It’s tough to get beyond the fear and negativity that the world throws us each day. At times, it seems relentless. When you add in the commercial pressures and the loneliness that the Christmas season often brings, it can be even tougher to see any abundance in our lives let alone be thankful. Every one of us get caught up in the busy-ness and urgency of the day and, little by little, can lose … [Read more...]
In EVERYTHING Give Thanks?
Confusing? Wrong? Let’s see what God’s word has to say: Ephesians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As a young mom of a son with special needs, it was hard for me to be thankful for the condition of my son. I wanted him to be “normal” like everyone else seemed to be. I wasn’t outwardly or inwardly angry at God nor did I dislike, hate, or not want … [Read more...]
Parents, God Has Not Forgotten Your Dreams
A month ago I took a huge risk with my special needs family. And it paid off. It began almost twenty years ago when, as a 21 year old exchange student in Europe, I discovered the needs of people across the globe through weekly prayer meetings. My heart began to beat for villages with no clean water, societal violence toward women, entire groups of people ignored and left to die because of their … [Read more...]
She Calls Me Mama
She calls me what her brothers don’t. Because they are boys, most likely, or perhaps because they are impatient and "MOM!" hollered from somewhere else is easier to get out of their mouths. Loudly. Grace is walking up the stairs, calling my name before she reaches the top. But it’s not the “Mom!” of Noah’s tween insistence. It’s her calling, “Mama?” It is sweet and gentle. And it lasts only … [Read more...]
On Learning to Love
Read below for a guest post from Mary Tutterow. “We love because He first loved us.” - 1 John 4:19 Love can get so complicated. So much fear of giving love and losing a bit of ourselves if we get hurt. So much manipulation – I will love you so that you will love me. So much disappointment – You don’t love me enough. Our daughter, Mary Addison, is mentally and physically challenged and she has … [Read more...]
Real Superheroes Don’t Wear Capes—Tyler Gianchetta’s Miraculous Story
Read below for a guest post from Ron Sandison. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” - Isaiah 43:2 The Marvel Comic summer blockbuster movies portray a superhero as possessing amazing gifts like a robotic outfit to … [Read more...]