Tucker Tackles PCD

   As I have shared before, December 11, 2011, was a bittersweet day for our family. This is the day that our youngest son, Tucker, was diagnosed with a rare progressive lung disease most often called PCD. (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia) We say it was bittersweet because for our sweet Tucker it meant no more poking and proding and testing every time he got sick -- which was becoming more and more frequent. At the same time this meant facing a life long progressive lung disease that is rare and has no cure. In fact, not only is there no cure - there is still tons of research being done just to learn about the disease itself and treatments to help avoid infection and to cope when there is infection. PCD is often 'compared' to CF (cystic fibrosis) because of the similar ways that mucus sits in the lungs acting as a harbor for infection.
   It has been on my heart to do all I can to raise awareness about PCD and also to raise money to donate to the PCD foundation for research purposes. I have thought of a few different fundraising ideas - some over the top that would take tons of overhead, money and time to pull of  and some that would probably work, but never went any farther than a thought. As we entered into October, which is PCD awareness month, I told myself that I was going to do it this time. I was going to follow through and not leave it as one of the hundreds of thoughts or ideas that come and go. 
   I love a t-shirt. Love them! Summer, Winter, Fall and Spring - I don't care. So, I thought, how fun would it be to have a t-shirt that honored our sweet boy and also helped to raise awareness for PCD?!?! My wheels went to spinning, I bounced the idea off of Scotty and a few friends for ideas, I came up with ideas and trashed them. Then...all of a sudden...there it was. A friend (thanks, Pam!)  sent me a text with a football idea and I loved it! I ran with it -- football! Most everyone loves football...especially in the fall!!!
   So here we are, t-shirts have been created, the word is being spread and now all I can do is trust that the Lord will provide people to buy! I have prayed over this fundraiser daily. I have prayed for the Lord to soften people's hearts and want to give to this cause. I have prayed that we would come up with just the perfect design and the perfect verse to go with it! It is all falling into place so perfectly that I can't help but see the hands of God placing it together piece by piece just like a jigsaw puzzle!
   It's so true...isn't it? Trust in Him and He will provide!!

Above is a picture of what our final product looks like! We are so excited to be able to wear them and tell people all about PCD! If you would like to help support our cause please visit our online store and place your order!!! We are so thankful for your support!!!

Visit the PCD Foundation to learn more about PCD!

 

 

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. - Isaiah 40:29

Who Am I

    A friend posted something on Facebook today that really spoke to me. (click here to see post) Isn't it funny how sometimes things that seem so small mean so much?
Just this short little blog got me thinking. Who am I? I'm a daughter, wife, mother, child of God, granddaughter, friend, sister, aunt and more. I am proud to be all of these things. Recently, I have realized that all of these should be more to me than just things. If I am glorifying God while filling these important roles that He has given me, then calling these roles things is by far an understatement.
Do the people in my life feel like I cherish them and love them? Do they know that I enjoy their company and I enjoy being able to serve them when they are in need? Do I share the love of my God with them in every little opportunity available? Am I making memories with these people that they will enjoy looking back on for years to come?
   I want my children to enjoy looking back on their childhood. I want them to share their childhood with their kids and their kids kids and their kids kids kids! wink! I want to leave a legacy that can last a lifetime. When you truly think about what that means it can be a little overwhelming. I tend to get caught up in petty things. Things like what the kids will wear or how Madi's hair looks. Things like how well Dylan made his bed or if Dustin put the cars back where they belong when he was done with them. I worry about things like little fingerprints on my oh, so cute fall themed hand towels hanging from the stove. Petty. Silly. Pointless. When I look at the bigger picture - when I think of what my children will tell my grandchildren and my greatgrandchildren - those things mean absolutely nothing. Am I clearly living for the Lord if people say things like, "Her kids are always dressed so cute!" or "her house is decorated so nicely for fall!"? (Thanks to my friend, Sarah, I have to say I think my kitchen is decorated pretty cute for fall right now! wink!) The more I have grown in the Word and studied God's word the more I desire for people to know that I am trying in every way to be a woman who fears the Lord and who tries to show love to people the way that Jesus loved people.
    All of this came from me realizing that because I don't love the way I look I don't take opportunities to be in pictures. I have so many pictures of my kids and Scotty enjoying our vacations, special events and even just quality time together. There are very few with me in it. I am not leaving pictures for my kids to look back on and remember me with. Am I ashamed of how I look or who I am? Who am I to be ashamed of what God has made me? Did you read that? GOD MADE ME (and you)! He is perfect - He doesn't make mistakes and I am saying that I am ashamed? Again, who am I?
    It leaves me in awe to think that God made me, every little detail. I don't deserve it - I don't deserve for Him to love me the way He does. Obviously, the Lord has convicted me in this area. I want to love people, serve people and shine for Jesus in everything I do. Starting today I will pray daily that I am shinging for Jesus and leaving a legacy behind that glorifies God in every aspect.

Check out this song - just be careful...there is a good chance you will need a tissue! wink!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9