December 10, 2007

Grace

Every once in a while, we get a card in the mail that makes us stop and reassess what's happened to us. We got one late last week.

Someone who knows someone who knows Susan sent us a card to encourage us. In it, she related that she had been praying for us ever since she learned about Whitney in October. She then related to us how God's grace is always sufficient for us by telling us how God had carried her through unspeakable grief: she had lost three children to a very rare metabolic disorder. During one of the pregnancies, her doctors ruled out autism, and she was disappointed. She knew that she could care for a child with autism, she could pour her love into providing for that child. But she couldn't pour a lifetime of love into the children she lost. She reminded us that, Lord willing, we would have that opportunity with Whitney. And with that, God reminded me (again) that Whitney with her spina bifida is a blessing that we have only by His grace.

10 comments:

Kristi said...

I saw a short video and wanted to pass it along. I don't know if it would be tough to watch or if it would be inspiring, but for me, it was a time to ponder the deep and mysterious ways God proclaims His glory through us, His children. We all have unique ways to do just that.
Love and prayers to you and your beloved,
Kristi (Kroeze) Hofman

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Susan M. Nelson said...

Thank you for the video link, Kristi. It was amazing and inspiring to watch. I just want to warn anyone else who may want to watch it to have the kleenex ready.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for keeping us updated every so often. WOW can you believe Whitney is getting ready for her arrival so soon? I can hardly wait to see her...I can only IMAGINE the anxiety/excitement you both must be facing. A birth, a new life, a gift, a treasure, a life to teach about the Lords love and grace, and endless days of learning and love and laughter. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Love ya tons

Myron Rau said...

Matt & Susan;

In late September, a request for prayer for you appeared in our bulletin at Covenant United Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. I am the email prayer post coordinator for Covenant and since then have posted a reminder a couple of times, the latest being this week. I am the one who introduced myself to you Susan, at the recent RYS dinner.
Myron Rau

Amanda said...

Hey Matt and Susan! I just wanted you to know that you're in my prayers every day. I pray that God will give you wisdom and peace. I pray for healing in Whitney. And I thank God for your incredible faith in Him and the testimony that it is to many. You guys rock and I can't wait to see you and Fiona! Sending my love!

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt and Susan,
Just a reminder to let you know that we are thinking of you often and pray that the faith and peace God has given you will continue to support you throughout the coming weeks, up to and including the gift of Whitney's birth. We wish you a Blessed holiday season with family and friends. Love from our home to yours. Uncle Harry and Aunt Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt and Susan! Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, and say that you are both in my prayers. God has given Whitney the best parents. Your faith and strength continues to amaze me, and they will amaze Whitney as well. --Andrew

Anonymous said...

Hi Whitney,
My name is Anna Britton and I am 20 years old. My dad is going to physical therapy at Spectrum South Pavilion and his physical therapist is a friend of yours!? Anyway, they got to talking and dad must of told her I have Spina Bifida because she gave him your blog address to give to me! Anyway, I love helping other families who are going through this time! It's a scary time but God will grow you and the baby and stretch you in many awesome ways! If you want to contact me for anything my e-mail address is amballsmiles@sbcglobal.net

I'll be thinking of you and praying for you! Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Your Friend,
Anna Britton

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Matt, Susan, Fiona and Whitney! We pray you have a blessed Christmas and new year- and we can't wait to meet Whitney. Have a safe couple of weeks! Praise the Lord!
Hey Susan, you look pretty good for only 2 weeks to go! I'm a little jealous...:)
Love in Christ,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Susan, Matt and Fiona--We want to let you know that we pray for you and precious Whitney on our knees every night. We pray that our Lord and God will keep you in perfect peace and strength. Thank you for persevering in faith.
Love,
Chet & Angie Glass