Maxwells have developed.   Just about the only thing I enjoy about waking up at 5 AM is seeing Ben whizzing through the house with his chore pack pinned to his shirt, all excited!  

We’ve only seen a couple Duggar shows, but I’d spotted their MOTH schedule on the wall in the background of an interview.   Intriguing! We appreciate that the Duggars very clearly give God the glory for all things.  I appreciate most of all that both Michelle Duggar and Teri Maxwell have put themselves out there, openly sharing their struggles and “from whence they came,” as well as generously sharing what they have learned.  They put themselves in a position where they will be regularly criticized (sometimes ruthlessly!), and overly-examined by Christians and non-Christians alike, all to show the worth of the gospel in daily life, and to help other women like me.

Here’s the link to a Maxwell Family Blog post I read today, featuring pictures of their visit to the Duggar home and pics of the Duggar chorepacks hanging in a row.. LOL  Love it! 

http://www.titus2.com/blog/index.php/2009/01/16/fellowship-on-the-road/   (you’ll probably have to copy and paste this address into your browser)

 A perfect little book for the boys!   My friend Betty kindly thinks of us when she comes across excellent materials, and she sent along this little book at Christmastime this year.  

The back of the book says, “Ben is a young boy full of energy — and lots of questions!  He is growing up in a Christian home, so he knows a lot about God, but when he gets to know Pastor Mike, disobeys his mom, and eventually spends time talking with his grandfather and his dad, Ben learns the true meaning of the gospel.”  

We appreciated the way the gospel message was clearly presented in a context that speaks to situations in our own boys’ lives.   Super duper little gem.  Note: We have not read the subsequent books in the series, but plan to check them out soon.