The last time I posted, Trent had to go to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. It went well and the dentist informed me that she really has no idea how long those baby teeth will stay in his mouth. We just keep praying.
When Trent was around 7 or 8, he was diagnosed with JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). He eventually outgrew that for the most part, although at times his joints would hurt. Some years ago, the doctors said that he had outgrown the JRA and diagnosed him with psoriatic arthritis.
I took Trent off of sugar around a year and a half ago. He has lost almost 30 pounds and has kept it off. He weighed 168 when he began and now weighs around 139 pounds. The main reason I took him off of sugar is because he struggled with boils. All the doctors ever did was to give him medication to put on his boils to help heal them up. I wanted something that was preventative. I tried various things and the elimination of sugar seemed to help incredibly...until several months ago.
The boils have come back, but not to the extent that they had before. His bigger problem has been a strange rash, especially around the right side of his mouth. It comes from time to time, sometimes every few days, but usually we can clear it up within two to three days.
Last Sunday, the rash started again in the same place. I knew that he had pizza the night prior to that when he had attended a special rec activity. But I figured we could clear it up in a day or two---WRONG!
It is bigger and redder than ever no matter what we do. Sometimes besides the patch by his mouth, his right cheek becomes quite red. I have been at a loss and have asked God for wisdom about what to do, what kind of doctor to call, and what this could possibly be. God answered and gave me the wisdom for which I asked.
I realized that he had been complaining about pain the last several weeks. Trent doesn't complain about pain unless he is REALLY hurting. After being in remission, his arthritis is flaring up again. And if that isn't bad enough, so is the psoriasis that we thought was long gone. After looking up some pictures on line, I know that is what the problem is.
It's so hard for us as parents of a child with special needs to see them go through so much emotional turmoil and then add the physical problems, too. This is something that I must cast upon the Lord. I need to find a rhematologist who will take his Medicare and Medicaid. I'm trusting God, but I'm asking you to please pray for him.
He is able to do so many things--cutting the grass, raking the leaves, driving the garden tractor to clean up the snow...and he loves his job at Bob Evans Restaurant. He is an amazing young man and I am praying that he will go ino remission soon so that he can continue to do the things he so enjoys.
When we have a child with special needs, the concerns never end. But I know we have a Heavenly Father Who cares and loves all of us. And I am sure that those with special needs are very special to Him indeed.
And so we must continue on. Praising and thanking God for His Goodness, knowing that He always knows what He is doing and that He already has the problem under His control.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Look at the Bright Side!
It seems that when we have a child with special needs, there is always one medical need after another. For the most part, Trent has been fairly healthy. He hasn't had many of the problems that others with Down Syndrome have had. But he has had his share.
Today I found out that we now have to face something medically (or should I say dentally?) new.
About 13 years ago, we switched to a new dentist. She continues to be our dentist because I like her and I trust her. She told us at that time that Trent had no permanent teeth. What did that mean? It meant that at the then age of 19, he had all baby teeth and the x rays revealed that there were no permanent teeth. His former dentists had never caught this. The solution? There was and is none. The dentist said that the best thing was to just leave them alone and when there were problems that arose, we would deal with them.
He has had NO cavities--at least not until now.
Just before we went to the dentist for his regular six-month check up, I noticed that he had a tooth that was twisted to the side and squeezing up against the other one. Sure enough, the tooth has to be pulled. Not only has it moved, but it is quite decayed.
This is the beginning of something we hoped would never happen. But it is happening. We were told that eventually it would.
It is so easy to get discouraged when things like this happen. The only thing that can be done is that he will, eventually, have to have all his teeth pulled and have his teeth replaced with dentures. My heart goes out to him. He has suffered from arthritis from the time he was eight years old, when he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. As he grew older, he was then diagnosed with psoraric arthritis. I know this is going to be no fun. Of course, he is apprehensive about having his tooth pulled. But he is brave--surprisingly so!
As for me, I had all I could do to fight back the tears. Dentures are not going to be easy for him to adapt to. And they are going to be expensive! At least, we had the good sense to be putting away for these for when the day was to come.
But we who have been parents of a special-needs child for any length of time know this: we must look at the bright side. What is the bright side? At least he will have this done while we are still here for him. The day will come that we won't be here. Do I worry about that? What mom doesn't? But we have made proper arrangements for him and I know that we have a Heavenly Father who will take care of him until he joins us in heaven. Thank you Father God!!
Today I found out that we now have to face something medically (or should I say dentally?) new.
About 13 years ago, we switched to a new dentist. She continues to be our dentist because I like her and I trust her. She told us at that time that Trent had no permanent teeth. What did that mean? It meant that at the then age of 19, he had all baby teeth and the x rays revealed that there were no permanent teeth. His former dentists had never caught this. The solution? There was and is none. The dentist said that the best thing was to just leave them alone and when there were problems that arose, we would deal with them.
He has had NO cavities--at least not until now.
Just before we went to the dentist for his regular six-month check up, I noticed that he had a tooth that was twisted to the side and squeezing up against the other one. Sure enough, the tooth has to be pulled. Not only has it moved, but it is quite decayed.
This is the beginning of something we hoped would never happen. But it is happening. We were told that eventually it would.
It is so easy to get discouraged when things like this happen. The only thing that can be done is that he will, eventually, have to have all his teeth pulled and have his teeth replaced with dentures. My heart goes out to him. He has suffered from arthritis from the time he was eight years old, when he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. As he grew older, he was then diagnosed with psoraric arthritis. I know this is going to be no fun. Of course, he is apprehensive about having his tooth pulled. But he is brave--surprisingly so!
As for me, I had all I could do to fight back the tears. Dentures are not going to be easy for him to adapt to. And they are going to be expensive! At least, we had the good sense to be putting away for these for when the day was to come.
But we who have been parents of a special-needs child for any length of time know this: we must look at the bright side. What is the bright side? At least he will have this done while we are still here for him. The day will come that we won't be here. Do I worry about that? What mom doesn't? But we have made proper arrangements for him and I know that we have a Heavenly Father who will take care of him until he joins us in heaven. Thank you Father God!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Hello!
Hello to everyone who has followed my blog and has not given up on me.
Truth is, this past year has been a difficult one--a time of testings and trials that has tried my faith. I have kept myself busy by teaching a Ladies' Sunday School class, continuing to have our Wonderfully Made Moms group, singing at church, and just about anything that God lays on my heart to do. It has taken my mind off of other things, while my heart is in the process of healing. I am confident that some day God will answer my prayers.
The most exciting thing I am doing is writing a new book. It's is for Moms who have children with special needs and it probably won't be done for at least a few more months. Then comes the editing, finding a publisher, etc. Please pray for me. As I get nearer to the completion, I will let everyone know.
Nice to connect with you again!
Truth is, this past year has been a difficult one--a time of testings and trials that has tried my faith. I have kept myself busy by teaching a Ladies' Sunday School class, continuing to have our Wonderfully Made Moms group, singing at church, and just about anything that God lays on my heart to do. It has taken my mind off of other things, while my heart is in the process of healing. I am confident that some day God will answer my prayers.
The most exciting thing I am doing is writing a new book. It's is for Moms who have children with special needs and it probably won't be done for at least a few more months. Then comes the editing, finding a publisher, etc. Please pray for me. As I get nearer to the completion, I will let everyone know.
Nice to connect with you again!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Let Us Run With Patience
On Thursday night we had our Wonderfully Made Mothers meeting. For our Bible Study time, we focused on Hebrews 12: 1 and 2. What God showed me in these two verses has been very meaningful to me, so I decided to share some of those thoughts with the ladies present and also to those of you who follow my blog.
Hebrews 12: 1-2
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Look at the first word in verse one. Whenever we see the word wherefore, we should look to see what it is there for. That means we need to look in the verses just prior to this one to get our answer.
Hebrews 11, just prior to these two verses in Chapter 12, is a very familiar and popular chapter. It is called the "faith" chapter. I urge you to read this chapter. In fact, read it several times and let it sink in. It is an amazing example of people who walked by faith and how they overcame by faith. So as we look at the first part of verse one in chapter 12, it is referring back to just that. We have an example to follow.
The next part of verse one says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us..."
Now we are going to be told how we are to run this race (or the Christian walk) that is set before us.
What does a good athlete need so that he can do his best and run his race? He needs to eat healthy food, he needs to workout on a regular basis practice and he needs to get a proper amount of sleep. What would happen to an athlete who didn't get his rest, ate junk food, and didn't workout. He gets up on the morning of the race. As he begins that race, he has to pick up two large weights--one on each side. How far do you think he would get? Would he win? We can all easily answer "no." He probably wouldn't make it very far at all.
So let's compare that to a Christian running "the race that is set before us."
First of all, a Christian who is running that race needs certain things. What are they? Proper nutrition! From where does that nutrition come? It comes from the reading of God's Word. That is our spiritual nutrition. We also need physical nutrition, that comes from eating good, nutritious food and we need a proper amount of rest.
In verse one it also says that we are to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. Just as we said that an athlete who carries weights isn't going to get very far, neither are we if we carry heavy weights with us.
The sins that we carry and have not confessed can be different and they can be few or many. Sometimes we carry the weight of certain sins for years. What kind of weight are you carrying? I was saved when I was seven years old, and one thing I have noticed, even in my own life, that one sin that so many of us carry and have trouble laying aside is the sin of unforgiveness. Sometimes we are unable to forgive someone who has hurt us so deeply. But more often than not, there are two other things that come to mind. One of those is that sometimes we do not truly believe that God has forgiven us, or, we cannot forgive ourselves for something that we have done.
Okay...here we go. Let me ask you, does God forgive and forget? Now most of you would quickly answer yes. But let me tell you something that was recently explained to me.
I was raised in a Christian home and I also was taught that when we confess our sins, God forgives and forgets. But even as a child I would think to myself. "But sometimes the sin I committed comes back into my mind and God knows what I am thinking, so how can He possibly forget?" For years, I pondered that with no real answer. Recently I read a devotional that explained it well. It went like this.
"The idea that God forgets my sins isn't very reassuring to me. After all, what if He suddenly remembered? In any case, only imperfection can forget, and God is perfect. Then I read Hebrews 8:12 which says, 'For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.'" The author continues, "God doesn't say He'll forget our sins--He says He'll remember them no more! His promise not to remember them ever again is stronger than saying He'll forget them. Now that reassures me!" And this reassures me and should reassure everyone that we can lay aside every sin and weight which besets us and run the race that is set before us.
But there is still one more very important word in that first verse. Can you see it? It is something about which we have said nothing so far, and yet it is a very important word. It is the word patience. And we all know how we get patience. "...tribulation worketh patience..." Romans 5:3. None of us want the tribulation part, do we?
The word patience means to be patient. But what does the word patient mean? In the dictionary, I found the following:
Patient--Possessing or demonstrating quiet, uncomplaining endurance under distress or annoyance; tolerant, tender or forgiving, persevering, diligent
How are we to run the race that is set before us?
We are to run that race without complaining--even when we are under distress or annoyance; we are to run that race with tolerance; we are to run that race being tender and forgiving, we are to run that race with perseverance, and with being diligent! Wow! I don't know about you, but I surely have not been running my race with PATIENCE!
In verse two, I am sweetly reminded of our precious Lord Jesus.
How do we run that race? By looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The next part of that verse brings tears to my eyes. It says, "...who for the JOY that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus died on the cross for you and for me. There was no complaining. He did it with JOY because He loves us so much. When we are running our race, the Bible tells us that we are to be looking at Jesus. Remembering that He went to the cross for you and for me with JOY will help us to run our race with patience.
What is the end result of running with patience the race that is set before us? It will result in others seeing Jesus in us and winning them to Him. How wonderful it would be to receive many rewards when we get to heaven because we ran with patience--rewards that we can lay at Jesus' feet.
I pray that these verses have touched someones heart. May we all RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US!!!
Hebrews 12: 1-2
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Look at the first word in verse one. Whenever we see the word wherefore, we should look to see what it is there for. That means we need to look in the verses just prior to this one to get our answer.
Hebrews 11, just prior to these two verses in Chapter 12, is a very familiar and popular chapter. It is called the "faith" chapter. I urge you to read this chapter. In fact, read it several times and let it sink in. It is an amazing example of people who walked by faith and how they overcame by faith. So as we look at the first part of verse one in chapter 12, it is referring back to just that. We have an example to follow.
The next part of verse one says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us..."
Now we are going to be told how we are to run this race (or the Christian walk) that is set before us.
What does a good athlete need so that he can do his best and run his race? He needs to eat healthy food, he needs to workout on a regular basis practice and he needs to get a proper amount of sleep. What would happen to an athlete who didn't get his rest, ate junk food, and didn't workout. He gets up on the morning of the race. As he begins that race, he has to pick up two large weights--one on each side. How far do you think he would get? Would he win? We can all easily answer "no." He probably wouldn't make it very far at all.
So let's compare that to a Christian running "the race that is set before us."
First of all, a Christian who is running that race needs certain things. What are they? Proper nutrition! From where does that nutrition come? It comes from the reading of God's Word. That is our spiritual nutrition. We also need physical nutrition, that comes from eating good, nutritious food and we need a proper amount of rest.
In verse one it also says that we are to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. Just as we said that an athlete who carries weights isn't going to get very far, neither are we if we carry heavy weights with us.
The sins that we carry and have not confessed can be different and they can be few or many. Sometimes we carry the weight of certain sins for years. What kind of weight are you carrying? I was saved when I was seven years old, and one thing I have noticed, even in my own life, that one sin that so many of us carry and have trouble laying aside is the sin of unforgiveness. Sometimes we are unable to forgive someone who has hurt us so deeply. But more often than not, there are two other things that come to mind. One of those is that sometimes we do not truly believe that God has forgiven us, or, we cannot forgive ourselves for something that we have done.
Okay...here we go. Let me ask you, does God forgive and forget? Now most of you would quickly answer yes. But let me tell you something that was recently explained to me.
I was raised in a Christian home and I also was taught that when we confess our sins, God forgives and forgets. But even as a child I would think to myself. "But sometimes the sin I committed comes back into my mind and God knows what I am thinking, so how can He possibly forget?" For years, I pondered that with no real answer. Recently I read a devotional that explained it well. It went like this.
"The idea that God forgets my sins isn't very reassuring to me. After all, what if He suddenly remembered? In any case, only imperfection can forget, and God is perfect. Then I read Hebrews 8:12 which says, 'For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.'" The author continues, "God doesn't say He'll forget our sins--He says He'll remember them no more! His promise not to remember them ever again is stronger than saying He'll forget them. Now that reassures me!" And this reassures me and should reassure everyone that we can lay aside every sin and weight which besets us and run the race that is set before us.
But there is still one more very important word in that first verse. Can you see it? It is something about which we have said nothing so far, and yet it is a very important word. It is the word patience. And we all know how we get patience. "...tribulation worketh patience..." Romans 5:3. None of us want the tribulation part, do we?
The word patience means to be patient. But what does the word patient mean? In the dictionary, I found the following:
Patient--Possessing or demonstrating quiet, uncomplaining endurance under distress or annoyance; tolerant, tender or forgiving, persevering, diligent
How are we to run the race that is set before us?
We are to run that race without complaining--even when we are under distress or annoyance; we are to run that race with tolerance; we are to run that race being tender and forgiving, we are to run that race with perseverance, and with being diligent! Wow! I don't know about you, but I surely have not been running my race with PATIENCE!
In verse two, I am sweetly reminded of our precious Lord Jesus.
How do we run that race? By looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The next part of that verse brings tears to my eyes. It says, "...who for the JOY that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus died on the cross for you and for me. There was no complaining. He did it with JOY because He loves us so much. When we are running our race, the Bible tells us that we are to be looking at Jesus. Remembering that He went to the cross for you and for me with JOY will help us to run our race with patience.
What is the end result of running with patience the race that is set before us? It will result in others seeing Jesus in us and winning them to Him. How wonderful it would be to receive many rewards when we get to heaven because we ran with patience--rewards that we can lay at Jesus' feet.
I pray that these verses have touched someones heart. May we all RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US!!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding
For some time now I have been tired--bone tired--the kind of tired that zaps every bit of energy, leaving one exhausted. I had not been sleeping well. I slurred my words. At times my mind would seem completely blank.
I was terrified! My husband quietly worried about me. The unspoken fear lingered deep inside both of us. Could I possibly be in the early stage of Alzheimers?
I well remember that my own mother began to show early symptoms of Alzheimers when she was only about six years older than I am now.
But last week I found out what the problem was when my doctor's office called me with the results of my yearly lab tests. Hypothyroid! What a relief!
I googled the word hypothyroid and guess what I found out? Most of the symptoms were ones that I have had. What a relief!
I now take a little white pill and hopefully, soon I will be feeling better.
Well, after all, how was I to know?
Proverbs 3:5 comes to mind here:"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Amen!
I was terrified! My husband quietly worried about me. The unspoken fear lingered deep inside both of us. Could I possibly be in the early stage of Alzheimers?
I well remember that my own mother began to show early symptoms of Alzheimers when she was only about six years older than I am now.
But last week I found out what the problem was when my doctor's office called me with the results of my yearly lab tests. Hypothyroid! What a relief!
I googled the word hypothyroid and guess what I found out? Most of the symptoms were ones that I have had. What a relief!
I now take a little white pill and hopefully, soon I will be feeling better.
Well, after all, how was I to know?
Proverbs 3:5 comes to mind here:"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Amen!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Ramblings in the Night
I lie in bed trying to fall asleep. The sounds of the night are keeping me awake. It's going on midnight and the fireworks are still strong! Boom! Boom! The loudness echoes the feelings of my soul. I am overwhelmed! Please! Please! Let the sleep come!
The darkness, the tugging is deep within me--it's trying to pull me apart. I don't understand. Everyone demanding so much..I feel as if I am spinning...I want to stop...I want to get off of this roller coaster. Please God! Show me what to do. What am I doing wrong? I go and go and go and can't get done what I need to do. And then there is the hurt. I can't give all of my family what they seem to need. Where have I gone wrong? Why can't I get the peace which I so desperately need? Why can't I please those around me so that I can have the peace I so desire? Please God! Help me! I am at my wits end!
Finally, finally, after struggling for so long, the answer comes in a still small voice. "When a man's way please the Lord, He maketh even His enemies to be at peace with him" Proverbs 16:7.
"That's it, isn't it Lord? I only need to try to please you and leave the rest in your hands."
The strong beating I felt in my chest is now quieted, my breathing is calm. "Help me to please you Lord, and to leave the rest to you."
At last I can go to sleep.
The darkness, the tugging is deep within me--it's trying to pull me apart. I don't understand. Everyone demanding so much..I feel as if I am spinning...I want to stop...I want to get off of this roller coaster. Please God! Show me what to do. What am I doing wrong? I go and go and go and can't get done what I need to do. And then there is the hurt. I can't give all of my family what they seem to need. Where have I gone wrong? Why can't I get the peace which I so desperately need? Why can't I please those around me so that I can have the peace I so desire? Please God! Help me! I am at my wits end!
Finally, finally, after struggling for so long, the answer comes in a still small voice. "When a man's way please the Lord, He maketh even His enemies to be at peace with him" Proverbs 16:7.
"That's it, isn't it Lord? I only need to try to please you and leave the rest in your hands."
The strong beating I felt in my chest is now quieted, my breathing is calm. "Help me to please you Lord, and to leave the rest to you."
At last I can go to sleep.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Siblings of a Special-Needs Child
The last time I blogged, I promised that I would give what I thought was, at least, part of the reason for my son having difficulties and poor grades in the sixth grade.
When there is a child with special needs in a family, sometimes the other children have a difficult time. Then we as parents take the blame upon ourselves--or we begin to feel sorry for our "normal" child or children because we can't spend the time with them that we like to spend. As I think back about the year that Brett was in sixth grade, a few things come to mind.
That same year, two of Brett's older brothers were in Christian high school and Trent was also in Christian school that year. I dropped the boys off at school every morning and then went to work a temporary job from 9:00 till 1:00. When I arrived home at about 1:15, I took enough time to change my clothes, relax just a little bit, eat some lunch, and then walk my daily paper route. By the time I got home, the kids were due home from school and I was exhausted. Then there was supper to cook, the kitchen to clean, then perhaps a basketball game, AWANA, or prayer meeting to attend. The temporary job and the paper route helped to pay the tuition for our sons, and the extra time and attention that was required for Trent completely wore me out. Most times, I was completely drained. I felt "sorry" for Brett and allowed him to become sloppy in his school work.
What we needed was better "balance" in our lives. Brett did need extra time and attention because he was the closest in age to Trent. When they were young, we did give him extra "alone" time. The problem was that I over indulged him. How did that happen?
Being busy. Feeling guilty. You name it!
The solution??? It's always easier as we look back. All of our children need accountability. They need to do their chores around the house and they need to do their school work. And when they don't live up to their potential, there should be consequences. As they reach the teen years, special attention should be given to the friends they have, their attitudes, and anything else that might give us clues as to where they are headed and what they are doing. As we sometimes get bogged down with the needs of our special needs child, we must not forget that the needs of our other children are just as important.
Parenting is difficult enough, but when there is a child with special needs in the family, sometimes it can seem like it is an impossible task. The days can be hard and long. But God gives grace one step at a time!!!
When there is a child with special needs in a family, sometimes the other children have a difficult time. Then we as parents take the blame upon ourselves--or we begin to feel sorry for our "normal" child or children because we can't spend the time with them that we like to spend. As I think back about the year that Brett was in sixth grade, a few things come to mind.
That same year, two of Brett's older brothers were in Christian high school and Trent was also in Christian school that year. I dropped the boys off at school every morning and then went to work a temporary job from 9:00 till 1:00. When I arrived home at about 1:15, I took enough time to change my clothes, relax just a little bit, eat some lunch, and then walk my daily paper route. By the time I got home, the kids were due home from school and I was exhausted. Then there was supper to cook, the kitchen to clean, then perhaps a basketball game, AWANA, or prayer meeting to attend. The temporary job and the paper route helped to pay the tuition for our sons, and the extra time and attention that was required for Trent completely wore me out. Most times, I was completely drained. I felt "sorry" for Brett and allowed him to become sloppy in his school work.
What we needed was better "balance" in our lives. Brett did need extra time and attention because he was the closest in age to Trent. When they were young, we did give him extra "alone" time. The problem was that I over indulged him. How did that happen?
Being busy. Feeling guilty. You name it!
The solution??? It's always easier as we look back. All of our children need accountability. They need to do their chores around the house and they need to do their school work. And when they don't live up to their potential, there should be consequences. As they reach the teen years, special attention should be given to the friends they have, their attitudes, and anything else that might give us clues as to where they are headed and what they are doing. As we sometimes get bogged down with the needs of our special needs child, we must not forget that the needs of our other children are just as important.
Parenting is difficult enough, but when there is a child with special needs in the family, sometimes it can seem like it is an impossible task. The days can be hard and long. But God gives grace one step at a time!!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
PAY BA-A-ACK!!!
Today I have two of my grandsons spending time at our house. Brandon is the son of my son, Brad, and Andrew is the son of my son, Brett.
I have been in the process of going through pictures, trying to organize them, so that I can put together some scrapbooks.
When the boys wandered into the room where I had been working and saw some of the pictures on the table, they began to ask questions. Then they looked at the different boxes with the names on them, and each of them wanted to see what was inside of the box with his father's name on it. I obliged them.
But more important than the pictures were boxes marked "report cards." They couldn't wait to see what kind of grades their dads had. Boy, did I ever open a can of worms!!!!
Twelve-year-old Andrew, who just finished 6th grade quickly grabbed his dad's 6th grade report card.
"What!" he said. "I just got in trouble for bringing home one C on my report card and here my dad has five D-s!" We enjoyed a good laugh together. "Ha! It's time for Payback!" I said. What fun it can be to be a grandmother!
Brett struggled in public school--especially in junior high. We thought he just wasn't getting it! But the truth was, he was a bright child who was very bored! We discovered this when he went to Christian high school and did very well. They were able to challenge him.
The strange thing is, that today as I looked at that 6th grade report card, something else came to me--something that suddenly became so clear. There was another reason why Brett did so poorly in the 6th grade.
I believe that report card reflected something deep inside of him--something which was the result of having a sibling with special needs.
In my next post, I will share what this was.
I have been in the process of going through pictures, trying to organize them, so that I can put together some scrapbooks.
When the boys wandered into the room where I had been working and saw some of the pictures on the table, they began to ask questions. Then they looked at the different boxes with the names on them, and each of them wanted to see what was inside of the box with his father's name on it. I obliged them.
But more important than the pictures were boxes marked "report cards." They couldn't wait to see what kind of grades their dads had. Boy, did I ever open a can of worms!!!!
Twelve-year-old Andrew, who just finished 6th grade quickly grabbed his dad's 6th grade report card.
"What!" he said. "I just got in trouble for bringing home one C on my report card and here my dad has five D-s!" We enjoyed a good laugh together. "Ha! It's time for Payback!" I said. What fun it can be to be a grandmother!
Brett struggled in public school--especially in junior high. We thought he just wasn't getting it! But the truth was, he was a bright child who was very bored! We discovered this when he went to Christian high school and did very well. They were able to challenge him.
The strange thing is, that today as I looked at that 6th grade report card, something else came to me--something that suddenly became so clear. There was another reason why Brett did so poorly in the 6th grade.
I believe that report card reflected something deep inside of him--something which was the result of having a sibling with special needs.
In my next post, I will share what this was.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Nathaniel Ean
A week ago today our 14th grandchild (12th grandson) was born. He is the miracle baby born to our son and daughter, Chet and Ann. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz and is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen (proud grandma talking).
He is also the little brother of Matthew and Luke, our precious China dolls.
Ann had a difficult time in delivery and may need some surgery in the next few days. We have been VERY BUSY helping out with Matthew and Luke. My feet and legs hurt just from chasing these two little guys around--and around---and around. I am not complaining, mind you, I am just exhausted and I am constantly reminded that I am in my sixties, not my thirties. I
am so-o-o thankful to God for the gift of three sweet little boys in two and a half years.
He is also the little brother of Matthew and Luke, our precious China dolls.
Ann had a difficult time in delivery and may need some surgery in the next few days. We have been VERY BUSY helping out with Matthew and Luke. My feet and legs hurt just from chasing these two little guys around--and around---and around. I am not complaining, mind you, I am just exhausted and I am constantly reminded that I am in my sixties, not my thirties. I
am so-o-o thankful to God for the gift of three sweet little boys in two and a half years.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My Focus - Is it on God or Is it on My Child?
There are times in rearing a child with special needs when his or her needs become even more special.
No matter what disability our child has, or how high he or she is functioning, sometimes life can become more frustrating and more trying.
I was carrying on a conversation with a wonderful Christian man a few days ago. He made the comment that medicine had become the focus of a family he knew who had a child with special needs. At first, I felt just a little bit defensive (old bad habit) about this statement. But then I couldn't help but think about what he had said. The truth is that anyone can focus on his or her problem instead of focusing upon God, and those of us who have a child with special needs may do this more often than we care to admit.
What is the problem with this? Well...for one thing, we try to take care of the problem ourselves instead of seeking God through the reading of His Word and prayer. And what are the results?
Worry, worry, worry; talk, talk, talk; worry, worry, worry; talk, talk, talk. The focus is always on the problem and not on the Lord.
Ever found yourself doing that? I have! And more than once! Instead, this is what you and I need to do:
1. Be sure you are in your Bible EVERY day.
2. Why worry when you can pray? So...pray, pray, pray. Don't forget to thank God and to praise Him for all that He has done for you. Focus on God instead of focusing on the problem.
3. You and your husband get together on your knees and pray, pray, pray (again, remembering to thank God and to praise Him).
4. Ask others to pray. Hopefully you know someone who is a good prayer warrior; if not, ask God for someone whom you can trust to take your problem to the Lord.
5. Seek others (who know Jesus Christ) who have been through similar circumstances.
6. Check yourself to make sure that this problem is not #1 in your life instead of God being #1.
7. Seek out professionals--only if needed. Some professionals give excellent advice, but in many cases, it is only book learning and not practical experience. As I reread this statement, I realize that it can be misinterpreted. Please let me explain. When Trent was young, everything he did or did not do was text book case or it wasn't. I believe that stereotyping our children hurts them instead of helping them. I will add this--there are times when professionals ARE needed. I don't want anyone to read this and misunderstand what I have said. There are some lovely counselors out there, some with great compassion--people whom God uses to help others. Do not feel badly if you need to go this route.
One final thought--sometimes we feel like failures when we can't handle the stress that comes with rearing a child with special needs. That is a normal feeling. And sometimes we feel like nobody understands and that God is so far away. That is also normal.
I write this blog, not because I've arrived, but because I have struggled with these things for many years and at times I still struggle. It is easy to focus on my problem, but it's so much better to focus on God.
No matter what disability our child has, or how high he or she is functioning, sometimes life can become more frustrating and more trying.
I was carrying on a conversation with a wonderful Christian man a few days ago. He made the comment that medicine had become the focus of a family he knew who had a child with special needs. At first, I felt just a little bit defensive (old bad habit) about this statement. But then I couldn't help but think about what he had said. The truth is that anyone can focus on his or her problem instead of focusing upon God, and those of us who have a child with special needs may do this more often than we care to admit.
What is the problem with this? Well...for one thing, we try to take care of the problem ourselves instead of seeking God through the reading of His Word and prayer. And what are the results?
Worry, worry, worry; talk, talk, talk; worry, worry, worry; talk, talk, talk. The focus is always on the problem and not on the Lord.
Ever found yourself doing that? I have! And more than once! Instead, this is what you and I need to do:
1. Be sure you are in your Bible EVERY day.
2. Why worry when you can pray? So...pray, pray, pray. Don't forget to thank God and to praise Him for all that He has done for you. Focus on God instead of focusing on the problem.
3. You and your husband get together on your knees and pray, pray, pray (again, remembering to thank God and to praise Him).
4. Ask others to pray. Hopefully you know someone who is a good prayer warrior; if not, ask God for someone whom you can trust to take your problem to the Lord.
5. Seek others (who know Jesus Christ) who have been through similar circumstances.
6. Check yourself to make sure that this problem is not #1 in your life instead of God being #1.
7. Seek out professionals--only if needed. Some professionals give excellent advice, but in many cases, it is only book learning and not practical experience. As I reread this statement, I realize that it can be misinterpreted. Please let me explain. When Trent was young, everything he did or did not do was text book case or it wasn't. I believe that stereotyping our children hurts them instead of helping them. I will add this--there are times when professionals ARE needed. I don't want anyone to read this and misunderstand what I have said. There are some lovely counselors out there, some with great compassion--people whom God uses to help others. Do not feel badly if you need to go this route.
One final thought--sometimes we feel like failures when we can't handle the stress that comes with rearing a child with special needs. That is a normal feeling. And sometimes we feel like nobody understands and that God is so far away. That is also normal.
I write this blog, not because I've arrived, but because I have struggled with these things for many years and at times I still struggle. It is easy to focus on my problem, but it's so much better to focus on God.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Wonderful Truth
Trent is almost 31. I can hardly believe it. What a blessing he has been to us!
The thing that most impresses me abut Trent is that sometimes I think he is more mature in spiritual things than in any other area of his life. He loves the Lord with everything in him and he loves to serve the Lord.
Last Friday, my husband, Don, took Trent out to buy me some flowers for Mother's Day. Obviously I knew about it, but Trent did not know that I knew. He hid them outside, and on Saturday night he went into the garage to get the shepherds hooks and put them in the ground. Then he proceeded to hang the flowers up. When he came back into the house, I was given specific instructions to stay upstairs in the morning. I did.
The next morning when I came downstairs, he was sitting on the love sofa, patiently waiting for me, with a big grin on his face. "Come here," he said. He opened the front door and there hung the beautiful plants. While giving me a great big hug, he told me how much he loved me.
A little later, while we were in the kitchen, he threw his arms around me. "I'm so sorry, Mom."
"About what?" I asked.
"You know. Your mom. My grandma. You know."
He was thinking about my mother who died three and a half years ago.
"But grandma is with Jesus and I know that I will see her again some day," I replied. I used that time for a little lesson, because, after all, we must prepare our special needs children for a day when we might not be here.
"Some day you may have a Mother's Day when I won't be here. I want you to remember my words and to know that if that happens, I will be in heaven with Jesus. And some day you will be there, too, and we will see each other again."
He smiled. I knew he understood.
The thing that most impresses me abut Trent is that sometimes I think he is more mature in spiritual things than in any other area of his life. He loves the Lord with everything in him and he loves to serve the Lord.
Last Friday, my husband, Don, took Trent out to buy me some flowers for Mother's Day. Obviously I knew about it, but Trent did not know that I knew. He hid them outside, and on Saturday night he went into the garage to get the shepherds hooks and put them in the ground. Then he proceeded to hang the flowers up. When he came back into the house, I was given specific instructions to stay upstairs in the morning. I did.
The next morning when I came downstairs, he was sitting on the love sofa, patiently waiting for me, with a big grin on his face. "Come here," he said. He opened the front door and there hung the beautiful plants. While giving me a great big hug, he told me how much he loved me.
A little later, while we were in the kitchen, he threw his arms around me. "I'm so sorry, Mom."
"About what?" I asked.
"You know. Your mom. My grandma. You know."
He was thinking about my mother who died three and a half years ago.
"But grandma is with Jesus and I know that I will see her again some day," I replied. I used that time for a little lesson, because, after all, we must prepare our special needs children for a day when we might not be here.
"Some day you may have a Mother's Day when I won't be here. I want you to remember my words and to know that if that happens, I will be in heaven with Jesus. And some day you will be there, too, and we will see each other again."
He smiled. I knew he understood.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Jesus Can Heal the Broken Heart
I really meant to keep up with this when I started again almost four weeks ago. Really I did. But my life just keeps going and going and going and I don't seem to be able to sit down at my computer when I have great ideas and when I sit down to my computer I don't have such great ideas.
My heart has been burdened with people who have so many needs. There are so many with broken hearts--broken hearts that only God can heal. Moms with a special needs child--and a broken marriage. Moms who have grown children who have gone through some terrible things, and stick by then through thick and thin. Moms who have been diagnosed with cancer and have young children at home. Moms who have just received an adverse diagnoses for their child and are exhausted with the care the child requires. Problems, problems, problems. I couldn't help but think about these mothers yesterday on Mother's Day. I was really blessed with so much love and attention shown by my own children, but I, like so many have gone through difficult times.
But more importantly, I look back over the last several years and see how God has answered so many, many prayers in my life. And yes, He has healed my broken heart. God is so loving, and so good, and so kind. He really does care about us.
God can heal the broken-hearted. For some the healing comes immediately. But for many it may come a little at a time--just as a wound takes time to heal. Then there is the scar tissue. For months, and even years after a wound heals, there is still scar tissue left behind and at times it will cause pain.
God has laid it on my heart to begin a ladies Sunday School class at my church. After much praying, I have decided to do some lessons on "Healing Broken Hearts." In order to live a victorious Chrisitian life, many of us need to be healed first. Within the next few months, I hope to share the lessons on my blog that the Holy Spirit gives to me.
No one understands like Jesus!!!
My heart has been burdened with people who have so many needs. There are so many with broken hearts--broken hearts that only God can heal. Moms with a special needs child--and a broken marriage. Moms who have grown children who have gone through some terrible things, and stick by then through thick and thin. Moms who have been diagnosed with cancer and have young children at home. Moms who have just received an adverse diagnoses for their child and are exhausted with the care the child requires. Problems, problems, problems. I couldn't help but think about these mothers yesterday on Mother's Day. I was really blessed with so much love and attention shown by my own children, but I, like so many have gone through difficult times.
But more importantly, I look back over the last several years and see how God has answered so many, many prayers in my life. And yes, He has healed my broken heart. God is so loving, and so good, and so kind. He really does care about us.
God can heal the broken-hearted. For some the healing comes immediately. But for many it may come a little at a time--just as a wound takes time to heal. Then there is the scar tissue. For months, and even years after a wound heals, there is still scar tissue left behind and at times it will cause pain.
God has laid it on my heart to begin a ladies Sunday School class at my church. After much praying, I have decided to do some lessons on "Healing Broken Hearts." In order to live a victorious Chrisitian life, many of us need to be healed first. Within the next few months, I hope to share the lessons on my blog that the Holy Spirit gives to me.
No one understands like Jesus!!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
I'm Back!!!
It's been a long, long time. I decided that I needed a new look for my blog and had a good friend of mine, Jen, come over to my house and help me. I need help--lots and lots of help. At my age, it takes me longer to learn new things than it does for younger people. But that's okay. I've decided that it's worth the time. Much has happened since the last time I blogged. I will be sharing some of those things in the next few posts. Probably the most exciting thing is about my son Chet and his wife, Ann. If you recall, they adopted Matthew, a little boy from China, a little over two years ago. Last July they went to China again and adopted another little boy, Luke. They are both such adorable little boys. I guess God thought they needed yet another little boy, because in June, Ann will give birth to a precious baby boy. We are all still in shock. It wasn't suppose to be possible, but with God all things are possible. The baby is due to be born around our 40th anniversary--the 5th of June! So many things...so many blessings. God is so good! I will share more of God's blessings in some upcoming posts. I promise. But for now it is late and I am very tired so will call it quits for now.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Keep Praying
A few weeks ago I wrote about a family that had just lost their 15-year-old son.
That same week, three days later, their precious youngest daughter, Amanda (age 7), was taken off of life support and also went to be with Jesus.
Again, I reiterate what I said before. We do not understand why these things happen, but we do know that God is in control.
Tyler and Amanda are both in heaven because they were saved. We rejoice for them, but we grieve for their family. Please, please keep this family in your prayers.
That same week, three days later, their precious youngest daughter, Amanda (age 7), was taken off of life support and also went to be with Jesus.
Again, I reiterate what I said before. We do not understand why these things happen, but we do know that God is in control.
Tyler and Amanda are both in heaven because they were saved. We rejoice for them, but we grieve for their family. Please, please keep this family in your prayers.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Today my heart is deeply saddened. It's one of those times when we wonder why God allows or does what He does, and yet we know that God never makes mistakes.
I received a phone call last night around 9:00. We are usually preparing to go to bed about that time, and so, when the phone rings, we know that it is probably not good news.
I was told about an automobile accident that took the life of a young man who was a member of the children's choir I directed several years ago. His little sister has had to have part of her skull removed because of her brain swelling.
When Tyler's family first attended the church that we use to attend, they were not saved. Eventually the mother, the father, and all the children came to know the Lord.
Tyler was an exceptional young man. I remember him so well. In the children's choir, we had about 25 children between the ages of 4 and 12 and most of them were quite rowdy. But Tyler was always obedient and respectful. He was a joy to have in our choir.
I can't even imagine what that family must be going through. Losing a child has got to be the worse tragedy there is. I once heard it said that losing your mate is difficult but you know that there is a 50% chance that it will happen. But losing a child is a cruel reverse of nature. The parent is supose to die first and the child is supose to outlive the parent. How true! My heart is breaking for Tyler's Mom and Dad.
Please keep this family in your prayers. They have a very difficult road ahead of them.
I received a phone call last night around 9:00. We are usually preparing to go to bed about that time, and so, when the phone rings, we know that it is probably not good news.
I was told about an automobile accident that took the life of a young man who was a member of the children's choir I directed several years ago. His little sister has had to have part of her skull removed because of her brain swelling.
When Tyler's family first attended the church that we use to attend, they were not saved. Eventually the mother, the father, and all the children came to know the Lord.
Tyler was an exceptional young man. I remember him so well. In the children's choir, we had about 25 children between the ages of 4 and 12 and most of them were quite rowdy. But Tyler was always obedient and respectful. He was a joy to have in our choir.
I can't even imagine what that family must be going through. Losing a child has got to be the worse tragedy there is. I once heard it said that losing your mate is difficult but you know that there is a 50% chance that it will happen. But losing a child is a cruel reverse of nature. The parent is supose to die first and the child is supose to outlive the parent. How true! My heart is breaking for Tyler's Mom and Dad.
Please keep this family in your prayers. They have a very difficult road ahead of them.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Heavenly Coins
When my son and daughter-in-law were preparing to adopt a child from China, an idea came to me.
When the weather was nice (and before I had my surgery), I walked almost every day about 45 minutes. As time went by, I began to realize that if I watched the ground, I found change. As I picked up the penny (or whatever it happened to be), I said a prayer for our new grandchild-to-be.
One day I was driving in the parking lot at our local grocery store. I thought I saw a dollar bill blowing in the wind. I stopped my car and backed up a few feet. I picked it up and folded inside of the dollar bill were three more dollar bills--four in all. I laughed to myself as I said, "God, that's 400 prayers being offered up for our new grandchild."
I exchanged the four dollar bills for pennies. When Matthew came to us, I gave him all the found pennies in a bank to start the beginning of his savings.
Now as Chet and Phyllis are waiting to adopt another child (they just found out it will be another little boy from China this summer), my husband, Don, looks for change all the time. Presently, we are having a contest, and every time one of us finds a coin, we tease each other. Guess who is ahead? I really don't know, but I know there sure are a lot of prayers going up for our new grandson-to-be.
When the weather was nice (and before I had my surgery), I walked almost every day about 45 minutes. As time went by, I began to realize that if I watched the ground, I found change. As I picked up the penny (or whatever it happened to be), I said a prayer for our new grandchild-to-be.
One day I was driving in the parking lot at our local grocery store. I thought I saw a dollar bill blowing in the wind. I stopped my car and backed up a few feet. I picked it up and folded inside of the dollar bill were three more dollar bills--four in all. I laughed to myself as I said, "God, that's 400 prayers being offered up for our new grandchild."
I exchanged the four dollar bills for pennies. When Matthew came to us, I gave him all the found pennies in a bank to start the beginning of his savings.
Now as Chet and Phyllis are waiting to adopt another child (they just found out it will be another little boy from China this summer), my husband, Don, looks for change all the time. Presently, we are having a contest, and every time one of us finds a coin, we tease each other. Guess who is ahead? I really don't know, but I know there sure are a lot of prayers going up for our new grandson-to-be.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Yesterday we went to the Christmas Program of our new little grandson, Matthew. It was held at his day care center.
His Mom is a Christian school teacher and she has been home this week. He did not want to let go of her.
The day care is just down the street from us and he attends there two days a week. We have him two-three days a week, and, when his other grandmother isn't working, she loves to have him one day a week.
While at the day care center, I noticed a young man holding a toddler who had Down Syndrome. Most of the time, I will approach the parent, talk to them and tell them about our son, Trent. Once in a while I find someone who pulls away as if to say, "Who cares?" But this young father was quite proud and quite talkative about his son. The mother was a ways off, so at first I didn't get to speak to her.
I asked Don to go out to the car and get a copy of the book I wrote, "Beyond the Clouds." We have begun to give them away as the Spirit leads.
I approached the mother and said to her, "Are you the mother of the little boy who has Downs?"
She looked at me rather cautiously and answered, "Yes, I am."
"Here, I would like to give you this book I wrote. It's about my son who also has Down Syndrome."
She gave me a big smile. "You wrote this?" she asked.
I nodded.
"Thank you," she said.
The plan of salvation is clearly told in the last chapter of that book. That is the most important gift we can give to anyone.
Today is Christmas Eve and our family will be here. By tonight, as I drop into bed, I will be exhausted--and very, very happy. Tomorrow I will rest. But in all of that I don't want to forget the real meaning of Christmas--and share it with others!
Have a very wonderful Christ-centered Christmas!
Yesterday we went to the Christmas Program of our new little grandson, Matthew. It was held at his day care center.
His Mom is a Christian school teacher and she has been home this week. He did not want to let go of her.
The day care is just down the street from us and he attends there two days a week. We have him two-three days a week, and, when his other grandmother isn't working, she loves to have him one day a week.
While at the day care center, I noticed a young man holding a toddler who had Down Syndrome. Most of the time, I will approach the parent, talk to them and tell them about our son, Trent. Once in a while I find someone who pulls away as if to say, "Who cares?" But this young father was quite proud and quite talkative about his son. The mother was a ways off, so at first I didn't get to speak to her.
I asked Don to go out to the car and get a copy of the book I wrote, "Beyond the Clouds." We have begun to give them away as the Spirit leads.
I approached the mother and said to her, "Are you the mother of the little boy who has Downs?"
She looked at me rather cautiously and answered, "Yes, I am."
"Here, I would like to give you this book I wrote. It's about my son who also has Down Syndrome."
She gave me a big smile. "You wrote this?" she asked.
I nodded.
"Thank you," she said.
The plan of salvation is clearly told in the last chapter of that book. That is the most important gift we can give to anyone.
Today is Christmas Eve and our family will be here. By tonight, as I drop into bed, I will be exhausted--and very, very happy. Tomorrow I will rest. But in all of that I don't want to forget the real meaning of Christmas--and share it with others!
Have a very wonderful Christ-centered Christmas!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Why do I sometimes feel so alone?
Last night was our Wonderfully Made Moms meeting. We discussed this question. We all feel alone at sometime, but I believe that moms of a child with special needs feel alone often.
Two weeks ago something happened that reminded me of what it felt like to feel so alone. As we get older, life seems somehow to get easier; actually, in reality I think it is because we adapt and because we learn to accept things as they are and, most definitely, we learn to depend upon the Lord more.
Trent has always adored his nephews and his nieces. He loves to carry them around and hug them. But whenever they reached toddler hood, they no longer wanted to be carried around or hugged so much; they wanted to be independent.
So it is with Matthew--our little China Doll. He is now two and very much a two-year-old. A few weeks ago, at church, Trent was playing with Matthew, and he was overdoing it a little. We have tried so hard to help him to understand why toddlers are the way they are, but he doesn't get it. In the process of playing with Matthew, Trent accidentally caused Matthew to slip and hit his head on a cement floor. It was a very hard fall and a major bang to his head. He immediately had a HUGE goose egg--the kind that makes parents, and grandparents, scared that something will go wrong.
We came home despondent. We called our son and asked how Matthew was doing. At that time, things didn't look too good. Off and on through the night, whenever we woke up, we prayed. God answered and Matthew is find, but going through that brought back feelings that I had not had for sometime.
"When will he ever learn?" I thought to myself. As much as we try, there are just some things that Trent can not comprehend. It feels so frustrating to be 61 years old and to still be teaching a child--a child who is actually a man. All of a sudden I felt that aloneness that I had not felt for many years.
Right around that time, one of the ladies in my Wonderfully Made Moms group e-mailed me that she was planning to be at our next meeting and she made this statement, "It (attending the meeting) keeps me from feeling so alone."
That's when the Holy Spirit gave me the idea for December's meeting. At the meeting I asked each lady to tell a time when she felt so alone in the process of raising a child with special needs. It was an enjoyable time of sharing and for our lesson I shared from the Bible three people who must have felt extremely alone at times in their lives.
The first person we talked about was Paul. Most of you know the story--how he was persecuting Christians, and on the road to Damascus a bright light blinded him. He then became a follower of Christ and a preacher of the gospel. So what else do we know about Paul? II Corinthians 11:23-30 is actually Paul's resume. Open your Bible and read these verses. All the horrible things that happened to Paul because he faithfully served God! How alone he must have felt during those times! And yet he just kept on.
Next we talked about Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1:27-39, we read about the angel coming to Mary and making the announcement that she would bring forth a son and would call his name JESUS. We know that she was a virgin. I especially like verse 38 which says, "And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.'" Isn't that something? Knowing the ridicule she would face and the loneliness ahead of her, she trusted in God and she was willing to do just exactly what God wanted her to do.
Think about her for a moment! I remember when I was a sophomore in high school--46 years ago. One of the girls in my class became pregnant and was discharged from school. It was shameful and I can remember how shocked we all were when we heard about it. And yet, Mary lived during Bible times. How much more difficult it must have been for her. I'm sure that at times she felt so alone.
Then we talked about Jesus dying on the cross. The statement that touches my heart the most is when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
I was the only girl in a family of five children. I was my daddy's girl. It would have deeply hurt me if he had turned his back on me. And yet, here was Jesus, taking our sins upon Himself, crying out those words to God the Father. Can you even imagine how alone He felt at that time?
Paul--beaten and imprisoned many times for preaching the gospel
Mary--Being obedient to God in spite of the ridicule she may have to face
Jesus--Taking our sins upon Him and having His Father turn His back on Him
All of these are such great examples to us--especially, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. How did each of them get through this time of feeling so alone? Because their precious Heavenly Father was still there--always was and always would be.
In conclusion, what can I do when I face situations that make me feel so alone?
1. I can acknowledge that this will happen--it is quite normal.
2. I can know that God is present with me at all times. He knows; He cares and He understands.
Two weeks ago something happened that reminded me of what it felt like to feel so alone. As we get older, life seems somehow to get easier; actually, in reality I think it is because we adapt and because we learn to accept things as they are and, most definitely, we learn to depend upon the Lord more.
Trent has always adored his nephews and his nieces. He loves to carry them around and hug them. But whenever they reached toddler hood, they no longer wanted to be carried around or hugged so much; they wanted to be independent.
So it is with Matthew--our little China Doll. He is now two and very much a two-year-old. A few weeks ago, at church, Trent was playing with Matthew, and he was overdoing it a little. We have tried so hard to help him to understand why toddlers are the way they are, but he doesn't get it. In the process of playing with Matthew, Trent accidentally caused Matthew to slip and hit his head on a cement floor. It was a very hard fall and a major bang to his head. He immediately had a HUGE goose egg--the kind that makes parents, and grandparents, scared that something will go wrong.
We came home despondent. We called our son and asked how Matthew was doing. At that time, things didn't look too good. Off and on through the night, whenever we woke up, we prayed. God answered and Matthew is find, but going through that brought back feelings that I had not had for sometime.
"When will he ever learn?" I thought to myself. As much as we try, there are just some things that Trent can not comprehend. It feels so frustrating to be 61 years old and to still be teaching a child--a child who is actually a man. All of a sudden I felt that aloneness that I had not felt for many years.
Right around that time, one of the ladies in my Wonderfully Made Moms group e-mailed me that she was planning to be at our next meeting and she made this statement, "It (attending the meeting) keeps me from feeling so alone."
That's when the Holy Spirit gave me the idea for December's meeting. At the meeting I asked each lady to tell a time when she felt so alone in the process of raising a child with special needs. It was an enjoyable time of sharing and for our lesson I shared from the Bible three people who must have felt extremely alone at times in their lives.
The first person we talked about was Paul. Most of you know the story--how he was persecuting Christians, and on the road to Damascus a bright light blinded him. He then became a follower of Christ and a preacher of the gospel. So what else do we know about Paul? II Corinthians 11:23-30 is actually Paul's resume. Open your Bible and read these verses. All the horrible things that happened to Paul because he faithfully served God! How alone he must have felt during those times! And yet he just kept on.
Next we talked about Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1:27-39, we read about the angel coming to Mary and making the announcement that she would bring forth a son and would call his name JESUS. We know that she was a virgin. I especially like verse 38 which says, "And Mary said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.'" Isn't that something? Knowing the ridicule she would face and the loneliness ahead of her, she trusted in God and she was willing to do just exactly what God wanted her to do.
Think about her for a moment! I remember when I was a sophomore in high school--46 years ago. One of the girls in my class became pregnant and was discharged from school. It was shameful and I can remember how shocked we all were when we heard about it. And yet, Mary lived during Bible times. How much more difficult it must have been for her. I'm sure that at times she felt so alone.
Then we talked about Jesus dying on the cross. The statement that touches my heart the most is when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
I was the only girl in a family of five children. I was my daddy's girl. It would have deeply hurt me if he had turned his back on me. And yet, here was Jesus, taking our sins upon Himself, crying out those words to God the Father. Can you even imagine how alone He felt at that time?
Paul--beaten and imprisoned many times for preaching the gospel
Mary--Being obedient to God in spite of the ridicule she may have to face
Jesus--Taking our sins upon Him and having His Father turn His back on Him
All of these are such great examples to us--especially, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. How did each of them get through this time of feeling so alone? Because their precious Heavenly Father was still there--always was and always would be.
In conclusion, what can I do when I face situations that make me feel so alone?
1. I can acknowledge that this will happen--it is quite normal.
2. I can know that God is present with me at all times. He knows; He cares and He understands.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Who am I that a king would bleed and die for?
These last few days have been days full of blessings and answers to prayer--long term prayers!
I have had a family prayer request answered--something for which I had prayed a very long time. Thank you Jesus!
Today was my monthly appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. It has been three months since my shoulder surgery. I know I have shared this before, but I will share it again. I have no insurance coverage of any kind for physical therapy. (As a matter of fact, I still owe $70,000 plus for my surgery. As of this writing, I have not received any bills, but I am trusting God to handle it in His way and His time.) Because of our financial situation, my doctor wrote an order for only seven weeks of PT, just once a week. Ordinarily, this kind of surgery would require 3-4 months of PT, three times a week.
Last month he was very pleased with my progress, but for some reason, I didn't seem to make the progress I felt I should have this month. And I've worked--boy, have I worked. The exercises are difficult and sometimes, still, painful.
So...I dreaded going in to see him today.
Don and I prayed and prayed that he wouldn't bawl me out or in any way be discouraging. Our prayers were answered!
His words to me were, "Three months since your surgery. You are right on schedule...right where you should be." As he did his dictation, he mentioned therapy. When he was finished, I reminded him. "I don't get therapy anymore. Remember our financial situation?" He nodded and said, "I know. That's what makes this even more impressive!" Do you know what impresses and amazes me? It's that God cares about me so much that He has stepped in and taken over where therapy left off.
As he walked out the door, I said, "I had help," as I pointed upward. His reply? "That doesn't hurt." I said, "I have had many people praying for me."
Yes, God has answered prayer. He has given me the strength to keep on keeping on when I felt like quitting. I have to work hard for recovery, but God is the one Who is healing my shoulder.
And these last few days have found me singing these words from a song I heard several years ago. "Who am I that a King would bleed and die for?"
Indeed, who am I? A sinner saved by grace. Thank you Jesus for bleeding and dying for me and caring for me in every way.
I have had a family prayer request answered--something for which I had prayed a very long time. Thank you Jesus!
Today was my monthly appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. It has been three months since my shoulder surgery. I know I have shared this before, but I will share it again. I have no insurance coverage of any kind for physical therapy. (As a matter of fact, I still owe $70,000 plus for my surgery. As of this writing, I have not received any bills, but I am trusting God to handle it in His way and His time.) Because of our financial situation, my doctor wrote an order for only seven weeks of PT, just once a week. Ordinarily, this kind of surgery would require 3-4 months of PT, three times a week.
Last month he was very pleased with my progress, but for some reason, I didn't seem to make the progress I felt I should have this month. And I've worked--boy, have I worked. The exercises are difficult and sometimes, still, painful.
So...I dreaded going in to see him today.
Don and I prayed and prayed that he wouldn't bawl me out or in any way be discouraging. Our prayers were answered!
His words to me were, "Three months since your surgery. You are right on schedule...right where you should be." As he did his dictation, he mentioned therapy. When he was finished, I reminded him. "I don't get therapy anymore. Remember our financial situation?" He nodded and said, "I know. That's what makes this even more impressive!" Do you know what impresses and amazes me? It's that God cares about me so much that He has stepped in and taken over where therapy left off.
As he walked out the door, I said, "I had help," as I pointed upward. His reply? "That doesn't hurt." I said, "I have had many people praying for me."
Yes, God has answered prayer. He has given me the strength to keep on keeping on when I felt like quitting. I have to work hard for recovery, but God is the one Who is healing my shoulder.
And these last few days have found me singing these words from a song I heard several years ago. "Who am I that a King would bleed and die for?"
Indeed, who am I? A sinner saved by grace. Thank you Jesus for bleeding and dying for me and caring for me in every way.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A Time of Thanksgiving
Have you noticed that blogs are going by the wayside? They seem to be replaced by face book and twitter. I figure that by the time I learn to do those things, they will start to go by the wayside too. And it's so hard to teach an old dog new tricks!
I don't blog as often as I use to. For me, it is still an effort to type for very long. Yes, the pain in my arm and shoulder continue, the exercises continue and on and on it goes. I remember that the doctor told me 4 to 6 months of recuperation. But who believed it? Or who wanted to believe it? Now I realize that it may go on even longer than that. Sigh!
Enough complaining! Thanksgiving is coming and I want to focus on all the things God has done for me. I don't want to take the every day things for granted--a roof over my head, food on my table, shoes on my feet. You know what I mean. And yet, there is so-o-o much more.
What about that home He has prepared for us? Heaven. What about knowing that whatever comes into our lives, He is always there for us? It is so comforting to know that when I go to bed at night, He is there. He is there when I wake up. He is there through the bad times and the good times, loving me as nobody else can. And yes, He loves me even when I am not so nice.
When I want to complain about a lack of sleep, I need to be reminded of our many, many soldiers who are risking their lives so that I can climb into that nice warm bed every night. They don't ever know what it is like to get a good night's sleep. When I sit down to a nice hot meal, I need to be reminded of all the people in the world who are starving. We have so much!!!
And America--the land of the free! How much longer will we have our freedom? Yes, we have many, many things for which to be thankful.
Let's not forget about our church, our family, and our friends. And at the top of our list? It should be our salvation.
When I was seven years old, I knelt beside our bathtub (yes, our bathtub) and accepted Jesus Christ as my own personal Saviour. We had just come home from revival services that night and my mother had told me to take a bath. When she came into the bathroom a few minutes later, I was sitting there and crying. She asked me, "Cindy, what's wrong?" I asked her, "If I die tonight, will I go to heaven?" She said, "I don't know. Will you?" I answered her, "No, I won't. I'm not saved." So we got on our knees, and there, by the bathtub, I asked Jesus to save me. He did! I am so thankful that Jesus loves me, this I know!!
Remember all that God has done for you this Thanksgiving.
I don't blog as often as I use to. For me, it is still an effort to type for very long. Yes, the pain in my arm and shoulder continue, the exercises continue and on and on it goes. I remember that the doctor told me 4 to 6 months of recuperation. But who believed it? Or who wanted to believe it? Now I realize that it may go on even longer than that. Sigh!
Enough complaining! Thanksgiving is coming and I want to focus on all the things God has done for me. I don't want to take the every day things for granted--a roof over my head, food on my table, shoes on my feet. You know what I mean. And yet, there is so-o-o much more.
What about that home He has prepared for us? Heaven. What about knowing that whatever comes into our lives, He is always there for us? It is so comforting to know that when I go to bed at night, He is there. He is there when I wake up. He is there through the bad times and the good times, loving me as nobody else can. And yes, He loves me even when I am not so nice.
When I want to complain about a lack of sleep, I need to be reminded of our many, many soldiers who are risking their lives so that I can climb into that nice warm bed every night. They don't ever know what it is like to get a good night's sleep. When I sit down to a nice hot meal, I need to be reminded of all the people in the world who are starving. We have so much!!!
And America--the land of the free! How much longer will we have our freedom? Yes, we have many, many things for which to be thankful.
Let's not forget about our church, our family, and our friends. And at the top of our list? It should be our salvation.
When I was seven years old, I knelt beside our bathtub (yes, our bathtub) and accepted Jesus Christ as my own personal Saviour. We had just come home from revival services that night and my mother had told me to take a bath. When she came into the bathroom a few minutes later, I was sitting there and crying. She asked me, "Cindy, what's wrong?" I asked her, "If I die tonight, will I go to heaven?" She said, "I don't know. Will you?" I answered her, "No, I won't. I'm not saved." So we got on our knees, and there, by the bathtub, I asked Jesus to save me. He did! I am so thankful that Jesus loves me, this I know!!
Remember all that God has done for you this Thanksgiving.
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