Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1) These are the first words I read in my devotional book this morning as I sit on the beach, alone, disappointment hanging over me like a big, black cloud. I watch the waves ebb and flow, leaving rainbow-flecked foam in their wake. I want to give thanks to the Lord, but disappointment makes thanksgiving almost … [Read more...]
When the World Stares at My Daughter
The little girl walking on the sidewalk ahead of us clutches her mother's hand, but continues to turn around and curiously survey my daughter as she sweeps her white cane back and forth with each step she takes. I smile at the little girl and continue the conversation I'm having with my daughter. It used to bother me when strangers would stare. My daughter was born with her eye condition, … [Read more...]
Your Participation Grade
I’m a substitute teacher and just recently had a long-term job as a PE teacher. It was tough, one of the toughest jobs I’ve had. I had to dig deep into my faith to keep my spirits up and not become incredibly frustrated. The hardest part was seeing the complete lack of interest from many of the students. They didn’t want to follow directions, they didn’t care about participating—they just … [Read more...]
You’re Blocking My View
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 ESV As I was driving to my daughter's school the other day, I realized how completely leveled a portion of our desert view had become. Dozens of large construction vehicles were moving in cement cylinders meant to form a sewer system for a new housing development. Our neighborhood continues to grow and our … [Read more...]
Praise: God’s Antidote to Discouragement
Did you know there's an antidote to discouragement? And it works almost immediately, if we can only remember to pull it out of our spiritual tool kits and use it! What is it? Praise! Some of you may be thinking, Really? You don't know what our family is facing on a daily basis! I get it. Sometimes I feel like my prayers for healing within my family (autism, bipolar disorder, traumatic … [Read more...]
Autism and Dementia: How Do We Cope?
Last week, on a gloomy Thursday afternoon, I sat in the prayer room on our retreat center’s property with a student from Miami University. It was the first meeting of a spiritual mentoring relationship. I lit a candle and made her a cup of tea. Frankly, I wondered if I had anything to give that day. The day before I’d visited my mom, who is careening headlong into full-blown dementia. I’d … [Read more...]