CLING

This week I was sent a clinging cross. I had never seen one of these but as I waited for it to arrive I couldn't get the word cling out of my mind. I thought what a powerful word.
Cling-to adhere closely or to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing.
I thought about how at times in our lives all we can do is cling to the cross or to God's promises. But that is what we do-cling. I don't stand beside or hang out by the cross. I cling.
The mental picture I get is of a victim in a flood or burning building clinging to a rescue worker attached to a rope and the victim wraps their arms and legs around the rescuer-hanging on for dear life. At the moment of rescue they have no other option but to cling. They aren't just holding on with one arm. But the picture isn't complete because the rescuer is clinging to the victim too! It's just like God-as we cling to Him, He's clinging just as tightly to us. What a thought to know that God is holding on to us thru our tough times-with his arms wrapped tightly around us! How reassuring. And you know He's not saying "ok you got about 1 day or 1 week to cling and your times up." No we can cling day or night for as long as we need to. Can i get an amen!
Anyways just remember that you can cling to Him!
You can check out the clinging cross at http://www.notsoplainjane.com

I couldn't help but humm the tune of old rugged cross.

celebrate the small things

My friends sometimes ask me questions about what my days are like as a mother of a child with special needs and I gladly explain the routines of therapy, doctors appointments, funny waiting room stories, or slivers of sadness. I love to give them a window in to that world because it is such a different world of parenting. I say different because that's what it is-not bad just different. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. I'm not easily offended. But I say all of that to say this--mostly I've noticed that I have learned to celebrate the small things.

This morning I noticed Christian feeling his hair with his left hand. He did this Tuesday in occupational therapy and we clapped and watched in awe! (this all usually preceded with "has he ever done that before?" But then this morning was the second time which means it's a habit (that's my standard for an improvement). I watched him slowly move his fingers and whole hand to feel his silky hair and my heart and mouth together smiled quietly, soaking in this new moment. Then I got loud and cheered for this small thing. Because you see Christian usually doesn't bring his left arm up that high or feel something above his head. I've noticed that when you're told to just wait and see what your son will be able to do every small thing he does is a huge accomplishment. They are all major milestones. A Bu,Bu-B sound is cause for a hug, pulling his foot up and stepping once is a clappable moment, and when he brought his hand to his mouth way past the time most babies do-we cried!

So celebrate the small things!!!!

First time for everything

This is my first time ever to blog and I have to give all the credit to Christie-she's my computer mentor. So thank you Christie. I'm actually very excited to do this because I love writing and sharing my thoughts. We all have those days when we witness something so random, beautiful, touching, sad, joyous, etc.... and think i wish there would have been someone else here to witness that. And so now i can pass it on--enjoy the ride.
I also hope to learn how to put pictures on this-maybe that can be lesson #2 from Christie. For now you'll just have to enjoy my words.

Funny story-one of my friends who shall remain nameless gave me a great laugh for the day. She was at a last minute stop at wal-mart with 2 kids still in pj's and a lady approaches her and says ma'am you have something on your bottom. She reaches down to find her 1 yr olds cereal bar from breakfast had made a home on her butt! Just a little shopping and cereal bar on the butt. I hope today finds you with no food items attached to you!