I think we all agree that LIFE is a challenge- a shake-up- a test- a roller coaster- a journey that will have constant twists and turns and more than enough lemons for lemonade. Some days we are eagles in the sky, gliding untouched by the gravity of life’s challenges, soaring on the wind of His […]
You may (or may not) have noticed I don’t ever capitalize “downs syndrome” . I just can’t- never have- never will; my apologies to the British scientist, John Langley Down who discovered the syndrome. I know its grammatically wrong but it makes perfect sense to me. I refuse to capitalize my problems or challenges! This […]
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 […]
“Mommy- I need your help. I want to talk fast.” Somewhat distracted, but thinking how cute she is when she’s so serious about something, I reply, “Hmmm? What? What do you mean, Bethie? My brain began scrambling for an interpretation- does she mean she wants to talk without stuttering when she gets excited or […]
In our digging for identity, we’ve discovered some priceless treasure! 1.) We were created for God’s pleasure (Rev. 4:11) 2.) God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. 3.) God has reclaimed you through Jesus- His creation- and is in the business of transforming you into His likeness 4.) He’s going to give you […]
B U M M E R! I had such “lofty” expectations for our vacation! Like most of the American world, we try to live within a pretty tight budget. We save a certain amount each month for Christmas and Birthdays (a necessity in a family as large as ours 🙂 ) and we set aside vacation […]
[box type=”info”] I’ve got a SURPRISING TREASURE for you today! I’m in Galveston, Texas with my family on vacation and I’ve asked my sister-friend, Edy, to be our guest blogger! If you’ve followed Surprising Treasures very long, you might have noticed Edy comments on every post! (boy, do I love that 🙂 ) She is […]
I totally underestimate what Bethany can hear and understand. Yesterday, I was sharing with Jeff that although its exciting to watch the kids were growing up and having their own lives, jobs, careers, and families, it’s difficult to plan time for our “big family” to come together. I started reminiscing about the “good old days” […]
[box type=”info”] “I so excited. I’m going to 5th grade…then 6th grade, then 7th grade, then 8th grade! Then can I drive a car?” quote by Bethany Barclay 11 years old & absolutely serious[/box] As the school year winds down, next year is already being ANTICIPATED!!! This has been an incredible year of CHANGE for Bethany […]
“Bella! Bella! Babe, look me. What this word say?” Bethany’s patient, but firm teacher voice commanded Bella’s attention. Bella’s almond eyes crinkled shut as she smiled and shouted, “Mommy!” ~ About two years ago, I met a lovely lady named Patricia. Previously a dance teacher, she had put everything aside to become a stay at home grandma and help raise her […]
Sometimes I forget Jesus lived and walked this “Earth” Journey just like me- exactly like all of us. My focus tends to think of Jesus post resurrection! You know- loved, worshiped, glorified: our Victorious Savior, the Living Word, Alpha Omega, the Beginning and the End, Soon and Coming King! This Holy Week, I’ve fixed my heart and thoughts upon […]
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 […]
When you can’t handle your storms- turn to the God who rides the winds. There are solar storms sending solar winds 92.96 MILLION miles through space to our little privileged planet! This, in turn, has created the most amazing aurora borealis in the last 50 years! On the other hand, the storms are also shutting down air travel and […]
Hugs! We all need them! Family therapist, Virginia Satir, has said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day to thrive.” [Tweet “Hugs: we need 4 daily to #survive- 12 for #thriving. #hugs”] So how do I […]