My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Today was a special day.  I was ordained and installed as an Elder in our church today.  This was not only special because of what it means to be an Elder in the church, but it was a much needed day for me.  I guess I have subconsciously been worrying about Claire's surgery on Tuesday, so I haven't been eating much (until tonight!) or sleeping much.  Trent says I shouldn't be worried because prayers are being answered and I agree.  But I guess I am just anxious. 

I was greeted by so many people at church today who are praying for Claire and our family.  The ones who read the blog appreciate it.  And just knowing how many people are praying for Claire eased some of my anxiety.  Then as part of my ordination, friends in the church laid hands on me and prayed for me. What a calming experience that was!!!  God definitely knew I needed this today.  I could just feel His presence with me. 

Then on top of that, I was able to help serve communion today for the first time.  I love communion.  Before coming to our church now, I always just took a small piece of bread.  I didn't want to seem greedy or hungry.  But after listening to one of Dr. Eric's sermons one Sunday last year, I learned something different.  I learned that since the bread represents the body of Christ, you should want to take a huge piece!  So that's what I do now.  I needed an extra big piece today to have more of God inside my heart and soul.  So if anyone saw my huge piece, now you know why I took it!  :)

And as the service came to a close, we sang one last hymn.  It was titled "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less."  Many of you probably know it and have sang it many times.  I know I have.  But the words meant more to me today than they have in the past.  They hit home with the emotions I have been feeling this past week and weekend and my anxiety for Claire's surgery.  Below are the words:

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

When Darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil.
(Refrain)

His oath, his covenant, his blood
supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay.
(Refrain)

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne!
(Refrain)
This song comforted me today and made me realize that God is with us each and every second of the day and we are so blessed.  We are so blessed to have Claire with her beautiful glow.  She is perfect!  We are so blessed to have family and friends who pray for her and our family each and every day.  We are blessed to be in the best place possible for Claire with excellent nurses and doctors. 

We may not be able to update the blog tomorrow or Tuesday, but we will try to get one of Claire's lovely aunts to do it for us.  We will definitely post updates on Facebook since we can do that on my phone.  The weather is supposed to be crazy up here so we plan to stay at a nearby hotel close to the hospital so we will be able to just walk to Duke. 

Claire's surgery is scheduled for the first case on Tuesday so it will be early - probably around 7:30 am or so.  Well, that's when they plan to take her down to surgery so there may be some prep time and everything involved.  And this is if there isn't an emergency surgery that bumps Claire's spot back some.  With the weather there may be some delay too if they have to wait for a doctor to get there.  But hopefully everything will go smoothly and on time. 

Below are some pictures that Granny Mary took this weekend while Mommy and Daddy were home!

Love,

The Scott Family

Sweet Baby Girl

Aunt Manda and Claire