Blessings, prayers and promises

April 1st ~ 1996.... on this day the world as Dan and I knew it, changed. God was at work in our lives in a mighty way. As God was knitting together a precious life inside of me, he was preparing to build faith that could move a mountain in my spiritual walk with Him. Many know this story, but it is one that is worth repeating.

I could write a book about all the things that happend through this one life changing experience. Condensing it, is almost laughable. I pray God will give me the words he would have me share. Jessica Ruth Reeder was born on this day. She was our first and little did we know that she would be born with an incureable disease. One that requires both Dan and I to be carriers of a specific gene. I had promised Dan repeatedly throughout the pregnancy that everything was going to be fine. When Jessica was born she was a healthy 8#'s 14 oz. She quickly lost weight and almost her life. We spent that first month of her life, living in the hospital. We were surrounded with a small, loving group of christians from our church as well as many friends and family members all over the United States. She was on numerous prayer chains. The end result, as we were told by our doctor..... she will most likely not live past three months of age. You should go home and plan her funeral. She has hyperglycinemia.. not to be confused with hyperglycemia. There is a significant difference. If she were to live longer she would be mentally retarded and still die in early childhood. This was the news we carried in our hearts, as we carried our precious newborn home from the hospital that dreadful day in April.

I didn't know much, but I knew my God was BIG. I knew he was all powerful. I knew he could make miracles happen. So, I never gave up on Him. I never gave up on Jessica either. I loved her every second that I was given and I watched God move. When she was first tested for this, it was evident that she had it. She was not even borderline, she was off the charts. They measure the glycine in your blood compared to that in your spinal fluid. Yes, that meant that she had to have several spinal taps as a little tiny baby. That was so heartbreaking to have to watch our precious baby going through so much pain. At six months of age she was tested again, requiring another spinal tap, and she had no signs of it, at all. Only God could do that. The doctors said there was nothing more they could do for her. He planted seeds in the minds of the medical staff that could not find a scientific answer to how this was possible. He grew the faith of many who had spent countless hours praying for us. He grew faith within our hearts that could move mountains.

We were told that the chances of having other children with this same thing were highly probable and that it would follow Jessica's symptoms. I took that to heart and took it to God in prayer. We did have two more children and they were both healthy. Again, I give God the glory. He showed how just a little faith could and would be rewarded.

Tomorrow, Jessica will be 15. I can hardley even believe it. She has grown into a beautiful, smart and loving young lady. She is a teen to the T. We have struggles like all families, but there is not a day that I am not amazed as I watch God work in her life. She belongs to him, he has just allowed us to be her earthly parents. What a joy.

Life is to be lived and celebrated. We rejoice and celebrate in the goodness of God. He is so good, all the time.

This is a shortened version and I would love to share more with anyone, anytime. Until then, I will end with just telling you that God is a God of blessings, prayers and promises. I have seen it and live it every day. Give God the faith of a mustard seed and he will multiply it.

Happy Birthday Jessica! We love you!!!