“Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” My Sweet Little Elf is sleeping soundly, thank God for afternoon naps. That being said, I’ve to collect my thoughts quickly because soon he’ll be awake and ready to play. Quiet time is a hot commodity around this place and that which makes it so, in my life, is a blessing beyond words. This past Sunday I celebrated the third Easter since my sweet little gnome, my first born son, went home. Gideon Daniel was diagnosed with a brain malformation while I carried him. A diagnosis that became progressively more foreboding until they day of his birth. And when he was born, he was not expected to live more than a few hours. Hours turned into day, days to weeks, and weeks to months. Eleven months. Filled with wonder, and awe and speechlessness at the wonder of God’s mercy. And then, it ended. I am no stranger to worry, eleven months of wonder, were also months of questions and doubt and a battle against fear, against worry. I can’t say that …Read more
“Any advice for parents dealing with children with disabilities. I struggle with this as my youngest son has had several surgeries, procedures and appointments for his club feet. Its ongoing and I feel like it consumes me mentally physically and emotionally at times… like I take on the burden for my child you know. Also think it affects my other son the most because he see’s me spending a lot of time with his brother.” Jamie, ALL parents can relate to the feelings you are having…not being a parent, the love and worry that comes from being a parent is only something I can compare to my love for my niece and nephew which pales to the love of a parent… First let me encourage you in that kids are resilient, like REALLY resilient…with the love and consistency of the adults in his life he will be able to overcome anything…it just may not look like what you expect… The child that you anticipated when you were pregnant (healthy, happy, the world’s idea of perfect) is different than the child you have now…and while you would never trade your child for another, you have to reconcile the anticipated with the …Read more
An answer to one of the questions asked on my previous post ASK APRIL…next week I will answer the other question asked in those comments… I have a few chicks in my circle of influence (in my small group or mums group) who really struggle with anxiety and worry. We’re doing a series by elevation church on internal voices etc but as a complete optimist sometimes we’re on such different pages that I am concerned I’m not meeting their needs or seeing where they come from. One lovely young mum in particular goes to worst case scenario with everything in her life. She had a headache and a mole on her head the other day and immediately jumped to brain cancer fear. Her kids are always at the doctor for any minor fever or hint of sickness. She is constantly stressed and making herself sick. I want to be a loving, encouraging leader and also point her in the right direction for getting help and healing. Any advice? It sounds like your friend has been practicing pessimism for a long time, and it maybe very difficult to help her change or ‘re-frame’ her thinking…Ultimately until she recognizes her need for …Read more
I WANT TO SING A warm morning at this time of year was rare, but this morning was just that. As I sat on the porch and enjoyed the coffee, the warmth, the peace … the quiet was interrupted. The interruption came not as a boom of thunder, or a blasting stereo from a passing car … the interruption came as a simple song from a single bird. As I searched the branches and caught a glimpse of the troubadour; the balladeer; the serenader; …I asked myself, “What was this bird made for?” “Why did God put this bird in Oklahoma?” “Why my tree?” “Why this morning?” And the answer became clear, “To sing for you.” This bird was created to sing for me, today. Not for you, not tomorrow. For me. Today. Because this songbird has no worries, no cares, it is free to fulfill its purpose. It’s purpose to sing for me, today. As I listened the seemingly random whistle of it’s song changed to a familiar tune “I want to sing a song for You”. As the words to the Third Day song came to mind, I realized I needed to be more like that bird. The details …Read more
