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
Recently, I was perusing a website entitled – “SAVING DOWN SYNDROME” It stirred two conflicting thoughts; It’s my juxtaposed reality- I love Bethany- down syndrome and all- but in truth, I’d love to see the damage from that extra chromosome disabled or its power diminished! It works overtime with oxidative stress on their bodies and [...]
Read More disabilities, downs syndrome, encouragement, eugenics, IDSC, saving down syndrome, World Down Syndrome Day
~ “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
Better get a box of kleenex out. In this honest, heart-wrenching video, Paisley’s Dad- Heath White, shares his shock, embarrassment and rejection when finding out their daughter was diagnosed with down syndrome. Follow his journey; the pain of “losing the dream of a perfect child” to the “awakening that true love comes in all sort [...]
Read More downs syndrome, Heath White, Paisley White, perspective, seeking perfection
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
“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
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
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
I actually had someone ask me the other day, “How’s your downs girl?” My downs girl?! MY DOWNS GIRL?!!!! I looked at them in stunned silence? Seriously, if you can’t remember her name, don’t ask- please! “Do you mean my DAUGHTER, Bethany?” They had the wisdom to look embarrassed. I don’t see downs syndrome, [...]
Read More Bethany, child of God, disabilities, downs syndrome, fallen world, identity, Jesus, labels, perspective, prayer, satan is a liar, special needs, treasure
If you’ve never heard, read, or seen Joni’s story (yes, there’s even a movie about her amazing life ) you need to get to know this phenomenal woman and her faith in God! Talk about Eternal Perspective!!!! Click to visit http://www.joniandfriends.org/ Ask yourself: What if you suddenly lost your mobility? What if you became [...]
Read More disabilities, downs syndrome, encouragement, eternity, fallen world, God's glory, inspiration, Joni, Joni Erikson Tada, limitations, living between the trees, special needs, transformation
We all deal with “limits” in our human brain! I know I have days where I feel “brain fog” or “brain dead”. I go into a room and forget why I went there. LOL! I go to the grocery store and come back home only to remember what I forgot to get. (oh my ) But [...]
Read More Bethany, disabilities, downs syndrome, encouragement, limitations, perseverence, perspective, RAM
Way back when (gosh that makes me sound old LOL) I loved playing my records (Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, Jungle Book- then later, Donny Osmond & The Partridge Family) on my very own record player. I would carefully lift the “arm” that held the needle and place it gently so as not to scratch the grooves in the record. Scratches [...]
Read More Bethany, brain, downs syndrome, glitches, limitations, overcoming, perspective, phonograph needle, special needs
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book Psalm 56:8 God knows I must have a ginormous bottle and I’m fairly certain you do too. Sometimes, my “life between the trees” journey feels like someone unexpectedly pushed me off a [...]
Read More babies, Bethany, children, downs syndrome, fallen world, God's love, limitations, living between the trees, overcoming, perseverence, perspective, prayer, special needs, tear bottles, tears, thankfulness
“Bethany?” There was no sign of hearing on her end. “Bethany (this time I spoke louder). still no recognition. I automatically walked around to capture her attention by looking in her eyes, and said, “Bethany?” Smiling, she answered, “Oh, hi Mommy. What you say?” “I said- do you want to go to help me shop [...]
Read More Bethany, downs syndrome, fallen world, God talking, listen, prayer, treasure hunter