Definition – Beautiful Things #7387 Watching our grandson, Cohen (4), jumping on the trampoline and singing at the top of his lungs- “You Make beauuutiful tings out of de dust! You make beauuutiful tings, you make beauuuutiful tings out of us! When I first heard this song, You Make Beautiful Things, by Gungor, the poignant [...]
Read More Cohen, eternity, fallen world, inspiration, life, living between the trees, transformation
John 21:21 “Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?” Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You—follow me.” One of the most liberating truths I’m learning that [...]
Read More comparing, disabilities, fallen world, Jesus, living between the trees, perspective, special needs, thankfulness
I blog from a bit of a different perspective when I talk about special needs. I don’t want to try to convince everyone that Bethany is the same as me- or you. I want to illuminate the truth that WE are like HER! All of us need our Creator’s touch of grace and restoration. I [...]
Read More brokenness, encouragement, fallen world, special needs, treasure
~ “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
What a wonderful video! Every school/club/person/church/organization/family should be so blessed to be able to see this heartwarming, informative “snippet” explaining how people with down syndrome are JUST LIKE YOU. This video highlights the lives of 3 teenagers with down syndrome and their friends. Great advice and insightful understanding that will be sure to strengthen and [...]
Read More disabilities, down syndrome, fallen world, inspiration, just like you, limitations, perspective, video
“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
We are raising Kings & Queens- or we should be! ~ And You have made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10 C.S. Lewis transports us to a mythical world called Narnia that is “under a curse” which is a parallel for the Christian understanding [...]
Read More Audio Adrenaline, children, crowns, fallen world, inspiration, Kings and Queens, overcoming, transformation, treasure hunter
You cannot lose what God lovingly treasures in the palm of His hand. To continue….. Yes- it feels like you’ve “lost” your loved one. You have in one sense. But have you truly “lost” something if you know where to find it? Perhaps “hidden” is a better word. Your loved one’s true [...]
Read More Alzheimers, eternity, fallen world, God's love, grandchildren, Grandma, living between the trees, Marilyn, old age, overcoming, perseverence, treasure
Three years ago this month, we said our “final” goodby to Grandma Marilyn, my dad’s second wife. I say “final” because we had many goodbyes along the way. We lost her memory by memory before she died. She had Alzheimers. Previously, I had firmly believed CANCER was the most devilish enemy; after watching my mom, [...]
Read More Alzheimer, Alzheimers, Chuck, death, eternity, fallen world, Grandparents, living between the trees, loneliness, Mariyn, perspective, prayer, treasure hunter
This video is a must see! Pastor Rick Warren teams up with Nick Vujicic, shares with Oprah the “Wild Card of Life” that can change everything! Our choices & attitude & our faith toward God! We can’t control our environment, our genetics, our chemistry, our 1st relationships, our circumstances, or what we’ve been [...]
Read More disabilities, encouragement, fallen world, inspiration, Jesus will meet you there, limitations, living between the trees, losing hand, Nick Vujicic, Oprah, overcoming, overcoming by faith, perseverence, Rick Warren, saying no to suicide, thankfulness, transformation, treasure hunter, Winning hand
If there is one thing I’ve learned in 53 years of living….. I can’t do life alone. I need Jesus! I need Him every hour! I need Him every decision! I need Him to cope, to love more fully, to see more clearly, to be my filter of this polluted world. I need His fire [...]
Read More 2013, eternity, fallen world, Fear Not, inspiration, living between the trees, New Year, overcoming, prayer, refresh, renew, treasure
When I saw this picture My spirit cried “Oh, yes-Lord, Jesus!” Usually, my joy meter is off the chart in the month of December! l mean, what is better than choosing gifts that will bless others, baking special goodies, writing & reading Christmas letters, reconnecting in small ways around the hope of the [...]
Read More celebrate, Chris Tomlin, Christmas, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, fallen world, Jesus, living between the trees, longing, perseverence, Stable Influence
Silent Stars by Edy T. Johnson- copyright 2009- reprinted with permission . It wasn’t Christmas, but the view out the small window made me think it could be. Above, stars—scattered like snowflakes across the navy sky—looked down on their reflection below, the twinkling lights of home. In contrast to the storm inside me, the sight [...]
Read More Amy Grant, angel, Christmas, Edy Johnson, fallen world, Gift of God, I Need a Silent Night, inspiration, living between the trees, O Little Town of Bethlehem, orphans, overcoming, Silent Night, Silent Stars, transformation, treasure, war
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