For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death... (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) I do not know exactly what Paul experienced in Asia. I can guess it might have been something comparable to (or worse than) the … [Read more...]
The Source of Our Joy
I always pray before I write for this blog to see if there is something God wants me to specifically write about. I really feel impressed that there are many who are reading this, who are struggling under the weight of heavier than usual burdens right now. The winter months can be difficult. There has been so much extreme weather in many parts of the world, and it's been a severe season with … [Read more...]
Go into Their World and Love Them Where They Are
I remember so vividly Alec's difficult toddler days. My son had less than a handful of words. The days were a series of one tantrum after another. I was a stressed-out mother on the brink of a personal meltdown of my own. Oh, yes, I remember those days. I loved my son desperately, but hadn't a clue how to help him. I obsessively scoured every piece of advice I could find from any expert … [Read more...]
About Friendship
Every time my cell rings and I notice the call comes from school, there is part of me that wants to jump into panic mode. Did my daughter with cerebral palsy get hurt? Did my daughter with Down syndrome- who is a runner – get lost? Should I be getting in the car and start driving while I answer the call? The reality is, most of the time our calls go like this: “Mrs. Stumbo, just calling to … [Read more...]
Encouragement For the Days You Forget How Far You’ve Come
"Bye James! Have a good day at school. I love you." "Love you. See you morning." "No, not 'see you in the morning.' It's school time, not bed time." "James do you want an apple?" "Want apple?" "No, say 'yes' or 'no.'" "Yes or no." "No James, say 'yes apple' or 'no apple.'" "Yes or no." Some days I grow weary from the same-ness. From teaching the same lessons. From working on the same … [Read more...]
In the Vineyard: An Invitation to Abide with Christ in the New Year
Like many of you, I begin each new year by looking back to see where I’ve been, and forward to where I’m headed. I make resolutions and lean into the year with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Why the trepidation? Because I almost always find myself mired in mud by the middle of February, otherwise known as the armpit of the year. As the mom of a young adult son with autism … [Read more...]