tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74165523826144120312024-03-13T02:35:14.051-04:00Megs FiveMutterings from one lady trying to navigate marriage, motherhood, and life raising a special needs child...seeking to show 3 amazing kids Jesus while failing each day, but reassured with grace and mercy I'm right where The Creator wants me...Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-55182890651712033962014-07-29T12:01:00.000-04:002014-07-29T12:01:01.789-04:00A Horse is a Horse of course of courseMany times we've been asked, and I never quite know what to say. Sometimes I can't think of an answer, but, today, I have one. <br />
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This summer, Nolan was given a scholarship to participate in Horse Therapy with <a href="http://horsesineducation.com/">Horses in Education</a>. I wasn't totally sure what to expect as I'd never heard of Horse Therapy. It was recommended to us by Nolan's special ed teacher (who will have a special jewel in her crown someday), and a friend whose son participates as well. But, after watching Nolan on his horse, it has become very clear, God created horses for people with special needs. The movement is soothing, it gives him confidence, it makes him still and focused (for those that know Nolan, this is AMAZING:), and it's teaching him not only riding skills, but, also a social and academic skill each week as well. Nolan could also, at the age of 8 compete in the Special Olympics as his riding skills mature, and he's able to ride unassisted.<br />
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Here's our dilemma ...it isn't cheap. The cost of boarding, feeding, and maintaining horses isn't cheap, therefore, Horses in Education has to adjust their costs to meet the needs of their horses. We currently have declined any further lessons because of the cost...I'd love to just make it happen, but, the honest truth is, we wouldn't be good stewards of our finances if we paid the $250 a month to continue because we just don't have the money. No boo hooing here, it just is what it is. We've never gone without and God has ALWAYS met ALL of our needs. We are extremely blessed in so many ways. That being said we are not blessed with the gift of finances. But, others are blessed with such a gift. <br />
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So, we're asking you, if you've asked how you can help us and I've never had a good answer, I have one now. If the Lord moves you to donate to Nolan's horse fund, would you do so? Our goal would be to provide Nolie with lessons for August and September...that's $500. If we receive anything over that, we will continue until there's no money left (he can ride all year round if we so chose)...and we<br />
would consider that a huge blessing.<br />
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We are prepared for God to shut this door, and that's ok. But, before we did, we wanted those who might want to, to have the chance to give.<br />
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If God so lays this upon your heart, I can let you know about how to give to Nolan's horse therapy.<br />
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" />Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-8355482296108551062014-05-12T10:05:00.001-04:002014-05-12T10:05:31.912-04:00From Where I Stand...Mother's DayAnother Mother's Day has come and gone, and I've found myself reflecting some already this morning. In many different places I read statuses and blogs calling for sensitivity for those who are childless but who don't want to be. Or for those who've lost their mother. Or those who maybe had a less than idea childhood therefore leaving Mother's Day a sad reminder. I, personally, don't fall into one of those categories, only by the grace of God, so, being reminded of those who face different circumstances is needed for me.<br />
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Yet, I think back to Tuesday night, as I laid in our bed, the room dark, the house quiet, with Brandon next to me...as I cried, I asked if we could just celebrate Mother's Day another time because "I'm just feeling like motherhood just isn't all it's cracked up to be." Yes, I said that. Yes, I feel that way sometimes. There's never a day that goes by that I don't think about how much I love my children. There's never a day that goes by that I'm not grateful God, in His grace, allowed me to be a mother.<br />
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But this morning, I wonder where is the outcry for sensitivity for those mothers whose dream of motherhood was lost in a diagnosis? Or for the mom who's strapped to the home caring for a child who can't care for themselves, yet is old enough to do so? Or the mom whose day is filled with tantrums, screaming, sensory overload, and erratic behavior? Or the mom who is having to feed her child trough a GI tube each day? Or the mom who has to fight tooth and nail for every little right that typical children don't have to fight for? Or the mom who's struggling with how to explain her child to the little league coach? Or the mom who attends more IEP meetings than nights out with her husband?<br />
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Or the mom who is just straight up is suffering in motherhood? Sound awful? I don't mean for it to, but, it's true. There are moms who woke up yesterday in love with her children, but, thought,<i> man, this is <b>not</b> what I signed up for</i>. There are moms who woke up yesterday, dragging because the weight of the responsibility is heavy.<br />
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The mom of a special needs child, that thinks her kid is crazy amazing with so much to offer a lost world, yet from time to time would love just a smidge of empathy. Not sympathy. We don't want you to feel sorry for us. Or wonder how you can avoid being us. This isn't our worst nightmare. We just want you to recognize it's hard. Raising special needs children IS harder than raising typical children. I can say this because I'm doing both.<br />
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I write this for them. Hoping maybe it <strike>shines a light</strike>, <strike>gives voice to</strike>, I don't know, maybe just lessens slightly the blow, knowing someone gets it. <br />
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The other night, that Brandon of mine whispered, "We're celebrating Mother's Day, not because of the way you feel about motherhood in this moment but, because we're honoring you, as a mother...and you're a great one."<br />
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Weary momma that suffered a great loss, the loss of expectation, I get you.<br />
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<img src="http://vuible.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/10730808903d416a553e533dd7c4fb18.jpg" /><br />
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Head over and see what Steph's saying about Mother's Day...http://solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/2014/05/11/from-where-i-stand-motherhood/Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-44852234358150792772014-05-07T13:38:00.002-04:002014-05-07T13:42:59.181-04:00A Father's Perspective #williamssyndromeawareness<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As this is Williams Syndrome Awareness month, it is my pleasure to get to contribute to Megan’s blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She asked me if I would give a dad’s perspective on raising a child with WS. So here it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shortly after we learned of Nolan’s Williams Syndrome diagnosis, I started focusing on the positive,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">or tried to anyway. There were definitely some fears present. How would he interact with others, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">what would a school day look like, to what degree will he be able to function as an individual, etc? All</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">these questions would come up, but we just tried to take it a day at a time and focus on progress. My</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">rallying cry was that we would highlight his strengths and just work on and plug away at his weaknesses, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">developmentally speaking. Nolan has a laundry list of positive attributes and character traits that many</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">people, including myself, could stand to better possess: complete lack of prejudice, contagious joy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">empathy, etc. His weaknesses such as gross motor and fine motor skills and speech were challenges, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">but we were proactive in helping him catch up and we had/have great therapists so we reached a point </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">where we were feeling pretty optimistic. Fast forward to today. He still has those great positives and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">more, his gross motor skills are more or less at an age appropriate level, and his speech is light years </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">better. BUT, unforeseen challenges have emerged. This was one of our greatest fears when we </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">received his diagnosis: the unknown. We are learning what a school day looks like, and it is extremely </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">overwhelming. Throughout the day, there is Nolan Jeckyll and Nolan Hyde, and either persona can</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">appear within seconds of one another. We know there are various contributing factors to his behavior, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">including maturity, being a boy, anxiety that is associated with WS, and distractibility, but we cannot </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">figure out what all of his triggers are or how to consistently get Hyde back in the box. It has become </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">consuming and draining.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what’s it like being the father of three awesome kids, one of which happens to have William’s</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Syndrome? It is really hard. It is mentally, emotionally, and even physically taxing. I love my children </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">so much it hurts. The girls present what I would consider to be typical parenting challenges which can </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">be very trying to be sure, but they are really fantastic girls. They easily adapt and adjust. They are great </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">kids. I thank God for them. I want Nolan to grow and mature and sometimes just be able blend in. I </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">want to protect Nolan from the frustration and odd looks and mistreatment that will inevitably occur in </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a society that largely does not know how to interact with someone that does not fit their expectations. I </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">do not want to mask him at all. His persona is part of what makes him so special and awesome, but I do </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">want to help him to develop self-control and appropriate social skills.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All that said, other than on the weekends, I just make it home in time each day to sleep. So while I am</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">emotionally burdened by Nolan’s struggles, Megan is grinding through it daily. My father’s perspective</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">goes hand in hand with my husband’s perspective. I feel unequipped and helpless in getting Nolan </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">through his struggles. At the same time, because of my provider responsibilities, I feel the same in </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">my inability to help Megan. As a man, I want to fix things. I want to find the answer, implement the </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">solution, and move on. Unfortunately, life, especially raising kids, does not work that way. There are </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">too many variables and too many unknowns. Nolan just happens to have several extra of each.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where am I today? Downtrodden, depressed, angry, worried? Maybe a little of each. Not so much </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">depressed; I don’t think that’s really my nature, but I can’t be all positive all the time. Who can?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve established that life is hard, but God has blessed me with a true optimism. I did not realize it</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">until Nolan’s developmental delays became evident as a baby, but I am truly hopeful and expectant</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in all areas of life. God is in control, of that I have zero doubt. It sounds like a cliché, but it isn’t. It is </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a Biblical truth that my whole life rests upon. We don’t always want to hear that when we are going </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">through a real trial, but it is important to remember and to grasp ahold of when you can.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I take encouragement from passages like these (my emphasis).</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="text Rom-8-18" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">Romans 8:18-21, 18 "</span>For I consider that the sufferings of this present time <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28119A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-19" id="en-ESV-28120" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>For the creation waits with eager longing for <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28120B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>the revealing of the sons of God.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Rom-8-20" id="en-ESV-28121" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>For the creation <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28121C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>was subjected to futility, not willingly, but <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28121D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>because of him who subjected it, in hope</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-21" id="en-ESV-28122" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>that <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28122E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." "</span><span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-ESV-28129" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>And we know that for those who love God all things work together <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>for good,<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28129a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.8.28-Rom.8.30#fen-ESV-28129a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> for <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28129B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>those who are called according to his purpose.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-29" id="en-ESV-28130" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>For those whom he <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28130C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>foreknew he also <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28130D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>predestined <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28130E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28130F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span>the firstborn among many brothers.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-30" id="en-ESV-28131" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28131G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>justified, and those whom he justified he also <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28131H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span>glorified."</span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Rom-8-30" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pain and struggle that is involved in raising Nolan is temporary. I am viewing it as an opportunity</div>
<span class="text Rom-8-30"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Rom-8-30"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text Rom-8-30">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
to show the resilience of our family and the love of our God. It is so hard, but the rewards are great. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nolan blesses us each and every day. We hold fast to and cherish the joyful experiences, and believe me </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
there are many.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text 1Cor-15-57" id="en-ESV-28759"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">1 Corinthians 15:57-58 "57 </span>But thanks be to God, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28759A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. </span><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">58 </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28760B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28760C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28760D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>your labor is not in vain."</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-top: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-top: 1em;">
<img alt="Displaying 2014-04-25 12.41.02.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=37e3f1bf99&view=fimg&th=145d7af99ec28067&attid=0.2&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ_TmTq7HVsJeO-b-uyPmOa7u3-3MhuE_-mzTHlDH6Iw4RapDb3Syz2Ukul8G37cCkLgYNP0-IlqOIc1HLo9-aQ2KaZxU83ddZvkCh7DSnJC4bslkbTdyeCl1mA&ats=1399483503438&rm=145d7af99ec28067&zw&sz=w1254-h453" /></div>
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Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-68282954961519831272014-05-06T12:37:00.002-04:002014-05-07T08:24:10.145-04:00#williamssyndromeawarenessTroubling behavior at school.<br />
<br />
The tantrums and compulsive behavior and name calling.<br />
<br />
The beautiful white iris pattern of his baby blues. <br />
<br />
The way he stares off into space, the windows are open, and he's memorized by the sound of a commercial mower.<br />
<br />
The mower turns off and a weed eater begins. He looks at me with a satisfied smile and says, "That's a different sound."<br />
<br />
The way his mouth is always gaping open...revealing his wide spaced teeth.<br />
<br />
The way he looks at me, tears running down my cheeks, and says, "Why are you crying again? Be happy!" He smiles, and I can't help but smile also.<br />
<br />
And, as all those things come together and hit my consciousness in one quick moment, I grieve the loss again. The hurt is deep. The fear is crippling as I think about "what's best." As the whole world is moving on with life, and us, well, we're stuck. I'm stuck. Never moving forward. Trapped in the day to day, not knowing what may happen tomorrow, because what was best today may not be for tomorrow. Never able to have a plan because each day brings another challenge...one that could be permanent, or not. I'm taken back to delivery day, when they handed him to me and I could't hold him, even though I didn't know what was wrong, I knew something was wrong, and it pained me to hold him. I'm taken back to the day the doctor called and confirmed at 11 months of age, our son has Williams syndrome. The hurt was deep then too. I never knew one could hurt over a loss that was still present, so profoundly. I know now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwr7kWGt_Tk5PolvL6cV78aizm-4UlN15h8rLrHM3Kg-6ZRs7BZgs4SXpTWU6vjIw9oYtseLryvBj4EiG_GgS0tJaQmCa9C5-ppflVKj2VSnoMj91SLUgznBVnOD4uOhPYrmv52tG2Hg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwr7kWGt_Tk5PolvL6cV78aizm-4UlN15h8rLrHM3Kg-6ZRs7BZgs4SXpTWU6vjIw9oYtseLryvBj4EiG_GgS0tJaQmCa9C5-ppflVKj2VSnoMj91SLUgznBVnOD4uOhPYrmv52tG2Hg/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yet, all of this hits like a storm cloud with no warning...quick, overwhelming, and all consuming...and all I know to do is hold him tight, tell him that I love him, but that Jesus loves him more.<br />
<br />
#williamssyndromeawareness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh-oxrfOqwEPS1kQea27XUc7gP34v4VC_iSU-EnCnK2yg3eahvXXBlmHNQyi6YfFj1L9WfvFgq_3Kbm_XQWpDVI1PnBQwzjCLR1ejgNmAZXWepn0rv-Jy7xD6XUW2N_hrT9FXJZYkGDk/s1600/da9977c9b897317b88d21c040edb87b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh-oxrfOqwEPS1kQea27XUc7gP34v4VC_iSU-EnCnK2yg3eahvXXBlmHNQyi6YfFj1L9WfvFgq_3Kbm_XQWpDVI1PnBQwzjCLR1ejgNmAZXWepn0rv-Jy7xD6XUW2N_hrT9FXJZYkGDk/s1600/da9977c9b897317b88d21c040edb87b3.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-77708823444697685442014-04-03T09:38:00.002-04:002014-04-03T09:40:03.979-04:00From Where I Stand: SpringIf I had to choose my favorite season, I would likely choose fall. I love the milder temps, changing colors, and cool evenings by a fire with my family. But, there is undoubtedly something very refreshing about spring that I love as well. You experience winter (ugh): being trapped inside, with gloomy skies for months looking at dead bare trees...and if it was a winter anything like what we experienced here in Indiana this year, you begin to wonder if it will ever end. And then one day you wake to birds chirping outside your bedroom window. On your way out the door one morning, you see daffodils sprouting, and then you notice that the trees are full of buds about to burst. Suddenly it hits me.<br />
<br />
<i>Right...spring is coming.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hope.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In the spring, I love no more bulky winter coats for 3 kids that makes going anywhere a chore. I love bare toes in flip flops. I love being unable to decide what to do for the day because it's so beautiful and the outdoor options are limitless. I love, after dinner, sitting outside with Brandon watching the 3 babes running in the yard, swinging, and playing in the sandbox. I love the smell of the lilac tree outside our living room window. <br />
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Spring brings about drinking from the water hose outside....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG79MN0K0uFYsGQN4V2p1KTyx6hQqoNpNdykM21fglfwh5uDO0ILQLkeiNNMuJAGR5aLo5WvFBmQy-qppgyisjmYJXiU0olgVxom_jym0F8ocjI5v59y_Fuxjgoj06tHNRVC7KGzltmhw/s1600/2013-07-08+11.19.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG79MN0K0uFYsGQN4V2p1KTyx6hQqoNpNdykM21fglfwh5uDO0ILQLkeiNNMuJAGR5aLo5WvFBmQy-qppgyisjmYJXiU0olgVxom_jym0F8ocjI5v59y_Fuxjgoj06tHNRVC7KGzltmhw/s1600/2013-07-08+11.19.36.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and raspberry picking...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and shirtless barefoot little boys...</div>
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and butterfly hunting...</div>
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and outdoor meals.</div>
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<i>A breath of fresh air...</i></div>
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<i>New life to the soul...</i></div>
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<i>Hope...</i></div>
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<i>Spring.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Song of Solomon 2:11-12 </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Check out Steph's thought about spring:</span></span></div>
<a href="http://solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/2014/04/01/from-where-i-stand-spring/">http://solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/2014/04/01/from-where-i-stand-spring/</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-27871059534761493232014-02-04T13:42:00.000-05:002014-02-04T13:42:00.534-05:00Dear Future HusbandDear future husband to Adelynne & future husband to Aubrey,<br />
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Today, as I picked up Nolan from school...his half day, while Aubrey and Adelynne attend full-day, he said to me, "Where's my girls? They comin' home too?" When I told him we'd get them later today, he dropped his shoulders, puckered his lips, and sadly said, "aawww." <br />
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This is just one of the many visuals I get when I think about the relationship between Nolan and Adelynne & Nolan and Aubrey. I also see them each stop in the school doorway to hug and kiss him goodbye each morning. I see it when they walk into the door each afternoon and ask him first how his day was, the way they praise him when he had a good day, and the way they encourage him to do better when it was a not so pretty day. I see it in the way they divvy up homework and play time with Nolan. "How about I'll do my homework first while you play with Nolan and then when I'm done, we'll switch," Adelynne will say. I see it in the way they battle over who gets to sit with him at dinner. I see it in the way he prays on the way to school in the morning, "Fank you God for my Adie, my Aubrey...and...and...trucks." I see it in the way Aubrey boldly talks to her class about Wiliams syndrome, proud of her brother. I see it in the way they both, separately, on the same Sunday, grabbed a prayer request card from the pew and wrote, "Please pray my brother will accept Jesus." I'm not even kidding...I was sitting between them, trying to hold in the emotion from realizing their deep, passionate, enduring commitment to loving this boy.<br />
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I tell you all this only to let you know, that marrying into any family is never easy. There are family dynamics that are uncertain at times and uncomfortable. There may even be people you inherit that quite frankly you don't care for. There are illnesses, there are additions, there are life changes and hard times. But, in our case, each of these girls come as a package deal. I've prayed for you for a very long time, and before Nolan was part of our family, I prayed that you would love Jesus first, them second, and that you would have many of the same qualities as their daddy. They know this as the "3 criteria for a husband." :) I'm serious, ask them. But, I'd now like to add a fourth...you must love their brother. By that I don't mean...<br />
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<i>Oh sure I love your brother. He cute, he's funny, I love him because you love him honey...</i><br />
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I mean <i>LOVE</i> him. I mean love him so much you'd reconsider taking Aubrey or Adelynne far away from him to live because that would devastate him so. I mean love him enough you overlook the nuisances of an adult with special needs. I mean love him to where he's with you two often, at your house often, and goes places with you. I mean love him so much that no one can tell whether or not you're his brother or brother-in-law. <br />
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This is no easy task, just as it was never easy for them, growing up...worrying over surgeries, worrying over whether or not someone's making fun of him, worrying over what will happen to him if he dies, being asked to deal somewhat with adult concerns at a much younger age than should be asked of them. I ask that if you can't sign up for the package deal, that you love her enough to let her go. But, if you are willing to sign up for the package deal, we welcome you into our family with open arms. I promise you, either of these girls is a catch, and having the privilege of being loved by Nolan is one of life's greatest treasures here on earth.<br />
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I pray for you almost each day, that God's working in your life somehow. I pray for His hand of protection over you as you grow in your relationship with Him, even as a child. I pray he's creating in you a loving, compassionate heart, as each Aubrey and Adelynne have sensitive hearts that will need such qualities. I pray you're learning to love Jesus first and foremost, as He loves you, and that you love people second because ultimately that's what life is for...to love Jesus, and love others. <br />
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I pray for you because I love Aubrey, Adelynne & Nolan more than all the fishies in the sea.<br />
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Fondly,<br />
Megan<br />
<br />Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-73251352491290523252014-02-03T10:24:00.002-05:002014-02-03T10:24:53.334-05:00Wuv, true wuvFrom the moment I could remember, my grandparents never slept in the same room. The old beloved farm house in Clinton County, at the end of the upstairs hall, to the left my granddad slept, and to the right, my grandmother. I remember wondering about this fact, but....as I grew up, I noticed other things, like the way they did their own activities separately, banter some with each other, and quite frankly, John annoyed Betty. I'm smiling now as I type this because of the memories...these two stubborn, rascally, strong-willed, yet warm people, had a history, a past, I knew nothing about, but, could see slightly, as a child, yet knowing this, also knew, they loved each other. They loved each other enough to remain committed to their commitment, that I knew. Regardless of mistakes long before I was around, they loved each other enough to remain committed. Their marriage wasn't a picture of perfection, rather a picture of steadfast commitment.<br />
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In 2000, she was diagnosed with cancer. While in the hospital, grandpa came to visit one day and literally dropped dead outside her room...cardiac arrest, heart stopped, dead. They were able to perform CPR and bring him back. I remember wheeling grandma into the ICU to see him, face covered with a mask as to not come in contact with any unwanted germs, her eyes spoke volumes. She loved him. It wouldn't be too much longer after this, that we all knew she was near meeting Jesus. I watched grandpa shake his head and weep in the waiting room, sad, regretful it was her and not him, sad she suffered, sad to lose the woman he loved, a lifetime of memories. <br />
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These images forever etched in my brain, and two amazing people who weren't saved until after they were married, imperfect with a long life together of good times and also bad, who remained committed until death. And through all that, love was what held them together. A love for each other, but, ultimately, their individual loves for Christ.<br />
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Often times we don't know how events in our lives affect us until after...memories remain, reflection occurs, and we're able to see. It's almost like washing a window in the spring after a dirty winter...the glass becomes clear and we're able to see so much more, so much brighter, so much clearer.<br />
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It wasn't until after these events with my grandparents that I truly understood the deep love of my Savior...the Savior I'd run from for years, unable to accept His true and pure, perfect love. How on earth could he possibly love me? Mistakes, oh the mistakes...the dirty feeling, the inability to forgive and love myself...<br />
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<i>"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow..."</i><br />
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Every so often, I have to wash the windows to more clearly see His perfect love for me. Satan loves to dirty up my windows and cause me to questions Christ's love for me. I wipe away the dirt and see I'm white as snow before Christ because He.literally.washed.me.clean.with.the.cross. <br />
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<i>Matthew 7:44-48</i><br />
<i>"Do you see this woman ("a Sinful Woman")? I (Jesus) came into your (Peter) house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little. The He said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"</i><br />
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His blood cleaned me...no sin uncleanable. There is no greater act of perfect love. John and Betty knew this. Their love for Christ who forgave them, visible in their commitment to each other. Now in heaven these two, experiencing the love that never ends at the feet of the One who perfectly loved them first.<br />
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<img height="488" src="http://www.wordsonimages.com/pics/83273-o.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Go see what my sweet friend Steph is writing about at:<i> </i><a href="http://www.solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19.933334350585938px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19.933334350585938px;"> </span>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-26580082229116504242014-01-01T22:03:00.000-05:002014-01-01T22:03:22.415-05:00I freaking hate change...No seriously, I really do...freaking hate change that is...<br />
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Wait, did I just say "freaking" out loud...uh..yep, sure did. <br />
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Funny thing, my 9 year old refers to that as the "f" word. She'll gasp, put her hand over her mouth and whisper, "mom just said the f word." <br />
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One day I finally had to admit that saying "freaking" isn't something mommy should do, but, that there is an actual "f word," and "freaking" ain't it.<br />
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Ha! (sigh), wait, where was I? Oh, right, change...<br />
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Brandon and I spent a lot of time last winter and spring deciding where Nolan should go to school this current school year. He's a June birthday and before we knew Nolan would be, well, Nolan, we'd decided to hold him back one year and begin kindergarten when he was 6. No big deal, right? Tons of people do this. Not so easy with a child who has an IEP and is deemed "special needs." We have to have a meeting to write up an IEP that won't be used, deny that, then have another meeting to officially deny it and come up with a service plan, blah, blah, wah, wah...it's just the way it is...I've come to terms with it. So, with advice from his speech therapist and preschool teacher, we decided to send him to a mainstream preK program here in Plainfield. <br />
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Everyone (teacher, director, etc) is aware of Nolan's "disability," we now are just waiting for school to start. I'm back homeschooling both girls and I've got my plan. 8 days into preK, Nolan was asked not to come back. His distractibility and high energy didn't fit the mold of this preschool, and we were encouraged to look into sending him on to kindergarten where they have to resources to help him. All this happened in a meeting that was for us to discuss "baseline testing" scores. Feel like I went from 100 to 0? <br />
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Now wait, I just wanted to set the scene for the blog title, "I freaking hate change."<br />
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My plans have now been changed. Plans are good, the are helpful, they are a responsible thing to have, yet, many times our plans are not God's plan. Cliché? Maybe? <br />
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On a Friday in September, well into the school year, Nolan doesn't have a school to attend. From the time he was 4 months old, this was one of those times I feared. Literally feared...wake me up in the middle of the night in an anxiety attack feared. <em>What will school look like? Will people want to help him? Help us? Will anyone fight for him? Give him a chance? </em><br />
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<em>Please, just give him a chance.</em><br />
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I laid in bed, the rest of that day sobbing...smeared mascara and snot, held by Brandon from time to time...both of us just so mentally exhausted of being blind sided by this, feeling helpless, betrayed, desperate for this boy, oh this precious gift from heaven to fit somewhere, to be accepted...where someone wants to help him.<br />
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Lots of details omitted, fast forward 9 days, and Nolan began kindergarten. Not my plan, at this point I'm still angry we're being pushed into a decision I still don't want...He's not ready for kindergarten.<br />
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Nolan doesn't like change either...<br />
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He begins tantrums like you've never seen, at home, and at school...he's becoming very defiant, aggressive, combative, not sleeping, pooping his pants...sound fun? It wasn't. Everyday I went to pick him up (he's the only child in the school system doing 1/2 day kindergarten), it's a bad report, I mean, bad. I've left school carrying him while he screams and kicks, and sometimes hitting me. I bring him home, same type of behavior...he's trapped in this anxious, I don't like change whirlwind unable to adequately express,<br />
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"Mom, I freaking hate change,"<br />
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and doing just so the only way he knows how...by acting out. Tired yet? I was. On top of all that, I'm supposed to be teaching the girls. <br />
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One of the most enjoyable things about homeschooling is how stress free it really can be! Learning on the couch, at the table, adjusting things to the learner, making things fun, taking a day off because you're ahead of schedule...etc...but I can't do anything but deal with Nolan. It's physical, emotional, and mental stress.<br />
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I love homeschooling the girls, I love having them home, I love being with them...this is where satan works on me because I drift into thinking, "if Nolan weren't in the equation, homeschooling would be working wonderfully."<br />
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Shame on me.<br />
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God led me to do some real soul searching, and I began to see that I had the view that God could only protect my children if they are homeschooled. In this day and age, there are so many things that happen and can be heard in schools that we just wanted to protect these kids a few more years. I still do. My prayer each morning is that God would protect their bodies, hearts and minds. I pray that God will not allow them to hear anything contrary to what his Word says. <br />
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At the same time, I clearly saw God leading us to school. My plan was Pre-k and homeschool. But, the Lord yanked that rug right out from underneath us and so clearly led us away from my plan and toward His.<br />
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I woke up one cool day in October, and all 3 of my kids went to school that day. Holy Sh&# balls! Most moms lose their kids one by one, and I lost all 3 in a matter of moments. I won't lie, that was a hard day. Satan causes me to question our decision all the time. Yet, with each question, God gives an instance or situation to prove He is right, He is in control, and He orchestrated all of this. <br />
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Homeschooling was an idol for me. I didn't want to feel like I was giving up, quitting, I didn't want to admit that the stress of Nolan's needs and schedule added on top of a homeschool schedule were too much for me. <br />
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But, "I can do all things through Christ..." but, "He gives grace." Just "give it to God." Right? You can insert any Bible verse or any inspirational quote here, but, there are times in life when God's trying to shut a door and we're defiantly standing in the way...arms crossed, eyes averted, stiff armed...that was me.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Megan, let me show you my grace, my comfort, my peace, my rest, come to me, let me carry this burden.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He whispered this for a while until he said it quite loudly through Brandon as he lovingly said, "We said we'd homeschool while it worked, and this year it's not working, and that's ok."</span></div>
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I am not a failure. I'm a flawed human being, by the grace of Jesus trying to love my husband and children, but, I have limitations. I'm not supposed to do it all on my own, and it's ok if our way is different than yours because God's given us different circumstances and trials to bear. Yours aren't harder than mine, and vice versa, but, so long as we're loving God and loving others, I truly believe God knows the desires of my heart and will bless them no matter where my kids are.</div>
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Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires."</div>
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Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</div>
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Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the <span class="sc">Lord</span> establishes his steps. "</div>
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I woke up on a Friday morning not too long ago, in the middle of all these behavior issues, and it hit me like a ton of bricks...</div>
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I can't control these kids any more than I can control the weather. </div>
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Typical children make us think we can, at least mine do. We can get a desired response or behavior out of these kids with fear of consequence, but, really, that's not always an accurate reflection of the heart. Nolan is the very same...just like my typical kids, Nolan's changes will come as the Lord does a work in his heart.</div>
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<em>He's your boy Lord, you do the changin', I'll sit back and watch.</em></div>
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Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-85533559199245283722014-01-01T20:23:00.000-05:002014-01-01T20:23:17.114-05:00The Paschal's 2013 Sometimes approaching a new year, I have a hard time remembering what all happened. Sometimes I think it's because these 3 children have sucked all the brain cells out of me, and then I also have to remember I'm only getting older:) I mean, I completely forgot I told my mom I'd bring mashed potatoes to Christmas this year...seriously, who forgets stuff like that? Anyway, as I took time to look back over the life of our family in 2013, the most common word that could be used is <em>growth</em>...I mean that, physically, spiritually, personally...<br />
<br />
I took my very first girls weekend in February. A few of my very closest friends and I holed up in a condo in northern Indiana for 48 straight hours. Our families have <em>grown</em> up enough that we all felt good about leaving them behind with very capable daddy's, and so we went for it.<br />
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With a very spacious condo, we didn't leave the living area at all other than to sleep for a few hours each night. We talked into the wee hours of each morning, laughed a lot, ate some good food, and have set out to make this an annual thing.<br />
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The spring brought about Adelynne (6 years old then) playing softball for the first time, a trip to Chicago, Nolan (4 then) finishing up developmental preschool, the girls and I wrapping up a very successful, blessed, 1st year of homeschooling (Aubrey finished 2nd grade and Adelynne kindergarten), numerous IEP meetings for Nolan, seeing Narnia on stage for the girls, daddy and I, and Brandon's 31st birthday. All these events signal our children are <em>growing</em> up...not only in size, but, in interests and capabilities. (And mom and dad aging a little ;) Sometimes this realization makes me sad, but, it sure is a fun ride to be on.<br />
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In June, our Nolan turned 5 years old, and shortly thereafter, I left for our youth's Send Me Missions trip to Boonville, Indiana. To say something like this is way out of my comfort zone, is an understatement. For me personally, it's one thing to leave my kids behind while I get some time with Brandon for a few days, than it is to leave my ENTIRE family behind for 8 days.<br />
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That being said, I LOVED it. I was able to help our students throw a VBS for a small church there in Boonville, and at the end of the week we threw a Family Night for the families of our VBS'ers. I stayed up way past my bedtime, had many interesting discussions, and loved my time with our teenagers. My girls have <em>grown</em> enough to be independent, self-sufficient helpers which allows me to be able to minister in other areas. For this I am grateful.<br />
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July brought about my 34th birthday however I still feel 21 in my head:)<br />
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August brought about new school schedules. Brandon headed back for his 7th year of teaching, Nolan headed off to a mainstreamed pre K program, and the girls and I began 1st grade and 3rd grade together.<br />
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September brought some big changes, unexpected, unwanted, and heartbreaking, but, in the long run brought some <em>growth</em>. Nolan was asked not to come back to preschool after 8 school days. His high energy and distractibility were viewed as not suitable for this environment. We spent days agonizing over this event. Nolan ended up heading to kindergarten several weeks into the semester...the change has been very rough on ALL of us...especially him. He's had a hard time, yet, week to week we continue to see <em>growth</em>.<br />
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October brought Aubrey's 9th birthday...wow! It also brought the girls heading to public school for the year, and me learning to <em>grow</em> in other areas...not just motherhood.<br />
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December brought Adelynne's 7th birthday and Brandon and I's 11th anniversary. 2013, overall, was a good year. Each season of life brings it's own challenges...yet we know these surprises to us are never a surprise to our God. <br />
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<strong><em>John 16:33</em></strong><br />
<em> "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."</em><br />
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Knowing the Lord is control of our family each year, the good ones, and the bad ones give me great hope for the future. I may struggle (a lot!), I might kick and scream, but, when given moments like this to reflect, I'm extremely thankful for each and every year the Lord gives us together.<br />
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Visit Steph (<a href="http://solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/2014/01/01/from-where-i-stand-2013-in-review/">http://solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/2014/01/01/from-where-i-stand-2013-in-review/</a>) to find out what she's saying about 2013.<br />
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Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-28966232957911212472013-12-01T12:29:00.002-05:002013-12-01T12:29:16.680-05:00From Where I Stand {Christmas Traditions} <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">grew up in a small town. My grandparents (mom's parents), lived in a farmhouse outside of this small town. My grandparents had 5 girls (my mom being the middle), and my sister and I made up 2 of the 5 grandkids. My grandparents and my family were the only ones that still lived "back home," so each Christmas, everyone would come "home" for a few days. For the most part, everyone fit into my grandparents farmhouse. Every morning, we'd get up, head to the farm house in pj's for coffee and breakfast. For a few days, we camped out at my grandparents ALL day, sun up to sun down, eating, playing games, napping, playing, talking...just being together. As my grandparents aged, the farmhouse was sold, and they moved into town, just around the corner from us. We carried on this same tradition of "camping out." Only now, as the sun was coming up, you'd see people walking around the corner, from house to house we'd go. There'd be a house for early risers, and a house for the sleeping in teenagers. I always knew growing up, that I loved this tradition and looked forward to it each year...I don't think I ever verbalized it, yet, now in my adult years, I miss it. My two older cousins (and myself) have married, and now have to take into consideration the other half's family and traditions, and with 10 kids (ages 10-6 months) between the 3 of us, it's hard to have all of us well, in one place for more than one day (I love that day though, when we're all together). My hope is that some day, as the first round of great grand kids gets older, we're able to pick back up this tradition, as the other two grandkids start their families. I look back now, and realized my grandparents, especially my grandmother, must have loved having all of us in one place, even if it was a little loud and crowded. Christmas of 2000, she'd been battling cancer for a while...she was well enough right before Christmas that they allowed her to come home. She wasn't her typical self, she was weary and tired, and her spirit was weak, yet, I remember my mom wheeling her out into the living room in her pink robe and hat. She looked somewhat distant and was quiet. She sat next to the tree, quiet, and honestly, it bothered me, because she didn't seem herself. A few years after she was gone, I realized she was observing, probably taking in this last time she'd be with us...storing away her last memories of her family, all together (most of us). I think she probably felt in her heart this was her last Christmas. It wasn't a verbalized tradition, or a set in stone tradition, yet, it was tradition enough for us that we just did it...year after year. The family has grown and changed, we've lost both my grandma and grandpa, but, it's a tradition that I hope will be picked back up in the years to come. If nothing else, it's given me so great memories from childhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> December 2006, I was expecting our second baby due right before Christmas. We took our just two year old, Aubrey, out to a tree farm to pick out a tree. This was the first time we'd taken her to the tree lot to get out, wander through the trees, and pick one as a family. Every year since then, we've taken our growing family out to a tree farm, the day after Thanksgiving to get our tree together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brandon (25 :) and Aubrey (3) and Adelynne (11 months), Christmas 2007</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2008 (that is Nolan strapped to me)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2009</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2010</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2011</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2012</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2013</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I was rummaging through these pictures, I'm reminded of the goodness of our Lord. I look at Christmas 2007 and think, <i>we had just moved to Plainfield, but, really, life was easy</i>. The next year, Nolan's here, and I remember being in a pattern of denial that our baby was just fine, to, depression and fear over what the future would hold for this boy who was different. Fast forward to this year's picture where life's trails are still prevalent, but, our kids are growing, Nolan's in a place of good forward progress, the girls are thriving, and I'm grateful we're all still here, together, holding on to each other and Jesus.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 3:4 "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance..."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tradition: the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on this way. From my childhood, to adulthood, my hope is that my children will be able to look back at their lives and appreciate unspoken traditions that taught them the importance of family, togetherness, simple times, and a love for the Lord that didn't have to be shouted from mountain tops, but,could be displayed in the way we loved, served, and were with each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've joined a group of ladies doing something called a Circle Blog. Head on over to Stephanie's blog: </span><a class="" data-reactid=".r[lsy9].[1][3][1]{comment476136895838903_476137192505540}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3]" href="http://www.solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.solidjoysandlastingtreasures.com</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">, and hear what she's saying in regards to Christmas Tradition...you'll be blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dedicating this post to my grandmother, Betty, who I look forward to seeing again in heaven someday.</span><br />
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/163746_1614339611470_2558692_n.jpg?lvh=1" />Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-42906990357649262972013-01-24T14:04:00.000-05:002013-01-24T14:11:01.233-05:00Well hello there.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has it really been over 6 months? I'd like to suggest that I haven't been inspired to write, but that wouldn't be true. There are likely several blog posts all bottled up in my head dying to come out, but, I've been keeping a lid on it largely due impart to the fact that we are now homeschooling 2 children full time this year. Finding time or inspiration to put coherent words together just hasn't been happenin'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I do realize there are numerous reactions that follow such a statement...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of you might look at me like I've got 5 heads. With much dramatic effect you might say to yourself, "Oh, they're "hooomeschooooolerrrrrs"."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of you probably think we hate the public school system, or that we think it's not "good" enough for our children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of you probably think we're doing our children a disservice because they aren't getting the "school experience", or that they aren't going to acquire any "social skills." (This one specifically is my favorite:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or, less of you may be thinking, "Wow, I totally get where they're coming from."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I originally started this blog, once we moved away from the majority of our friends and family over 5 years ago, to try and keep everyone in the loop . The blog then turned into a way to keep up with Nolan and his developmental challenges, surgeries, and our heartbreak. And now, here we are, raising kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not babies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a phase I'd really always looked forward to as we began our family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will the sleepless nights ever end?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will they ever be all potty trained? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will we ever be able to stay out later than 7pm because a little one needs to go to bed?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are, 8, 6, and almost (gasp) 5. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> School-agers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faced with what to do about their education. What is best for them, Aubrey and Adelynne (Nolan's education is a whole other very large sticky ball of wax that needs it's own blog post or 2)?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, someone's reaction to our decision to home school is not really a concern of mine. However, it is now such a big part of our lives, I would be completely remiss if I didn't describe what God is doing and maybe some of the reasons we came to this decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of you know, Brandon is a public school teacher, in a GREAT school system. He loves his job, his administrators, co-workers, and what he does. He counts it a real blessing to be able to do something he's passionate about every day. Some often ask when I mention we home school, "Oh, you must live in a bad school district?" Actually, no, we live in a great school district. Plainfield Schools are top notch, and the kiddos would receive a great education there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, when it came to education for our kids, it wasn't just about e.d.u.c.a.t.i.o.n. For Brandon and I, outside influences and exposures are very important. We do not want to "shelter" our kids necessarily but, we would like to delay exposure to some things. For us, especially when we think about our girls, protecting their innocence is important to us. Kids grow up too fast, and are exposed to things so quickly, and we expect them to deal with adult issues at such a young age. We're trying to protect that. For how long you ask? I don't know the answer to that. For now, I'm teaching 2nd grade and kindergarten. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When children enter kindergarten, they enter the school where their primary influence 8 hours a day, 5 days a week are those of their teachers and peers. For us, we wanted to be those influences.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 22:6 </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> "<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is all we are trying to do. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">I must digress for a moment and state that I know and understand that all family dynamics are different. What is right for our family is not necessarily right for another. I am in <u>no way</u> trying to impose our decision on anyone else or thinking for a moment that we are right and others are wrong. I have wonderful godly friends who home school, choose private school, and who choose public school. <i> I love that we are able to choose how we want to educate our kids.</i> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> Truly</span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">, my purpose is to just share what's God's laid on our hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Someone asked me today, "So, do you see any benefits of homeschooling?" </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, since he asked, I'll share them with you.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I'm able to, currently, start each day with both girls in God's word. Could we do that before or after school? Sure. But, we don't have to rush, we can talk freely, and we can pray together without time limits or time restraints.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I get to be a part of their learning! Watching Adelynne learn to read and remembering that God has allowed me this experience, wow! I know that when I'm chasing my grand kids someday, I'll always remember.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time there is conflict, I get to resolve it with them...nurturing and teaching them about what God's word says about love, respect, being a peacemaker, putting others first...I mean, the list goes on and on.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Bottom line, I get to be front and center to their learning, as in education, and learning as in learning about life. Amazing!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">This truly is just the tip of the iceberg. I could write a book about the changes we've seen in Aubrey (8).</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Yes, there are benefits to homeschooling.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I won't lie, some days, most actually, that I'm just really tired.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Some days, I battle Aubrey's will...ALL DAY!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Some days, once Nolan is home from preschool, I have to let him make big messes so that I can work with the girls.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Some days I feel like there is not enough of me to go around.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Some days I feel like I can't do another day.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">But then God gives moments of complete and utter clarity where I.KNOW.I.AM.IN.THE.EXACT.RIGHT.PLACE.AT.THE.EXACT.RIGHT.TIME.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I love it when the Lord affirms a decision. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I should also mention...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Most days, my house is a mess.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Most days, the laundry is never done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Most days, I take a power nap.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Most days, I couldn't tell you the last time I've mopped the kitchen floor.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Most days are pretty full.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">But, most days, I feel compelled to say, "If I can do it, anyone can."</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The last 6 months I've been trapped in a sea of papers, 2nd grade math, and kindergarten phonics, and I can honestly say, there's no place I'd rather be.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<br />Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-89271630976419793312012-08-23T22:14:00.003-04:002012-08-23T22:14:51.559-04:00"Mom...can you keep a secret?"I find that I must brace myself most of the time when a conversation begins with, "Mom, can you keep a secret"? <i>Of course Aubrey, what's on your mind? </i>"Well, sometimes I find that when I'm doing something fun...well, I forget about Jesus."<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She told me this secret after she'd sang for me the song that she "wrote" about not fitting in with her family because she always seems to choose sin. <i>You know fit "in" and "sin" rhyme. </i>I'd planned on running to the bathroom to wash my face and put my pj's on when I walked by the girls' room and they were both lost in a stack of books (Aubrey in her Bible). I went in just to check on them and tell them I'd be back in a few minutes to read with them when out came the bombshell. </div>
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As I looked at her, with anxiety on her face, and wet eyes, I asked Adelynne if she'd go to the living room to give Aubrey and I a few minutes alone. I sat down in front of her, looked in her face, and in that moment, I became extremely aware this little girl is just like me...and not necessarily in positive ways. I battle, for a lack of a better term, demons, I fight the darkness of depression, I "think" way too much, and because of my many insecurities, I am a perfect target for satan. <i> She's 7 and she battles like I do. Oh dear Lord.</i></div>
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I hurt, very deeply, in that moment that she would think, let alone say aloud, that she felt like she didn't fit in our family. My precious, red headed first born, a girl I love more than I could have ever imagined ...oh how my heart hurt in that moment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I shared with her how I very often feel like I don't really "fit" anywhere either. I shared that Jesus, I can imagine, never felt like he fit either when he walked the earth. <i> If there is anyone who understands how it feels to not fit sweet girl, it's Jesus. </i>We talked about how God doesn't want us to be perfect because we then wouldn't have a need for him. We talked about how God knew He would put her in our family long before she was...how he knit her perfectly for Brandon and I...a piece of a 5-piece- puzzle that wouldn't be complete without her.</div>
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<div>
The last few weeks of getting our feet wet as a trio in a home school routine, has done a number on me emotionally. I see now that I've been trying to do it on my own. I've been battling through, with some minimal results with Aubrey in the areas of attention and focus. I've been feeling like maybe I'm not right for her, I can't seem to "make her tick" when it comes to school (primarily math). Satan has definitely been using these times of insecurity to make me question God's conviction and calling, for both Brandon and I, to home school.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As I was talking with Aubrey, crying with her, I realize that God was turning the mirror around for me to look at myself...The words I was using to encourage and reassure her, were the words the Lord was trying to speak to me. Spiritual warfare knows no prejudice. Satan is using the bumps in the road to make me question God's purpose and plan for our family, and he's using Aubrey's tender heart who's struggling to chose right to question her fit within her family.</div>
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<div>
I grabbed her Bible and underlined for her Jeremiah 29:11-13</div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> "</sup>For I know the plans <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. </span><span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NIV-19648" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Then you will call <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>on me and come and pray <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>to me, and I will listen <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19648F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>to you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>You will seek <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19649G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."</span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-13" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgwX-GJFcxs0mwR5K19IqGQsyJy4DK3K35622X5YixXd5Vk8jC_MvKp1KHxcC031bBbvDT5vjp_Mj-pStJ3aQ7dMDMOkPmoRwWUkpHw29BMGqtkbLYJC6CqSsrX62ZhHHw2UXqMgJAuE/s1600/march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgwX-GJFcxs0mwR5K19IqGQsyJy4DK3K35622X5YixXd5Vk8jC_MvKp1KHxcC031bBbvDT5vjp_Mj-pStJ3aQ7dMDMOkPmoRwWUkpHw29BMGqtkbLYJC6CqSsrX62ZhHHw2UXqMgJAuE/s320/march.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you're done reading this, would you pray for this sweet girl...for peace within her heart, a heart that wants to do right but finds itself in a constant battle with will. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aubrey, He has a plan for you darling girl. Be broken over your sin, as you are...don't let satan turn that into a lie. His plan is a bright future with many blessings if you seek him with all your heart. This doesn't mean perfection, rather imperfection held by his grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mommy</span></div>
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Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-79123166857391218982012-08-01T10:21:00.000-04:002012-08-01T10:21:24.514-04:00When your strength runs outAbout a month ago, our pastor asked Brandon and I if we would be willing to share our story about Nolan during a Sunday service. He'd been going through Isaiah 40, preaching on what to do with suffering..."Looking Upward to go Onward." As I checked the calendar to make sure we would be around that Sunday, I realized Brandon would still be in the Dominican Republic. I prayed about it, and felt that the Lord must be orchestrating this opportunity, even though Brandon couldn't be present. So, I agreed.<br />
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I am a very wordy and chatty person, but, being in front of a group is not my calling. I'm much more comfortable hiding behind a computer screen;) The thought of speaking in front of a congregation about something so personal and emotional was not something I took lightly. It was way out of my comfort zone (especially since Brandon wasn't going to be there), and not something I ever hope to do again, but, I know that the Lord must have wanted me to do it.<br />
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It was an amazing and powerful sermon series, and I hope maybe those that are reading this will go back and listen to all of them.<br />
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A dear friend, Jason, who has early onset Parkinson's disease, also shared his testimony. What an encouragement and inspiration from the Lord he is. We're so grateful to call his family our friends.<br />
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This audio recording has Pastor Curt's brief message, our testimony, and then Jason's. I promise you'll be blessed by these 2 amazing men.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ebethesda.org/sermons#!/swx/pp/media_archives/110193/episode/32979?play=1">http://ebethesda.org/sermons#!/swx/pp/media_archives/110193/episode/32979?play=1</a>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-84888833750357043762012-06-25T21:27:00.004-04:002012-06-25T21:27:34.821-04:00Summertime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nice face Nolie...</div>
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Father's Day 2012</div>
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Aubrey lynne</div>
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Adelynne and Nolan enjoying a push pop...</div>
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Loving a dilly bar...</div>
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Drinking from the hose...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuTG6vOCxMiNa_P2l5FZCTtJLrEjOXWsNfa2a2S29Fp-e3cSekk29EdG2LAlP4ww9o626X9DFhinQ25G7ZKE_Rjc-gC5hLFhRKCCozfHoMMr6oa5ZwvMYQ2zflOfzJtWOXBqzE9CWFCc/s1600/2012-06-04+18.18.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuTG6vOCxMiNa_P2l5FZCTtJLrEjOXWsNfa2a2S29Fp-e3cSekk29EdG2LAlP4ww9o626X9DFhinQ25G7ZKE_Rjc-gC5hLFhRKCCozfHoMMr6oa5ZwvMYQ2zflOfzJtWOXBqzE9CWFCc/s320/2012-06-04+18.18.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Freckled little baby girl...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6KPApZl5O2oQRYSoVLV0ZAXr2SWEuVAR3A7Obe8JsjHXsU5hRdGzp5WZ-WswjTY4KC59not20kn5cbYrIGLVlFZncUf7-ao3DuVr6kPi2bLvCruT2PT_0nr8CSEhVo32BmVWzC47o3M/s1600/2012-06-16+16.33.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6KPApZl5O2oQRYSoVLV0ZAXr2SWEuVAR3A7Obe8JsjHXsU5hRdGzp5WZ-WswjTY4KC59not20kn5cbYrIGLVlFZncUf7-ao3DuVr6kPi2bLvCruT2PT_0nr8CSEhVo32BmVWzC47o3M/s320/2012-06-16+16.33.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Training wheels are coming off...</div>
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Swimming...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9p1HGEMhDDblNs_-y3kBwNEuIynLALVYGkOQBofS9ulbE0vMKOGSihPqW-LpRczIIRS55j34MzO4QgMwV0ztnGBJ0nyGiU0VZEgRxNPuIEvBye5IGZq2pZ9I6blz2A_fsGN305qEBQo/s1600/2012-06-20+13.17.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9p1HGEMhDDblNs_-y3kBwNEuIynLALVYGkOQBofS9ulbE0vMKOGSihPqW-LpRczIIRS55j34MzO4QgMwV0ztnGBJ0nyGiU0VZEgRxNPuIEvBye5IGZq2pZ9I6blz2A_fsGN305qEBQo/s320/2012-06-20+13.17.48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Splash Island...</div>
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<b>And just think...it's not even July yet.</b></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-19873280733971230832012-06-25T21:14:00.000-04:002012-06-25T21:14:05.223-04:00It's break timeEver felt the Lord nudge you gently? Ever felt the Lord nudge you gently for a long time? Ever felt the Lord stop nudging gently and give you a good thwacking? <br />
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For some time now, I've been feeling guilty about the amount of time I spend on facebook. On occasion, Brandon will tease me about it, and I play it off. I think to myself, <i>this is my one little escape...I don't drink, do drugs, or have any dependencies, is it really that big of a deal that I spend some time on facebook? I could certainly be doing a lot worse. </i>When I begin to really dig deep, and really evaluate myself, I use facebook as an escape, a little time waster, as an outlet. While none of these things, in and of themselves, are bad or harmful, they can distract. I find the older I get, the more easily I can become distracted...distracted from housework, distracted from other things I should be doing, I'm ashamed to say even distracted from fully enjoying my kids at times. <br />
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I'm temporarily taking a break from facebook...who knows, maybe even a permanent one. Don't take this post as a condemnation of facebook. I don't think there is anything wrong with facebook. This post rather, is a confession that I've allowed it to overtake my life at times. Hey, the first step is fixing something is to admit you have a problem, right?<br />
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I plan to spend more time meditating on how the Lord is speaking to me. I plan to take more time to read my Bible other than just daily devotions. I plan to take more time being deliberate in how I can love Brandon more and serve him better. I plan to take more time to think and blog.<br />
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I'm taking the nudges and I'm making a purposeful decision to remove this distraction the Lord is convicting me of. Who knows, maybe through this the Lord will reveal more?<br />
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Please feel free to email me: bmpaschal@gmail.com<br />
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1 Corinthians 7:35 "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord."</span>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-5599582175331704912012-05-25T14:51:00.000-04:002012-05-25T14:51:29.132-04:00A love letterThe "your turn" section of my devotion today read...<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Write a love note to God. List at least 10 reasons why you love Him.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dear God,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The #1 reason I love you is because you loved me first. I know, a little cliche, but, seriously, when I think about how you gave up Jesus, knowing he would be tortured and killed...for me...man I am so undeserving. #2 I love you because each and every time I fail, which if we're being honest is ALL THE TIME, you still love me. Not just love me, but forgive, without question, each.and.every.single.time. #3 I love you because even in my undeserving state, you created for me, Brandon. I still don't feel deserving of someone who is imperfect, yet, completely perfect for me. Thank you. #4 Thank you that each morning, I wake with a clean slate. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 #5 I am thankful for your creation that I can enjoy each day if I chose to do so. I love the green landscape, I love the flowers, I love seeing my kids play in your creation, I love a warm breezy day, I also love sleeping during rain. I love your creation. #6 I love how you continually surprise me with your provision. Great examples of this are how you moved us to Plainfield when you did, getting Brandon out of retail, providing resources for Nolan, providing us a support with family and friends, how you continually provide for us financially when many would tell me to go back to work. Thank you for confirming by your provision, that your heart is for a mother at home. #7 I love you for loaning Aubrey, Adelynne and Nolan to me for whatever time period you see fit. They are life's greatest blessing and I feel undeserving to be there mommy. #8 I love you because during life's most difficult times, You Alone provide inner peace that is literally indescribable. #9 I love you because of Jeremiah 29:11 "</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future." </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">You are good, you are good</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">When there's nothing good in me</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">You are love, You are love </span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">On display for all to see</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">You are light, You are light </span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">When the darkness closes in</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">You are hope, You are hope</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-left;">You have covered all my sin</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">You God, are good, even when I don't understand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">#10 I love you God, again for loving me. I love you God for filling the emptiness I tried to fill with other things that never even came close. I love you God for healing my hurts. I love you God for being my friend when life sometimes feels lonely. I love you God because YOU are God and YOU are GOOD.</span></span></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-78424632860339882002012-05-03T09:38:00.000-04:002012-05-03T13:18:49.870-04:00We're thankful for great friends<b>1 Peter 2:8-10 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."</b><br />
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Brandon and I, in our almost 10 years of marriage, have always been in awe with how the Lord provides. We've always been amazed at how He provides through the love and care of other people. It doesn't always mean financial provision, but, when I sit back and list all the ways God has provided financially, I'm always amazed to tears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtlVMAc4C8QNeRVujqiQM3jCIw8U-B0GC6nLNVGey8Qh2b9szRiedNj0lyJqpTk9MjYLeFX5686R8yIlp7b4ySvL6AYPqPdI_3re3nDvDKxKN522u-F-sY_izU3gDq2xmKDJ3rVOaeI0/s1600/April+2012+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtlVMAc4C8QNeRVujqiQM3jCIw8U-B0GC6nLNVGey8Qh2b9szRiedNj0lyJqpTk9MjYLeFX5686R8yIlp7b4ySvL6AYPqPdI_3re3nDvDKxKN522u-F-sY_izU3gDq2xmKDJ3rVOaeI0/s320/April+2012+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the most part, I've been open about how Nolan's diagnosis of Williams Syndrome, and everlasting list of specialists and appointments that are a regular occurance for him has affected us financially. 2 years ago, you would have found me in a panic attack over the laundry list of medical expenses that had come in, and in my mind I'd given up and was mentioning bankruptcy to Brandon. In a matter of months, we'd racked up nearly $15,000 of out of pocket medical expenses (His cranial reconstruction alone was worth $200,000). I don't throw the number out to shock or garner pity, but, rather, to declare the Lord's goodness that we are almost, nearly, medical debt free.... on a teachers salary folks! By God's grace, this is possible by #1 My incredibly hard working husband, and #2 By God moving in the hearts of others. I must also admit that while I was ready to toss in the towel, Brandon said, "No way, I'll work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day before we do that." Not too long after that, the Lord provided the funds and opportunity to purchase our mowing business. He's also moved in the hearts of others to help out. And mostly, He's proven Himself faithful in that while we've been digging out of a hole, we've also never gone without necessities. We've never gone without food, we've never gone without heat or AC, we've never gone without water or our home. While it's been extremely tight with no wiggle room for much else, we're incredibly grateful and thankful. Sorry, I'm rambling...<br />
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1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz1arsuAnc_EOFvtHkPF4T_4bN8Z4_9J3J2paGzpxXh1UOiSSLy092YMeJSeHQPn7BAyOdd3s2k5ASQYdyIrphKaPA4HpSK1QIe1KSn8gSaiyyf7rvdeLsmH4BNXGaqsLKPeA_L9X66Q/s1600/261822_10150291290388156_562843155_8912901_5687847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz1arsuAnc_EOFvtHkPF4T_4bN8Z4_9J3J2paGzpxXh1UOiSSLy092YMeJSeHQPn7BAyOdd3s2k5ASQYdyIrphKaPA4HpSK1QIe1KSn8gSaiyyf7rvdeLsmH4BNXGaqsLKPeA_L9X66Q/s320/261822_10150291290388156_562843155_8912901_5687847_n.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
This is Jess....<br />
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One more recent way we're seeing the Lord provide is through a very precious friend. We've only been friends going on a few months now, but, in some ways I feel as though I've known her all my life. Her name is Jess, and she is a Lia Sophia jewelry consultant. She's also madly in love with Nolan. :) She came to me with an idea about a week ago and has taken off with it. She is holding an almost month long jewelry party (via the web) on behalf of Nolan. She and her husband, Nate, have a strong desire to help raise awareness for Williams Syndrome through Nolan's story. She is also offering to donate 100% of her sales commission from this party to Nolan's past, present, and future medical expenses. It's so hard to verbalize how grateful we are to people who are so generous and loving to our family.<br />
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This Saturday May 5th through May 13th is Williams Syndrome Awareness Week. Below is how you can browse the jewelry and place an order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutA37jKVFzn-oD4XW2_jkUXQMfwb1ccqqL8NXHOuF9r7WbUnU3xCpIFRwYHAsM_bV6nBy22VLGyzdYN_qQP71vYNN7LaojLSu8qNfWdsetqypqFpmdk704JrmsnizY0l6xPEdO0lMesg/s1600/Awareness2012LogoWSA2WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutA37jKVFzn-oD4XW2_jkUXQMfwb1ccqqL8NXHOuF9r7WbUnU3xCpIFRwYHAsM_bV6nBy22VLGyzdYN_qQP71vYNN7LaojLSu8qNfWdsetqypqFpmdk704JrmsnizY0l6xPEdO0lMesg/s1600/Awareness2012LogoWSA2WEB.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">To place an order, please visit </span><a href="http://www.liasophia.com/jessmiller" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.liasophia.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>jessmiller</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> then click "Browse Our Jewelry". Simply type in "Megan Paschal" as the hostess, and browse the catalog & place your order. Questions may be directed to Jess Miller via facebook, email (flowers.jess@gmail.com) or phone (317-828-4165).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Saying thank you just doesn't seem enough, but, thank you. To God be ALL GLORY for the great things He has done!</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><em>"For each new morning with its light, </em></strong><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends."-Ralph Waldo Emerson</em>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-49470016048560216042012-04-30T09:47:00.003-04:002012-04-30T09:47:43.907-04:00I'm recyclingI've found myself saying a lot lately, "You can't make people understand what isn't their reality." I don't use this quote because I'm good at doing this, and I'd be misleading if I allowed you to believe this wisdom is my own because it's not...it's Brandon's God given wisdom. I found him encouraging me with this in early 2011, and in April 2012, I find myself needing this wisdom again for myself as well as encouraging others with it. It reminded me of a blog post I'd previously written. As I read back over it, I decided to share again. Call it cheating, call it a cop-out, I call it good ole' recycling :)<br />
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<a href="http://megsfive.blogspot.com/2011/01/so-youre-saying-im-one-with-problem.html">http://megsfive.blogspot.com/2011/01/so-youre-saying-im-one-with-problem.html</a>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-11245607835911240142012-02-16T10:30:00.003-05:002012-02-16T10:41:25.899-05:00Letting go...<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Shame...Websters Dictionary gives the following definition:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"> </span><strong style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;">:</strong><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"> a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety </span><strong style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;">:</strong><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"> the susceptibility to such emotion </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> :</span></strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: something that brings censure or reproach; <em>also</em> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">:something to be regretted<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
A few weeks ago, I watched the video of a dear friend, Lauren, give her<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/35591747">testimony</a>. I was struck with her honesty and openness about things in her past...drinking, drugs, and overall depraved and dangerous lifestyle...one I'm very familiar with. I was extremely thankful she was willing to describe these things, talk about them & admit them because in doing so, we're also able to see the amazing transformation God has allowed in her life, only possible because of Jesus.<br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Psalm 145:8 </span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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Shame is a powerful tool in Satan's toolbox. <br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">James 1:17 <br />
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."<br />
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We know that feelings of guilt, shortcoming, and disgrace are not from our Father. I think Satan uses shame to keep us from fully sharing how God has transformed us. Not all of us have the same experiences as Lauren (or myself) did before we became a Christian. We know that God's plans are different for everyone. But, if we're all honest, we all find so much peace and comfort from the testimonies of those who have been so wretched, so seemingly unforgivable, unlovable; where they've hit a massive rock bottom, only to become fully broken laying at the feet of Jesus... desperately begging Him for a new life, purpose,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>relief</i>.<br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">2 Corintians 5:17<br />
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
Satan wants us to feel shame, because in our shame we are quiet. How can we possibly reach others for Jesus if we are quiet? How can we make someone want the hope we have if we are quiet? How on earth could we make someone see that even in their sin (our sin), Jesus loves them (loves me)? Shame is a hindrance. Shame is a roadblock.<br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm trading my sorrow</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm trading my shame</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord<br />
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</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes Lord, I will share what you've done for me.<br />
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<i>I'm giving up the shame of purposeful disrespect growing up (sorry Mom and Dad)....trading it for the freedom ONLY Christ gives.<br />
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I'm giving up the shame of not being spotless before my groom....trading it in because I am a new creation.<br />
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I'm giving up the shame of failing everyday as a mother....trading it in because of the freedom I have in Christ.<br />
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I'm giving up the shame of all the times I spent drunk or high...because as a believer, I am white as snow in the eyes of my Savior.</i></span><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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I'm giving up the shame of being angry with God for allowing Nolan to be born with Williams Syndrome...trading it because He knows my every thought & His ways are better than mine.<br />
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I share these shamefulthings because I don't want to be a tool for Satan, but rather, a weapon for Jesus. <br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm trading my sorrow</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm trading my shame</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord<br />
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What are you ashamed of? Tell Him... because He already knows, and He so desperately wants to relieve you from the burden.<br />
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You can have freedom from shame with a life lived for Christ. Today, join me in letting go. <br />
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</span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Galatians 5:1<br />
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-72512772972659752612012-02-15T10:38:00.000-05:002012-02-15T10:38:33.876-05:00We have a needThis is an extremely boring blog post, however, I felt as if this might be the best way to get the word out to the masses. Brandon will be coaching Varsity baseball at Bethesda Christian School this spring. We also own a mowing business that gets busy right around the same time that Brandon will get really busy with baseball games. We have hired a very responsible teen to cover the mowing business for Brandon so that he can focus on baseball. The Lord was extremely gracious in providing this answer to prayer. Brandon will be traveling a half hour north to Brownsburg from our home here in Plainfield 5 days a week after school. During baseball season, we would like to be able to leave our truck here at our home after school so that our teen can come and get it and do the mowing. This means we are in need of another vehicle to get Brandon to and from Brownsburg during baseball season. We have considered purchasing something, but, it currently seems silly since we will only need the vehicle for 7-8 weeks. Also, our desire would be to eventually purchase another truck for Brandon that all 5 of us can fit in (our current truck only seats 3, which makes things a little tricky when the van isn't available), while leaving our current truck for the mowing business. Trying to be good stewards however, we would like to have our van paid off before another vehicle purchase.<br />
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So, why am I blogging about this? Well, if you know a family who has a college student who is away and their car is sitting, would you mention this to them? Do you know an elderly person who can't drive anymore, but, they have a car that is sitting (my grandpa did before he passed)? Or any other situation where a person might be willing to "loan" a vehicle for 7-8 weeks, would you mind passing this along?<br />
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We are not specific in taste. We care nothing about what the vehicle looks like, how old it is, what color, etc. We would prefer something with good gas mileage.<br />
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We've prayed at length about this, and will continue to do so. The Lord provided clear open doors, that led to us being in this situation and we know he will continue to provide.Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-45397625154877669582012-01-17T10:32:00.000-05:002012-01-17T10:32:30.452-05:00The mommy in this picture is Natalie, and I "met" her on Facebook a little over a year ago. We have two pretty big things in common...#1 We're sisters in Christ and #2 We each were chosen by God to raise a child with <a href="http://www.williams-syndrome.org/">Williams syndrome</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzK8x2zdvVcPGhdNrIl_UQE2yHWadQwIo8zYIJ1taP5ohICaIzg1zPsrlYY5v-Hnzm_UwkypBtI9D6IxCZoJ33IyJNUjImejokMOBGuPSksqzYW2B4vi3LM5esuRCclul5UqO9YN36qY/s1600/385851_2959733763037_1552334486_32905300_1591888309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzK8x2zdvVcPGhdNrIl_UQE2yHWadQwIo8zYIJ1taP5ohICaIzg1zPsrlYY5v-Hnzm_UwkypBtI9D6IxCZoJ33IyJNUjImejokMOBGuPSksqzYW2B4vi3LM5esuRCclul5UqO9YN36qY/s320/385851_2959733763037_1552334486_32905300_1591888309_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The precious little girl in this picture that Natalie is holding is, Abby. Abby's heart condition, due to Williams syndrome, had gotten bad enough that they will be operating on January 25th.<br />
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Pray for Abby's safety under <a href="http://www.williams-syndrome.org/faq#7B">anesthesia</a>.<br />
Pray for a successful and safe surgery.<br />
Pray for John and Natalie that they would have peace and comfort during this time.<br />
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John and Natalie, Abby, Chandler & Micah, we're praying.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7</span></i></b></span></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-72469504388705518482012-01-17T09:41:00.003-05:002012-01-17T09:43:45.891-05:00It's nothing genius really...<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sometime late November I started using this dry erase board in our kitchen for prayer requests. It's on the wall to the left when I'm standing at the sink. I've always been terrible about using a list when I pray. I would write requests down but then rarely pull it from my Bible. So, I started this. I'd used the board last year when I had home schooled Aubrey, and then it's just been hanging there, blank, for months. </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zcwvfyp7M3umsZEcibmkqySPvezU3ErWM_TV2r9gMpCIuC0lAnHVdHHdpFBWFu8J3-uwWQGR6N-43eaCFwfrkjwosQAyGUFSCYJReV4HbRXeuJvBn01yQf_mjuXa4mstzCReLSbUNto/s1600/Januray+2012+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Zcwvfyp7M3umsZEcibmkqySPvezU3ErWM_TV2r9gMpCIuC0lAnHVdHHdpFBWFu8J3-uwWQGR6N-43eaCFwfrkjwosQAyGUFSCYJReV4HbRXeuJvBn01yQf_mjuXa4mstzCReLSbUNto/s320/Januray+2012+010.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's nothing genius really...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I realize it's nothing impressive or ground breaking, but it is a rather fantastic idea...even if I'm not the first to do it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I looked over from doing dishes a few days ago, I became utterly amazed that this board really needed some updating. Many requests had been answered...a few not...some not in the way I'd wanted or expected...but many had. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Lord is sufficient to meet ALL of our needs...and I needed some encouragement... encouragement in the form of seeing God at work.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." <br />
Philippians 4:19</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The requests that are now circled in black are the requests that have been answered. We're so thankful that the biopsy for Brandon's grandma was benign and that she's recovering well and starting back to work this week. We're so thankful that our friend Chase, had a successful surgery and recovery. We're so grateful the Lord has provided someone to take the over the mowing business while Brandon coaches baseball this spring. One request was a closed door on a job opportunity, but, we're praying the Lord's direction and provision in that situation. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I'm going to leave the board this way for a few more days so that my prayers can be of thanksgiving and praise for what God is doing. He's always at work, even when I can't see.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="lyrics" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Open my eyes, that I may see<br />
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;<br />
Place in my hands the wonderful key<br />
That shall unclasp and set me free.</span><br />
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</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a few days, I'll be adding some new requests. I would love to pray for you.</span></div></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-77378606080309180172012-01-15T17:45:00.000-05:002012-01-15T17:45:50.028-05:00This might be really hard to believe, but, I tend to be withdrawn and quiet when I'm in pain or struggling. During each of my 3 labors, I would just roll over, hold on to the side of the bed, close my eyes and be silent. I didn't yell, I didn't shout or even get grouchy. I do believe during Aubrey's birth, this was somewhat of a surprise to Brandon. Even during Nolan's labor, I was politely asked by 3 nurses (one nurse was mine and the other two nurses had two different women laboring) if since I was "handling labor so well' if I wouldn't mind if the other two ladies could get their epidural first.<br />
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<div><i>So, because I'm quiet and not carrying on like a crazy person, you want me to wait?</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Would you mind?</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Actually, yes, I would mind, but, go ahead.</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div> So, I agreed and waited, quietly, while the other two women got their epidural.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I tell you this only to admit that I'm struggling. Not because circumstances are bad, or something major has happened. I'm not struggling because I have things worse than you do. I'm struggling, I think, because the Lord's doing a work in me. I don't think struggling is a sign of weakness, but, rather, a sign that we're mold able, breakable only able to be repaired by Jesus. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I was reminded during a wonderful <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://ebethesda.org/sermons#!/swx/pp/media_archives/110193/channel/1726/series/4388)">sermon</a> last Sunday that He never leaves. I knew this. But, sometimes just knowing this doesn't cut it for me. I know a lot of things, but taking it in and allowing it to change me, that's where I fail. In Joshua 1, when Moses had died, and Josh was the new leader, the Lord laid out what He had in store for his people. Verse 5 says, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." I need to meditate on this. To meditate means to mutter. I need to mutter both day and night...meaning to both of these extremes and everything in between.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>He is with me, He is with me, He is with me...I'm struggling, but, He says He'll never leave.</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>During my quietness I wrestle with life. I wrestle with wondering when will this medial debt be gone and wondering if there will ever be a time for Brandon and I where we don't always live paycheck to paycheck, only providing for ourselves the necessities. We're not living high on the hog here folks. We haven't taken a vacation in 7 years. We will often go a week and a half with about $15 until the next payday. All at the same time, I find myself so overwhelmingly grateful that the Lord always does allow us to make it. We have never gone without food, I know of others who have. We've never not paid a bill. I know others who have. When I get to heaven, will it matter that we never took a family vacation...just the five of us, where we didn't worry about money? We have so many great memories together as a family not on a beach, or airplane, or with mouse ears on. No, it won't matter in heaven. </div><div><br />
</div><div><i>He is with me, He is with me, He is with me...I'm struggling, but, He says He'll never leave.</i> </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>I'm struggling with the fact that Aubrey will be in second grade next year, Adelynne will likely be in all day kindergarten, and Nolan will attend developmental preschool 4-5 mornings a week. I will do the morning school run and.then.come.home.alone. These kids overwhelm me. They stress me out. They can make me crazy. Sadness comes as I think about my girls being "school aged," and Nolan's pre-school childhood being cut short. I struggle with sadness and fear of being alone. I struggle with the "what's next" phase for myself in this transition. At the same time, I'm overwhelmed with God's goodness to bring us to <a href="http://ebethesda.org/bethesdaschools">BCS</a> and the opportunities our kiddos will have there. I'm grateful for a little time alone as I've been home being mom for 7 years now. I'm grateful we've made it this far, with everyone still in one piece. I'm grateful for these amazing beings I get to call my children while the Lord still allows.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>He is with me, He is with me, He is with me...I'm struggling, but, He says He'll never leave.</i> </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>And if we're being really honest, I'm struggling with the fact that I feel like Megan is trapped in someone else's body. I told someone this morning that I'm really ok with being chubby. And, most days it seems that I am. But, if I were really, truly, honest, with you, with myself, that wouldn't be entirely true. The first year of Nolan's life, I became an emotional eater. Sure I gained weight with all my pregnancies and lost most of it after both girls, but, Nolan, whoa, a whole different story. I didn't get a chance to work on losing the pregnancy pounds before the stress, choas and utter paralyzing fear overtook me and I began to eat. I've created really bad habits and have tried to no avail to really do anything about it. I've felt powerless, like it's just something I cannot.get.a.grip.on.by.myself. I tell Brandon all the time that I'm wasting good genes. Have you seen my mom? I have great genetics and I'm wasting it on self medication with food. Yet, I feel so blessed to be in good health and to have a sweet hubby who doesn't care if I'm a little chubby. I feel like the fact that Nolan is doing as well as he is currently was completely worth each extra pound...even if I don't feel like myself. </div><div><br />
</div><div><i>He is with me, He is with me, He is with me...I'm struggling, but, He says He'll never leave.</i> </div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>And while I struggle with the back and forth of being Megan, and my complete and utter gratefulness to the Lord for this life He's given, and all the amazing things in between, I just wanted to say:</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Hey, I'm here, I'm ok, the Lord's working, I'm going to allow Him to mold me into whatever He's got for me. In my quietness, He's at work in my struggle. It's only in my weakness that He's strong, so, I know He's at work.</i></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. The you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8&9</b></div><div><i><br />
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</div></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-81463010904732380382011-12-05T12:37:00.000-05:002011-12-05T12:37:27.542-05:00Might be the longest blog post, EVER, but, totally worth the read<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each Christmas, I allot about $50 for Christmas cards, pictures, and postage. This year, Brandon and I have decided to surprise the kids with a carriage ride downtown to see the circle of lights instead. Plus, I figure everyone gets tired of reading my long winded letters anyway, right? <i>Don't answer that! :)</i> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I'm blogging my Christmas letter. Innovative, I know;) Read it, or, don't. You might want to though, our kids are pretty cute. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compared to the most recent years, 2011 has been pretty stable. No major surgeries, diagnosis's, or major happenings. And, for that, we are extremely thankful to the Lord. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After last Christmas, we were very excited to see the spring come. While Brandon wrapped up his fourth year of teaching, I wrapped up Aubrey's kindergarten year of homeschooling. She played softball and really loved it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-UKZjzxbFx4SIePd5tW_LNtFSoLTE1_u353q4oTpDm7_zoIU76-XR6899P6kJqCeOiDOtg2lCI-_deH1W3s8svMSzTn6qzs6YRF5i6fxe2aL7-3zdZjbfgDw5rHYPp5d_hsSmUA14H8/s1600/April+2011+132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-UKZjzxbFx4SIePd5tW_LNtFSoLTE1_u353q4oTpDm7_zoIU76-XR6899P6kJqCeOiDOtg2lCI-_deH1W3s8svMSzTn6qzs6YRF5i6fxe2aL7-3zdZjbfgDw5rHYPp5d_hsSmUA14H8/s320/April+2011+132.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She started full day 1st grade at Bethesda Christian School this fall. It's been an adjustment for her. While she loves being social, she will sometimes say, "I just want to stay home with you mommy. Can't we just tell them I'm sick?" She's very bright and so far is doing great academically. She enjoys reading, Bible memory, and her "bfffffffffffff (that's best friend:) Noelle. She had her 7th birthday in October. We had our typical family party and then we allowed her to invite 3 friends over for an evening for a "friend party." It was a ton of fun.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2EbxTN2JEGUxkohUXQXJ7dsR_whjqsqMpgCnwiMZp5P5uZsXbJms3FNwUMTUR5n9QuAxHKePtFcIBrq0SIuC9XcOa5zfTgnPFih0pIWyP8_UkyoA4AYyzU4p0IQCg8PIY7kfwYA0Uv4/s1600/October+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2EbxTN2JEGUxkohUXQXJ7dsR_whjqsqMpgCnwiMZp5P5uZsXbJms3FNwUMTUR5n9QuAxHKePtFcIBrq0SIuC9XcOa5zfTgnPFih0pIWyP8_UkyoA4AYyzU4p0IQCg8PIY7kfwYA0Uv4/s320/October+2011+007.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This fall also brought the most exciting moment of her life so far. Aubrey committed her life to Christ. Praise the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk4a3taIza5-fwxRnTkBVSend7c8MdRoYOdErmPxi2ShPdyH9vAz3E-bN2-9IJ6C1sREofkqiV0IVPpNUfDSltE527Il5jx6nwwqT0P5EFF88uK-IL7GvmNcvgE0UmJpvX_Is1cwE4yI/s1600/April+2011+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk4a3taIza5-fwxRnTkBVSend7c8MdRoYOdErmPxi2ShPdyH9vAz3E-bN2-9IJ6C1sREofkqiV0IVPpNUfDSltE527Il5jx6nwwqT0P5EFF88uK-IL7GvmNcvgE0UmJpvX_Is1cwE4yI/s320/April+2011+046.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most recently, Aubrey had ten inches of her hair cut off and donated to Locks of Love. I shrieked when they cut it off and she said, "It's just hair mom, it grows back." Ahhh, 7 year old perspective. I'm very proud of her for giving such a gift.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being Aubrey's mommy is a blessing, and yet a challenge. We're constantly battling sin nature and trying to instill character qualities. She has a very tender heart, and an untouched imagination. When she's home, she loves playing with Barbie's, creating a "Fancy Nancy style beauty spa," and crafting. She's still in love with her daddy and loves being at home for movie nights and cuddling.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Adelynne finished her first year of preschool this past spring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCh8VavRo0dcR8ET7KqxnhROOw8n71p1ngM2G_GaHkhcZkjcICRZADkcanfOmwvnSHQ-EjCpHnD1gCJV3ONahBZyPo7GWeunkWINbGAMY_WpqN8FV_o0jJdoDwAkdDTlwm2Ro-t9kxv0/s1600/May+2011+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCh8VavRo0dcR8ET7KqxnhROOw8n71p1ngM2G_GaHkhcZkjcICRZADkcanfOmwvnSHQ-EjCpHnD1gCJV3ONahBZyPo7GWeunkWINbGAMY_WpqN8FV_o0jJdoDwAkdDTlwm2Ro-t9kxv0/s320/May+2011+001.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This fall, once we drop Aubrey and bub (more about that in a minute) off at school, she and I have 2 mornings a week to hang out. We like to go to the library, meet up with friends, color or do puzzles. I was concerned about her being the "odd man out," but it's been a blessing to have some time with just Adelynne.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vr-3KrSiQAo6vxWzhDT3AvOyI0wXRakKgUC5w-7OidVOMKRTejnjYnVHin01nq-eJN83iDT236Sv2AEAApwdz4HlYRM2_dcLtR1t-bLzr3MrZgi8PppbHRpXlcHPIGO59rx63NTivUo/s1600/June+2011+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vr-3KrSiQAo6vxWzhDT3AvOyI0wXRakKgUC5w-7OidVOMKRTejnjYnVHin01nq-eJN83iDT236Sv2AEAApwdz4HlYRM2_dcLtR1t-bLzr3MrZgi8PppbHRpXlcHPIGO59rx63NTivUo/s320/June+2011+058.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The older this girl gets, we realize more and more that she is a carbon copy of her daddy. Not only does she look just like him, but, she's got his temperament and attention to detail. This girl could color quietly for hours. She loves to help me fold towels. She's the queen of "one liners," and has the sweetest laugh. She loves to go to the library for story time and loves to play on the computers there. She's the sweetest helper with Nolan, and I've very much enjoyed watching their relationship deepen since it's just the 2 of them at home now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's turning 5 next week and it's hard to believe. We celebrated her birthday yesterday so that her special day doesn't get lost in the Christmas shuffle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kDmX5CfHyJKiUgRTYtL5s7l-FUScSKM4y4OxkBDC5GMbRST0scGBocDuf_EFdugpjTIB0Zi7oNXnq-kdZ5_NVIRVJKyeQsmSmdbKIuix2U5P3EDaLiMsqElQQme4ulrzjfHI6VSWkSg/s1600/December+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kDmX5CfHyJKiUgRTYtL5s7l-FUScSKM4y4OxkBDC5GMbRST0scGBocDuf_EFdugpjTIB0Zi7oNXnq-kdZ5_NVIRVJKyeQsmSmdbKIuix2U5P3EDaLiMsqElQQme4ulrzjfHI6VSWkSg/s320/December+2011+002.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nolan bug wrapped up almost 3 years of therapy through Indiana First Steps in June, on his third birthday. This means we had to say goodbye to his therapists who had been coming to our house weekly to "play" with Nolan. Karen, Nolan's physical therapist who had been with him since he was 5 months old, was very hard to see move on. She helped him learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, run, etc. We're so thankful to her for all she meant to our family.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKH_L_-5O0f8f3UjuZYATQjaMXyQeO4u7cr2JVl5_FLQwZml3CrxzhQOh64pvUvVPQHs8DvdVP1sD_AaBVGQxaQte7sSTLhCppxxGY0noFo78PHlzvjiRJkkkzkx1iYuliXSYyMtcKEo/s1600/June+2011+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKH_L_-5O0f8f3UjuZYATQjaMXyQeO4u7cr2JVl5_FLQwZml3CrxzhQOh64pvUvVPQHs8DvdVP1sD_AaBVGQxaQte7sSTLhCppxxGY0noFo78PHlzvjiRJkkkzkx1iYuliXSYyMtcKEo/s320/June+2011+097.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were able to hire Nolan's speech therapist, Kaycie, to continue his services privately at home through the summer and school year. Nolan loves her so much and gets so excited when he knows she's coming. In the fall, Nolan began developmental preschool 2 mornings a week. He really seems to be doing well. While he struggles with paying attention and is very distractable, we're excited that he's identifying shapes and his name as well as starting to catch on to colors. He continues to surprise us with his abilities. He managed to fairly easily potty train this fall, although we struggle with where it's appropriate to poop:)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0FaDqihmAcR4isUJRM33a20YZpGlfrg27mCOiApwGu9JXkUBRYaCc-U4Boj0rAUw0ZRo__rKqrN-HXggTvZDeyAPhaHn4kRu5rcsTL6sz2J09EpV1Ue8i87b17ilAK0G4PK84iHS5VU/s1600/August+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0FaDqihmAcR4isUJRM33a20YZpGlfrg27mCOiApwGu9JXkUBRYaCc-U4Boj0rAUw0ZRo__rKqrN-HXggTvZDeyAPhaHn4kRu5rcsTL6sz2J09EpV1Ue8i87b17ilAK0G4PK84iHS5VU/s320/August+2011+031.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our best news for Nolan from the year was that his heart "passed inspection" for the next year. Nolan has mild aortic stenosis & moderate mitral valve stenosis and leakage. Each year we have his heart checked to see if the condition has worsened. Once the mitral valve conditions move from moderate to severe, they will want to operate. We know this is likely, but, we are extremely thankful to have another year that the Nolan's heart condition hasn't changed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-4bpJRSitzgVi3a2aucoO0tbpWbiy-KXQkUIuRVo9qV_jVUvee1MDo1uLyyNCBdU6HTh592W64afGXA0LGTN40zBC5GSMeoTsCJot9cd4Q_QcpxV0xn-Fq-G1O5IpublCXXjvV5x354/s1600/May+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-4bpJRSitzgVi3a2aucoO0tbpWbiy-KXQkUIuRVo9qV_jVUvee1MDo1uLyyNCBdU6HTh592W64afGXA0LGTN40zBC5GSMeoTsCJot9cd4Q_QcpxV0xn-Fq-G1O5IpublCXXjvV5x354/s320/May+2011+023.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOhE3WQb016sjoyODmdlAxmTzxHBpHwd26dC7Q3r2cEzTce1XFN-SMPg78SwVBaBrRAyM9U3rTc5PzuLm6UIhyPZ6SRZ-mETpKzcYo08yZTlxLRUP3clNl3AhEiAkgY_-IsuUhJttsI/s1600/May+2011+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOhE3WQb016sjoyODmdlAxmTzxHBpHwd26dC7Q3r2cEzTce1XFN-SMPg78SwVBaBrRAyM9U3rTc5PzuLm6UIhyPZ6SRZ-mETpKzcYo08yZTlxLRUP3clNl3AhEiAkgY_-IsuUhJttsI/s320/May+2011+041.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This boy is a tornado of activity who is an absolute joy. His presence and affection melt my heart, even if he's just dumped ketchup everywhere...<i> oh boy! </i>He's all boy who loves swords, guns, and wrestling with daddy. At the same time, he'll come to me and say, "Where's Barbie?" I couldn't imagine life with out him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brandon is now in his fifth year of teaching and still loves what he does. He just wrapped up the second season of owing our own mowing business. We are excited for this coming spring as he will be the head baseball coach at Bethesda.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm still an at home mommy and consider it a blessing most days. I spend a lot of time running kids to and from school and chasing Nolan in between. I'm thankful for the blessing of being married to my best friend 9 years on December 21st. I couldn't imagine doing life without him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some highlights from this year...</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. First every Nolan's Walk for Williams: The event was to encourage other families in the same boat that we are, raise awareness for Williams syndrome, and money for the WSA. We raise almost $8000 and had over 200 attend.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzRNeujU750M_39FGiYVW78aNdJPxiAN1YZMTEkIZY8A237OiKoMLhvPAr8XF6ph6YG-ROXcLUDH39APZudjrZKLizX57wGEu2aFelbBFRqCKE1XBL2i57WCeVvD1rcSLPIU4kg5KlbE/s1600/231165_186086064777071_157113177674360_512195_3296846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzRNeujU750M_39FGiYVW78aNdJPxiAN1YZMTEkIZY8A237OiKoMLhvPAr8XF6ph6YG-ROXcLUDH39APZudjrZKLizX57wGEu2aFelbBFRqCKE1XBL2i57WCeVvD1rcSLPIU4kg5KlbE/s320/231165_186086064777071_157113177674360_512195_3296846_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Family trip to General Butler in June: aunts, uncles, and grandparents....so much fun</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKXyvpfLgWAk3N9OXtu22-_DzpoisPDVlBz21bLf2G24aYfOS_0kkRz3QirT4NyzakGCTS0Dwc7laIVZOvFgxnITB06JdVy1bHICya8DquDBfQ5CjGWohNk3WK5Kt3uF7VWWbOvQiMRA/s1600/June+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKXyvpfLgWAk3N9OXtu22-_DzpoisPDVlBz21bLf2G24aYfOS_0kkRz3QirT4NyzakGCTS0Dwc7laIVZOvFgxnITB06JdVy1bHICya8DquDBfQ5CjGWohNk3WK5Kt3uF7VWWbOvQiMRA/s320/June+2011+023.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3VO_uzKrVf9yNoN3VHbTUrId2T9RjOZnrsHszZUrN5AnnY5Jew_OI0KJAYGpb6Ci-UYt3c2mr0-kW-HYVmzxTtdodXrWOUbIK-0avQosc4SksbQo-vJ3K2rAxv7ogQCOfdOwOelaRR8/s1600/June+2011+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3VO_uzKrVf9yNoN3VHbTUrId2T9RjOZnrsHszZUrN5AnnY5Jew_OI0KJAYGpb6Ci-UYt3c2mr0-kW-HYVmzxTtdodXrWOUbIK-0avQosc4SksbQo-vJ3K2rAxv7ogQCOfdOwOelaRR8/s320/June+2011+035.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSo_uX-jFQ5dveg14g51hV35YNx6W5KLc9prw7xx6aGIjH8A_h225cu05FQZQ1FghjcRGB_i4oVj3tE8K5bkbppopHRZvJ9XK4_Qau68ikgAJtlibKnYYGf8O2tXTS1kFxYB47vTvrE/s1600/June+2011+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSo_uX-jFQ5dveg14g51hV35YNx6W5KLc9prw7xx6aGIjH8A_h225cu05FQZQ1FghjcRGB_i4oVj3tE8K5bkbppopHRZvJ9XK4_Qau68ikgAJtlibKnYYGf8O2tXTS1kFxYB47vTvrE/s320/June+2011+063.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. In July Brandon and I took the girls to Kings Island for a marathon 2 days of rides, water park and concerts. We had a ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkipKYWcoG-TFPn_B9L47xuefBwKPlNt4-Yelm6XDE_yPLFKyImrfXU6SiwxH75Pfs1Q0X9DNxIETutIyKyCa6exKUexoGb1SLn3b2FKd2_m9XjubK-SY1-Lrkvr-rcZpY_2GxfXBIvHc/s1600/July++2011+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkipKYWcoG-TFPn_B9L47xuefBwKPlNt4-Yelm6XDE_yPLFKyImrfXU6SiwxH75Pfs1Q0X9DNxIETutIyKyCa6exKUexoGb1SLn3b2FKd2_m9XjubK-SY1-Lrkvr-rcZpY_2GxfXBIvHc/s320/July++2011+054.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OeowWlUZU56-HPm9kPKUaC9q1knd34xphdbAeXyx_x1lazeX4IizXOGG1-D7bEc_A12MIBTjyVnh2fnB_flkLtYXM1QpwAGNQC8eifKwodxwQl8Hy3n1MWL57FQ3_XshBJw5mlMkJgk/s1600/July++2011+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OeowWlUZU56-HPm9kPKUaC9q1knd34xphdbAeXyx_x1lazeX4IizXOGG1-D7bEc_A12MIBTjyVnh2fnB_flkLtYXM1QpwAGNQC8eifKwodxwQl8Hy3n1MWL57FQ3_XshBJw5mlMkJgk/s320/July++2011+055.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYehq2756uNemSGZ1vy-unag2rd0YOOV9K5Q5ZGpkRwoZVvSgvFcbd7vAAihjVWWpQ0ecE3fFVmp8zGWrEcCVRk6_sfMKeS8SL0DtqyNlJAD2oVYn7skDFWQMDCDl-63L82MZh0CUeErw/s1600/July++2011+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYehq2756uNemSGZ1vy-unag2rd0YOOV9K5Q5ZGpkRwoZVvSgvFcbd7vAAihjVWWpQ0ecE3fFVmp8zGWrEcCVRk6_sfMKeS8SL0DtqyNlJAD2oVYn7skDFWQMDCDl-63L82MZh0CUeErw/s320/July++2011+060.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTl9LL37T2vjrom3YeuBr6w9jDzV0UwieRMkbB419WN61zQDq3wYXtgS1XoSK8Vl6vAlmfiJyCs58CrQgrKK-_ibQPlvxq4bUBBAyCSKqdElDHTGYZx5vFWsKKwkHoretxW-pz5j9cVk/s1600/July++2011+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTl9LL37T2vjrom3YeuBr6w9jDzV0UwieRMkbB419WN61zQDq3wYXtgS1XoSK8Vl6vAlmfiJyCs58CrQgrKK-_ibQPlvxq4bUBBAyCSKqdElDHTGYZx5vFWsKKwkHoretxW-pz5j9cVk/s320/July++2011+065.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Trips to the park for creek stompin' and hiking.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYuqxO8MWRzjkSTjnKOK-keBAjcE3uM5lFfivyukBEiFlBxQ0IdY3uhmAzhQIiq353IN_UYH29RO9G4uV-XAo7L2BOCP_yDN8HefQPK1FNWP0mUiiA_PfjxZp-B59yfuhMsxvmBKc620/s1600/August+2011+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYuqxO8MWRzjkSTjnKOK-keBAjcE3uM5lFfivyukBEiFlBxQ0IdY3uhmAzhQIiq353IN_UYH29RO9G4uV-XAo7L2BOCP_yDN8HefQPK1FNWP0mUiiA_PfjxZp-B59yfuhMsxvmBKc620/s320/August+2011+071.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaksABNlWeqbulAkGf44bfERIFEyvwlfQx4UeFA0MF58dqEdcltJWef5ppv2Xjm-WiXS7VQsl9ZO4pymNg_FCjeIPG7eDHMNLtCDlnFnwqS0qOdmRyrIrc40qUWHPMjPAq0X7-oOSCfY/s1600/July++2011+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaksABNlWeqbulAkGf44bfERIFEyvwlfQx4UeFA0MF58dqEdcltJWef5ppv2Xjm-WiXS7VQsl9ZO4pymNg_FCjeIPG7eDHMNLtCDlnFnwqS0qOdmRyrIrc40qUWHPMjPAq0X7-oOSCfY/s320/July++2011+008.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Adventures with cousins</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvqjli_Eaw6C2e3JXleu1Hydbzc-9BAIaH995IlXr7zPnZW7IETKwrPOXTy-Zabg8v46zEsj0pC-BRor2MFXsrTYb_WEo978vCAchMViDdmo6OU24F6sc8iPBbsrT2EabqglS6joxuEc/s1600/July++2011+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvqjli_Eaw6C2e3JXleu1Hydbzc-9BAIaH995IlXr7zPnZW7IETKwrPOXTy-Zabg8v46zEsj0pC-BRor2MFXsrTYb_WEo978vCAchMViDdmo6OU24F6sc8iPBbsrT2EabqglS6joxuEc/s320/July++2011+044.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp0QEnSRRAdGKWoGhQlda__8a5w5ROo3tec7bHf_LAcem2RDxNqDSttfWcy76OVfHdbbSo-7dN38savKM8fC6xVAtpapMXZVrKhgOVzjvTycsNz48DjnF6oX8X_ZIR-i8W4KARKOI6yU/s1600/July++2011+204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp0QEnSRRAdGKWoGhQlda__8a5w5ROo3tec7bHf_LAcem2RDxNqDSttfWcy76OVfHdbbSo-7dN38savKM8fC6xVAtpapMXZVrKhgOVzjvTycsNz48DjnF6oX8X_ZIR-i8W4KARKOI6yU/s320/July++2011+204.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. End of summer party with great friends</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMShrVt4-mJbV-UUyhXdKv2k7swz3qXt8o2jVRdsXgpJAeNUHsQEBD1CZBU6DN6ROS1uALMIfPE0JfvoZNTw1yPJ82Eg4Exz_77B0bN6cEzg6QghNxwD-dtw8Fg0nEJAcQCz5ewK5uAw/s1600/July++2011+145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMShrVt4-mJbV-UUyhXdKv2k7swz3qXt8o2jVRdsXgpJAeNUHsQEBD1CZBU6DN6ROS1uALMIfPE0JfvoZNTw1yPJ82Eg4Exz_77B0bN6cEzg6QghNxwD-dtw8Fg0nEJAcQCz5ewK5uAw/s320/July++2011+145.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Annual trip to the orchard/pumpkin patch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f55Ww2bYPqPbeEJHMRK3DwW-8hLJi4sgyccRsqZeECBo1tWSeCbc6iIL2NYk77tfxs6D6B70VULadmRxTWf_nLu5f57Jlgnegadm-P7LeIr-A6fo2swM4lmknoL-zH1dH3zqg5a70go/s1600/October+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f55Ww2bYPqPbeEJHMRK3DwW-8hLJi4sgyccRsqZeECBo1tWSeCbc6iIL2NYk77tfxs6D6B70VULadmRxTWf_nLu5f57Jlgnegadm-P7LeIr-A6fo2swM4lmknoL-zH1dH3zqg5a70go/s320/October+2011+031.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHyQ214fKlcscowSC3UpBdrZYSaSAJZ3FrINL4-_GeokuE4R6tOKEEfwKP9uFvvzLym0pZtaHNbzLDDRge8CDf8-3sRZLrpRr25RjQdF_j74y6MPcYY-2qtxLQXW7Q5safYp_NLqjerA/s1600/October+2011+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHyQ214fKlcscowSC3UpBdrZYSaSAJZ3FrINL4-_GeokuE4R6tOKEEfwKP9uFvvzLym0pZtaHNbzLDDRge8CDf8-3sRZLrpRr25RjQdF_j74y6MPcYY-2qtxLQXW7Q5safYp_NLqjerA/s320/October+2011+034.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2011 was another year the Lord granted, and we are thankful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Praying the Lord's richest blessings this CHIRSTmas season for your family.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1325292741"></span><span id="goog_1325292742"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vr-3KrSiQAo6vxWzhDT3AvOyI0wXRakKgUC5w-7OidVOMKRTejnjYnVHin01nq-eJN83iDT236Sv2AEAApwdz4HlYRM2_dcLtR1t-bLzr3MrZgi8PppbHRpXlcHPIGO59rx63NTivUo/s1600/June+2011+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></a>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416552382614412031.post-81004506175966301302011-11-16T10:18:00.002-05:002011-11-17T12:04:20.293-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are a million things I should be doing right now, and, by I million, I literally mean a million. Sometimes when there's so much to do, I often "check out" and read or blog rather than get busy. I've noticed the accelerated speed of our lives recently has caused the blog to suffer. I know you all sit and wait expectantly for each of my blogs....<u><i>ahem</i></u>, right? ;) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is going to be a little different as it is actually written by by husband. He doesn't know I'm sharing this, but, as I prepared to share during a recent Moms and Tots at church, I came across something Brandon had written back this spring. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, so, I wanted to share it with you all.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You faithful blog readers have only heard my side of our struggles, growth and changed perspective since our Nolan was born. Here is the perspective from the husband, daddy, and faithful seeker of Christ. I love that his perspective is different than mine (could you imagine if we were both a hot mess like me?:). I love his ability to accept knowledge....actually, I just love that he does . just. accept. Be blessed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brandon:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">So, “why” is the question that has plagued us from the beginning.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">The question has brought us sadness, anger, and confusion.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">But more importantly God has poked and prodded us to earnestly seek the answer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">While it still seems unfair and sometimes surreal, we have begun to better understand that God’s ways are not always our ways.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">One of my first thoughts when we received Nolan’s diagnosis, was “my punishment has finally been delivered.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">I can’t believe it now, but for most of my life I felt that eventually God would have his fill of my sinful ways, and give me a smack down, so to speak.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">I was living my life in a sort of bondage of self righteousness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">I knew Christ, and I had accepted his free gift of salvation, but I still felt that I had to bear my own punishment.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Living with that burden often creates fear, guilt, and frustration.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">No matter what, I will always fall short.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">On my own, without relying on the Spirit of God in me, I fail.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">I struggled with why God would use an innocent child as a vehicle for punishment.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Through some needed counsel, prayer, and God revealing himself through his Word, my twisted understanding of my relationship with God was revealed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Though looking back I feel a little embarrassed for not understanding this, but God did not give us Nolan as some sort of punishment for some unforgivable sin.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">God does not punish His children for being inadequate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">He has delivered us from our inadequacy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Romans 8: 1-2 says, “</span><sup style="line-height: 28px;">1</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, </span><sup style="line-height: 28px;">2</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">And Romans 6: 23, “</span><sup style="line-height: 28px;">23</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">That’s it…. the punishment is death, but Christ bore that punishment when he offered himself up on the cross.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">Even though we face trials, they are meant for our refining.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">We found comfort in Romans 8: 28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;">God is always growing us, sharpening us, and giving us opportunities to glorify Him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Deep breath… so if we are not being punished, God must have a different purpose for this detour from our plans. We still feel sometimes like, “God why have you chosen our family to use in this way?” But he always pulls us back in. He reminds us, “Hey, I’m God. I’ve got this. Just trust in me and enjoy the ride.” He entrusted us with Nolan to accomplish His purposes. Nolan is such a blessing to our family and honestly, everyone who meets him. It is truly amazing to think about the journey that God has taken us on thus far. From the sadness and utter despair when this all began to the peace and joy that we are able to experience now. We have been given the privilege to have our perspective on life completely changed in a powerful way by God. The expectations that we had for our family and our children seem to not be nearly as important as they once did. We’re human, so we still like to be in the driver’s seat, but we are definitely looking for God’s leading in a way that we never did before He gave us Nolan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Megan http://www.blogger.com/profile/03990353631747817786noreply@blogger.com0