A source of courage & strength...Isabel

One of the greatest challenges Erin and I have ever faced was when Isabel was born with Apert Syndrome. It affects the fingers and toes (they were fused together), her scull was not properly formed, and many others physical problems. I remember the doctors telling us she would never be able to grow beyond a normal intelligence. I remember wondering if she would survive surgery. I remember wondering if she would ever be able to feed herself or pick up a pencil. I have often wondered how others would receive her when she gets to be school age. Roadblocks in her life have often been at the front of my mind for her.

And yet the Isabel that I know has never been held back by anything. She never gives up. She never gets down. Never worries about all of her potential problems. Against all expectations she has grown to be mentally sound...so much so that she is beyond many of her peers at this stage in her life. She lights up a room and blesses anyone she comes in contact with. She is out going and lifts our whole family's spirits. Mainly for me she provides a source of strength. She is my living and walking example of God's loving power for our life. She is a source of courage that God has gifted me with. Whenever I get disconnected with God, start feeling sorry for myself, worry, wonder if I'm going to be able to do this or that, I see Isabel. I am then reminded that God can and will do anything He wants to. There is nothing God cannot do in your life. There is no roadblock he can't navigate you through. No trial, burden, hurt, or pain he can't deliver you from. Isabel is my little King David, who against all the odds killed the giant and blew every one's expectations. David would tell you one thing if he were alive today. Actually he tells us in scripture that it is with God's power and strength we live and achieve victory. To God be the Glory!

I thank God every day for Isabel and for what she means to me, our family, and eventually to the world. I believe God is going to use her to change lives, to comfort the afflicted, to set the oppressed free. God has big plans for her. There is nothing in your life, no roadblock that can keep you from being used by Jesus to change the world for the Kingdom of God. The only thing keeping us from that is ourselves. Listen to the voice of God and let him challenge you where you are. Blessings, your Dreaming Pastor