Archive for August, 2009
Friday, August 28th, 2009
With a little help from my friends
At Joni and Friends Family Retreat, activities are planned by age and interest, not by ability. Each camper with a disability has a partner during the week who helps him or her be involved.
These STMs (Short Term Missionaries) are a crucial part of Joni Camp. Watch this STM throwing herself into a relay race with her young friend.
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Sweet friends
At Joni and Friends Family Retreat, I was blessed watching one of our young friends with his PCA (personal care attendant). They enjoy each other so much, the pleasure rubs off on anyone close by.
Who is blessing whom?
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Serendipity
I think serendipity is my favorite word, both for its sound and its meaning.
Serendipity — “an instance of making a desirable discovery by accident.”
I love it even better when it happens, like this morning. Johnny and I headed out the door for a 1/2-hour power walk. Which way shall we go? . . . Doesn’t matter. . . . Let’s go south; we haven’t gone that way for a while.
After 15 minutes walking through our neighborhood, we started homeward. Turning a corner, we caught sight of a porch being rebuilt by Piper Construction. That’s the business of our son Benjamin, and there he was with his co-worker Phil.
So our day started with a few moments with one of our boys and getting to see some of his handiwork–a sweet “accident.”
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
To Cheryl (and other parents of a child with disabilities)
Dear Cheryl,
You commented on the post about “Elda”:
It was the very encouragement I desperately prayed for. We have a son with Autism and I have struggled so much in past two weeks with him. Thank you for helping me remember that God is God alone, Unchangeable, Unstoppable. God knows my son and He is at work in my son’s life for His glory. What a beautiful thing that retreat must be!
Yes, Cheryl. This retreat is indeed an awesome thing–for us who are volunteers and even more for the families who attend. Our eyes are opened or re-opened toward our God who is unchangeable and unstoppable.
I don’t know where you live, but there are JAF retreats scattered around the country. Generally, the dates are similar from year to year. The dates and places for 2010 should be posted sometime about the beginning of each year. Most fill up fast, so it’s important to register early.
And if you’re not familiar with the Joni and Friends web site, be sure to look around in the other parts it. There are many kinds of helpful resources and encouragement there.
I pray God’s blessing on you today.
