Happy Birthday Jimmy!

My baby is 11 years old today! Wow! Where has the time gone? I am so honored that the Lord has allowed me to be his momma.

His first day of preschool. So precious! He was so proud of himself because he got to go to 'school' like his brother and sisters.

He's flying a kite...I love this picture.

Fast forward about 6 years and here he is! Don't you just love the hair. I love the uniqueness about him. He has his own style.

"[Hannah to the Priest Eli] As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." 1 Samuel 1:26-28 

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this treasure you have given me. Lord, I pray that you walk with him and guide his steps. I plead with you that you keep in from harm. Keep him from temptations of this world. I am reminded that your Word says you will abide in us if we abide in you. I pray that he hungers for you. May he discover the joy of your presence through daily relationship with your Son, Jesus. You know he has such a sweet, sweet spirit. He's yours. I am so thankful that you have entrusted me with him. Give me wisdom and knowledge to help guide him as well. Forgive us Lord where we both fail you.Ever assist him to grow in wisdom, in kindness, compassion and love. May he serve you faithfully with his whole heart devoted to you.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen 

So why the title Superman Blessings?

Superman Blessings was inspired by my oldest son. His autism has been a blessing to us in so many ways. What? Autism a blessing?

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. John 9:3

Oh, I've had so much comfort from that verse! So I can boldly and proudly say his autism has been a blessing. My son touches hearts everywhere he goes! And he doesn't even have to say a word. It's in his actions, it's on his face. He is himself. He doesn't pretend to be anybody he's not. He's real. He's honest. Can I say the same? I'm ashamed to say no. But it's true. The honesty about him is very appealing. When he's mad, he's mad.(watch out by the way, it could get ugly!) When he's sad, he's sad and it breaks your heart. When he's happy, his laughter is infectious. You'll laugh until you cry. When I tell friends and family something cute or funny he has done they all tell me I should write a book. So this next story is where Superman Blessings came from...
A friend had called one morning and wanted to meet me for lunch. She is a close friend so she knew I couldn't get a sitter so my son would have to come too. To be quite honest, I did not want to go. I didn't have much time to get ready and I was worried(like always) that my son would not do well. We were gonna meet at McDonald's. Don't get me wrong, he loves McDonald's but remember he's a fourteen year old, special needs child and there are always things that I worry may happen. For instance, all parents aren't accepting of him and some even pull their children away, but mostly they allow their children to stare and laugh. Most days, I don't care because I am very proud of him, but on this particular day I just wasn't feeling it! But anyway, my friend doesn't normally call out of the blue to go eat lunch, usually we plan it. So I thought it was important that I go. Anyway, we get there and yes I was right. The play area was full of little kids. I swallowed hard, said another quick prayer and went inside. And there it was...Superman...a happy meal toy. My son had been talking for several months about Superman. Not talking happily, but in shear frustration because he could not find his Superman. We had even made a special trip to my moms to look for it but never could find it. I'm sure you're thinking, 'No big deal, we lose things all the time.' But when my son can't find something or is anxious about something happening, there's no peace until it happens. He can not think about anything else. He drives himself bonkers and us too! And wouldn't you know it, he didn't get a Superman, he got Batman! I was thinking, 'Come on God, give me a break!' He was not a happy camper, I'll just put it nicely. We got seated outside with my friend, and he was beginning to become aggressive. I know right? Over superman! He kept saying, 'We don't have it' or 'We'll get it next time' or 'My Superman is missing.' At this point, I'm trying to ignore him but really wanted to leave because I knew this had the potential of being a big explosion. Because of his autism he has a hard time processing his thoughts properly and it makes him angry. Trying to carry on a conversation with my buddy, the kind man at the next table laid pure gold on our table...a Superman! We couldn't believe it! My son was so happy and we were relieved and very thankful. I could never repay him...or could I? Just then the wind began to blow and my son's cheeseburger wrapper flew off the table and into the parking lot. Me, not wanting to litter, jumped up and ran after it. Now mind you, I'm a big girl! I was huffing and puffing, running as fast as I could to catch the trash. I can only imagine all of the people looking and laughing at me. Every time it dropped to the ground, I bent to pick it up and the wind would blow it again. Why didn't I give up? I was determined!
I finally did get it. When I came back to our table,out of breath, my friend and the kind man were laughing. He said that watching me was payment enough. I'm so glad I could repay him so soon! My son was still very happy with his treasure. He began to play with the other little boys. Now remember, my son is fourteen. These little boys were probably four or five. They were flying their Superman's and Batman's all around the play area. One would go down in distress and my son would say in his best Superman voice 'I'll save you!' And his Superman would swoop down and rescue him. It was so cute. I could have honestly laid in the floor and cried, I felt so blessed. So this was just a reminder to me that even when the odds seem stacked up against us, God still has a plan. We just need to be obedient and go where he sends us. Even if it's to McDonald's when you don't feel like it! You never know when you're gonna get a Superman blessing!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

And one of my favorites is:

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28

An awesome game of Twister

On Saturday we celebrated my nieces 6th birthday. She is so precious. When she gets out of the car and runs to me....there's nothing like it in the world! I helped my sister plan and organize some of the details. I made a few homemade decorations for the party. My sister, bless her heart, claims that she does not have the crafty gene. But I know it's there. I love simple, family parties. Why is it that we think our child's birthday party has to be perfect and expensive. I love, and so does my family, simple parties. These family parties started with my oldest son. Like I said before, his autism has caused us to 'stop and smell the roses' you could say. Even though, he is fourteen, his mind is much younger. When we have a get together and we tell him the family is coming, he gets so excited. He calls all of us together, 'the family.' His parties are big occasion's. It's his birthday for one and another because he has survived another year cancer free. He loves all the party games like musical chairs, balloon toss and other kiddy games. So when there's a party, the kids want to know what games we are going to play. Back to my niece's party...she had everything hot pink and black and Monster High decorations. It was raining outside so we decided to play Twister. Just so you know, that was the most fun! We played a kid game and then an adult game. It was the funniest thing. We are not the most fit family(some of them are....not me!)so watching us stretch and strain was hilarious. You could hear all the backs and knees popping and I'll not mention the gas! Whewh! I am so thankful for this time with 'the family.' I am done with expensive parties. We are making memories to last a lifetime. And you know, I'm sure God was laughing harder than we were. I think this Scripture sums it up:

Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

He HAS done great things for us! We should not take for granted the time He has allowed us to have with our families.

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. James 4:14

My cup is so full...

As I lay in the bed talking with the Lord, I was reminded again about the wonderful family and support system that I have been so blessed with. I have a wonderful husband who would truly give me his heart if I needed it. He is constantly affirming his love for me. Sometimes, I admit, I take advantage of such loyalty and devotion. Awesome, amazing, bright, wonderful, did I say awesome already, children. Two girls and two boys. Perfect, right? The two girls I did not give birth to but are forever mine. Both are very different, but each hold a special place in my heart. My oldest son is a cancer survivor and has autism. He brings such joy to my life. Through his eyes I am reminded of simplicity in the little things. And my baby, who is not a baby anymore, will be turning 11 on Thursday. He is exactly how we thought he would be....a nice combination of me and his daddy. Oh, I can remember such cute things he would say we he was little. 'When I's a mommy, I will .......too.' Bless his heart! He didn't know then that he couldn't be a mommy! Ohh how I love him.
But my true support has always came from my mama. She is truly the best. She loves me when no one else does, she holds my hand when there is no one to hold my hand, she laughs with me when there is no one to laugh with me, she cries with me when I am overwhelmed(which is a lot!), her love is infectious. I want to be the mother she is to me. I watch her gentleness with my children and my nieces and nephews. She plays with them when the look on her face says she's exhausted. She holds little hands and walks forever, where their little fingers point. I know that sounds like a grandmothers love, but it's a mother's love too. If I could be half that, I would be doing well. She helps me so much. To my son with special needs, she is his world! She can just walk in the room and his mood changes and know it's because that love that just beams from her face. I could never repay her for the gift she has given me. All the times when I had no one, she would play the role of whoever I needed whether it be a daddy, a best friend, a buddy, a secret teller, or even a father for my own child. She said, 'Don't worry honey, I'll be the daddy.' And I knew she would be too. And she was. When I think about her, I am reminded of these verses in the Bible:

Her children arise and call her blessed...Proverbs 31:28
Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. Proverbs 31:25

She is the true Proverbs 31 woman that I strive to be!

I have so many others that inspire this blog as well. I'll get to them tomorrow...my cup is full!

We love, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

I love because Jesus loves me! In all of my mess...He loves me! I am so honored to be used as a vessel for Him to work through. I am nothing. But because of Jesus that lives in me, I am everything! God has really been trying to get me to understand that HE LOVES ME. Because until we realize that, we can't truly love others. I have always said, 'Yeah, God loves me'. But deep down I knew the real me. I knew what I did. I knew what I said. I knew what I thought. I know now that is a trick satan uses to keep us down. Why would he want me to hold my head up high, confident in who I am? He doesn't.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". John 10:10

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Now let me clear something up, I am nothing....I am not confident....but because He lives in me....I am. For years, I have believed that I am not worthy of His love. Because of my choices, I have felt not good enough. But I am so ready to move forward and receive His gracious love He has for me. See you can't earn His love. He freely gives it! And the Word says:

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

I am a new creation! The old has gone! My past is behind me! I am so thankful! And I intend to strive, proudly toward the finish line.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:12-14

So this blog is about me pressing on...I sit here with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye, knowing He has just given me direction. Thank you Lord for guiding my steps.

Where do I start?

Ok...I have been thinking all day about my new blog. I'm excited to finally start journaling all the things that God is revealing to me through His Word and through the eyes of my children. But there's one problem. Where do I start? Do I jump right in or do I give background info? I'm not sure...but I will figure this thing out. Ok. Here goes....

I'm so excited!

I finally did it! This is my very first post. I can't wait to share some of the things God has been doing in my life. Will jump into that later. And I know you're probably wondering why the name Superman Blessings, right? Another God thing! Still trying to figure this whole blog-thing out. So please be patient. In the mean time....God bless.


Chrisy