"Even the saddest things can become, once we have made peace with them, a source of wisdom and strength for the journey that still lies ahead." Frederick Buehner

My heart is heavy tonight for a number of friends that are going through difficult times.  They are not disabled by something physical, but by something emotional.  They are losing a loved one.  They are loosing a dream.  They are losing a spouse.  They will need to fight a battle they never dreamed they would have to fight.  They will need something to help them walk again.  They will need someone to tell them they can make it.  They will need someone to lean on.

To those of you that are suffering.  May the God of all comfort surround you with His love.  May you find your strength in His promises.

"Considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7

     One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Hebrews 13:7.  It says,

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

     I usually use this verse in reference to the rich heritage I have from my christian ancestors.  I am so grateful for the spiritual truths and examples they imparted to me.  Joni Eareckson Tada has done that for me as well, since I was a teenager.  The story of her diving accident and resulting quadriplegia left a huge impression on me.  I learned so much about God's Word and His truth through her testimony.

     I just started reading Joni and Ken by Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada.  In the book they openly and honestly share the trials and challenges they have gone through in life and in marriage.  "The result of their conduct" makes me want to "imitate their faith."  Very few of us have gone through the challenges they have, but we all go through challenges in marriage and relationships.  I highly recommend their book to you.  It is so encouraging and inspiring and shows you that two amazing followers of Christ can be vulnerable and through it show the power of God.

     I am so grateful that Joni and Ken were willing to share their story in hopes of spurring the rest of us on.

The Grand Finale! WOW!

     It was a wonderful evening of celebration!  WOW!  We came together tonight with family and friends to celebrate God's goodness and the hard work of some amazing boys and girls!  I love you guys and thank God for everything you have done!
     Thank you for all of the hard work you did and the sacrifices you made to raise money for "Wheels for the World" so that a child will be able to go outside and play, be able to go to school and church, and hear about the love of Jesus.
     Thank you....

• Andrew, for collecting baked goods and selling them.  Thank you for putting on a play to raise money as well.  I would love to have seen the play!
• Arden, thank you for selling baked goods and for writing and illustrating a precious book.  I will cherish it forever!
• Ava, thank you for making the heart shaped crayons and selling them.  It makes me want to color!
• Ava,  thank you for making and selling the pictures to show love to someone else.
• Blake, thank you for sharing your artistic talents to raise money and for adding the extra touch of giving a lollipop with every purchase.
• Brady, thank you for the muffins you sold.  They got me through til breakfast!
• Claire, thank you for the baked goods and the great artwork on the magnets you made.  They were a hit!
• Isaiah, thank you for those Rice Krispie treats you made and sold (I bought quite a few!)
• Jack, the coffee from Starbucks was a very welcome addition to our market, as well as the juice and muffins!  A big thank you to all of your family for adding so generously to the funds!
• Karen, I think every three and four year-old at FFP thanks you for the goldfish at the end of the day!
• Samuel, you are quite a salesman!  Thank you for the personalized tour of your home at the garage sale!
• Savannah, your cards and pencils were created and sold with love.  Thank you!
• Thomas, you truly have sweat equity in the money you raised.  Thank you for cleaning pools, houses, and yards to help out our friends in need.
• Tripp, thank you for all of the golf ball hunts you went on to sell and raise money to get another wheelchair.  Awesome!
• Will, thank you for the cupcakes that were almost too pretty to eat!  Also, please thank your family for their generous contribution!
• Carol, my sister-in-law, thank you for the hours and resources you put into making bookmarks to sell.  You have been so supportive!
• Kim, thank you for helping with all of the projects and then bringing in another wheelchair to finish it off.  You are priceless!

I want to mention a special thanks to Jabe Cochren and his mother Christie, our guest speaker tonight.  Jabe is an inspiration to all of us.  He was born with spina-bifida and continually amazes me with his faith and determination.

I want to thank Kay and Gail from the Joni and Friends staff in San Antonio for joining us tonight, inspiring us and giving the kids wonderful gifts of appreciation.

I want to thank the parents, Tabitha, Susan, Meg, Tiffany, and Angela that provided the cake, decorations, and balloons for tonight.

Bill, thank you for always helping me, no matter what event is going on.  You truly are a servant leader!  I love you so much.

Steffani, thank you for casting the dream for First Foundation, for serving alongside me, and for loving on so many precious children.

And God, well you never cease to amaze.  Thank you for everything you teach me through children and for holding my hand every step of this journey we are on.

And did I mention....those fabulous children in the Bridge Class raised $2,550 for 17 wheelchairs!!!

Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made!  I love you guys so much!!

Day 20: Casting Vision in Chapel

     On Tuesday the kids and I had an opportunity to lead chapel.  The director of our school, Steffani Wilkins, asked us to share about "The Butterfly Effect" and our "Wheels for the World" project.  The kids were very excited when I told them we were going to be doing it and were even more excited on Tuesday.

     We started off with introductions.  Mrs. Wilkins introduced me and then I introduced the kids.  The kids asked me if they were going to be able to take a bow so of course I let them right off the bat.  The kids sat down and then I introduced, "Smiley."  Smiley is my teaching assistant during our special needs unit.  

     I told the kids that Smiley is a special wheelchair because it is one that God brought to me.  I had used an adult chair with the kids for five years and then it became unavailable to me.  I prayed over a summer that God would bring me a wheelchair and I would love to have a child's wheelchair.  I knew I could get a wheelchair through different connections, but then I would be worried that I was using one a child could use.  So I prayed all summer that God would deliver one to me and then I would know it was fine to use.  

     One day I had a knock on my door and it was our copier repair man.  He leaned into the classroom and said, "I hear you might want a child's wheelchair."  I instantly had goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes.  I was so excited and loved that it even had a happy face on it!  Gene, our repair man, had been cleaning out storage for a ministry and had it all loaded on a truck.  He had stopped by the school.  Mrs. Wilkins asked him what he was doing and asked what he was getting rid of.  When she heard about the wheelchair she instantly thought of me.  So, Smiley is my gift from God, delivered by Gene.

     For chapel it was a little tricky to come up with a way to explain "The Butterfly Effect" and everything you have shared and developed with your students over a month in 20 minutes.   It also makes it challenging when the kids are only 3 to 5 years old, but we gave it our best shot.

     I held up a little paper fan and started fanning myself.  I told them that I love fans (especially the older I get).  The fan moves molecules (or little bubbles) of air and they in turn bump into more bubbles of air, and they in turn bump into more bubbles of air.  I asked if anyone could feel it and they said no.

Then I brought out a small, but larger fan and turned it on.  I asked how many kids could feel that one and a few could.  We talked about how the fan could move more bubbles of air because the blades were bigger and there was power behind it.  Then I brought a big workshop fan out and turned it on.  All of the kids could feel it now!  This fan was bigger and more powerful and could move more molecules of air!

    I told the kids that I have been teaching a month long unit on disabilities to my kids for the last five years.  A disability means someone can't do something or they have to do it differently than most people do.  I also shared with them about kids around the world that don't have access to a wheelchair and have to stay in bed all the time.  They often can't go to school, to church, or even outside.  It has been on my heart to do something about it so every year we raised enough money for one wheelchair.

     One night God woke me up in the middle of the night and told me that I needed to make the fundraising efforts bigger.  I needed to get the parents to understand what we were doing and then they would help their kids understand.  So last year I met with the parents.  I didn't do the greatest job casting vision, but God totally covered for me.  Anyway, the kids did a great job last year and they have continued the dream this year.  All of the kids came up with great ideas for raising money.

     I shared with the kids that God also gave me a book, The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews.  In the book it explains the theory that when a butterfly flaps its wings it moves molecules of air, which moves more molecules of air, which moves more molecules of air which can eventually cause an earthquake on the other side of the world.  I said I don't know if that is true, but I do know that a lot can happen from just one little butterfly.

     I had all of my children share what they did to raise money for wheelchairs.  They were all very creative and very sacrificial.  I will share those ideas in another post.  I had the children put a butterfly on a tree after they shared what they did.  I also put up a butterfly for me, because I had shared the idea with the parents.  I told the kids that it didn't start with me, however.  A good friend had shared about "Wheels for the World" with me, so I put up a butterfly for her.  I shared that if it hadn't been for Joni Eareckson Tada, the ministry wouldn't exist, so I put up a butterfly for her.  Someone had told Joni about the need before that.....and then there are the people that collect the wheelchairs, the people that refurbish the wheelchairs, the people that deliver the wheelchairs around the world, and the physical therapists that fit the wheelchairs.  We wouldn't be able to put up enough butterflies.  We can't trace back all of the people involved.  The more people involved and the more power behind it, the more that can happen.  In fact, two of my students took their efforts farther and close to $1,000 by sharing with their extended families!

     On the walls of our school we started with one butterfly and now look at them.  There is a butterfly for each dollar raised.  There are not just hundreds of butterflies, but there are thousands because of what 15 kids did.  That is amazing!  I shared with the kids that they are just one little butterfly, but they can start off a butterfly effect that makes an enormous difference.  

     I shared the verse from John 13:34, "A new command I give you; Love one another.  As I have loved you so must you love one another."  We are all called to love and serve one another, no matter what our abilities or disabilities are.  We closed with prayer and gave thanks for the ability to walk, run and play, to see, to hear, and to learn.  May we have compassion and love for each other no matter what our challenges may be and may God be honored and glorified in all that we do.  Amen.

Day 19: Looking Back

    We had our last visit with Joni Eareckson Tada through DVD.  She thanked the kids for partnering with her on the "Wheels For the World" project and summarized all the things the kids had learned.  She concluded by introducing the kids to another one of my heroes, Nick Vujicic.  Nick was born without legs or arms.  He has been an inspiration to children, young people, and adults around the world.

     It has been a powerful month and I hope the children have been impacted for a lifetime.  They have learned how precisely they were made by God, that their weaknesses can demonstrate the power of God, they have worked hard and sacrificed to help children in need, and they have learned to appreciate each other a little more.

     Stay with me.  We have a lot of celebrating to do this week!

Days 17 and 18: Learning About Intellectual and Emotional Challenges

      We are almost finished with our "How To Be a Friend To Someone With a Disability" curriculum based on Joni Eareckson Tada's book, "On a Roll For Jesus."  It is always a highlight of my school year and I am a little sad when we are finished.  There is always so much to talk about and I wish I could introduce the children to so many more people.  It is similar to when you go to Europe and come back so excited about the journey.  You are anxious to share the pictures with all of your friends.  There just aren't enough words to express all of the experiences and emotions, however.  All I do know is the kids have changed and so have I.

     In one of Joni's DVD clips she talked about "Invisible Disabilities," one of them can be autism.  The children had a lot of questions about autism.  I shared with them some characteristic behaviors and struggles.  It was interesting because some of them started sharing struggles about each other in a way that could be hurtful.  I thought well I could end the conversation or teach from it. So I taught from it.  We openly shared our challenges and what we do to handle them and then we talked about how to encourage one another and cheer each other on.  From that discussion they know they love each other.

     One of the little boys in my class is Will and Will has such a huge heart for everyone in the class and if you struggle at all, he has an even bigger heart.  He always adds a lot of grace to a conversation.  For a little guy he also has wisdom regarding how to encourage someone.  Will has quietly and confidently raised money for the wheelchair and his family has been a huge part of it.

     

Day 15: Trusting God

     Today we had one of my heroes and dear friends come visit our classroom as a "powerful person."  She is letting God show His power through her challenge.  She is one of our teachers and was in a tragic car accident last fall.  I am so grateful that her life was spared, but she has had some challenges that have altered her life in many ways.  Stephanie, however, has shown her trust in God over and over again.

     When Stephanie came to our class she shared a little bit about the accident, but quickly moved to sharing about the damage done to her eye during the impact.  I can't fully explain the challenges she has faced, but dizziness, double vision, lack of balance, and challenges in the ability to read are a few of them.  She had to face the fears of "What if this never gets better?" and "What if this permanently alters my life?"

     BUT Stephanie is a tremendous woman of faith.  She trusts God with every ounce of her being.  She's honest about her fears, but more than willing to let God use any circumstances He needs to bring glory to Himself.  I am proud of Stephanie and her willingness to walk any road God asks of her.

     Stephanie also shared a sad moment when a child looked at her with her eye patch on and laughed at her.  Even though the experience was hard for her she decided to invest in the little boy's life by sharing that it hurt her feelings and why.  She cared enough for him to understand that we need to encourage those with a disability and never make fun of their situation.  I would imagine that made an impact on the little boy, one that he won't forget very soon.

     We never know what challenge may come our way in a matter of moments.  My hope is that my students will remember the lessons that Stephanie shared with them.  I also hope they will remember the hope and faith she lives by. 

     Thank you for sharing your heart and your faith with us, Stephanie.  My prayer is that God's healing will come soon if that is His plan for you, but mostly I pray, that God's goodness and love will be evident to those around you.

Day 16: Take a Chance, Take a Moment, Take a Step of Faith

     Today I wasn't at school and I kept wondering what my students were doing and talking about.  They always have some pretty amazing things to share with me.  Instead, I needed to take a family member to have an iron infusion which took about 7 hours total.  It was hard to leave her while the infusion took place.  I ran a few errands, but found myself thinking about all of the people sitting in the same room with her while their chemotherapy or radiation was being pumped in.  So much of their life and abilities are on the line and I take mine so for granted.

     I always find it interesting that people can't take the step of faith to believe in Christ's love for them, the sacrifices He made, and the forgiveness He offers us.  Yet, we all walk in faith every day.  We have faith that we won't get the diagnosis of cancer.  I have lost 3 grandparents to cancer, as well as my father and my brother.  My grandmother and mother survived cancer.  I know my life could change in an afternoon, but I also walk securely in my faith in Jesus Christ.

     On Sunday our pastor shared the expression, YOLO.  You Only Live Once.  I know I will live more than once, but I do need to live this life to the fullest so I can rejoice that I did when I get to heaven one day.  

     Tomorrow, take a chance.  Encourage someone that is challenged with a disability or disease.  Take a moment to thank God for your health and take a step of faith and accept Christ's great love for you.