Ruined Masterpiece Restored We are all made in God’s image, we are His children, and the work of His hands. My last post was the beginning truth for our identity. (To See Made in God’s Image post click here) When Bethany saw a dwarf the other day, she surprised me by asking, “Mom, what’s wrong […]
Tuesday mornings, Bethany and I take our books to McDonald s for breakfast and some off campus home schooling 😉 “Mom,” Bethany whispered after we got our order, “what’s wrong with that man? Why is he so little?” I realized with a start, that although I want people to be knowledgeable about down syndrome, that […]
“Above all else- [Tweet “Put on #love- which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Col. 3:14”] I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to read an article that’s going viral- at least in the special needs universe. I’m still shocked that it happened in our “tolerance” driven world. Written by Chuck Colson’s daughter, […]
The entrance of special needs, disabilities, or chronic challenges can suck the dreams right out of our lives. Maybe, even ignite a nightmare or two. There are dreamers who dream unrealistic dreams— And then there are realists who close their eyes to all dreaming— but I believe we need to ask our Great […]
Inclusion is not just the law. It’s an ideology I’m convinced to should spring from respect and be integral in every person’s set of core values. Inclusion should be a core belief in all persons, leading to respecting and including all into our communities, our places of worship, our educational systems and our lives. I […]
[Tweet “The beginning point of #healing is recognizing you’re #sick. #wholeness”] Jesus said He had come not for the healthy but for the sick. I’m done pretending I’m O.K. My choices, my fallen state, and “Life”- these things work together to disable me; spiritually, mentally, &/or physically. What about you? Do you ever feel broken […]
Bethany came home from Dazzlers with her yearly dance pictures. On the top of the photo sheet was her individual pose- on the bottom, the picture of the team- she is absent- missing- vamoose. Her daddy asked her, “Hey Beth, why aren’t you in the team picture? Where were you?” Immediately she covered her ears, […]
Brandon Heath sings a poignant song, Give Me Your Eyes. The chorus is this: Give me your eyes for just one second Give me your eyes so I can see Everything that I keep missing Give me your love for humanity Give me your arms for the broken-hearted Ones that are far beyond my reach. […]
Dazzlers is the dance group Bethany has been privileged to be dancing in for the past seven years. A beautiful picture of inclusion, Dazzlers ends each session with joining hands in a large circle, praying and after the Amen- they spell- D-A-Z-Z-L-E-R-S. We might have missed the chance to be included. I expect inclusion […]
I am a Special Needs Parent- that makes me a Rope Walker. ~ Sometimes, just 1 THANG- (you know the word”thang”- it’s a gargantuan THING) breaks me down, open my floodgates and I begin to cry. I am a rope walker. When I look down I’m afraid of falling. How do I begin to explain […]
The Tower of Babel via Genetic Engineering is rising again to the heavens. People blindly come and worship at the scientific DNA altar as Doctors routinely pressure (cough- offer) prenatal testing to “help” parents make a decision about the desirability of keeping their offspring. (aka children) w Down Syndrome testing was an easy beginning […]
Having home schooled Bethany until last year- we were blissfully ignorant about constructing an IEP. Each public school child receiving special education & any related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP is an individualized document which creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students (when appropriate) […]
Always put your hope in God. Hosea 12:6 I hope I don’t get cancer……I hope my marriage gets better…….I hope I find love…….I hope I get a better job……I hope I ace this test………I hope I make lots of money…….I hope I don’t get Alzheimers…..I hope I don’t have a child with special needs. Some […]
I can only think of 2 reasons why we would ascent to undergoing prenatal testing. 1) the ability to prepare yourself and do what you can to intervene or medically aid your child! 2) the ability to eliminate the child by abortion to prevent “suffering” – of the child- of the parents- of society… So there […]
When I submitted this poem to Faithwriters in 2010, it became the catalyst that gave me courage to write about my journey finding the Surprising Treasures hidden among the challenges and difficulties of life. Here’s the poem that started it all 🙂 ~ Through Almond Eyes ~ With childlike faith and simpleness Trusting and […]