Do you ever feel like a human doing instead of a human being? I do. (No pun intended!) Most of us, from the time our feet hit the floor in the early morning hours until we climb back into bed late at night, do not pause in our doing. It’s different for each of us, depending on what life stage we’re in, but it looks something like this: Make breakfast. Pack lunches. Clean up kitchen. … [Read more...]
We Had Nothing to Do With It
…We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the … [Read more...]
Gambling on God’s Grace
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. This quote by the theologian Soren Kierkegaard speaks to my heart as Joel’s mom. Joel is the youngest of my three sons. A handsome young man of twenty-eight, Joel has autism and moderate intellectual disabilities. God meets me daily on this mothering journey, enabling me to let go of future fears and past regrets—empowering … [Read more...]
Mourning Turned to Dancing
Years ago, as a young mother of a son with autism and moderate intellectual disability (and the behaviors that accompanied those challenges), I vividly remember being blown away by the Psalms. On hard days I opened my Bible to this section to re-read words that matched my own anger, frustration, and wavering faith in God’s presence. Psalm 13 (The Message) is a good example: Long enough, GOD— … [Read more...]
Peaches of Promise
Do you ever doubt yourself as a parent of a child with special needs? Ever feel like a failure as a spouse? Wonder why you can’t get it right more often with your friends? Feel like you’re missing the mark as a follower of Jesus? I do. Not every day. But often enough. I want to be the best mom, most loving wife, true-blue friend, and role-model Christian. Instead, I find myself losing my … [Read more...]
Celebration!
Joel loves to dance. He’s a study in joy on the dance floor—arms flailing, feet shuffling, eyes shining. Joy bubbles up in my veins as I watch him, inviting me to get up and do my own celebratory dance. I was shocked when Joel was too agitated and anxious to enjoy the last monthly dance held at his home, Safe Haven Farms. He walked into the brightly decorated multi-purpose room where music was … [Read more...]