Celebrating Firsts and Lasts

The last couple of months, we have celebrated many milestones in our family.  Some may seem small to many but huge to us.  Some may seem unobtainable to others but I promise you they are very achievable.
Just yesterday, we had a "Graduation from Therapy Party for my son, Grant.  Grant is 10 years old. Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.  We began therapy right away knowing that with the right services he would thrive.
I never felt led to pray for a "cure" for something that did not need to be "cured." I am certain God did not make a mistake when he made Grant.  It is up to me to help bring out all of Grant's gifts that God instilled in him and nurture those gifts to fruition.

I challenge every parent whether a parent to a special needs child or not to focus on their child's strengths not their weaknesses.  Focus on the gifts that God has given them.  Remind them that the gift is from God.  Build their faith daily. (and yours)  Treat each day as if it were the first day of your salvation.  Be thankful, be bold, be kind, be giving, be tender, be loving, be Christ-centered, be an example to your child and to others.
Build your Paper Plate Prayer collection, put it under your pillow, under your bed, in your drawer or on your wall. Then be prayerful!
My Paper Plate Prayer collection started when I was 10 years old.  At that time, I kept it a secret.  I would hide them under my dresser and not tell anyone I was doing it.  I watched God answer those tough prayers and knew he was watching over me in a tough situation.
Later I prayed for a blonde, blue-eyed little girl.  God answered that prayer over a decade later!
Each one of my children have already started their own collection.  It is a journal to keep and cherish. We decorate them, share them, hide them....they are our pride and joy.  It is amazing to go through them at the dinner table and watch the children's expression when they realize which ones God has specifically answered.

I pray they become sacred in your home as well.

~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord,
Thank you.  Thank you for answered prayers.  I humbly cherish them both big and small.
     ~Amen

May God Be The Glory,
Jennifer

1 Thessalonians 1-3  To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace to you.  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.  We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.