We’re celebrating a day early this year- yet Christmas is the season I intentionally don’t pin all my hopes and expectations on the perfection of our celebration, rather focus on the One who is PERFECT! CHRIST is Christmas and it is only the BEGINNING of the end. I hold Christmas in my heart until my King finally […]
Picture Perfect Christmas ~ impeccably decorated (& clean) home ~Christmas cards complete with family picture and letter ~ buying the “perfect” gifts ~ a beautiful, classic Christmas tree ~ exquisite food and desserts ~remembering the poor~Christmas programs~opening the Advent calender doors and taking time to celebrate Jesus~ Christmas cheer and good will to all men- only ramped up more than […]
We are “technically” part of the minority that doesn’t celebrate Halloween. I mean I try to keep it veeerrrry LOW KEY. It’s my least favorite holiday ever! I’ve never liked scary anything and I’m not fascinated by witches, warlocks, especially not vampires, and ghosts…. not even friendly ones. 🙂 In our family, we don’t do SCARY! We have however, “loosened up” in […]
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! […]
Does your heart get overwhelmed? Mine sure does. My prayers seems to be always asking, asking, asking God for help! [Tweet “Our Father God is available 24/7- Call Him! #prayer”] H e l p ! Help me cope with life! Help my four friends undergoing chemotherapy! Help two precious women I love heal from miscarrying. Help for my fragile relationship with my only brother. Help my sisters: […]
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 […]
Our family’s migration to Kansas introduced us to a close up look of the “Sensational Cross-Country Flight” of the Monarch butterfly. Lawrence is a blip in their “directional GPS” as they flutter with fortitude toward their wintering home in New Mexico! Last year, Jeff and I, along with Aunt Melody, took Josh, Moriah, Finley, Cohen, and Bethany to an enclosed […]
“Make New Friends- But Keep the Old One is Silver and the other is Gold!” [Tweet “One thing sure in life is this: THINGS CHANGE.”] When Bethany was born, I was concerned that all her siblings were older and she wouldn’t have the joy of home schooling or playing with them; thereby not knowing them […]
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” – Hodding Carter I could NOT be a mother eagle. They actually tear apart their nest to encourage their young to fly away!!! How barbaric is that? lol I can’t help reflecting: the dazzling, dynamic season […]
Foggily aware that “someone” was worming their way into into bed with me, I opened one eye to see the sun rising through our window. Turning to assess the big lump under the covers beside me, I acted surprised when Bethany popped up, then laughed when I saw she was fully dressed in her new Hello Kitty dress! Eyes sparkling, […]
Bethany and I “saddled up” the mini-van to round up Grandma Donna, Uncle Steve, and cousin Justin, so we could enjoy an evening of swimming. Before we arrived at our destination, Micah called to warn us that a storm front with lightning and thunder was quickly rolling in. Thus, our plans were waylaid. This one “twist” in our road led us to an […]
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 […]
What’s on your list for today? ~ I’ll never fully understand what compels me to make lengthy, laborious, lists? Lists that I lose and don’t/can’t complete.- 😉 ~ Today- I think I’ll put “MAKING GOD SMILE” at the tip-top! ~ I was stressing- you know- “the running around, heart pumping, kinda grouchy, I don’t know how […]