Sunday, March 18, 2012

It Is Well With My Soul

We sang one of my favorite hymns in church this morning, and it's been on my heart all day long. I get tears, and sometimes even sobs, whenever we sing it. It always brings me back to the days when Gavin was an infant, and not doing well at all. We had several scares during those trying months in the hospital, and yet, each time I thought we were going to lose him, I had such a peace surrounding me.

The following song speaks of such peace. Thank You Lord!



1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)


Here is the hymn, and also the story behind the man who wrote the lyrics for the song. He wrote the song after suffering many horrific trials in his life.....and yet.....It was well with his soul!






"He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness For His name's sake." Psalm 23:3

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

It just hits me.....right in the heart!

A couple of weeks ago I read something that caused me to spiral into tears. This happens to me every month or so. I can be having a perfectly fine day, and then a thought enters my head and all the feelings, concerning Gavin and his lot in this life, begin to flow right out of me! I suppose it's a good thing to have the ability to release the emotions.....the emotions that tend to build up inside when caring for a child like Gavin.

At the time, I had just read a comment to someone else that was congratulating them on the birth of their child. Just a simple comment of, "Oh, he's just perfect!" That's all it took to open the flood gates of my soul!

It brought me back to the day Gavin was born, and the months following his birth.

I don't recall having anyone say such a comment to me after Gavin was born. And, looking back on those days, I felt a little cheated. These thoughts might seem quite silly, but that's what I was thinking at the time.

This got me thinking about God's creation. Look around you! His creation IS perfect! And, this includes Gavin as well! It includes everything He has made!









If you know someone who has a child similiar to Gavin, I ask that you tell them, "Congratulations!" Be happy around them, and for them! They might be fearful of the future, but they are still happy to have this child, and they still think their baby is perfect! Every baby is a gift from God, and the parents need to see your happiness for them, and to hear you tell them that their baby "is perfect". Trust me.....reaching out to them in this manner will mean so much to them! They will appreciate you more than you know!

This Momma certainly sees God's perfect creation when she looks at the pictures above of her sweet boy!

I am so thankful that God gave me, and all of us, the following verse to focus on! It always amazes me that He thought of everything we need to know, and shared it with us in His Word! What a source of comfort! What an awesome God!


"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:13-14

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Spread the Word!

Today is "Spread the Word, to End the Word" day.

So, Gavin and I are spreading the word!





R-word | Spread the Word to End the Word


retarded defined:

(adj) underdeveloped, esp mentally, and esp having an IQ of 70 to 85.


Is this what you are saying about someone when you use the word retarded? Are you implying that they, or the something you are refering to, has an IQ at or below this level? Are you even aware of this person's IQ level?! Does that song, outfit, car, or whatever you are using this medical terminology to describe, even have an IQ?!

Gavin, all of his special friends, and I, ask that you think of us when you even consider using this word. Think of those who may not be as blessed as you are.....those who had no choice in whether or not they were born or became cognitively delayed. Think before you speak!

Gavin kindly thanks you!




"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14