“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 […]
Bethany, children, Cohen, encouragement, Finley, home schooling, perspective, roots, school, transformation, treasure, wingsFoggily 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, change, fourth grade, perspective, school, treasureBethany 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 […]
Bethany, fallen world, Grandma, homeless, inspiration, Justin, limitations, living between the trees, perspective, prayer, transformation, treasure, Uncle SteveIf Parenting is comparable to the task of laboring long hours, in blistering heat, during the summertime; then GRANDparenting is like harvesting and enjoying the fruit of your labor in the crisp, cool season of autumn! Children are the reward of our youth but GRANDchildren are the GRAND PRIZE from the hand of the Lord! [Tweet “Children are the reward of our youth- Grandchildren […]
birthday, Blessings, Cohen, grandchildren, Grandparent, perspective, thankfulness, treasure
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, downs syndrome, encouragement, EQ, home school, IQ, labels, limitations, perspective, RQ, school, SQ, tests, treasure
FACT: EVERYTHING is going from order to disorder. (entropy-2nd law of thermodynamics) every cell in our body is aging: muscle mass decreases, our senses diminish, our brain cells shrink, our bodies, our universe is wearing out (that’s enough of the depressing news- we all get the point 🙂 ) [Tweet “The universe is wearing out […]
Christian family, eternity, God of Grace, joyful journey, Kingdom Come, special needs parentsBethany “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 […]
Bethany, birthday, celebrate, cell phone, downs syndrome, encouragement, humor, Jason3-5 Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right […]
birth, celebrate, children, creation, family, gift, heritage of the Lord, inspiration, miracle, Noah, Psalm 127, Sarah, Silas, thankfulness, wonderWhat’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 […]
Bethany, Cohen, Do Everything, encouragement, Finley, joy, lists, living between the trees, making God smile, overcoming, perspective, Steven Curtis Chapman, transformationThe following story is shared by my “sister” in the Lord- Pam. Recently, on Facebook, we were reconnected and I was grieved to hear she had been battling breast cancer. As we visited, I was amazed at the journey of faith she has taken and how faithful God is to us all- even in our darkest moments and greatest challenges. […]
breast cancer, faith, fallen world, fear, fighting in faith, living between the trees, loss, Pam, perseverence, thankfulness, treasure
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 […]
Christian family, God of Grace, joyful journey, overcoming, special needs parenting, treasure
OH- MY- GOODNESS!!! I KNOW YOU’VE ALL HEARD OF TOE-TAPPING MUSIC BUT I’M WILLING TO BET YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OR SEEN TOE PICKIN’ WORSHIP! d [Tweet “Life is short- we have to learn to loosen up and #laugh. #life”] s A little background information before I share the “PLEASE GOD! OPEN UP THE FLOOR & LET […]
Bethany, celebrate, children, church, downs syndrome, embarrassment, hilarious church events, humor, on display behavior, parenting moments, parenting power, perspectiveToday, I open the treasure chest of memories and celebrate the birthday of our sixth jewel- Moriah Ruth. (not called the wind Mariah- but MOriah- the great mountain of God) My quiver felt full and satisfied when Moriah was born. A little girl again- after three boys, was just what our family needed. While Sarah was […]
Bethany, celebrate, children, commemorate, encouragement, love, Moriah, thankfulness, treasureIf we could tune into the heart of God- I believe this is what His every heart beat is saying. He is 100 % committed to our complete care and it is motivated by an endless supply of His love. The trouble is- our mind and thoughts are “running” through the other “channels” being broadcast. […]
disabilities, downs syndrome, encouragement, I only want the best for you, inspiration, limitations, living between the trees, overcoming, Palins, perspective, promises, Sarah Palin, special needs, treasure, Trig Palin
Beauty is in the eye of…. Our Creator (betcha thought I was going to say beholder 🙂 ) [Tweet “#Beauty is in the eye of the #Creator.”] Besides log throwing, kilt inspecting, bag-piping parades and Highland dancing; face painting was one of the tents we visited at the […]
Bethany, Finley, perspective, special needs, transformation, treasure, true beauty