The Lord Reigns

With all that is going on in the world right now, many things have remained the same in our home, homeschooling being one of those. This week, Luke (our 15-year-old son) was given the task of writing about the monumental “history” that we are living through for his History lesson. His words were better than I could ever write and offer hope in the Lord and encouragement during this time. I hope you are as encouraged reading this as I was:

THE LORD REIGNS

“These times can be frightening. I believe, however, that the fear of COVID-19 goes far beyond the illness itself. We fear the unknown.

A few months ago no average American citizen would have guessed we’d be in the situation that we are now in. Facing a national emergency, we can only be somewhat shocked at the havoc this tiny virus has wrought on our daily lives. No school, no work, and no toilet paper. We now hide out in our own homes in fear of the invisible enemy we are at war with. The very fact that we can’t see, can’t control, and can’t predict COVID-19 makes it so scary to us. We have so little power and so little knowledge. Yet, for the people who know God, we have no reason to be dismayed.

“The Lord reigns.” These are the opening words of Psalm 93, a Psalm that speaks loudly to the days in which we are living. God always has, still does, and will forever reign. As Christians, we must stand out in the midst of the panic. God is in control. Not a single virus is outside his sovereign reign. “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). Those whose only hope is their own strength should be afraid. Those who put their trust in the government should tremble. Those, however, who trust in God need never fear. 

“The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring” (Psalm 93:3). Having established the fact of God’s present reign (verses 1-2), the Psalm goes on to describe the present trouble. Each line building upon the last, we begin to see something of this poetic cry of helplessness. Like the disciples in Mathew 8, the Psalmist seems to cry “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Mathew 8:25). The waters of trouble seem to be crashing on the deck of human control. Though it may be an extreme parallel, we can connect the situation to our own. We too are somewhat helpless against our unseen enemy and are tempted to give in to anxiety. Thankfully, the Psalm doesn’t end there.

“Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!” (Psalm 93:4). Mightier than every wave, greater than every foe, the LORD on high is mighty! Christians must not, cannot fear in the face of trying circumstances. We must shine as lights during this time and bring the hope of the gospel to a panicked world. Unlike this world, we don’t need to fear the unknown because we already know enough. We know Christ has conquered. We know God reigns.”

Written by Luke R (age 15)

Greatest "Career"

It was on a shuttle ride at a fall carnival in elementary school that I have my first memory of meeting a little boy with Down syndrome. We had both just won the coveted cakes at the cake walk. While winning a cake was the ultimate goal of every child’s evening, the joy that this little boy showed was such that I still remember him today.

At that moment I knew that I wanted to work with children with Down syndrome “when I grew up”. Of course, when you’re around the age of ten, career plans change and I soon after decided that I would rather run a shake shack with my best friend, followed by at least 100 different career plan changes.

It might have come later than I originally planned, but I am so thankful that in God’s perfect plan, I get to do more than just “work” with children with Down syndrome but raise these two wonderfully made beautiful boys and share the joy and beauty of Down syndrome to help end old, misconceived ideas.

Thank you all for being such an amazing group of people that always celebrate Colt and Nic with us and help spread, share and learn the beauty in Down syndrome! ❤️❤️.

Different is Beautiful!

All 7 of our children are completely different and unique from one another and I’m not just referring to their hair color, height and suntan lines. 😊

I bet you would never be able to guess which one has had the most medical issues, or which one has struggled the most with learning,  who the natural athlete is, who the “chef” of the family is, or who the dancer is (ok you might guess that one). 

A few have an extra chromosome or maybe several are missing a chromosome. 

They have all hit their milestones at completely different stages.  They each have their own unique personalities.  

None of them are perfect but they are all wonderfully made exactly the way God intended for His work to be displayed in them. 

And I love every one of them with all my heart! 

A Child's Heart

This is Nic and Colt’s big sister who last year shortly after we brought Nic home and after hearing about his orphanage and the other children in institutions with Down syndrome, angrily asked, “Why would people not want babies with Down syndrome?! Do people not know ANYTHING about Down syndrome?!... That's SO weird!!!" (or "weeyud" was more like what she said for those of you who know her cute little voice)😊.

I told her then that she already understands more about the value and beauty of life than many adults.

Well, today she let me know that we needed to adopt more children. Apparently we should have 20 children but if we can’t then “at least 3 more...GIRLS!...with Down syndrome”. Boys are “fine too” but she wants 6 sisters and she is “definitely adopting 20 when she’s older!”

I am going to be a very blessed Grandma one day! :)

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, A Brother's Poem

 

It's no secret how much Colt and Nic are adored by their big brother.

I shared a poem that he wrote for his writing class on Instagram.  Of course, as I said there, he didn't think it was good and was embarrassed to have me share it but I thought it was too amazing not to share.

We received the sweetest notes from so many people and several asked if they could have a copy of it.  I thought I would post it here for anyone who would like to print their own copy, since it has been way too long since I have posted here anyway!

If I knew how I would make one of those neat little "printables" for you, but I'll let you all figure that out. :)  Here it is:

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, A Brother's Poem

Many see special needs as a mistake outside of God’s plan, Yet scripture says in the womb God knits every man. * God did not make a mistake of any kind. He’s knit your child’s heart, soul, and mind. * Don’t worry about your family, your child’s made for them too. God knows who you are and fashioned this child for you. * He gives the strength needed to face each new day, And His grace is sufficient through challenges faced on the way. * With every child comes difficulties, sorrows and fears That never surpass the love and joy through the years. * God is with you he always is, And he’s pleased with your love for this child who is his. * A diagnosis cannot tell you his favorite hobby, if he will dance, paint or sing. It cannot list the unique gifts, strengths and weaknesses that he will bring. * No need to fear or be afraid, Your child is fearfully and wonderfully made. * The Bible says that all people are made in God’s image, Raising a special needs child is not a task it’s a privilege! Written By Luke R. Age 13  Big brother to Colt and Nic, two extra special boys with Down syndrome. @DownrightWonderful

Sibling Love

 

This is Colt and Nic’s 2nd oldest sister and their biggest fan, or at least she ties for biggest fan. I have shared this story about her on here before but for those who don’t know it I think it is an important one to tell. * She had just turned 6 when Colt was born and we shared the news with our children that he had Down syndrome. Not having a clue what Down syndrome was she went running out our back door, across the yard crying and shouting for all of our neighbors to hear, “He does NOT have Down syndrome!!”. * We had spoken very positively about Down syndrome to her but the name sounded scary and different and she did not want the scary unknown for her baby brother. I think that’s the way most adults respond to a “scary” diagnosis too. They don’t know anything about it other then some image they have in their mind or false information and they are scared of the unknown. * She always loved Colt immensely but it took her a little time to understand that the name “Down syndrome” did not change him. He wasn’t going to become Down syndrome. He was and is Colt and there was nothing scary or down about that. * Two years later when we discussed adopting Nic, all of our children wanted to, but the fact that this girl wanted to sacrifice anything to bring him home was all the sweeter. * My children decorate their personal desk space with their own unique hobbies and loves. Her desk is covered with pictures of Colt and Nic, and pictures of Davy on Reece’s Rainbow and other orphans with Down syndrome that my children are praying for and raising money for. Her dream is to “work in an orphanage with children with Down syndrome” as soon as she is old enough. * That moment when she ran out the back door almost 3 1/2 years ago was one of the only times I cried after Colt’s diagnosis and it had nothing to do with the diagnosis, but wanting my daughter to know that it would be OK. It was almost as if God planned it just so we could have such a vivid example of the way He works in our children through moments that might be hard for them at the time to understand but are all part of His perfect plan. And the same is true of us adults.