Day 153 - November 14 - Lunatic children, faithful God
Joélle and Connor went out for a spin around the cul-de-sac this afternoon. Sitting in Connor's lap, Joélle steered the boy's chair back and forth and around, looking for (small) obstacles to take on, hitting every ramp and driveway on the block, and trying with only limited success to make the thing go in a straight line, with the whole thing punctuated by Joélle squealing like a stuck pig and Connor laughing so hard he'd make his ventilator alarm go off. I managed a few photos, as well as a short movie clip (which should appear on the Photos page of the website before too long). The kids had a blast and got most of the neighbors laughing, while Cherié and I were torn between laughter and that stomach-sinking feeling we had on the kids' first day in kindergarten, or as we watched them drive off by themselves for the first time in the family car. Fortunately, nobody got hurt, everybody got a good laugh, and some much-needed variety was added to our day.
The laughter continued inside the house when four of the kids' friends came by and hung out together. We're really thankful for the friends that come by to hang with the boy, helping us to stay connected to them even though Connor doesn't currently get out as much as he used to.
I was reading Psalm 13 yesterday, and it was a bit of a revelation when I realized that my emphasis in that chapter has changed. A few months ago the first four verses were the primary focal point of my prayers. While I still ask the questions posed by David in verses 1-4, I realized yesterday that I was able to appreciate verses 5 and 6 when I couldn't back then. So I wanted to quote Psalm 13 to you, because I know that many of you are facing your own trials and struggles -
Psalm 13
How Long, O LORD?
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him,"
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
If you are in the midst of torment; if you fear the arrival of a difficult struggle or trial; if you know that decisions you must make will strain you in ways you can't imagine - I can tell you from experience this one thing - that you can absolutely, 100% rely on God's provision to carry you through. He loves you. He cares about you, about your situation, about your future. Don't be afraid to trust Him - He is faithful. He will carry you. He will never fail you.
This I know.
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 8:15 PM
17 Comments
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17 Comments:
your post today had me laughing just about as hard as you guys had to have been--altho' I also understand the sinking feeling of your child's first day of kindergarten or learning how to drive. I still have it b/c my son (age 20) rides his motorcycle back and forth the 2 hrs from Fresno to here every wkend.
Thank you, too, for sharing the words of the Psalmist--they meant so much to me b/c they really talk about the path that you have taken in the past months. But our God is faithful--Praise His Name!
Our continued prayers for all of you--for strength for each day and the blessings of good friends.
Thanks for sharing the picture and your day. We have missed you the past couple of days and it is great to here ya'll are settling in to a "new normal." We can't wait to see the video. It is amazing how even in the toughest of time our kids bring us great show. Thank God for them!
We would love to see how the house is going. I hope the rain a couple of weeks ago did not drench you too much.
The Derendinger Family
That was the most precious picture! Thank you so much for sharing...children bounce back much easier than us 'ole folks'! Praise God for Connor and Joelle's willingness to go on with life and take each day one day at a time. Bless them both for finding the fun in life and taking nothing for granted. Thanks to both of them for giving the rest of us strength, reassurance that God is real, alive and right here with us on this journey.
God bless you all; I haven't been on in a few days, but read the messages in my email daily!
Love you all!!!!!
What a kick to see this picture of your kids out fooling around!!! How fun!! What a thrill to hear of Connor laughing so hard and having such a great time with his sister and friends! Especially, in light of the difficult situation he's in. How great that his sister can be home with Connor at this time. God knew Connor needed her right now, and this picture is obvious!
We continue to pray for "the boys" complete healing! Looks like the Lord is really "healing spirits," so that's a wonderful answer to prayer!!
In our thoughts & prayers!
Kin & Ken
The picture made me laugh, too. It reminded me of what happened a couple of weeks ago when I took Scott in to get his wheelchair repaired. Here's a 42 year old man who has been injured since he was 15 and what was his first question to the repairman?! "Can you get my chair to go faster?" I looked at the guy and said, "You'd better not, my kids ride on that chair!" :) Sometimes when I wave them off with Uncle Scott I think, "If they were on a bike they'd need helmets!" God is good and we've only had a few minor mishaps over the years. The fun and laughter as they sail down the road with him has been more than worth it.
We love you guys and you'll be amazed how good Connor will be driving soon. Watch out, world! Connor, we're praying and miss you all,
Kristie for the family
Thank you so much for continuing to attest to the faithfulness and goodness of our Lord Jesus. May He be exalted and may you and your family be lifted up. Love, Your prayer partner in Christ, Cathey
We love you guys and we are believing for Connor's miracle...I listen to one of my favorite bible teachers.. the other day and she reminded me of "faith"..The F word.. The word that we have plenty of when we don't need it..I often say..I have alot of faith when i don't need it..It's amazing what i could believe God for when it's not for me or my trial..but then i go through any thing that will test my faith and i know why Jesus told us we only need a mustard seed amount..cuz that' all i about have when i have to believe!! in the lesson i was listening to about faith...she reminded us that we need.. the "THROUGH KINDA OF FAITH.." That when we walk through the fire.. God will be with us..i want that kinda faith.. That i will believe God THROUGH..the storm's.. So again i want to tell you that i do believe that God is so pleased with your faith..Your declaration that GOD IS WHO HE SAID HE IS AND COULD DO WHAT HE SAID HE COULD DO..All THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE...
We believe!!!!
You brighten our lives and inspire us to carry on doing life and we are holding your lives up to our God..
We love you all so very much!!!
love
Kathy MacPhail and family
How wonderful to open Connor's blog to see that beautiful pictures of two crazy kids having fun. I've been away from the blog for awhile and it blessed my heart and soul to see that picture.
Still watching and praying.
GOD bless and good night.
Talk about apples not falling far from the tree! When I saw that picture, it reminded me of their parents. Though I'm certain that Joelle and Connor were somewhat more dignified.
Big wink!
That is such a great picture of the two of them! It is wonderful to see Connor being able to get out more!
You and Cherie' never cease to amaze me. Here you are, still in your trials, yet you take time to encourage others.
Brendan and I are still praying for that miracle! We believe it will happen.
I am a goober, I meant to say "joy" not "show" in the post. That goes to show I am not good at listening and writing at the same time. Someone say a word, your head listens and then you type it.
I looked at the picture and read about the kids, and the word awesome was about all I could think. Then I read about your testimony about God's faithfulness and again it was awesome. Thanks so much.
Eric,
I cannot begin to tell you how much this encouraged me today.
I cannot go into detail here, but I want you to know that this picture and this scripture were EXACTLY what I needed today!
You are such a blessing!
thanks,
Laura Slagle
Hi Williamson Family~
Thanks for posting the scripture...what a blessing and a reminder that no matter circumstances God is on His throne and in perfect control.
It has been a while since I posted and I did some catching up before commenting. As you acknowledged, there are people who are watching this blog with their own set of trials...we are not exempt. But God is faithful and I just wanted to add a scripture that relates to all the bills that are coming in.
Psalms 50:10
for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
Coming from Texas cattle represents money! And it wasn't until we were in California that I saw "cattle on a hill". So take comfort as we have that God owns it all and he is responsible for the provision...we? Remain faithful in looking toward the hills!
We are in the boat together, and we know that He is more than enough for you and your family, and those who cry out to Him. Keep trusting Him and counting your blessings!
Shine On!
the shipe family
Eric...thank you so much for these words and Scripture comfort. I just read it aloud with my husband - tears streaming down both our faces. While *nothing* compared to your situation, Michael lost his job on Thursday - and the words ministered to us more than I can say.
Thank you ===
Still praying for you...
Maureen
for the Hinds~Jackson Family
WONDERFUL! Can't help but smile. Thank you for sharing the photo and your lives.
Love you all and praying for you,
The Serio's
sanjose
I can imagine the laughter in heaven as the LORD watched over Joelle and Connor. What a blessing all of you are to the blogasphere and your neighbors.
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