Dancing With Jesus...

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

This is a drawing of a little girl spinning and twirling with Jesus.  The original  drawing was drawn for a little girl with limited mobility.  The opportunity for her to be able to dance with Jesus represents the joy and perfection of heaven itself.  It is true for Lynda, too.  Limited after her stroke for the last thirty years of her life, she could no longer more with the agility that she did as a little girl.  In heaven, I imagine her dancing with Jesus with a perfect body that can glide and move with the skill of the most beautiful ballerina.  Her energy and joy comes from holding the hand of the savior.  What an amazing day it will be to be able to look into the eyes of Jesus who loves us enough to come to earth to secure our place in heaven with Him forever.  

As heaven celebrates the birth of our savior, I cannot imagine how magnificent heaven is but I know that Lynda is there enjoying  her second Christmas in heaven with Jesus and maybe even singing Oh Holy Night with her Dad.  I cannot wait to see her dance her way into my arms again.

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Pencil drawing of a little girl looking up at Jesus in delight as they dance together. What little girl doesn’t love to spin and twirl? And how much more fun it is when holding the hand of a loving adult. Dancing with Jesus would be a treat for any little girl, but for disabled little girls with limited mobility (as was the child for whom this was drawn), such an opportunity would represent the joy and perfection of Heaven itself. “”…let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance.” (Psalms 149:3) - See more at: http://www.jeankeatonart.com/store/for-such-is-the-kingdom/heavenly-dance/#sthash.dh29zkIh.dpuf

Lynda Had Someone Who Believed in Her...

This is a true statement but isn't it just as true about all children? It could just as easily read "All children just need a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them".  Kids with special needs may need varying degrees of help and that might go over the amount that typically developing children require but all children need hope and someone who believes in them.  The problem for kids with special needs is when someone or a lot of someones have the mind set that there is no hope.  With no hope goes finding people who believe it them.  A lot of this can be prevented or attitudes changed by educating the public about what talents and skills kids with special needs have.  If we look only at the struggles a child may be experiencing in a particular area of development we are going to be less likely to see the same child in a positive light for the many gifts and talents he does have in other areas.

God made us all unique and different and those differences are what make us all special.  We shouldn't strive to make cookie cutter kids who all fit the same mold.  It isn't the way God created us and it's not what's best for our world.  We need people who think outside the box.  People who solve problems in unorthodox ways (and many of our children especially on the autism spectrum) will grow up to be our future scientists, inventors, problem solvers IF we nourish them, believe in them and refrain from trying to make every child fit one mold.

Lynda was loved and cherished for exactly the child God created.  I don't know what plans God had for Lynda but I know He used her in mighty ways even though she was essentially non-verbal most of her life.  Those who loved her and were touched by her life carried her hope into classrooms across the nation and continued to bestow the gift of believing in a child with special needs thus influencing the education and improving the quality of life for many other special people.

I know that for over 40 years, Lynda has been my inspiration and motivation to advocate for the rights and needs of children and adults with special needs of all exceptionalities.  Never give up expecting the world to provide for the needs of our special children.  Where there is hope there is energy to keep fighting for people who can often not speak for themselves.

Never stop believing... especially during this season of love when we celebrate the birth of our Lord who gave the ultimate gift for our hope for eternal life.  He believes in us and was willing to die to secure our futures with Him.  All you have to do is believe and give your heart to Christ.  He will give you eternal hope to us as His children who are all in need of the grace He gives freely when we truly believe.

Have a joyous Christmas season.  You have someone who believes in you!

In the Presence of God...

This is Lynda's second Christmas in heaven.  As I've shopped this year, I still see things that I immediately think "Oh, that will be great for Lynda" quickly followed by the realization that buying her gifts is no longer possible.  Sure, I decorate her grave seasonally but there are no presents under the tree.

I went to a Christmas musical festival at church last night and as I listened to the music and watched the depiction of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus I let my mind imagine Lynda in heaven in the presence of God.  It literally sent chills down my spine.  Russ and I were sitting in worship amazed at the love of our Father to send His only son for our sins and as I watched this awesome performance I thought of the reality of the story being told on this stage.  Jesus is alive in heaven and Lynda is spending eternity with him because of the events we are seeing portrayed in this musical performance.  As a little girl dressed in white and wearing a halo made of shiny silver tinsel leaned down and kissed the face of the baby Jesus actor I thought of how it is possible that angels kiss the face of my little girl and no matter how wonderful this production was it can in no way compare to heaven and the celebration that goes on there every second of every day of eternity.

What present could I ever give Lynda that compares to the one she received when she died and entered paradise and into the presence of God forever and ever.  My heart was overcome with joy and the peace that passes all understanding.  I am more humbled this Christmas than ever before when I realize how blessed my Lynda is and how one day I will see her again.  Oh, how I miss her but how thrilled I am that she is in the presence of God.  While we all struggle with the injustices of this earth, the imperfections of mankind and the influences of satan around every corner we turn...we can hold fast to the knowledge that Christ has already defeated the evil one and he did so by leaving heaven to become a little baby born in a manger.  Come let us adore Him today and every day and let us look forward to the day we too shall stand in the presence of God.

Pure Sunshine....

I just love to look at this sweet picture.  It is one of my favorites.  This is the picture I see when I close my eyes at night and think about the little girl God blessed me with.  I imagine your joy to be magnified beyond what the human mind and heart can comprehend  You are my sunshine, Lynda and always will be.  Shine on, sweet girl.  Make heaven even brighter because you are there!