"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-15
This past weekend was nothing short of AMAZING! I am one proud mama of 2 girls. Lauren had her first softball scrimmage and took a leadership role on the field. We see it everyday as she proudly looks after and walks side-by-side with Taylor, but it was special to see it on the field.
Taylor had her first jiu-jitsu fight. That's right...a real, live grappling fight in a huge tournament. To use the word AWESOME is an understatement. Inspiring, gutsy, courageous, deteremined, WINNER, CHAMPION! I cannot really put into words the right terms for what happened on the mat and in my heart Sunday morning.
Taylor's been training for about seven months. I thank (OK, blame) my dear friend Parisa for getting us into this sport. She's the one who took our teacher, Bill, up on his offer of training blind children for free. You see, he's blind as well and is a black belt in the sport. None of his students are visually impaired, and he wanted to give back to the blind community, as well as teach his students what is was like to train with the visually impaired. It's been a part-time job and one for which I am thankful. Taylor will be able to protect herself that day she's on a bus or walking the streets independently.
So Sunday was her first tournament. Not too many people realized she was blind since there were 3 blind people in the entire gym! (Taylor, her buddy Brennan, and Coach Bill) It was a full house with hundreds of kids signed up to fight in different divisions. She, well really all of us, were so nervous. Taylor's first fight was tough to say the least! She lost 24-0, but I have never been so proud of her in my entire life. She got up from the mat, smiled as her hand was lowered signifying she lost the fight, but inside she knew she was a true champion! This girl has more guts than I ever would have. Her sister has supported her throughout the long practices, the tears and fears each day driving to class, and the victory of finishing.
I learned something huge Sunday...first place, last place, who cares...just finish! I want to fight on here. I watched Taylor and later thought of all the family and friends we know who are fighting for their lives...literally. I thought of all of us fighting against our fears, fighting the spiritual battles that rage, fighting determined to finish strong. I am still in awe of what I learn and how God teaches me all the time.
Here's a video link my talented sister Sarah put together so you can see for yourself.
http://youtu.be/daGmPKdd5Vg
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Monday, November 21, 2011
Birth Days
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. "
They say wisdom comes with age. Sometimes I'm very grateful for that wisdom, and sometimes I wish I could go back to when I didn't have a care in the world (except what was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or how late I could stay outside playing "3 flies up" or "butts-up 7-up.") Ah, the good old days!
Now, at 40, I love most of the wisdom I've received and learned over the last 4 decades. One thing I've learned in the last 8 years is how incredibly important it is to pray over pregnancies and those little ones that have taken up residence inside their mommies. As soon as Taylor was born, I realized healthy Birth Days are not to be taken for granted. I pray constantly when I find out someone I love and care about is pregnant. Actually, I pray constantly for anyone I see who's pregnant, but the truth is if I know you personally, the whole family is praying for you! In fact, when I know someone is in labor, I can hardly wait to hear the words, "Healthy Baby!" I'm on pins and needles the whole time. Once I receive the word, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and Praise GOD!
I realize how special that day is. I realize it doesn't happen for everyone. It didn't happen for us. I realized how anxious I now become until the phone rings (or the texts flood in). I realize that those prayers can't stop when the announcement comes.
I've been blessed with several nieces and nephews since Taylor was born. Those nine (ten) months are covered in prayer! Each morning, Mike and I are praying for our nieces or nephews, and each evening the girls and I are praying for their cousins. I know I can't stop praying for them when I hear the words, "He's here!" or, "She's here!" No matter what, I'll always pray for these sweet treasures and be thankful for their Birth Days!
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. "
They say wisdom comes with age. Sometimes I'm very grateful for that wisdom, and sometimes I wish I could go back to when I didn't have a care in the world (except what was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or how late I could stay outside playing "3 flies up" or "butts-up 7-up.") Ah, the good old days!
Now, at 40, I love most of the wisdom I've received and learned over the last 4 decades. One thing I've learned in the last 8 years is how incredibly important it is to pray over pregnancies and those little ones that have taken up residence inside their mommies. As soon as Taylor was born, I realized healthy Birth Days are not to be taken for granted. I pray constantly when I find out someone I love and care about is pregnant. Actually, I pray constantly for anyone I see who's pregnant, but the truth is if I know you personally, the whole family is praying for you! In fact, when I know someone is in labor, I can hardly wait to hear the words, "Healthy Baby!" I'm on pins and needles the whole time. Once I receive the word, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and Praise GOD!
I realize how special that day is. I realize it doesn't happen for everyone. It didn't happen for us. I realized how anxious I now become until the phone rings (or the texts flood in). I realize that those prayers can't stop when the announcement comes.
I've been blessed with several nieces and nephews since Taylor was born. Those nine (ten) months are covered in prayer! Each morning, Mike and I are praying for our nieces or nephews, and each evening the girls and I are praying for their cousins. I know I can't stop praying for them when I hear the words, "He's here!" or, "She's here!" No matter what, I'll always pray for these sweet treasures and be thankful for their Birth Days!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Walking in Darkness
Last year I had the "privilege" of experiencing blindness firsthand on a "sighted guide walk." I've had multiple opportunities to do this walk in the past but wasn't up to it until last year. I've always been afraid of experiencing Taylor's dark world first-hand for fear I'd slip into a depression of sorts that I had when she was first born.
The first part of this walk was to be blindfolded. The second the blindfold went on, my world changed. My sensitivities changed. My senses changed. I was using everything I could to make sense of the world around me. The shade felt so nice and cool, and the slightest bit of sun scorched. Cold-hot-cold-hot immediately! I also immediately tuned in to the voice that was to be my guide for this walk.
There were so many distractions all around...traffic, voices of other walkers and guides, children in the neighborhood, waterfalls, people working on their cars and homes for the weekend. You name it, it became "white noise," but I had to learn to tune into my guide's voice. I don't even remember her name, but I knew that voice within seconds. I knew my life would literally be in her hands for this walk.
The first part of this walk was to be blindfolded. The second the blindfold went on, my world changed. My sensitivities changed. My senses changed. I was using everything I could to make sense of the world around me. The shade felt so nice and cool, and the slightest bit of sun scorched. Cold-hot-cold-hot immediately! I also immediately tuned in to the voice that was to be my guide for this walk.
There were so many distractions all around...traffic, voices of other walkers and guides, children in the neighborhood, waterfalls, people working on their cars and homes for the weekend. You name it, it became "white noise," but I had to learn to tune into my guide's voice. I don't even remember her name, but I knew that voice within seconds. I knew my life would literally be in her hands for this walk.
After taking this walk and getting through the fears, the hesitations, the beauty of "THE voice," I started seeing how much this walk relates to walking daily through life. I was reminded immediately of how easy it is to be distracted by "white noise." You know, the stuff that isn't as important as we make it out to be. I was reminded of how easily I am afraid of what I don't understand. I was reminded of how much I try to do things by myself without asking for a helping hand.
Most of all, I realized how much I have to listen to THE VOICE. When I listened and trusted in her lead, in her guidance, I felt safe on that walk. Much is the same in my life. When I listen to Jesus in His Word, when I trust in His lead, His guidance, His plan and path, I feel safe. It's when I try to do it all without trusting Him or listening to Him that I get off track. I've got to listen to Him, trust in Him, and walk with Him each step of each day.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A Grandmother's Legacy
"Grandchildren are the crowning glory." Psalm
Each summer we try to make a trip to Big Bear with Mike's parents, brother, his wife and 2 young children. Well, we just started making it an annual tradition last year! It's been so much fun both times, and lots of memories are being made. It's a one bedroom cabin with some extra space where we attempt to comfortably fit 6 adults and 4 children. Works for us just fine!
In the last 3 years, Mike's parents have really had their share of physical challenges. Mike's dad, Russ, had a stroke nearly three years ago and has been limited severely on his right side as well as in other ways. Mike's mom, Bev, has been doing much of the caretaking for Russ while dealing with a lifetime of arthritis and most recently losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. There has been so much change that it's become overwhelming at times for Bev.
While in Big Bear, I was watching and admiring this woman from afar. We spend a lot of time together regularly, but I realized while in Big Bear, Bev has always been the spiritual leader for her 3 sons and step-daughter which has been her legacy passed on to her grandchildren. She was the first born-again Christian in the family and marched her boys to church each week alone. It wasn't until decades later that Russ would come to church with her and get involved in Bible Studies himself. Each of Bev's boys have been heavily involved in their churches since their childhood. Each of her sons married Christian women, and now she has several grandchildren being raised in Bible-believing Christian homes. I marveled at this revelation watching her move about the cabin and was brought to tears when I saw my own daughters, niece, and nephew with her sitting on the couch. I am blessed to see her legacy living on in my children, her choice many years ago being lived out in her son, in my life, in my daughters' lives. Thank you, Bev. I love you.
Each summer we try to make a trip to Big Bear with Mike's parents, brother, his wife and 2 young children. Well, we just started making it an annual tradition last year! It's been so much fun both times, and lots of memories are being made. It's a one bedroom cabin with some extra space where we attempt to comfortably fit 6 adults and 4 children. Works for us just fine!
In the last 3 years, Mike's parents have really had their share of physical challenges. Mike's dad, Russ, had a stroke nearly three years ago and has been limited severely on his right side as well as in other ways. Mike's mom, Bev, has been doing much of the caretaking for Russ while dealing with a lifetime of arthritis and most recently losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. There has been so much change that it's become overwhelming at times for Bev.
While in Big Bear, I was watching and admiring this woman from afar. We spend a lot of time together regularly, but I realized while in Big Bear, Bev has always been the spiritual leader for her 3 sons and step-daughter which has been her legacy passed on to her grandchildren. She was the first born-again Christian in the family and marched her boys to church each week alone. It wasn't until decades later that Russ would come to church with her and get involved in Bible Studies himself. Each of Bev's boys have been heavily involved in their churches since their childhood. Each of her sons married Christian women, and now she has several grandchildren being raised in Bible-believing Christian homes. I marveled at this revelation watching her move about the cabin and was brought to tears when I saw my own daughters, niece, and nephew with her sitting on the couch. I am blessed to see her legacy living on in my children, her choice many years ago being lived out in her son, in my life, in my daughters' lives. Thank you, Bev. I love you.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
On the Heart
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
Yesterday I officially entered the 4-0 club. What a day for celebrating...and celebrate we did. I definitely have noticed in the last decade many physical changes...wrinkles, sags and bags (despite how many crunches or lunges or stairmaster steps I do). For the most part, I'm OK with it all. I mean, I do work out, I do eat moderately healthy, and I do try to take care of what I've got. I do love new clothes...and looking presentable on the outside. I definitely can't complain, and I'm not trying to kid myself when I know the next decade will bring many more signs of "the aging process."
About a month ago, Taylor and I were chatting about me turning 40. She can feel every lump, bump, wrinkle, crease, scrape, scab...basically EVERYTHING! She was asking about her many new "discoveries" upon my face, and she said, "I know I can't tell what you look like, but on the heart-you're beautiful." Thank you Taylor for the reminder of what is really important.
Yesterday I officially entered the 4-0 club. What a day for celebrating...and celebrate we did. I definitely have noticed in the last decade many physical changes...wrinkles, sags and bags (despite how many crunches or lunges or stairmaster steps I do). For the most part, I'm OK with it all. I mean, I do work out, I do eat moderately healthy, and I do try to take care of what I've got. I do love new clothes...and looking presentable on the outside. I definitely can't complain, and I'm not trying to kid myself when I know the next decade will bring many more signs of "the aging process."
About a month ago, Taylor and I were chatting about me turning 40. She can feel every lump, bump, wrinkle, crease, scrape, scab...basically EVERYTHING! She was asking about her many new "discoveries" upon my face, and she said, "I know I can't tell what you look like, but on the heart-you're beautiful." Thank you Taylor for the reminder of what is really important.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Challenge
Yesterday was such a special day in the Cox Household. Lauren had her first scrimmage for this softball season, and she did a great job! I celebrated finishing my Braille class, and Taylor attended her first Braille Challenge.
Sometimes just finishing something we've started is a challenge in and of itself. That's how I felt Friday when I turned in my final Braille assignment. I figured I'd better finish my one-year class (that took me a year and a half to complete) in time for Taylor's Braille Challenge. Learning contracted Braille has been like learning a foreign language and is about as hard as some of my Master's classes in college. The joy of completing the challenge was HUGE for me! I wanted to finish before Taylor entered her first Braille Challenge which wasn't anything anyone else was going to celebrate, but I did in secret.
Now, celebrating Taylor's success and Lauren's yesterday were so special. Taylor came out on top of her age group (though she's got a year on the other two contestants) which happened to include a dear friend of ours in the blind community (Brennan) and one of Taylor's "new best friends" (Evelyn) as of yesterday! It was an amazing day celebrating these kids who have put in countless hours cracking the Braille Code.
It makes me think of all the "codes" we're trying to crack all the time. Most importantly, so many people struggle with trying to find the answer to their life's purpose. I am so grateful I understand that I don't have to have the answer on my own. I am just trying to live in obedience to God's Word and along the way I get the answers in so many different forms. What a joy to understand that I don't have to have all the answers or complete a challenge to enjoy my purpose.
Sometimes just finishing something we've started is a challenge in and of itself. That's how I felt Friday when I turned in my final Braille assignment. I figured I'd better finish my one-year class (that took me a year and a half to complete) in time for Taylor's Braille Challenge. Learning contracted Braille has been like learning a foreign language and is about as hard as some of my Master's classes in college. The joy of completing the challenge was HUGE for me! I wanted to finish before Taylor entered her first Braille Challenge which wasn't anything anyone else was going to celebrate, but I did in secret.
Now, celebrating Taylor's success and Lauren's yesterday were so special. Taylor came out on top of her age group (though she's got a year on the other two contestants) which happened to include a dear friend of ours in the blind community (Brennan) and one of Taylor's "new best friends" (Evelyn) as of yesterday! It was an amazing day celebrating these kids who have put in countless hours cracking the Braille Code.
It makes me think of all the "codes" we're trying to crack all the time. Most importantly, so many people struggle with trying to find the answer to their life's purpose. I am so grateful I understand that I don't have to have the answer on my own. I am just trying to live in obedience to God's Word and along the way I get the answers in so many different forms. What a joy to understand that I don't have to have all the answers or complete a challenge to enjoy my purpose.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Super Human
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13
This post has pretty much nothing to do with Taylor, and it has everything to do with learning how to accept myself as I am.
I am a part-time teacher, just received four new students 2 days ago, and yesterday was our Back-to-School Night. Adding four new students the day before Back-to-School Night is a little stressful, but we were thrilled to get them so we had a chance to meet their parents. I teach in a lower socio-economic area and don't typically get a huge turnout for the evening, but my teaching partner and I put in a ton of work for the families that do show.
As Susie (my teaching partner) was getting final touches put on the room for our families, she texted me saying how rough the afternoon was trying to get things in order. I texted her back reminding her how much I appreciate all she does and said we have to remember we're not Superhuman! (How many of us think we are???) Then it occurred to me, "I'm super human." By this I mean, I am a human being...a normal, regular person with real human limitations. I expect way more of myself than is humanly possible! Can you relate??? I feel like jumping off this chair and asking you face-to-face (Beth Moore style for those of you who have heard her speak...Amen???) It's crazy what we think we can do...and even crazier how frustrated and disappointed we are in ourselves when we "fail." The truth is we set ourselves up to fail. What we set out to do is truly impossible. We are super human after all. Those Superhumans are the stuff of science- FICTION movies!
God gives us the strength, talents, and abilities to do ALL things. Count on Him first and be thankful what He gives you the strength to do.
Now, I better get off my soapbox and get to work on my impossible-to-achieve To-Do List for the day (or more likely...week).
This post has pretty much nothing to do with Taylor, and it has everything to do with learning how to accept myself as I am.
I am a part-time teacher, just received four new students 2 days ago, and yesterday was our Back-to-School Night. Adding four new students the day before Back-to-School Night is a little stressful, but we were thrilled to get them so we had a chance to meet their parents. I teach in a lower socio-economic area and don't typically get a huge turnout for the evening, but my teaching partner and I put in a ton of work for the families that do show.
As Susie (my teaching partner) was getting final touches put on the room for our families, she texted me saying how rough the afternoon was trying to get things in order. I texted her back reminding her how much I appreciate all she does and said we have to remember we're not Superhuman! (How many of us think we are???) Then it occurred to me, "I'm super human." By this I mean, I am a human being...a normal, regular person with real human limitations. I expect way more of myself than is humanly possible! Can you relate??? I feel like jumping off this chair and asking you face-to-face (Beth Moore style for those of you who have heard her speak...Amen???) It's crazy what we think we can do...and even crazier how frustrated and disappointed we are in ourselves when we "fail." The truth is we set ourselves up to fail. What we set out to do is truly impossible. We are super human after all. Those Superhumans are the stuff of science- FICTION movies!
God gives us the strength, talents, and abilities to do ALL things. Count on Him first and be thankful what He gives you the strength to do.
Now, I better get off my soapbox and get to work on my impossible-to-achieve To-Do List for the day (or more likely...week).
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