The term WALKABOUT was made famous from the movie Crocodile Dundee! Background: Australian: A journey through the wilderness of one’s choosing in an effort to satisfy one’s itchy feet, a need to be elsewhere, the craving for the open road, that space over the horizon… you can’t quite touch it so you have to go […]
[box] “God’s viewpoint is sometimes different from ours – so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things….In the Bible I learn that God values us not for our strength or our brains but simply because He has made us.” ― Corrie […]
~ ~ Some kids count down with excitement for Birthdays and Christmas- Bethany excitedly counts down and celebrates everything! ~ ~ ~Bethany’s “short” list of things to celebrate~ Finley & Cohen time Amy and Spencer days Birthdays Sibling Dates Sonic dates, Subway dates Movie Night Family nights Church Days, FOG (Followers of God Bible Club) nights […]
This is the True Story of how Bethany, discovers God out ranks Google in every way! * “MOM! How you spell tummy?” * “t- u- mm- wait! why do you need to know?” * “I need to know so I can finish.” * Finish what?” * “Finish gettin ready to get me my baby!!!” By […]
Though our constitution truthfully states that all “men” are created equal, the reality in this fallen world is: “All” are not equally endowed. As a mom, I try to be an “equalizer”. You know, keep everything fair and more-or-less-the same. I find it’s a formidable, if not impossible task when dealing with something abstractly complicated such as “intelligence”. e […]
I’m so thankful for people like Miriam! She traveled the road of downs syndrome 6 years before I did and has left some amazing encouragements and spiritual insights! She inspires me to do the same. Recently, the singer, Aaron Schust and his wife have given birth to a son with downs syndrome. Since I’m further along in our […]
This is a true story that illustrates the saying- “Perception is Everything”. [Tweet “What will it take to change our perception special needs adults- from tolerance to acceptance?”] “Hi! How are ya?” The loud, booming voice grabbed my attention- and everyone else s while I was at the Dillon’s check-out line in the front of the store. absolutely no response […]
Bethany ran in the house, opened her backpack to pull out a small rectangular card and breathlessly said, “Mom! Mom! Finally! I got it! The school gave it me today!” s “What’s this?” I asked taking the card. “Oh, I see, that’s so cool- you’ve got your school ID card. That’s awesome.” s “No, Mom! […]
Bethany’s SPED teacher said she said something that made my jaw drop to the floor. “I have to admit, I’ve only taught one other child with down syndrome in my whole career.” How can that be possible?! s Even though times have changed, inclusion is the mandate of the day and children with down […]
When Bethie was little, I would worry about how much “spiritual” truth she could truly understand. I’m always looking for concrete, visual ways to emphasize the truths of God. It’s one thing to read words- “Jesus loves me.” another thing to hear “God is love.” but it’s explosively powerful to SEE and HEAR in a third dimensional sense …..Sight […]
Ever since Bethany was diagnosed with down syndrome, I ask myself this question: Why do we place so much importance and make such a big deal about I.Q.? [Tweet “Does our #happiness in #life depend on our #IQ?”] Our new adventure in learning: Bethany is running around the house, excited for her first foray into […]
Bethany “Ann with an e” Barclay (if you’ve read Anne of Green Gables you’ll know why) Bethany means “house” and Anne means “full of God’s grace” God surely chose her name and put it in our hearts~ This picture is Bethany and my brother’s little boy- Jason Charles Benedict. They […]
OH- MY- GOODNESS!!! I KNOW YOU’VE ALL HEARD OF TOE-TAPPING MUSIC BUT I’M WILLING TO BET YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OR SEEN TOE PICKIN’ WORSHIP! d [Tweet “Life is short- we have to learn to loosen up and #laugh. #life”] s A little background information before I share the “PLEASE GOD! OPEN UP THE FLOOR & LET […]
If we could tune into the heart of God- I believe this is what His every heart beat is saying. He is 100 % committed to our complete care and it is motivated by an endless supply of His love. The trouble is- our mind and thoughts are “running” through the other “channels” being broadcast. […]
Mommy! Mommy! I so excited-today is Big Stage! Today is Big Stage! I‘m getting ready for brado!” (the picture below is from the “Big Stage” recital from 2010 ) These were Bethany’s first words this morning. Our “days” are marked by events- Of course, there are Church Days and School Days, there days are Dazzlers Days […]