Friday's Photo

Thursday's Thanksgivings

It seems that I am often quick to share about struggles or difficulties but hardly as hasty to share daily graces or answers to prayers. Same in regard to praying; I quickly ask God for things I need, or that He remedy a situation, but I am not half as swift at offering prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving when He does what He promises in His Word - specifically, "works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11), and furthermore, "works all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Well, I am hopeful that my attempt to write something each Thursday for which I am grateful will aid in sharing reports of praise with you, in order that our Heavenly Father - in all of His kindness and wisdom - will be magnified, and that the love and grace that He abundantly lavishes on His children will be celebrated!

With that said, I want to write about what I am specifically thankful for today. A couple weeks ago, I shared some specifics regarding our son, John David, and a re-evaluation process that we just recently walked through with him. Thank you to those of you who lifted us to the Throne by faithfully interceding on our behalf during that time. Spread over the course of several Monday morning sessions, it was quite draining for us all.

Despite being an emotional time, the process was also very encouraging. And for that, I am most grateful on this Thursday of giving thanks. I was quick to ask you to join us in praying for this process. But I am long past due in giving the report of God's answered prayers and the mercy that He showed us through it all.

John David is doing beautifully well. Thankfully, at this point - unlike when he was initially diagnosed - he has no delays. He is very smart, and although official IQs are not given to two year olds, he scored up there in the "gifted" range. (That term is a bit aloof, but nonetheless means what it says.) John David has indeed been "gifted" by his Maker with many special talents and abilities - an amazing little mind being one of those things. And those areas where John David is weak, we pray that the Lord will prove Himself strong all the more! Our weaknesses remind us of our need for a strong Savior, for One who is mightier than we could ever hope to be. We pray that John David will see early on his need for such a Savior. He will be reminded constantly of his own weaknesses; for example, for John David, even simple social interactions are most often very hard work! But, knowing God allows all things for our good and His glory, we see this as a blessing in disguise. We pray that this moment by moment struggle will cause John David to constantly see his need for Christ and, furthermore, be utterly dependent on Him. We are excited to see how the Lord uses the way He has wired our son to make him into a man who, we pray, is instrumental in advancing the Kingdom and proclaiming the glory of God throughout his life.

I'm sure I will go into more detail about the way our little man is wired, but I will spread that over future posts instead of trying to fit it all into this one. It is late, my eyes are burning, my comfy pillow is calling. But I did not want this Thursday to pass without making known our overwhelming gratitude to the Lord for his mercy, specifically during the entire re-evaluation process we recently went through with John David. Despite some discouragement, the Lord encouraged our hearts with the fact that, for one thing, on paper our son has made tremendous strides over the past year since we began this journey on the road of autism. But much weightier than words on a page or the passing of a test is the fact that "He who began a good work in [our son] will be faithful to complete it, until the Day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). One day, my son will know no weakness. How that makes this mother's heart rejoice!

Until that day, I am thankful that the One who fearfully and wonderfully made my special child has a beautiful plan for his life. I am confident that He will work out each detail for the good of my son and the advancing of His glory. I am thankful that the way God wired John David is precisely the way He intended to. I am thankful that John David's weaknesses, though many, will be avenues for God to pour forth His strength like a fire hydrant. I am thankful for the progress John David is making each day. Though a little over a year down the autism road has already proven bumpy and wearisome, it has also proven to be a means of seeing our Heavenly Father, His Sovereignty over all, and His love for those whom He has created, in a whole new way.

Thank you, Lord, for my precious John David. Thank you for allowing him to progress so well. Thank you for letting him overcome difficulties; yet we know that those very things that cause him the most pain and struggle are the very things that will cause him to soar!

Praise be to the Giver of sufficient grace!

Sunshine On My Shoulder. . .

Makes Me Happy . . . oh, so happy!

Celebrating 5 months of our little Sunshine!

In Three Short Months . . .

This Fun Couple is Getting Married!

(the way I am counting down, you'd think it was me :)

We are so excited for my younger brother, Kameron, and his fiance, Olivia Klein, who will be Mr. & Mrs. J.K. Pugh on May 22nd . . . (also the 6th anniversary of my older brother, K.J., and his wife Lynn. They have no excuse to forget one another's anniversaries - maybe it will be an understood "I'm thinking of you, but you don't have to call" kind of thing!) What a blessing to have such wonderful additions to our family. Praise be to the Giver of all good things!

This picture was taken the Christmas before last.

Not sure why David is holding up 3 fingers, but it sure fits the occasion!

Scripture Memory Monday

The verse that I decided to memorize this week is one that is familiar, as many of these verses have been. But I pray none of Scripture will become too familiar. May we hear with fresh ears and tender hearts each time that we encounter God's holy Word. This verse was from a passage that our Sunday school class looked at yesterday, and I was reminded how much I need to have this one memorized. Though we may encounter Colossians 3:12 often, my prayer is that we will be ever mindful of these attributes and "put on" these Christ-like virtues each morning as we prepare to face a new day. Let's make putting on these things the most important part of our morning routine.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;"

Colossians 3:12 (NASB)

Click here for ESV if you desire to stick to the same translation as previous verses posted.

Weekend Fun

Sadly, David was out of town for part of the weekend, but the kids and I decided to try not to be too bummed about his absence. Thankfully, however, the weather was gorgeous! So, we enjoyed some Saturday morning cartoons together and then took a lovely outing (across the parking lot:) to the playground. I thought it would be a great place to spend time on such a lovely day.

Due to her tininess and the cold weather, Saturday was Claire's first real outdoors outing.

She loved it!

John David had a great time too. . .

Thank you, Lord, for such a beautiful weekend!

Friday's Photo

Thursday's Thanksgivings

It is late. But I am thankful, nonetheless. I am particularly thankful today for my dear husband. It is because of him that I can go to bed as soon as I finish this post. Because of him, the kitchen is clean and my dry, chapped hands were spared the hot dish water. Thanks to David, the children are asleep, both having had precious "daddy time" today that is priceless and irreplaceable. My heart is often burdened for those who have to face parenthood alone. I am so thankful for my husband, who - so unselfishly, so lovingly, and so faithfully - walks through each moment of this journey with me. I am so thankful for his support, tender care and daily encouragement. I love you, David, and give thanks to the Lord for you today, and everyday.

"What does a heart mean, Mommy?"

John David has asked the question a lot lately. I love when he asks, for it provides yet another time to affirm my son with "I love you." Here are a few pictures of my loves from this Valentine's weekend. Not only is it so fun to love them, but it's so fun to watch them love each other.