My most challenging ongoing lesson: ”Letting Go-d” Years of protecting, nurturing, & shielding her from the “looks”, “nonacceptance”, negative experiences, or situations where she would flounder, have left me with a bit of a “nest” mentality. I know the “nest” where we are safe- where we thrive- where Bethany is safeguarded and secure – where [...]
Read More Bethany, downs syndrome, encouragement, overcoming, perspective, special needs
For the last year and a half, Bethany has been home schooled part time and public school for music, art, & speech. But something happened to make us rethink the benefit of public school and “inclusiveness”. Bethany recently had a traumatic experience- not with the kids at school but with her para. I was confused and [...]
Read More advocate, Bethany, Betty, home school, para
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st IDSC is uniting with bloggers and parents all over the world to celebrate “Who I Am” – an awareness campaign to help people understand that ALL of life is precious! Don’t forget to come back this Thursday, the 21st, to view the exciting video but for today- Here’s [...]
Read More Bethany, celebrate, disabilities, down syndrome, encouragement, perspective, special needs, treasure hunter
Do you remember the story of the two women coming before King Solomon….. begging him to cut a baby in half so that they could “share” the baby? ~ I read an even more bizarre news story today! Thankfully, as in the Bible account- true love wins. A surrogate woman was offered $10,000.00 [...]
Read More adoption, Bethany, choose, disabilities, encouragement, gift of life, inspiration, life, perspective, surrogacy
~ “You are the light of the world- -like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NLT Jesus tells us- “we”- as His children- are to be LIGHT in this dark world. He is the perfect light & He lights our spirit so we may shine for Him. It’s [...]
Read More Bethany, disabilities, downs syndrome, fallen world, inspiration, light of the world, living between the trees, Shine, special needs, transformation
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. Psalm 104:3 Grace and Inspiration have kept our home functioning since Jeff has been in Cuba. I miss him terribly, but hey, I’m a “big girl” who knows how to cowgirl up and deal- – that and He enables me [...]
Read More Bethany, Daddy, family, hugs, perspective, special delivery
I think of myself as a free spirit- freedom = happy. Love that verse- Whom the Son has set free, they are free indeed. I’m the first to admit, I don’t like restraints, limits, boundaries- at least without being told why. Surely somebody besides me can relate? speed limits, seat belt laws, any law that [...]
Read More Bethany, boundaries, downs syndrome, God's love, limits, perspective, special needs, treasure hunter
Mysterious are God’s ways and I love it when you find yourself right smack dab in the middle of a great “out take”. Scene 210,543 and ——- Action! Cohen, Finley, Amy, Bethany, Jeff and I went to lunch at Taco Bell to see our son, Micah, who is the General Manager. We were seated and [...]
Read More Bethany, Cohen, Finley, inspiration, Jeff, Micah, prayer, treasure
“Momma, why I have creepy eyes?” ~ My mission: Equip Bethany (& all my children & grandchildren) with the truth: They are made in the image of God- by God and for Him and He has crowned them with His glory and honor. When I look at the night sky and see the work [...]
Read More Bethany, crown, disabilities, downs syndrome, fallen world, home schooling, identity, life between the trees, perspective, raising kings and queens, transformation, treasure hunter
Today was a “gray day” Not outside, the sun was shining, but inside our home & hearts, a storm was brewing. It was the kind of day, you’re glad you’ve been “storing up” lots of inspirational words & absorbing the the tangible love of family and friends; because, just like we should store up money [...]
Read More Bethany, disabilities, downs syndrome, encouragement, inspiration, labels, limitations, perseverence, perspective, special needs, unique
Jeff & I were raised in a small town (750 people ) a beautiful Methodist church, rich with tradition and filled with saints I still admire. It’s glory was the fantastic stained glass windows. I always imagined I was the little lamb Jesus was carrying! I eagerly anticipated the bells from the steeple, (albeit by [...]
Read More Bethany, Bethy, God knows you, Hobby Lobby, identity, inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Calling, labels, living between the trees, Lord's prayer, McLean, Name, prayer, special needs
The Bethany Paradox There is no paradox in loving her- only in understanding……….. I love her so much it hurts- Embracing her vulnerable weakness Dismayed her DNA is destructively damaged. I cry, I laugh with joy, I worry & fret, I ache with longing, yet rejoice in who she is Her spirit- so [...]
Read More Bethany, celebrate, disabilities, downs syndrome, eternity, identity, inspiration, labels, life, limitations, living between the trees, paradox, treasure, treasure hunter
I’ve shared many stories of Bethany; lifting my cell phone to call a sibling, regularly texting everyone to see what they’re doing and when they’re coming over to see her, how she has everyone’s phone number memorized and has no problem navigating any phone she happens to find. So it made sense (in my limited [...]
Read More Bethany, Christmas, connection, encouragement, face time, God, inspiration, ipod touch, Jesus will meet you there, perseverence, prayer, treasure hunter
If you’ve been following the * “Saige Saga” you know, the quest began simply enough. Like most people, we try to make giving intrinsic to our life- even though it may be small and meager; besides tithing, we like saving all our spare change at Christmas time because Bethany has to give to [...]
Read More adopt, adoption, Bethany, China, Christmas, eternity, family, find a family, inspiration, mom dad, perspective, Saige, treasure
Children are the heartbeat of Christmas ~ To see with wonder…. to know the joy of His presence. “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” Charles Dickens Sharing Precious Moments We have 7 different nativities- they’re child friendly and [...]
Read More Bethany, celebrate, Christmas, downs syndrome, family, Finley, grandchildren, Mataya, orphan, Saige, Silas, treasure