“OK, Bethany! Can you read all these vocabulary words and use them in a sentence? “Sure, Mommy!” Beth was doing a great job until we got to a very “simple” word. It was the word- brag. Bethany read it and stared blankly at me. “Can you use it in a sentence? It means to […]
Does sadness ever come calling? Sadness can settle in on me like fog settles into the low places in the morning; banished only by the Son who has the power to dispel it. [Tweet “The #Son is the #Light of the world- #darkness cannot #overcome it. #Victory”] s When I first saw The Lord of […]
For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and He holds all things together! Colossians 1:17 all credit of the song- Breath […]
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 […]
If we could see things from God’s point of view we might begin to grasp we live a wonderful life after all. * Everyone should see the original Frank Capra’s classic, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”, with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. (there is a colorized version available also) The question of the ages- “Does […]
[Tweet “Life is #bittersweet- but God’s #Love will ensure the sweet will Ultimately Win!”] For many of us, memories swirl around bittersweet moments as jumbled and numerous as glitter in a snow-globe. We’re thankful for life – but it hurts like hell when death has taken someone you love. Every holiday is bittersweet, painful to even celebrate without […]
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! […]
definition of Revelry: unrestrained merrymaking Shrieks of laughter, giggles, and unrestrained delight danced through open windows to my listening ear. What could possibly be so fun in my front yard? I stepped out to see Finley and Cohen swinging on an old tire swing Micah and Jeff had just put up two days before. […]
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 […]
Surprising Treasures was birthed from life experiences which at first glance looked devastating. Underneath layers of sorrow, loss, fear, and pain, I’ve found TREASURE! Instead of seeing life full of random accidents and misfortunes, I am choosing to be a Treasure Hunter, searching for eternal wealth. [Tweet “God has hidden #secret #riches in the #dark places of #life […]
****We were privileged to recently sit under Dr. Ravi Zacharias at a conference. Here is a story he told… An Indian man and his son were working together to weave a blanket. The father sat up top and the son sat below. All around the father there were threads of all kinds, […]
Life is Full of Dry Bones- Now Hear the Word of the Lord The Valley of Dry Bones- EZEKIEL 37 1 The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 […]
Do you believe God is always working in our lives, even when we can’t see it? I Believe~ I want to share 3 miracles when God spoke to us specifically about Bethany. [Tweet “Miracles are #surprising #mercies from the #heart of our #Father. #GodsLove”] Now the whole world had one language and a […]
Thank God for organizations like Up with Downs (http://www.upondowns.com/), Einstein Syndrome (http://einstein-syndrome.com/) NADS (National Association for Downs Syndrome) (http://www.nads.org/ ) for their positive message and information. Thank God for people like Mary, Melody, and Sue (Beth’s tutors and early interventionists). They encouraged us to believe the best for Bethany. “Reach for the Stars- reject stereotypes. Expect her […]
Excitement- anticipation- wonder…. Isn’t this the childlike perception of Christmas? As a parent, I meticulously shop for gifts that will bless and delight our children. I can hardly wait to hear their squeals of surprise and see their faces light up with joy. Nothing quite like watching as they discover what treasure lies beneath the tape and wrapping paper! […]