Angel has been really, REALLY struggling to read. 
While she has perception beyond her years, and has often been regarded as tremendously clever, Angel is just struggling A LOT with learning to read.  She is the only child in these disciples’ house that wasn’t reading by age 5. 

We’ve been working a lot with letters and sounds.  I left the table about 10 minutes before this picture was taken.  I left fighting back tears and lamenting to our God.  “HOW can this be!!  Why can’t she get it? LORD lift the veil from her mind.  WHY CAN’T SHE READ?  She’s so SMART, God.  I am helpless to help her, LORD, but You are not!”  And then – just like David did now and then, I pulled out the big card, “LORD, how can she read your Word if she can’t read??”  That should convince Him to unlock her mind, right? 😉

When I composed myself.  I came in to the computer to email a friend of mine who is an early childhood education expert.  She has been encouraging me and offering me support and suggestions these last few months. 

Angel called me back to see her work.  She was particularly pleased to show me how when she ran out of letters she made her own.  See the second and third Ms in Mommy, the first M in Marie, and the A in Nan.

“Thank you, God, for my daughter.  Exactly how You made her.  I am humbled by her weaknesses and trust that she will read Your Word according to Your timing.”

Oh, how many times does He use my children for my refining.