"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD you God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
We are all on a journey.
On this journey, there are so many unknowns.
This journey that we have been on has been filled with wonder, excitement, many learning opportunities, blessings, challenges, joys, but also doubts.
It is in those times of doubts, I need to remind myself to keep trusting in the One who is leading me.
I am very thankful for the many learning opportunities that I have experienced throughout this journey that I am on. I am constantly learning and trying to educate myself. These learning opportunities come from so many different sources. It could be from a conversation with another Mom, an encouraging article online, reading some one's blog, reading a book, meeting others, first hand experience, etc. One of my most recent learning opportunities was at the "Life to the Full" conference in Niagara Falls with my daughter, Nicole.
At the conference about Special Needs, we learned about ability and identity. We were reminded that everybody belongs and that we need to move from "exclusion to tolerance to inclusion to BELONGING". The Biblical view of identity was discussed and we were reminded how ability does not equal identity. Dr. Erik Carter explained 10 dimensions of belonging, which included: being present, being invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved. We were reminded that we are one in Christ and we were challenged to treat others in the same way that Christ did.
I am so thankful for the journey that we are on. I am thankful that I have a God that I am able to trust in and who will lead me through this journey. I am also thankful for the many learning opportunities that I have.
Continuing to give thanks...
-our exciting journey
-a God whom I am able to trust in
-countless learning opportunities
-amazing speakers and a blessed conference
-weekend away with Nicole
-spending the weekend with my precious daughter
-her precious heart and desire to learn more about special needs
-being in awe of God's amazing creation, and His awesome power
-our view from our room
-a beautiful lit up sky
