Friday, November 27, 2009

Grateful Reflecting

Recently, David and I have done much reflecting on the grace and faithfulness of the Lord in our lives over the past year. November 14th marked one year since our John David was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Throughout this past year of praying for and seeking to be a student of our son, we are convinced that John David has Asperger's syndrome. (You can click HERE for a definition.) He is doing so well, and we daily praise the Lord for providing the resources and services that have so greatly benefited our son. Much of what has helped John David has simply been the education of David and I in this area. Oh, and we have so much yet to learn! But we praise the Lord for giving John David to us and count it a high privilege to be his parents. The other day I told David that - if we weren't John David's parents - I would be envious of anyone else who got to be! He is such a blessing to us and I cannot imagine life without him . . . I cannot imagine him being any other way. John David is so unique, and his uniqueness is nothing short of endearing.

So this Thanksgiving, we are especially giving thanks to our kind Heavenly Father for our children, and the grace He is providing us to parent them. We could not be parents for one moment without this sufficient grace, nor without the wisdom that God's promises to provide when we ask Him (James 1:5).

If you would like to reflect with us on this time last year, click Thanksgiving 2008.

Below are a few pictures from yesterday . . .

7 comments:

David Pope said...

I pastored a youn g boy in PA with Asbergers ... what a brilliant, funny kid.

You have both exhibited God's grace from the moment you found out. Thanks for reflecting the Father's love and mercy.

Melanie Campbell said...

Katie, I feel so blessed to know John David...he is such a sweet boy & I'm enjoying watching him grow! He's come a long way in this last year! You & David are doing an amazing job as parents to both of your children - God has blessed JD with a very patient and loving mommy! :) Love you guys!

David and Katie Kizziah said...

Thank you, David and Melanie, for your encouraging words. So glad that you both share in a part of our lives.

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU DAVID AND KATIE FOR SHARING THANKSGIVING WITH US. WE LOVED SEEING YOU ALL.
I AM SORRY I COULDN'T SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOU.
THE PICTURES ARE GREAT, THANKS.
JOHN DAVID IS SUCH A BLESSING TO US. GOD CHOSE YOU TO GIVE HIM TO BECAUSE HE KNEW HOW MUCH LOVE HE WOULD GET AND THE BLESSING HE WOULD BE TO ALL OF US. THANKS FOR SHARING HIM WITH US.

PRECIOUS LITTLE CLAIR IS JUST A BUNDLE OF GOD'S LOVE. WE REJOICE WITH YOU FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU, IN TURN YOU HAVE BLESSED US. OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN SO BLESSED.
PRAISE THE LORD.
PLEASE COME AGAIN SOON.
LOVE FROM GRANNY AND POP.

Chad & Amber said...

Dear friend,
I am constantly encouraged as you praise our Heavenly Father for that which He has given you, whether it be a light load or a heavy one. God is gloried through your complete trust in His sovereignty. He is lifted high in the way in which you and David have chosen to look at JD's last year. Oh, to think of what our Jesus has in store, Katie! As a mother I can only imagine the hurt and worry that must often flood your mind and heart, but I am rejoicing knowing you have given your children back to the Lord. There is no doubt in my mind our gracious God will use the challenges JD and your family will face to furhter His kingdom, for your obedience to Him is evident. Thank you for humbly trusting Jesus, Katie. Much love, friend.

SGB said...

ROLL TIDE! Even though we are in the middle of Gator country and are Gator fans we were excited for Alabama because of Dad playing as Im sure your dad was also.
He was so happy and it was time!
Give your parents our best.
PS Did your dad know a Bob Pugh that played for Alabama in the late 50's. GOd hand picked you and David to be John Davids parents what a privelege! God grace is sufficient. Love Stacy Darty

by Messenger said...

Hey Katie! I was just catching up on your blog and noticed that you are pretty sure JD has Asbergers. One of my best friends in Canada has 2 children with Asbergers. Her 5 children range in age from 4 to 23, and it's her 16 and 23 years old who were diagnosed pretty young. They are a mission minded family (in the process of hopefully moving to Cambodia,) and I'm sure she would love to correspond with you if you ever feel like you need to talk with someone about it or have questions. Let me know. Praying for you.

April and family