Consider It Pure Joy...

My heart is heavy and these words keep ringing in my head tonight... "Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Pure joy? Not blemished or partial, half-hearted joy but PURE, unadulterated and authentic JOY?

How do I exude this joy as I tell my son that he's failed this food trials today? How do I explain to him that he is allergic to ALL foods--that his body battles itself every time he takes a bite? How do I break the news that I have to take away the 5 foods he's been able to enjoy and go back to solely a liquid, medicinal formula diet? And all the while, he has to stay joyful in the process? ......................................................

Because God tells me to. Sometimes I get frustrated that God is having to use my son to grow MY character but then I think about how God has used these "hurdles" to deeply grow all of us. Strength in weakness... Beauty in brokenness...

Food is a basic necessity of life--we deal with it every day--at almost every social event, play date, school function, the list goes on and on. The only way to walk through this valley is to have HOPE and JOY in ALL circumstances.

Recently when talking to Sy about heaven, his big, blue eyes lit up as he asked, "Will I be able to eat all 'fewds' in heaven?" Needless to say, he has great hope and is stoked to get there!

So I trust... I have faith that God is using this for the greater good, for OUR greater growth, and HIS greater glory!

So even tonight as I sit here and struggle to feel it, I. CHOOSE. JOY!!!

Big Day in Cincinnati!

Hey everyone,

We are just asking for your prayers as we sit and wait to take Sy in for another endoscopy here in Ohio. We have added a few more foods to his diet and we've had a few new symptoms pop up, so we're a little apprehensive. We know that God has taken great care of our little champ and we know without a doubt that He will continue to do so!

Sy just enjoyed his 5th birthday, so we are praying that this will be his year for a breakthrough in his treatment. We are also asking for wisdom as we have many decisions to make after we get the results.

We will let you know how it goes. Thanks for your help in keeping our sweet boy healthy!

Sy Takes Five!

Well, today is a big day. Sy is turning 5 years old!

It just seems like yesterday when this special little guy entered the world and began taking us all on the adventure of his life. Even though Sy has encountered many obstacles, he continues to shine through every one with a big smile. He blesses our family every day and we are glad to have his attitude and patience around us when it comes to dealing with life's curveballs.

This birthday will be another one without a real cake, pizza, and ice cream, but Sy will still celebrate in full force with his 5 whole foods. Wow, that just hit me. 5 years of being alive and only 1 ingredient for every year. We hope to pick up the pace a little!

So we just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Birthday to our little boy and let you know how special he really is to us...

We love you, Mr. Man! Your smile is contagious and you are an amazing gift from God. We are proud of you and love you more than words can express. Four was a mighty year for you... You got to meet your all-time hero, Norm Duke; you fell in random love with "Ohio Steak;" you spent most of the year solely living off of your "juice boxes;" you became a big brother; and most importantly, you asked Jesus into your heart and began your adventure with Him. What a year! We couldn't ask for more and we can't wait to see what the Big 5 brings!!!