Whatcha Listening To?

 I often need to revisit my slightly embarrassing lesson of “Whatcha listening too?” Although I’m pretty sure it isn’t a lesson just for special needs parents.  Like many others, I am susceptible to passively allowing things to enter my mind.  In fact, it is the basis for a popular game with Emily, our daughter, and Star, our niece.  They start a song and without thinking twice I chime in.  I don’t even realize that I’ve fallen into their sneaky little trap until I hear the giggles.  By then it is too late and it can take hours or days to get that thing back out of my head.

Though I didn’t realize it, the “Whatcha Listening To?” lesson started early one day while at the water park. Of course they play catchy upbeat music because they want you upbeat so that you continue to return to the park.  When we returned home everyone was getting their showers and I started cleaning the kitchen.  As I’m standing at the sink lip synching and bopping to the song in my head, I hear Emily, then 12, giggle and ask, “Whatcha listening to?”  Not only wasn’t it a praise song of adoration to our amazing God, it was a song that would have brought even greater embarrassment had it been audibly coming out of my mouth.

While my mind was completely boggled at the song I had chosen to pay homage to, God, of course, turned it into a life lesson.  I had been in the habit of entertaining some other thoughts that were equally embarrassing.  All of my doubts, fears, and what-ifs were a glaring assault on either God’s abilities or His intentions.  Insulting either way, so He began to show me that I couldn’t afford to passively let Satan plant thoughts of his choosing in my mind, much like I allow Emily and Star to plant songs.

“But God I don’t intentionally go searching for negativity to focus on.  It just kind of happens.” He reminded me of a sermon I had heard on “taking captive” the thoughts that go against His Word and how it was an act of aggression.  2 Corinthians 10:5 certainly paints it as anything but passive.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge

 of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Of course, God in His infinite wisdom picked the most appropriate song to bring about this lesson, “Oops, I Did I Again” by Brittney Spears.   Now as I find myself entertaining thoughts of insecurity, worry, anger, and the million special needs “what-ifs,” all He really has to say is, “Oops!!”  I just love God’s sense of humor.  I suspect that if you review your thought life you would also be able to say, “I’m not that innocent.”  ; )

Tot Tuesday: Meet Anita and her {special needs journey}

We are so excited to introduce our newest 31 Gal!

You will be truly blessed by her journey 
as a momma of a special needs kiddo. 
I know many of you are living this journey 
too and need a little encouragement.
God laid Anita on my heart and with 
perfect timing she join us 31 gals.
Anita will be posting the 1st Tuesday of every month!
We are so excited to have her and 
just know you will be blessed
and encouraged with her humor 
and awesome out look on life.
Without further a-du, meet Anita...








He Is Doing Something for You

It is so hard to believe that it has been almost 8 years since our youngest, Ryan, came into this world with a bang.   Within a couple of hours of his arrival he was on a helicopter headed to the Medical University of South Carolina.  Days later we would learn that our newborn son had suffered a stroke just before his birth.  That diagnosis set us off on a journey that would challenge every ounce of faith we had.  However, I’ve heard it best summed up as, “It isn’t about what God is doing to us but about what God is doing for us.”  He is giving strength, wisdom, and a sense of awe at who He is.

I take great joy in knowing that I can hold our little 50 pound guy longer than most men.  Without realizing it, my muscles have grown throughout this journey.   And since he is humored and relieved to see breaks in his daily physical therapy for Mama to fit in some sit-ups and squats, he motivates me to get healthier.  He enjoys it even more if I increase the sit-up challenge by pretending that he is pinning me down.  It does feel good to get physically healthier but, more importantly, my spiritual strength has grown as well. 

Years ago I would have been rattled so much easier than I am these days.  This life is so far beyond my ability to manage that I can no longer pretend our family’s future depends on my abilities and resources.  Though this life presents new challenges on almost a daily basis, I have a front row seat to witness our creative creator come up with new ways to provide day after day. 

Yet in the middle of our busy provision focused world, He also finds new and creative ways to teach and redirect my attention.  When I cried out that I wanted our baby boy, who WAS legally blind at the time, to see my face He said, “Yes, I know.  I want my baby girl to see mine as well.”  When I become delusional and feel as if everything depends on my ability to finish a “to do” list, He allows our little guy to loudly stake his claim on my time.  And as he loudly claims that time I’m reminded of the wonderful godly people who prayed his lungs to a super human strength with an ability to reach super human decibels.

If all of that were not enough to leave me in complete awe of Him, He has also lead me down a road of research into nutrition and natural alternatives that don’t include a long list of harmful side effects that manmade chemicals bring.  I’m absolutely amazed at a God that would provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs that naturally promote health and healing.  The more we lace his favorite food, sweet potatoes, with vitamin packed foods, the more in awe of God I am.

 The special needs journey often brings tears and countless struggles but it is well worth the joy of having a front row seat to witness God’s glory.  I pray that the missteps and success that we’ve found along the way will help those traveling on this journey with us.  God bless you highly favored Moms and Dads!!!