2008
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Even while led through dark valleys and long nights that turn into even longer mornings, there is the sweet, but sometimes distant, promise of God’s faithfulness. It isn’t always revealed to us while we’re in the valley and we can’t often see it through our suffering eyes. But His faithfulness is there, working itself out for us. It doesn’t always show up in our quiet times, or during lonely nights when we feel we need it most. It also doesn’t always work itself out like we think it should. But it is there- to me almost like a quiet stream always running behind us, or in front of us up there in the fog somewhere.
God is faithful. And his faithfulness is great. It has taken two years for us to have tangible examples of His faithfulness to answer long-lived prayers, but we have received some. 2008 was a big year for Ian. It stirs my heart and Ian’s heart to worship as we recount his deeds:
*He spoke for the first time in two years and continues to learn more and more words
*He smiles
*He now eats and drinks full meals
*He can make decisions for himself and for our relationship
*He can walk and stand with less and less help each time
*He can communicate clearly and consistently to us
Each day God gives a littl bit of Ian back to us. We still have so far to go but have come so far already.
Thank you all for reading, and praying, and sending cards, and fasting, and being faithful to Ian for nearly two and a half years. That is a picture of Christ’s faithfulness to Ian.
Here’s to a 2009 that is better than 2008. May it be filled with more laughter than tears and more prosperity than sorrow. May this be the year that Ian sees deliverance.
Larissa
sheep wanderer
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
Praise God now and forever!!!
Still with you in 2009.
Liz, UK
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 11:53 am
Truly amazing! We are so excited about your progess Ian. Your smile is awesome. Keep pressing on. Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Love you both
Mom (Larissa’s)
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 12:24 pm
What a beautiful post, Larissa. That is my prayer for you and Ian in this new year-deliverance. And also, that we can have you guys over to hang out. 🙂
Love you guys.
-Amber
Amanda
January 2, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hi. I wanted to introduce myself. I’m from Indiana and have a 2 year old boy and am due to deliver a little girl in May. I can’t even remember how I started reading your blog, but have been checking in regularly and praying for you guys. Thanks for this post of hope for 2009. We’ll keep hoping with you to see God’s faithful hand in your lives as He reveals it.
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 2:53 pm
this makes our hearts very happy! we are continuing to pray. Lotinskys
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 3:11 pm
AMEN
God will bless
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 3:24 pm
We’re rejoicing with you and are eager to see what the Lord has in the days ahead.
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 3:34 pm
When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, we are glad. Restore us from our captivity, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126
Please God, completely restore Ian.
anonymous
January 2, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Amen – to your words Larissa. My prayer for all of you is more joy AND more progress for Ian. May God continue to bless you and give you strength throughout this new year.
Rene
Jack and Gina Plain
January 3, 2009 at 3:20 am
My first thought was – “Amen” and I see others have felt the same.
anonymous
January 3, 2009 at 1:24 pm
The Christmas pics brought such joy to my heart. . .
Every time I check the site there is more and more of Ian emerging. . . GOD is peeling off the layers to bring Ian back to all of you. PTL!
I really believe 2009 will be Ian’s year. . . GOD has much work for him to do.
anonymous
January 4, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Your faith, stregnth and perserverance and love of Ian and the Lord-shines clearly in your words! May God continue to Bless all of you in your journey!
Wendy, NC
anonymous
January 5, 2009 at 1:15 am
God is so good and my heart is so blessed! Continuing to pray.
Chris P.
Blue Skies
January 5, 2009 at 1:53 am
What incredible news and incredible progress. It has been long and very slow but so encouraging to hear. Praise God for each glimpse of his glory and his faithfulness to see you through all those dark valleys. May his Glory shine ever brighter for you this year!
anonymous
January 8, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I am so overcome with joy to read about all of Ian’s recent accomplishments! God is good! Praying for you in 2009.
-Lauren H.
Todd
January 13, 2009 at 8:14 am
Larissa –
I just found out about your story and am truly amazed. I will be praying for you and for all of the family and for Ian. Wow! God is up to something. Thank you for being a vessel to be used by God as He sees fit. Blessings to all of you, Mrs. Todd Blount
coofee
January 19, 2009 at 2:39 pm
God bless you guys more! I am truly blessed by your story. Just read it tonight. God is faithful and oh so true to His word. Keep on keeping on!