We just returned from family camp in Detroit Lakes. It is a camp run by Joni Eareckson Tada and friends. It is for families effected by disabilities. The world of disability is one most people do not want to go. Although it is not a world of “comforts” it is filled with success and victories. Tube feeding, wheel chairs, non-verbal gestures, random screams and shrills of delight are common place. A lot of these people can not speak for themselves, or take care of themselves, but their character and faith is like that of no other. They want to give God Glory with their lives. I personally will never be the same after attending the talent show the last evening. To see a young woman who has a bone disease that deformed her body get up and read the book she has written called “God Made Me” changed the way I look at life. I want to glorify God in every thing I do. If that young girl can give God glory….I better be able to. I met so many people there that have lost their life. Mathew 10:39 Jesus says “whoever finds his life will lose it, whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Wow. I saw more people who serve at this camp than ever before. God is using people with ability and disability. I was inspired to live a life pleasing to the KING! I just had to share it. For those of you who don’t know Joni, she was injured in a diving accident when she was 17 years old, and became paralyzed from the neck down. She painted, holding the brush with her mouth, and became an inspiration to the whole world. She is now 60 years old and has an amazing ministry. Joni signed Russ’s bible with this scripture…Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. This is the attitude of so many people at camp. It was truly an inspiration, and I encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal these truth’s to your heart…you will never be the same!! Living our life with down syndrome seems so easy in perspective of what other people face. Our youngest daughter Amy is now 14 years old, and a survivor of Leukemia. When she was born we thought, will she ever play the piano, will she ever ride a bike? And then we realized how unfair that question is. We never thought that about our healthy children! We let them grow and discover their strengths and weakness’. We have done the same with Amy. There is no doubt in my mind, we were “Chosen for this Gift” I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience all the victories we have. It has not been easy, but it has certainly been rewarding. We would have never met all the amazing people we met this week-end, if Amy wasn’t in our life. We are blessed.