Thank You

Sweet Friends and family we are once again overwhelmed by the Love and support you all showed last evening.  Chik-Fil-A was hopping from 5-8.  It was so much fun talking with you all and meeting many for the first time.  We are honored that you would journey with us and love on us in this way.  We have really seen the Lord provide in such beautiful ways.  We broke last years record breaking night by $600.00 and we raised a total of $3,600.  It was so much more for us than the financial gain though.  You all took the time to come out and tell us how you are praying for our family and that means more than anything.  Our sweet boy had a smile on his face the whole night and this will carry him for years to come.  You all are helping us teach him what is says in God's word. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Thanks for living this out beautifully.  Thank you to the Purtell Family for allowing us to have a spirit night at your establishment but even more personally working the event and for your generous contribution.  Thank you to Lu Lister for all your work in coordinating such a beautiful time.  Our cups are full and it gives us the encouragement to keep pressing on in faith.  We are trusting that Noah will receive his heart in God's perfect timing and are grateful for the ways he is working in his life.  Thanks again for such an amazing night.

Here is a video from Noah

https://socialcam.com/s/FhieUWkJ

A new set of feet

This week and last has been filled with lots of doctor appointments.  While I'm thankful to have lots of great doctors and there expertise I long for the days this is not part of our normal routine.  Today's appointment was for me.  It has taken me a year and a half to get to the point of accepting that my feet and legs need help walking.  I finally broke down and got AFO braces. Unfortunately I have been in major pain while wearing them. After two different orthotics places said there was nothing more they could do, that it was most likely my feet, and that I needed to see a foot doctor I made an appointment with one recommended by a friend.  Dr. Melissa was super sweet and full of compassion.   I think she almost cried when she saw the braces I was wearing and knew exactly what they were doing to my feet.  She explained that they were hitting a nerve along the side of my foot.  She asked if I was experiencing burning and numbness. YES!! I said.  This woman gets it.  She was flabbergasted that they never casted me and told me a custom fitted padded AFO would bring me comfort and relief and provide a more stable walk.  She brought in a picture and although it was bigger and bulkier I was relieved to hear that it could be solved by a better AFO.  I was thinking that surgery and shots were in my future.  This news was much better.  You bet I will be styling these bad boys and making them look just as cool as my pink wheels.  Unfortunately since they are casted and custom made they wont be ready for about three weeks.  I will have to rely on my dear friends to push me around in my sweet pink ride.  Any takers?

This weekend I got to go to our Church Woman's retreat.  It was such a rich time of fellowship and studying in Philippians.  I felt as though each speaker was talking directly to me and giving me reminders that I needed to hear.  I have really allowed my circumstances to still my joy.  I'm so focused on them instead of the gospel.  I sometimes forget things like Philippians 4:19 where Paul reminds us that God will supply our every need according to his riches in glory or Philippians 4:13 that says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me . I was thankful to be reminded that our attitudes can be redeemed.  We were encouraged to pray for wisdom as we allow the Holy spirit to redeem our perspectives.  My biggest take away and reminder was that The GOSPEL is the Anchor that gives JOY and fulfillment in the midst of ANY circumstance even Muscle disease and transplants.  The GOSPEL is meant to penetrate EVERY circumstance in our life.  God  continues to work in our hearts even when we lose our focus and I'm so thankful for that.

Thankful even more for all of you who continue to walk this long road with us.  Tomorrow will mark 18 months of Noah being listed.  He continues to do well and we are so thankful for the ways God has protected our sweet boy and for the work the Lord is doing through our circumstances.  Noah has an appointment tomorrow with his Cardio team.  Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.

Somebody Turned 11

WOWZERS!!!  I have an 11 year old!! That is just crazy.  That means in two years he will be thirteen and then three years after that 16.   Oh man.  I’m very emotional today.  I’m just so blessed that God has allowed me to be this boys mom.  He truly is a gift.  Our prayer is that we get many more years but more importantly that God will use him to impact his kingdom.  It has been a hard couple of years for NOAH but if you asked him if it’s been hard he would most likely say “not really”.  He just has an amazing outlook on life and his circumstances.  He encourages my soul and helps me relinquish my fears because of how brave he is.  He understands that his days are numbered on this earth and deeply cares for others.  Because of his situation he could choose to be sad and depressed but instead he chooses Joy. Noah we love you so much and are so excited to see what God has in store for you this year.  We pray for god’s hand of protection over you.  We pray that you would continue to use your circumstances for HIS glory.  Thank you so much for all the sweet birthday messages for Noah.  He enjoyed each one of them.  Thank you for continuing to pray and support him.  He feels very blessed by you all.