Husband

I'm sure that as I continue to write of the grace of God in my everyday life, that my husband Casey will come up frequently. Having Casey as a part of my life for over eight years, and five as a husband, has been a grace gift from God. Through the fellowship we have, we have grown a precious relationship and built a family.

This past evening he went to Denver with a couple guys from church for a conference today(http://www.therebelution.com/). And last night wasn't anything too weird. Sometimes the kids have to go to bed before their dad gets home on youth nights- so that wasn't too different for either of them. And although, it's strange to be alone at night, I was fine- nothing I haven't done before. It was this morning that was hard for our oldest, Norah.

Norah normally prefers her daddy in the morning. They get up together, and that's a special time for her to be with dad. So this morning when I heard my daughter's little steps wander into our bedroom, right up to her father's side of the bed and say, "Where's daddy?" in a concerned voice, I knew that it would be an interesting morning.

I told her that I would get up with her, but needed a minute to "wake up," but she went to the living room. Then I heard some crying combined with, "Daddy?" I came to the living room and saw that my little sweetheart had pulled up the blinds to see outside, and was looking for her daddy to pull up in a car.

After explaining to her that her dad would be home this evening, she was all right. We did a video call with Casey, and she pleaded with him to come home.

Now, some of you might think that this is a little depressing of a story, but it's not to me. It is a sweet reminder to me of how important the presence of my children's father is. Casey is an active, attentive dad who loves his children and has a special relationship with each. He is a gracious gift from our Heavenly Father to our children and to me, as his presence in our home is so important.

As a person who grew up without a father-figure in my life, I cannot tell you the overflowing joy that I have as a wife and mother that I am married to a man who makes myself and his children a priority. As a pastor, there are a lot of demands on Casey's time, and many criticisms some in all sorts of forms- that's the way of a pastorate sometimes. But my Casey makes it clear that if he is going to error in where he spends more time- in the work of the ministry or the ministry of home- he's going to error on his family's side. He recognizes that home is a primary ministry, and we gladly share him- but really, we don't sacrifice much.

Norah's happy today. She knows that her dad will be back soon, and her universe will be back to normal. I'm just so thankful that what is normal is to have Casey home, blessing our family with his leadership and love.

Speaking Victories

Our son Haddon began speech therapy about 6 weeks ago. At about 18 months, I started to feel a little concerned that he wasn't quite where he should be as far as verbalization. He could say things, but didn't use words to communicate his wants or needs- he wasn't even calling me "momma" or his dad "dadda". So at his check-up, the doctor recommended having his hearing checked and potentially beginning some evaluations.

After passing his hearing tests and being evaluated in a 2-hour long play evaluation, it was recommended that he begin speech therapy for his speech delay.

So we began seeing Kathy, and Haddon took to her immediately. And every time we have gone, I have seen a breakthrough. But yesterday was especially sweet to me, as I was blessed to see him accomplish two victories in his speech development.

The first came as he was playing with a puzzle of animals. So of course we're telling Haddon what the animals are and what sounds they make. He has only made a few attempts at making animal noises- never a doggy. But yesterday, without hesitation, my son said, "Woo-woof!"

What a sweet moment it is to see your child claim the littlest victory over something they struggle with! As a mom, I'm fighting with my son to help him "catch up" to others his own age. And slowly, I am seeing progress.

The second victory was another sweet one. As Haddon goes down a slide or a toy car, we would say, "Ready... Set... Go!" So on that cue, of "ready", Haddon began to make the s-sound for "set", and then a clear "GO!" It was wonderful! Even when he got home, and dad practiced the phrase with him, he continued to pronounce "go" well, and make that s-sound.

To some this may seem too simple. Haddon made a dog noise, and the word go. But to us, as we have worked and prayed with him so that he can develop communication skills, barking like a dog, and responding to a cue are victories for our little boy. It is a gift given from above confirming the efforts we've made and the trust that we've put in those that know more about speech development than us.

I praise the Lord because he has created my son as an individual with strengths and weaknesses. And I am humbled because as his mommy, I am charged with the task of discipling and instructing this little one- in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Our Maker has given this little boy a victory, and the glory belongs to Him. I am thankful. Haddon is on his way- he'll be talking my ear off in His time!

Every Spiritual Blessing

One of my all-time favorite passages of Scripture is Ephesians 1. Paul writes so beautifully the truth of the Gospel and unravels the mystery of salvation. And one of the verses that has inspired me to begin this blog is verse 3:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."

As one of the elect in Christ, no spiritual blessing is witheld from me! I have ALL of Christ! Grace is bestowed upon me every day: strength to be obedient, wisdom to discern, courage to disciple... the list goes on. The Gospel that saved me, is the Gospel that sustains that salvation through the power of Christ.

So this is my challenge to myself: Actively look for the daily evidences of grace, everyday grace.

I want to be daily thanking my Savior for all the spiritual blessings that he pours on me each day. I don't intend to post every day, as I am a mom of two toddlers and have full days of playing, cleaning and discipling, but this is a chance for me to declare the goodness of the Lord, and hopefully, encourage others to do the same- all for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!