God has so many blessings to give you!
Be still and stand strong as you wait for them to unfold
How will God whisper to you?
Penny
Monday, May 10, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A Season in Time
Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
As a mother what season of time are you in? Are you in a season of expectancy - planning and preparing for your new baby? Are you in a season of growing and nurturing your children into strong young adults? Maybe your season is to simply stand next to them, watching from a distance as they learn to mature, develop, and find out who they are on their own. Or, just maybe your season is to hold them in the womb or in your arms for only a moment and then carry them to our Heavenly Father.
I believe that motherhood is a beautiful opportunity to share in the miracle of life with our Lord and Savior. The opportunity to nurture and raise children, to instill within them a strong foundation of christian morals, values, and the love of Jesus. To show by example the importance of love, sacrifice, and serving one another. The daily of grind of what a mother does for her children, the giving, the loving, the sacrificing in order to nurture and grow the heart and soul of her child. Then indeed, throughout her life it is a privilege for her children to "rise and call her blessed."
It is still a profound moment to share with God the gift of motherhood when our children have an illness or a disability. When they cannot walk, talk, know me or even understand me as their mother. When their life takes a different path; where their triumphs are found in the simple things and where their life is lived in the moment and not for the moment.
Whatever season you are in, remember a season is but a moment in time - a glimpse of life that will surely come and go just as the sun rises and sets. This season of motherhood is one to be honored and praised. Thankful to God to share in the miracle of life and praiseful for the gift that he has truly given you.
May God whisper to you his love and adoration of the wonderful mother you are.
Penny
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
As a mother what season of time are you in? Are you in a season of expectancy - planning and preparing for your new baby? Are you in a season of growing and nurturing your children into strong young adults? Maybe your season is to simply stand next to them, watching from a distance as they learn to mature, develop, and find out who they are on their own. Or, just maybe your season is to hold them in the womb or in your arms for only a moment and then carry them to our Heavenly Father.
I believe that motherhood is a beautiful opportunity to share in the miracle of life with our Lord and Savior. The opportunity to nurture and raise children, to instill within them a strong foundation of christian morals, values, and the love of Jesus. To show by example the importance of love, sacrifice, and serving one another. The daily of grind of what a mother does for her children, the giving, the loving, the sacrificing in order to nurture and grow the heart and soul of her child. Then indeed, throughout her life it is a privilege for her children to "rise and call her blessed."
It is still a profound moment to share with God the gift of motherhood when our children have an illness or a disability. When they cannot walk, talk, know me or even understand me as their mother. When their life takes a different path; where their triumphs are found in the simple things and where their life is lived in the moment and not for the moment.
Whatever season you are in, remember a season is but a moment in time - a glimpse of life that will surely come and go just as the sun rises and sets. This season of motherhood is one to be honored and praised. Thankful to God to share in the miracle of life and praiseful for the gift that he has truly given you.
May God whisper to you his love and adoration of the wonderful mother you are.
Penny
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Burden
There are burdens in life; challenges, obstacles, and trials that everyone faces on a daily basis. You may perceive it as a cross to bear or a burden to carry. Sometimes you may feel like the burden is not fair, it is too heavy, this should not have happened to you. The trial you are going through is lasting longer than expected, things have changed and all of the hope and courage that you started out with is now nowhere to be found and you are left feeling frightened and alone. Your prayer time becomes focused on "why" did this happen to me? I do not want to do this...when will this end?
I don't think the question is "why" do we have to carry these burdens or go through trials in our life but rather "will we choose" to carry these burdens in our life. I believe the truth is you can carry the burden, walk through the fire, go through the trial and come out victoriously! You can with God!
So, how do you carry your burden? You carry your burden to God everyday. You expectantly and willingly look to God to give you strength.
What if you do not carry your burden?
You will miss the mighty hand of God working in you and showing up for you.
How will you know if you can carry your burden?
You will know because God already knows that you can that is why he has entrusted this moment to you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
What moment has God entrusted to you?
Penny
I don't think the question is "why" do we have to carry these burdens or go through trials in our life but rather "will we choose" to carry these burdens in our life. I believe the truth is you can carry the burden, walk through the fire, go through the trial and come out victoriously! You can with God!
So, how do you carry your burden? You carry your burden to God everyday. You expectantly and willingly look to God to give you strength.
What if you do not carry your burden?
You will miss the mighty hand of God working in you and showing up for you.
How will you know if you can carry your burden?
You will know because God already knows that you can that is why he has entrusted this moment to you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
What moment has God entrusted to you?
Penny
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Jessie
I was asked to share my story of the death of my daughter, Jessica Marie. I had found our 10 month old daughter, Jessica, dead in her crib. It is one of the most sorrowful times in my life. As I shared in my story often times I wondered, "Why me?" Why was I delayed that morning? Why did I not get to her in time?
It just so happened that on that morning, the day Jessica died, my routine was interrupted. Instead of checking in on Joshua and Jessica and getting them up out of bed we woke up late. Somehow during the night the clocks stopped working and Mike was late for work. While he was rushing around trying to get out of the house, I went in to check on our son Joshua. He was wet, soaked through his sheets and bedding. I put the wet clothes in the wash, gave Joshua a bath, got him dressed, helped Mike get out the door, got myself dressed all the while not realizing that I had not heard a peep out of Jessica. As I walked to her bedroom door I was thinking, "boy has she slept in late." I opened the door and started to say, "Jessie", "Jessie", it is time to get up. I looked in her crib and saw her body had fell through the side of her crib and her tiny little head had gotten caught on the mattress. Up to this point we knew she had some medical problems, we had been seeing doctors, and running tests. She had very weak muscle tone and always had a hard time lifting her head. It was obvious she could not lift her head and she suffocated. I cannot believe that after all of these years how hard it still is to say those words. I tried to pull her out but her body was so stiff and hard. I screamed, "God, help me get her out!" I felt this super natural strength come over me and pulled her free. I held her close to my chest and ran up and down the hall screaming, "God, no,no!" My first instinct was to run outside yelling for someone to help me, God how I wanted someone to help me. I took Joshua, and still holding Jessica tightly to my chest I ran into our bedroom. I sat on the floor in the corner of our room yelling and screaming and dialed 911.
One of the gals in my Bible study brought this to my attention. She said, Penny, if you had gotten to Jessie first then you would not have been able to take care of Joshua's needs or your husbands needs. Like any good wife and mother you helped your husband get off to work since he was late, you got your son cleaned up and dressed since he was soaked, you got a load of laundry going, and you got yourself dressed. I had always thought that I was not a good mother because I did not get to Jessie first. But, my friend gave me such a beautiful perspective of that morning; I did attend to the needs of my family. Isn't it funny that as moms we always feel like we should be able to do everything?
As I shared the rest of my story I realized on that particular day God had brought just the right people to help me get through that morning. I had a calm operator who talked me through those first moments. I had gentle, caring, EMT's and policemen who helped me focus on answering questions. I had a dear family friend, Melinda, who came over and took care of Joshua that morning with no prompting from me. My mom, my sisters, my mother-in-law, and our pastor and his wife all helped me in those early hours.
As I look back God was protecting me and sheltering me in the palm of his hand. What a soothing place to be in the midst of a storm.
Psalms 3:3
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord." I love the picture that this verse paints.
What does God whisper to you?
Penny
It just so happened that on that morning, the day Jessica died, my routine was interrupted. Instead of checking in on Joshua and Jessica and getting them up out of bed we woke up late. Somehow during the night the clocks stopped working and Mike was late for work. While he was rushing around trying to get out of the house, I went in to check on our son Joshua. He was wet, soaked through his sheets and bedding. I put the wet clothes in the wash, gave Joshua a bath, got him dressed, helped Mike get out the door, got myself dressed all the while not realizing that I had not heard a peep out of Jessica. As I walked to her bedroom door I was thinking, "boy has she slept in late." I opened the door and started to say, "Jessie", "Jessie", it is time to get up. I looked in her crib and saw her body had fell through the side of her crib and her tiny little head had gotten caught on the mattress. Up to this point we knew she had some medical problems, we had been seeing doctors, and running tests. She had very weak muscle tone and always had a hard time lifting her head. It was obvious she could not lift her head and she suffocated. I cannot believe that after all of these years how hard it still is to say those words. I tried to pull her out but her body was so stiff and hard. I screamed, "God, help me get her out!" I felt this super natural strength come over me and pulled her free. I held her close to my chest and ran up and down the hall screaming, "God, no,no!" My first instinct was to run outside yelling for someone to help me, God how I wanted someone to help me. I took Joshua, and still holding Jessica tightly to my chest I ran into our bedroom. I sat on the floor in the corner of our room yelling and screaming and dialed 911.
One of the gals in my Bible study brought this to my attention. She said, Penny, if you had gotten to Jessie first then you would not have been able to take care of Joshua's needs or your husbands needs. Like any good wife and mother you helped your husband get off to work since he was late, you got your son cleaned up and dressed since he was soaked, you got a load of laundry going, and you got yourself dressed. I had always thought that I was not a good mother because I did not get to Jessie first. But, my friend gave me such a beautiful perspective of that morning; I did attend to the needs of my family. Isn't it funny that as moms we always feel like we should be able to do everything?
As I shared the rest of my story I realized on that particular day God had brought just the right people to help me get through that morning. I had a calm operator who talked me through those first moments. I had gentle, caring, EMT's and policemen who helped me focus on answering questions. I had a dear family friend, Melinda, who came over and took care of Joshua that morning with no prompting from me. My mom, my sisters, my mother-in-law, and our pastor and his wife all helped me in those early hours.
As I look back God was protecting me and sheltering me in the palm of his hand. What a soothing place to be in the midst of a storm.
Psalms 3:3
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord." I love the picture that this verse paints.
What does God whisper to you?
Penny
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Awareness of God
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
God is here. He is all around us. Sometimes it is easy to take him for granted; to view the things he does for us and gives to us as an expectation. But, I believe that God wants to show us so much more of himself.
Not only does he want to be our God of provision, providing for our every need; he wants to be our Comforter, our peace, our strength. He wants to be our confidant, our encourager, our healer, our Savior, our friend.
God is so much more than we can even begin to imagine.
Each day we go through, each challenge we face, every mountain we climb God is there!
Are you aware of God and what he CAN and WILL do for you?
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
God is here. He is all around us. Sometimes it is easy to take him for granted; to view the things he does for us and gives to us as an expectation. But, I believe that God wants to show us so much more of himself.
Not only does he want to be our God of provision, providing for our every need; he wants to be our Comforter, our peace, our strength. He wants to be our confidant, our encourager, our healer, our Savior, our friend.
God is so much more than we can even begin to imagine.
Each day we go through, each challenge we face, every mountain we climb God is there!
Are you aware of God and what he CAN and WILL do for you?
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
OPEN
Open my eyes Lord to the knowledge of your will
Open my ears Lord to your still small voice
Open my heart Lord to the presence of your peace
Open my spirit Lord to the stirring of your soul
What does God whisper to you?
Penny
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I Love You
What do you say to a loved one facing uncertainty and fear? You say, "I love you!" and God does too. Isaiah 43:4 says Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.
It doesn't really matter what you are facing, the illness of a loved one, the death of a child, the test results that showed "something" and now you are waiting for more tests, more results, more what ifs.
In all of this what matters most is LOVE. Love from your spouse, your family, your children, your friends. Love from your doctors, nurses, case workers. Love from your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Deep abiding love from your heavenly Father.
Each time someone extends, and gives their gift of love to you with it comes a ray of hope. A glimmer of light shines through in your world of darkness. That glimmer of light becomes just enough strength for you to stand. The next person comes and extends their gift of love to you and that gives you more strength; soon you have enough strength to stand, enough strength to get up, to move about to fight for that feeling of hope, relentless faith, of utter belief that you are loved. That love gives you enough strength to stand one more day, to take one more test, to try one more medicine, to undergo one more surgery.
That gift of love tells you that I am here, I love you and I will carry you. Do not miss the boat on this. Do not miss the opportunity to let God reveal his love to you. Let God clothe you in his love and shower you with his mercy and grace.
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
It doesn't really matter what you are facing, the illness of a loved one, the death of a child, the test results that showed "something" and now you are waiting for more tests, more results, more what ifs.
In all of this what matters most is LOVE. Love from your spouse, your family, your children, your friends. Love from your doctors, nurses, case workers. Love from your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Deep abiding love from your heavenly Father.
Each time someone extends, and gives their gift of love to you with it comes a ray of hope. A glimmer of light shines through in your world of darkness. That glimmer of light becomes just enough strength for you to stand. The next person comes and extends their gift of love to you and that gives you more strength; soon you have enough strength to stand, enough strength to get up, to move about to fight for that feeling of hope, relentless faith, of utter belief that you are loved. That love gives you enough strength to stand one more day, to take one more test, to try one more medicine, to undergo one more surgery.
That gift of love tells you that I am here, I love you and I will carry you. Do not miss the boat on this. Do not miss the opportunity to let God reveal his love to you. Let God clothe you in his love and shower you with his mercy and grace.
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Come to the Lord
All of you who are weary and burdened - have you come to the Lord?
Have you went to the Lord and asked for rest? His Word says in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Have you ever felt wearied with exhaustion? Your mind is weary from all of the emotional and mental pain of the illness. What is it? Is it terminal? How will you survive? How do you take care of your family's needs?
Your body is weary from the physical challenges. The constant 24 hour care, sleep deprivation, physically changing, bathing, and lifting your child.
Your heart is weary from all of the spiritual angst that replays in your mind over and over again. Why God? Why won't you heal them? What is wrong with me?
When you are in the middle of a struggle do you go to the Lord? Jesus said, "Come to me..." He wants you to come to him, talk to him and tell him your burdens; he wants to hear from you.
We have a risen Savior! Jesus is offering you his easy yoke and his light burden. Seek him and he will give you rest.
Let God whisper to you -
Penny
Have you went to the Lord and asked for rest? His Word says in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Have you ever felt wearied with exhaustion? Your mind is weary from all of the emotional and mental pain of the illness. What is it? Is it terminal? How will you survive? How do you take care of your family's needs?
Your body is weary from the physical challenges. The constant 24 hour care, sleep deprivation, physically changing, bathing, and lifting your child.
Your heart is weary from all of the spiritual angst that replays in your mind over and over again. Why God? Why won't you heal them? What is wrong with me?
When you are in the middle of a struggle do you go to the Lord? Jesus said, "Come to me..." He wants you to come to him, talk to him and tell him your burdens; he wants to hear from you.
We have a risen Savior! Jesus is offering you his easy yoke and his light burden. Seek him and he will give you rest.
Let God whisper to you -
Penny
Monday, March 22, 2010
I Don't Want to Miss you Lord!
In spite of all the tragedy, misery, and pain my Lord, do not let me miss you!
In your darkest moment I believe that God can shine the brightest for you. He can shine on you his mercy, love, forgiveness, grace, and his glory. Do not miss the opportunity to feel God's profound love for you.
When life is challenging it is easy to focus on the problem, the pain and frustration of that moment. But if you turn to God instead of away from God then the moment of anger and frustration becomes a moment of strength and courage.
It says in I John 1:5 ...God is light, in him there is no darkness at all.
If you are experiencing some dark traumatic times then let God be your light. Let him shine for you and in you so that you will get through the darkness.
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
In your darkest moment I believe that God can shine the brightest for you. He can shine on you his mercy, love, forgiveness, grace, and his glory. Do not miss the opportunity to feel God's profound love for you.
When life is challenging it is easy to focus on the problem, the pain and frustration of that moment. But if you turn to God instead of away from God then the moment of anger and frustration becomes a moment of strength and courage.
It says in I John 1:5 ...God is light, in him there is no darkness at all.
If you are experiencing some dark traumatic times then let God be your light. Let him shine for you and in you so that you will get through the darkness.
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Did You Know?
Did you know that God is with you at all times? He is with you in the morning when you rise, and in the evening when your day is done. He is with you in the night, in the day, and everywhere in between. His presence permeates your entire soul.
But, did you also know that God is with you in the tough times? Did you know that God is with you in the times of pain and anguish, loss and brokenness? He is there in those moments of stress, anxiety, utter hopelessness and despair.
What is your moment of stress and anxiety?
Are you struggling to make ends meet because of your insurmountable medical bills? Are you trying to keep your marriage together in spite of the loss of a job, your home, or a loved one? Are you frustrated that you are raising your child who doesn't even know that you are there? Maybe you are standing at the bedside of your loved one who is living with at chronic or terminal illness and you are wanting desperately to take their pain away.
I hope you know that God loves you deeply! He wants you to seek him in these stressful moments. He wants you to turn to him and let him hold you brush the hair out of your face, gently stroke your cheek, and whisper in your ear, "Be still my child and know that I am God."
Jeremiah 31:3-4
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt."
What does God whisper to you?
Penny
But, did you also know that God is with you in the tough times? Did you know that God is with you in the times of pain and anguish, loss and brokenness? He is there in those moments of stress, anxiety, utter hopelessness and despair.
What is your moment of stress and anxiety?
Are you struggling to make ends meet because of your insurmountable medical bills? Are you trying to keep your marriage together in spite of the loss of a job, your home, or a loved one? Are you frustrated that you are raising your child who doesn't even know that you are there? Maybe you are standing at the bedside of your loved one who is living with at chronic or terminal illness and you are wanting desperately to take their pain away.
I hope you know that God loves you deeply! He wants you to seek him in these stressful moments. He wants you to turn to him and let him hold you brush the hair out of your face, gently stroke your cheek, and whisper in your ear, "Be still my child and know that I am God."
Jeremiah 31:3-4
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt."
What does God whisper to you?
Penny
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I Am Yours Completely
Over the years caring for our special needs daughter has become quite challenging. Her needs, medical and otherwise, seem to be always in a constant state of flux. We are always adding or changing her medications, seeing new specialists, trying new ideas to get her medical issues under control, adding new pieces of equipment. Then you add ordering more medical supplies, changes to her wheelchair, new AFO's, changes to her school schedule, bus schedule, orienting new nurses...I get overwhelmed just thinking about it.
But, in spite of all her challenges I have learned so much in my walk with the Lord. He has opened up views of his all encompassing presence, and gentle spirit. I have learned how to be still and in that stillness I can hear God say...
My precious child,
You are my strong and faithful one. You are my chosen love to enter and walk this journey with me. There is much to see on this level of grace. There is much to learn, so much that I want to teach you. There is much of me that you can experience, feel, and know my deep sense of love and devotion for you.
I will hold you through this time. I will walk beside you through the days ahead. I will be your rock of strength, courage, love, and inspiration to continue to hope and believe in me.
I am yours completely - let me love you wholly.
From, your loving Father - God
Ephesians 1:3
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. (The Message)
What do you hear from God?
Penny
But, in spite of all her challenges I have learned so much in my walk with the Lord. He has opened up views of his all encompassing presence, and gentle spirit. I have learned how to be still and in that stillness I can hear God say...
My precious child,
You are my strong and faithful one. You are my chosen love to enter and walk this journey with me. There is much to see on this level of grace. There is much to learn, so much that I want to teach you. There is much of me that you can experience, feel, and know my deep sense of love and devotion for you.
I will hold you through this time. I will walk beside you through the days ahead. I will be your rock of strength, courage, love, and inspiration to continue to hope and believe in me.
I am yours completely - let me love you wholly.
From, your loving Father - God
Ephesians 1:3
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. (The Message)
What do you hear from God?
Penny
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Am I Not Praying Enough?
I have often times wondered, "Am I not praying enough Lord?" "Do I not believe enough or have faith enough in you?" "Do you not love me enough to answer my pleading prayers?"
Psalm 66:19,20
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
My Lord, I kept asking you why you did not heal Gabrielle the night she went to the ER. Why have you not healed her now? I feel you tell me that if you had healed her I would not get to be this close to you. I would not get to experience a whole new level of intimacy with you. I would have lost the opportunity to get to know your heart and soul a little deeper. I would have lost the moment to glorify you in such an incredible way. If you had healed her that night I would miss out on the profound meaning of how each person, each soul, miraculously touches those around them.
That night in the ER, Gabrielle's body was shaking from constant seizures. She was put into a medically induced coma in the ICU for over 10 days. She ended up staying in the hospital for over a month and then sent home with very little chance of living. If you would have healed her that first night, in the ICU, I would have stayed in the moment of praising your name for the healing but would have missed out on knowing you on a new level of thanksgiving.
Through the loss of our daughter Jessica, and the illness/disability of Gabrielle you have taken my hand and guided me step by step closer to you. Closer to feeling your spirit, to experiencing your wonder and grace, and closer to hearing the beating of your heart that beats for me!
It has taken years for me to finally come to the place where I can humbly kneel before you, thank you for this pain and suffering, and give glory, honor, and praise to your name.
What is your prayer today?
Penny
Psalm 66:19,20
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
My Lord, I kept asking you why you did not heal Gabrielle the night she went to the ER. Why have you not healed her now? I feel you tell me that if you had healed her I would not get to be this close to you. I would not get to experience a whole new level of intimacy with you. I would have lost the opportunity to get to know your heart and soul a little deeper. I would have lost the moment to glorify you in such an incredible way. If you had healed her that night I would miss out on the profound meaning of how each person, each soul, miraculously touches those around them.
That night in the ER, Gabrielle's body was shaking from constant seizures. She was put into a medically induced coma in the ICU for over 10 days. She ended up staying in the hospital for over a month and then sent home with very little chance of living. If you would have healed her that first night, in the ICU, I would have stayed in the moment of praising your name for the healing but would have missed out on knowing you on a new level of thanksgiving.
Through the loss of our daughter Jessica, and the illness/disability of Gabrielle you have taken my hand and guided me step by step closer to you. Closer to feeling your spirit, to experiencing your wonder and grace, and closer to hearing the beating of your heart that beats for me!
It has taken years for me to finally come to the place where I can humbly kneel before you, thank you for this pain and suffering, and give glory, honor, and praise to your name.
What is your prayer today?
Penny
Monday, February 8, 2010
Just Breathe
Ya know, I have been holding my breath for a long time. Longer than 30 seconds, 1 day and even 1 year. It has been over 13 years since I stopped breathing for a moment in time. That moment was when I found my 10 month old daughter, Jessica, dead in her crib. My heart stopped beating. My world went dark. My life stood still.
Now, I am not talking about breathing to keep you alive. I am talking about the breathing of your soul. The breathing of your soul as it participates in life. Working, playing, laughing, listening, crying...each activity brings the breathing of your soul to life.
The Holy Spirit also brings the breathing of your soul to life. The Holy Spirit can breath into you the sweet smelling fragrance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe that there are times when your soul stops breathing.There are trials and valleys that come your way and stop you dead in your tracks. The whirlwind whips around you and knocks you off of your feet. There you lay, motionless, unable to move, unable to breathe. What knocked you off of your feet? Was it the death of a loved one? Does someone you know have a terminal illness? Is your marriage in trouble? Have you lost your job? There are just some valleys that are so deep you wonder if you will ever get out.
I believe this is where God steps in. This is where he picks you up and puts you on solid ground. This is where he breathes into you his sweet sweet spirit, where he breathes new life into you, and where he reminds you to just breathe and he will carry you.
Psalm 40:2
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
What has God breathed into you?
Penny
Now, I am not talking about breathing to keep you alive. I am talking about the breathing of your soul. The breathing of your soul as it participates in life. Working, playing, laughing, listening, crying...each activity brings the breathing of your soul to life.
The Holy Spirit also brings the breathing of your soul to life. The Holy Spirit can breath into you the sweet smelling fragrance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe that there are times when your soul stops breathing.There are trials and valleys that come your way and stop you dead in your tracks. The whirlwind whips around you and knocks you off of your feet. There you lay, motionless, unable to move, unable to breathe. What knocked you off of your feet? Was it the death of a loved one? Does someone you know have a terminal illness? Is your marriage in trouble? Have you lost your job? There are just some valleys that are so deep you wonder if you will ever get out.
I believe this is where God steps in. This is where he picks you up and puts you on solid ground. This is where he breathes into you his sweet sweet spirit, where he breathes new life into you, and where he reminds you to just breathe and he will carry you.
Psalm 40:2
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
What has God breathed into you?
Penny
Friday, February 5, 2010
Whenever
I Said Never - God Said Whenever
God whispered to me one day, "Whenever you are ready my child, I am here for you. Whenever you are ready to learn what wonders and blessings I have for you I am ready."
I said, "Never". I will never be able to take the pain that I will need to go through. I will never be able to live through this loss.
God whispered again, "Whenever you are ready I am here for you. Whenever you are ready I have so much to teach you, to show you, to tell you how deep my love goes for you."
I said, "Never". I will never be able to take care of my special needs child. I will never be able to give her the medical care and attention that she needs. I will never be able to handle her illness and disability.
God pulled me closer, held me tighter, and whispered,"Whenever you are ready I will show you how strong you are, how courageous you are. I will show you how confident you are, how capable you are of loving and caring for my child."
"Whenever you are ready I will show you ME."
May God whisper hope to you today,
Penny
God whispered to me one day, "Whenever you are ready my child, I am here for you. Whenever you are ready to learn what wonders and blessings I have for you I am ready."
I said, "Never". I will never be able to take the pain that I will need to go through. I will never be able to live through this loss.
God whispered again, "Whenever you are ready I am here for you. Whenever you are ready I have so much to teach you, to show you, to tell you how deep my love goes for you."
I said, "Never". I will never be able to take care of my special needs child. I will never be able to give her the medical care and attention that she needs. I will never be able to handle her illness and disability.
God pulled me closer, held me tighter, and whispered,"Whenever you are ready I will show you how strong you are, how courageous you are. I will show you how confident you are, how capable you are of loving and caring for my child."
"Whenever you are ready I will show you ME."
May God whisper hope to you today,
Penny
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Gift
The Bible says that children are a gift from God. A beautiful gift wrapped up in love, smiles, tickles, and mischief.
Now, you might say to God, what kind of gift is this child? A child who cannot walk or talk. A child who does not know me or understand me. A child who is sick with a terminal illness and will not live to see their 3rd birthday. Or a child who you formed in my womb, who began to grow and take shape and then die inside of me. How can I say that these are beautiful gifts from you?How can I hold them and love them; teach them and raise them?
Can you say that special needs children, disabled children, or terminated children, whether by choice or not, are a gift from God? I believe they are. I believe that we are all precious in his sight.
I Peter 2:4 says:
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him"
I believe God is saying, "My precious child, I want to share with you a glimpse of my deep devotion for you. I want you to see and feel all of the love I have for you. Giving you a child with special needs will be a beautiful blessing to you and those around you. The lives that your child will touch, the hearts that your child will envelope are moments in time that I want to lovingly share with you."
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
Now, you might say to God, what kind of gift is this child? A child who cannot walk or talk. A child who does not know me or understand me. A child who is sick with a terminal illness and will not live to see their 3rd birthday. Or a child who you formed in my womb, who began to grow and take shape and then die inside of me. How can I say that these are beautiful gifts from you?How can I hold them and love them; teach them and raise them?
Can you say that special needs children, disabled children, or terminated children, whether by choice or not, are a gift from God? I believe they are. I believe that we are all precious in his sight.
I Peter 2:4 says:
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him"
I believe God is saying, "My precious child, I want to share with you a glimpse of my deep devotion for you. I want you to see and feel all of the love I have for you. Giving you a child with special needs will be a beautiful blessing to you and those around you. The lives that your child will touch, the hearts that your child will envelope are moments in time that I want to lovingly share with you."
What does hope whisper to you?
Penny
Monday, February 1, 2010
Chosen and Treasured!
Deuteronomy 7:6
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."
You are his chosen people, you are his treasured possession. It goes on to say in v.8 "But it was because the Lord loved you..."
Do you feel chosen? Do you feel like a treasured possession? Do you feel loved?
God's word says that you are so why do you not believe it deep down in your heart? I keep thinking Lord if you loved me then why did you give me a broken child? My dream, my hope, my prayer was to have a normal healthy beautiful child. It breaks my heart to know that in the beginning years of taking care of our daughter Gabrielle I thought of her as broken. She was born healthy but then one night, when she was 4 months old, she ended up in the ICU in a medically induced coma. When we finally brought her home we did not realize just how dramatically our lives would change. At first, I saw her as unworthy of the precious love of Jesus Christ. I connected her illness, her disability, her imperfections to me. I was unworthy of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
We all have imperfections. We will never be perfect in the eyes of the Lord. The topic of feeling unloved and unworthy of God's love because your child does not appear to be "perfect" or "normal" is a book in and of itself.
But, to know this kind of love, the deep abiding love of Jesus Christ is wonderful. The feeling that you get when you know in your heart that you have been chosen, holy and dearly loved. You are his treasured possession.
WOW! Now that's love!
May God, the author of hope, whisper to you.
Penny
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."
You are his chosen people, you are his treasured possession. It goes on to say in v.8 "But it was because the Lord loved you..."
Do you feel chosen? Do you feel like a treasured possession? Do you feel loved?
God's word says that you are so why do you not believe it deep down in your heart? I keep thinking Lord if you loved me then why did you give me a broken child? My dream, my hope, my prayer was to have a normal healthy beautiful child. It breaks my heart to know that in the beginning years of taking care of our daughter Gabrielle I thought of her as broken. She was born healthy but then one night, when she was 4 months old, she ended up in the ICU in a medically induced coma. When we finally brought her home we did not realize just how dramatically our lives would change. At first, I saw her as unworthy of the precious love of Jesus Christ. I connected her illness, her disability, her imperfections to me. I was unworthy of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
We all have imperfections. We will never be perfect in the eyes of the Lord. The topic of feeling unloved and unworthy of God's love because your child does not appear to be "perfect" or "normal" is a book in and of itself.
But, to know this kind of love, the deep abiding love of Jesus Christ is wonderful. The feeling that you get when you know in your heart that you have been chosen, holy and dearly loved. You are his treasured possession.
WOW! Now that's love!
May God, the author of hope, whisper to you.
Penny
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Dear Friend,
I would like to share some encouragement and insight from raising a child with special needs. Although the needs may be great or few your child is and will be such a beautiful blessing to you and those around you.
I must say that what God has shown us is this - God is asking you to love your child. Just hold him, squeeze him, kiss him, and hug him; just love him. He wants nothing more and nothing less. He picked you to do just that because he knew you could. He has believed in you before your journey started. He has molded, sculpted, and shaped you just as he has molded, sculpted, and shaped your child. He knows what he is doing.
Just breathe...God will take your hand and walk with you through this journey. God will take your heart and hold it ever so gently, and then quietly God will take your spirit and teach it how to soar!
You are blessed, you are comforted, and you are greatly loved!
From one tendered heart to another,
Penny
I must say that what God has shown us is this - God is asking you to love your child. Just hold him, squeeze him, kiss him, and hug him; just love him. He wants nothing more and nothing less. He picked you to do just that because he knew you could. He has believed in you before your journey started. He has molded, sculpted, and shaped you just as he has molded, sculpted, and shaped your child. He knows what he is doing.
Just breathe...God will take your hand and walk with you through this journey. God will take your heart and hold it ever so gently, and then quietly God will take your spirit and teach it how to soar!
You are blessed, you are comforted, and you are greatly loved!
From one tendered heart to another,
Penny
Friday, January 29, 2010
Hope Whispers
I am the mother of a special needs child and although in the world's eyes she is nothing, she is everything to me. She is the very breath that stirs the soul of God.
You know when you are so in love with someone or something that it takes your breath away. Your heart begins to beat a little faster, your body begins to fill with excitement as you envision that person. And then just as you breathe you "catch" your breath. I believe that that deep stirring in your soul is just like what God feels for his children. All of his children. Especially, the ones he created with special needs.
Whether you are raising a child with special needs, a terminal illness, or a chronic life changing disability God loves you. Who knew that the love of God could be felt, seen, and experienced in such a profound way!
I know from my own experience in raising a special needs child that God is hope, he is faithful. He will shine on you like the noonday sun, he will rain blessings down on you and your family, he will fill your heart with peace and joy.
What do you hope for? Where is your hope? Your hope is in God and in his Word. Your hope is in his faithfulness and in his unending love for you!
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
How does God, the author of hope, whisper to you?
You know when you are so in love with someone or something that it takes your breath away. Your heart begins to beat a little faster, your body begins to fill with excitement as you envision that person. And then just as you breathe you "catch" your breath. I believe that that deep stirring in your soul is just like what God feels for his children. All of his children. Especially, the ones he created with special needs.
Whether you are raising a child with special needs, a terminal illness, or a chronic life changing disability God loves you. Who knew that the love of God could be felt, seen, and experienced in such a profound way!
I know from my own experience in raising a special needs child that God is hope, he is faithful. He will shine on you like the noonday sun, he will rain blessings down on you and your family, he will fill your heart with peace and joy.
What do you hope for? Where is your hope? Your hope is in God and in his Word. Your hope is in his faithfulness and in his unending love for you!
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
How does God, the author of hope, whisper to you?
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