A Child's Testimony

Recently my church had a special outdoor service so our entire congregation could worship together. Among the 8 people who were baptized was Danielle, an 8 year old girl. I think it takes a lot of courage for anyone to get in front of a thousand people to do anything, let alone talk about what God has done in your life and then be baptized. But think about being an 8 year old child. What makes this even more meaningful is Danielle is a special needs child. Her body may not work like other kids, but this girl's mind, heart, and soul are worth far more. Here is what she shared while being held by one of our pastors just prior to baptizing her.

I love Jesus. It doesn’t matter if you are special needs, he still loves you. So don’t worry if you have a need that people can see. You are still a child of God. During my surgeries God was
with me. He’s always with you. I know I can trust God. He even helps us through hard
times. Jesus is awesome. Just like it says in John 3:16, He even died on the cross for our
sins. He is so kind. He really didn’t have to do that. That’s why he is so kind. In Heaven you
can have ice cream for breakfast, lunch or dinner or other treats you like. Jesus is
preparing a place for you in Heaven. I accepted Jesus in my life. I know I’m going to Heaven.

My verse of assurance is Phil. 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I think this little girl is something special. Let's never lose that kind of faith!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul

Celebrating Dads

What a great moment at the Phillies game earlier this week. Steve Montforto takes his family to a Phillies game and during the game catches his first foul ball ever. An exciting moment as he celebrates with those around him. Then, like any good dad, he gives the ball to his little girl, 3 year old Emily. She promptly does what any three year old may do, she throws the ball away. Dad has a look of disbelief, and then gives his girl a big bear hug as she realizes that she probably did the wrong thing. It was a touching moment, so much that it has been all over the media, and I am blogging about it as well.

I am tired of Hollywood portraying men as idiots, who are of little or no importance to the family. On the contrary, dads play an important role, and are vital to any healthy family. So let's use this media moment to remind ourselves that dads can make all the difference in the world to any child, just like moms. Way to go Steve!

Back to School

Yesterday our family reached another milestone. Our youngest son, Andrew, went off for his last first day of school for the rest of his life. And that means Phyllis and I experienced our last first day of school. I know, he is going off to college next year, but that doesn't count. College is elective, grades 1 through 12 are mandatory. College is an experience where your son or daughter don't have parents to wake them up in the morning, make sure they are dressed for the weather, etc. If he or she can't make it on their own with these basics in college, then there is a real problem somewhere. As per ususal, the Lower Moreland School Districe computer program messed up his schedule. Phyllis put in a note of encouragement in his lunch bag, nagged him about what he needed to do, etc.
Later this week we will have our last Back to School night. We have never missed one for any of our kids in any grade. When we had more than one in the same school, we practiced divide and conquer. Funny thing is, the parents who really need to be there because they are lousy parents, who have lousy kids, aren't the ones present. But at this point, I don't care because I am about to experience my last one.
God has been very good to us. All of our children were born healthy, they have all accepted Christ as their savior, they are leading productive, meaningful lives. We have a lot to be thankful for, and we want to give Him the glory, because all three have been prayed for endlessly. We have been spared many of the parenting nightmares I have had in my counseling office (they are far from perfect kids, and we have been far from perfect parents, ohh to be able to wind back the clock and do somethings differently).
And so I will go through this week with a sense of gratitude, relief, accomplishment, and while I miss many aspects of when they were little ones, I can't wait to see how God leads them in their early adult years. We need to keep hanging on as the ride continues!
Blessings,
Dr. Paul