Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Six months ago we first heard of Brain Balance, a center with a drug-free approach for children with Aspergers, and began to research it. We visited, watched testimonials, and prayed hard to see if this was where God would have us go. The real kicker was that they didn't take insurance and the cost of treatment for our son would total $14,000.

So the Lord put it on our heart to ask others to join us in the journey. After creating a GO FUND ME page and helpful friends promoting it, we raised all of the money!! Now we are on this journey. It is so exciting with homework and sessions to go to. Diet changes and meetings regularly with a nutritionist. I still sit in awe of God's provision and those faithful friends who blessed us with finances and others who prayed fervently during our fundraising.

What if I had been afraid to ask for help?

Sometimes pride holds us back from seeking out help. Maybe we grew up in a home where everyone held their own - showing a sense of "strength" or maybe you are embarrassed to ask friends to help you with your struggle/need. If our family had stayed in a place of fear or pride, my son wouldn't be in Brain Balance now. And I would have robbed a group of people from being used by God in the life of a little boy. A story he will re-tell to his children and others around him. A season of receiving which later will allow him to give. It is life-changing when we pray and allow others to come alongside and hold up our arms - in a place we are too weak to stand on our own.  

We would be in a totally different place right now if we didn't ask for help.

What is it for you? Is there an area of your life that seems overwhelming and you need help navigating?

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Friends are waiting in the wing to be used by Him and it is a story that others will share of His goodness and faithfulness because you voiced a need.

OR ....is there someone in your life that needs some help where the Lord may be nudging you to assist?

Pray and allow Him to use you in the life of others. Something you will never regret and always remember.

If I Pray...

"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

- Romans 15:13

Three truths the Lord showed me in my quiet time today:
IF I PRAY
It's so easy to do everything quickly and efficiently these days, but why does it seem so hard to push pause and pray? So many things pull for our attention, but true change - in heart and deed- happens when we are still before Him for answers and direction. We have been praying for the past few weeks about school, therapy, and how to disciple our kids - especially my most challenging child.  Many days it has SEEMED as if God has been quiet with little direction. But I have felt led to just be still before Him and wait.

GOD WILL GIVE ME HOPE 
Yesterday our answer came - in such an unlikely way too! My son was at his occupational therapy evaluation at a new place when the doctor overseeing us suggested we check out a new place, Brain Balance (nationally known) that is coming soon to Naples, our home town, so we did! What an awesome encouragement - the testimonials were-  on their website to a mom of a child with Asbergers! We are checking them out as I type! I prayed for it, and here was my HOPE!

HE WILL KEEP ME HAPPY & FULL OF PEACE
God promises that If I pray the result will be a life that is happy and full of peace. How true this is and convicting at the same time. I need to pause throughout my busy day, full of balancing life with three kiddos, and ask for HOPE, HAPPINESS, and PEACE. It is three things that will help me especially in those times when I want to throw in the towel. HE hasn't forgotten about me, HE hears my prayers, and like any good father wants to see me full of happiness and peace. But the only path to those three things STARTS with prayer. 

HE heard my prayers for a new beginning full of hope and peace - as we start our school year. The answer didn't come immediately, but HE doesn't promise that it will! My heart has such a hard time with patience, but I must remember how HE works behind the scenes making the perfect connections for my life. Sometimes it takes a little while, but it is well worth the wait as it brings such indescribable peace. We are excited to move forward and follow His direction as we seek Him in prayer daily - and watch Him work! How about you?

Do you feel sluggish lately, in a slump in need of peace and happiness?

Seek His face (Psalm 105:4) in prayer daily and ask Him for a fresh dose of HOPE for your family! 

Jesus loves you much and IS working behind the scenes even when it SEEMS as if He is silent!