He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night. Psalm 78:4 How cool would that be- to have a visible Spiritual GPS system? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have no doubt about how to navigate through life with it’s many decisions? If I had visible confirmation if […]
What is a DayMaker? Our definition: DayMaker: a life changer; someone who believes they can make the world better, one person at a time. In reality, everyone is either a DayMaker- or a DayBreaker. Years ago, I read a book by David Wagner, entitled Life as a DayMaker. Something resonated deeply as […]
[Tweet “Small Beginnings lay the foundation for Bigger Adventures. #specialneeds #downsyndrome #opportunity”] Opportunity came knocking and we answered the door! I just love God stories: those life moments where God has orchestrated everything to crescendo into a resounding chord! Let me start at the beginning 🙂 My beautiful friend, Julie, […]
Life is many things; but one thing it isn’t- is easy. God is many things; but one thing He isn’t -is uncaring. In my walk of faith- I don’t struggle with if God CAN- I wonder if He WILL…. Here’s my Psalm to the One who Can and Will- because of His great […]
Bethany loves. Bethany especially loves babies. And that’s an understatement. Life is simple for Bethany. Her mantra: If we love everyone, everything will be all right. Bethany recently turned 15. We’ve dreamed of God using her to become an advocate for down syndrome and for LIFE. Because of prenatal testing, fear mongering, and […]
[Tweet “Be #intentional! #Celebrate every #good #gift! #thankfulness”] 15 Candles – Shining Bright Bethany’s birthday is a mysterious conundrum. July 23rd is forever intertwined in my head and heart with Bethany’s sister, our 2nd daughter, Kristin Faith. * Kristin and Bethany share birthdays- July 23rd- separated by 17 years. Though they share birthdays, they’ll never […]
“I want Daddy to stay home from work. I want to be with him all times.” If Bethie has said this once, she’s said it at least 50 times the last 2 weeks. ~ She’s her Daddy’s girl. He’s been quite busy lately and she’s quite determined (you could say obsessed) about having fun […]
[Tweet “What #treasures will we miss if we don’t choose the road less traveled? #journey #adventure “] “Come on Bethany! Get your shoes and jump in the car. We’re on a mission! Moriah locked her keys in the car and we’re the rescue recovery team!” Excited to help, Beth stuffed her feet into her shoes […]
The Holidays are upon us and I have a secret I’d love to share. 🙂  I’m turning my holiday celebration into Holyday Rejoicing! [Tweet “Turn your #holiday into #holydays- #rejoice #CHRISTmas #JOY”]  We lost something precious when our word “holy days” became diluted to “holiday”! It has become effectually assimilated into our culture as […]
Conversation #217+ Bethany: “Mom, I need an I Phone. That way you can go to the grocery store and I’ll be ok to stay at home. I can call if I need you. Right? You see I need an I Phone? Right?” Bethany has many variations on this conversation 🙂 lol This time, something practical […]
Is Life a True or False Test? Bethany may never learn higher math or the periodic table, but God showed us early on THE most important thing she can ever learn. Down Syndrome can’t stop Bethany from learning to understand and know God in a personal way and learn to live by His truths. #PrimeDirective […]
– Our little story of Livin’ the Dream- “down syndrome style.” Â Has life ever stolen some of your dreams? Â Has “Reality”, coupled with pain, loss, and disappointments, stolen your ability to dream and imagine? Maybe that’s why I love to watch Bethany’s uninhibited approach to dreams and life. She imagines what’s possible. And while […]
“It makes me really mad when people don’t treat everyone with respect.” Spencer Manning, 8th grade, advocate, hero, friend 3  For the past 8 years, our family has been uber blessed providing after school and summer care to Spencer and Amy. They have become our Framily. (see post on Friends + Family = Framily) […]
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 […]
All of our children are in some kind of countdown mode! You know- that joyful anticipation of a future event that you eagerly look forward to and count down the days until it’s the appointed “TIME”. COUNTDOWN to CELEBRATE. “Mom! Only 48 days until I get married!” Moriah and Jonny- EXCITED “Nehemiah will be 1 […]