I have a confession: I’ve been struggling during my worship service lately. If that sounds strange, please let me explain … From a very early age, I have known that I was created to worship the Lord through song. I knew as a child in elementary school, singing with the children’s choir during church services. In 7th grade, I sang my first church solo. I can clearly remember standing … [Read more...]
Even in the Hard Times
This past Saturday, as we prepared to leave for the farmer's market, my husband and I received the heart-breaking news that Audrey, a young woman with autism who lives at Safe Haven Farms with our son Joel, died unexpectedly on Friday. In her mid-20’s, Audrey was a larger than life kind of gal. She loved to dress up, loved all things Disney, and rarely used her “indoor voice.” A beautiful young … [Read more...]
Power In The Body of Christ
Have you ever had one of those days (weeks, months) where you just felt like giving up? Yup. I thought so. We all have days, weeks or months like that. Especially those of us who live with children or adults with significant disabilities. Our son Joel, who has autism, has been having a rough time lately. A hospitalization for depression last fall. A 6 week manic spurt this spring that … [Read more...]
What Led Me to You
Read below for a guest post from Carrie Dahlin. When I first had Laura, and continuing until after Mia was born, I had play dates with other moms, and before I knew it, I put value in our conversations regarding our achievements, or, rather, in the achievements of our children. We would share joy in the fact that our kids walked early or said the cutest thing. Maybe they were able to learn … [Read more...]
When the Tornado Touches Down
Last night, I received a message from the county that we were under a tornado watch for the next four hours. A quick glance through the curtains revealed blue skies out front, but darkening clouds out back. Various scenarios scrolled through my mind, like one of those old View Masters that changed pictures with the push of a lever. Possibilities included lots of crying, meltdowns, insisting to … [Read more...]
ENGAGE or DISTRACT?
Thinking quickly on our feet begins to come naturally as a parent of a child with special needs. Even all these years later, we still do the same for our grown son! So often, even before something happens, we look ahead to how it might turn out in any given the situation. Then, there are the times something is happening in the very moment when we must make on the spot decisions that might help … [Read more...]