Covered in White

All this snow is so crazy!  When I was growing up, they called my class the "blizzard babies!" I'm wondering how many September birthdays we'll have in church??? LOL

Before I launch my thoughts, I wanted to let you know that Abbey's potty training is going very slowly.  She has had three successes since Monday, so that's great.  I've been told by many other parents of children with special needs that it takes TIME.  So, with God's help, I will exercise my patience muscle.  I will surrender my will and make the most of it.  But I so hope you will keep praying for her.  We have such a big God and so many of you who love Abbey and pray for her.  I really feel that our petitions make a difference, and so while it seems like such a "small" thing, I know even the tiniest of details matter to Him.

Anyway, we are leaving with our youth group for their winter retreat later today.  We will load them all up in the bus and travel to New Hampshire for our getaway.  It's there that many of our students will encounter Christ in a whole new way this weekend.  One of the most beautiful things about working with these teenagers is their openness and spiritual transparency.  You would not believe the depth of spiritual conversation that can happen with a fifteen year old.  They amaze me. Truly.

Ryan has been working hard for over a month to write his lessons, and to share God's word with them. We have a weekend FULL of fun, and some amazing Bible studies ahead of us. This weather reminds me of what will happen this weekend. Ryan will quickly shovel through the fluffy snow on the surface, and start working on the ice that's underneath.  At this very minute he has been working for almost  two hours just to get us out of the driveway!  This is NOTHING compared to the work that God does to try and remove the layers we have built up against him.  Excuses, sin, laziness, desire, a bad "church experience", or intellectual questions about faith pile up on each other and try to separate us from God.  Satan's number one goal, is to make sure that the ice is so thick between us and God that nothing can get through. But our God says in Job 38:22 that He is the one who keeps the storehouses of snow and hail.  They obey his very word.  He has power over the ice.

 The best part of being involved in the youth ministry is when you get to see a kid realize how great God's love is for them.  When they recognize that Christ's work on the cross covers them like a blanket of white snow...wow.  It's humbling to watch, it's exciting to be a part of it.So, looking out my window and seeing every inch of earth and most of my house covered in snow reminds me that he did the same for me.  With a mighty wave of his arms, he cast a blanket of forgiveness over my life. I'm so grateful.  So very grateful.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool."

Potty Matters

So, we are embarking on a new mission this February…toilet training.  If you could see my face as I type this, you would see mix of fear, dread, and a tiny glimmer of hope.  We have tried several times throughout the years to help Abbey toilet train, but it has been very discouraging for her (and for us) and not remotely successful. But, it’s been a few years and since she’s growing and quickly developing into a young lady, we felt it was time to try again.  I’m writing to ask for your prayers…this would make a huge difference in our lives, and in Abbey’s life, for her to gain a level of independence in this area.  She is getting so big, and it’s hard to find places to change her diaper that are private and comfortable.  With puberty breathing down my neck, I feel anxious to see her win this battle. It’s not only important for comfort reasons, but it can quickly become a health concern in the future.  For the next two weeks, she will wear underwear beneath her diaper and at school and home will be put on the toilet in regular intervals.  After the two weeks, the school will do an “evaluation” of sorts to see how she is doing it and what we may need to do to move forward, or if she is a candidate for being toilet trained at all. Will you pray with us for her?  

Please pray that her body and her brain can communicate, and that she would understand the urge and need to “go.”

Please pray for her ability to communicate her needs.

Please, please pray for success!