Friday, May 24, 2013

Time Flies Whether You Have Fun Or Not

Time Flies Whether You Have Fun Or Not
Justin and Joshua "taking a break" 

If you are the parent of a special needs child, I don't have to tell you how demanding it can be with all the doctor and therapy appointments.  Add work, cleaning, cooking, and spending time with the rest of your family to the mix and you begin to feel there is not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I remember feeling so stressed at times trying to accomplish everything that I felt needed to be done,  that I wanted to pull my hair out.

When I start to feel like my life is in chaos, I am reminded of what the Lord tells us in Matthew 11:28 (KJV).  It states "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  What beautiful and uplifting scripture this is!  God is letting us know He understands what we are going through, but trust and turn to Him and He will give us what we need.  We're not to be lazy, but we don't have to work ourselves to death either.

As I pondered this scripture, I began to look at my day differently.  Sure there is a long list of things I want to get done everyday, but I learned to prioritize my list.  Do what absolutely needs to be done first and then move on with the rest of the list.  At the end of the day, I began to look at what I accomplished instead of the list of things that still needed to be done. 

So my advice to you is to take time for yourself as well.  After all, will it really be the end of the world if you don't get to wash a load of clothes everyday?  My answer would have to be no.  Will it really make a difference if you take a few minutes for yourself or spend a few more minutes with your loved ones?  My answer would have to be yes.  Remember God knows our needs and we are important to Him just as our family is important to us and He will give us what we need if we trust in Him. 

In closing, I want to thank you for "taking the time" to read my blog. 
Angela  :)

Monday, May 20, 2013

Like A Child

Like A Child
Justin enjoying life.

I've watched Justin's physical development zoom past his mental development during his eighteen years on this earth.  Even though he is an adult, he still has the mentality of a young child.  I have wondered why God would allow this to take place and my eyes were opened in Matthew 18:2-3 (KJV).  It states  "2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven."

I began to take a closer look at my son and noticed he still possesses an innocence and child-like faith that most of us lose when we approach adulthood.  We lose these qualities and find it hard to regain them when we get "too big for our britches" and start depending more on what we can do for ourselves instead of what we can do for God.  God's hand is upon us and He provides for us, but as we get older we sometimes want bigger and better things and start straying from the one who loves us beyond measure.

I took another look at my son and realized he doesn't care where his clothes come from or even if they have holes in them.  He wears them anyway and doesn't complain.  He worries not about what he is going to eat and never thinks it's not good enough or that he doesn't like it.  How many of us have to make sure our clothes match?  How many of us wouldn't be caught dead in a thrift store?  How many of us stick our nose up at what has been put in front of us to eat? 

I have also watched Justin be a blessing to so many people just by being obedient to what the Lord has placed on his heart.  It is with shame that I admit there have been times when the Lord has wanted me to do something and I didn't because I was scared of what people would think.  I worried more about fitting in or being talked about instead of obeying the one who has blessed me so much.

So in closing, I thank God for allowing me to see just how humble, trusting and obedient we can be if we move our own ego out of the way and depend on Him and be thankful for what we have been given.

Thanking God also for my faithful readers and that my words may touch someone.
Angela :)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Celebrating A Mother's Love

Celebrating A Mother's Love



Me and my mom
A mother gives unconditionally of herself for the benefit of those she loves and deserves our love and respect in return and with Mother's Day right around the corner, I've been reflecting upon not only the relationship with my children but also the relationship with my mom.   I realize how lucky I am to be able to share this special time with her and my heart goes out to those who won't be able to share this day with their mom.

I never truly knew the power of a mother's love until I became a mom myself, or the sacrifices made for me until I started sacrificing for my children.   Does that mean we had a perfect childhood or that we've provided a perfect childhood for our little ones?  No, it doesn't.  As a mom, it hurts to know we could have done a better job, but just because we've made mistakes doesn't mean we don't love our children, it just means we aren't perfect. 

So this Mother's Day don't focus on the things you should or shouldn't have done for your mom or children, instead focus on the love you received and the love you give.  If your mother is still with you, pay her a visit and show her how much she means to you.  If your mother has already moved on to be with our Lord and Savior, I know you are wishing for one more hug, one more kiss, and one more "I love you", but take comfort in the fact that you will see her again and chances are she already knows how much you love her.

Happy Mother's Day to you all.
Angela :)

Saturday, May 4, 2013

The Works of God


The Works of God

Justin at 5 years old.
Being the parent of a special needs child, I can't tell you how many times I've asked myself, "why my child?"  I even began to question whether Justin's disabilities were somehow my fault, even though they weren't.  I prayed to God and found my answer in John 9:1-3 (KJV).  It reads "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

This passage of scripture gave me piece of mind knowing that God has a plan for my son and his disabilities serve a purpose.  My mind began to ponder the possibilities these verses had to offer.  First, it clearly states that it is no one's fault for the disability.  So don't take the blame for something that you had no control over and instead, focus on the miracle in which you've been entrusted. 


These verses also state God will use the disability to show us the wonders of His works.  Does this mean God will heal our child?  Sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes the answer is no, but if the answer is no we must not be dismayed as our Creator has other plans in store for our loved one. I for one, have witnessed God using Justin to touch and bless others and it wouldn't have had as much of an impact if Justin were "normal."  Justin is like a small child and obeys God's instructions and because of his child-like faith, he has been blessed with a closer walk with the one true Master. 

So I leave you with this last remark.  Our children's bodies may not be perfect by man's standards, but God makes no mistakes and our little ones are perfect by His.

May God continue to show His works through your child.
Angela :)