Planning for a peace-filled holiday season with your family
When you think of the upcoming holidays, what words come to mind? Unfortunately for many of us, it’s likely words like stress, exhaustion, overspending, and family tension. But my prayer for this year is that we can get through Thanksgiving and Christmas with one word on our hearts—peace. Scripture talks about peace often. First, we … Read more
Two Steps to Take When You’re Worried about the Future
Over the summer, my side of the family went to Florida to celebrate my parents’ 45th wedding anniversary. My mom booked a photographer to take pictures of all of us. I prayed all day that it would go ok. I wasn’t asking for perfection—I was asking for good enough. Friends, it didn’t go well. … Read more
Fall Bible Study: the book of Philippians
Looking for a Bible study especially for special-needs parents? On Oct. 7th, we’ll start our study through the book of Philippians in my Patreon community. For as little as $5 a month you’ll have access to this six-week study, a PDF of our spring study on the Fruit of the Spirit (PDF available Sept. … Read more
Special-Needs Parents Experience Additional Stress from Decision Fatigue
The average person makes 35,000 decisions a day. But special-needs parents make thousands more than the average, leading to the additional stress of decision fatigue. Our decision making begins as soon as we wake up. Do I hit snooze or jump out of bed? Do I try to take a shower before my son wakes … Read more
Online Study of Unexpected Blessings with Special Guests
Starting Sept. 2nd, I’ll be leading an online study through Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. And this time, I’ve invited five friends to join us! Unexpected Blessings guides special-needs parents through the five stages of special-needs parenting. So I’ve asked Becky Davidson, Laura Hernandez, Diane Dokko Kim, Jolene Philo, and Kim Albrecht … Read more
Why Is Friendship Such a Challenge for Moms of Kids with Disabilities?
After our son’s autism diagnosis, everything changed. Our priorities changed. How we spent our money changed. Our schedule changed. And although we weren’t prepared for it, our friendships changed. We were going through a season of grief and confusion, and we felt more isolated than ever. When we got through those early years after … Read more
Hospitality Tips for Special-Needs Families
In our first year after moving to Texas we had people over to our house 47 out of 52 weeks. Our small group came over each week. We hosted neighbors and friends we met through the community theater group. We even celebrated Halloween with James’s life skills class from school. It isn’t always easy. … Read more
100 Ideas for Keeping Your Child with Special Needs Busy All Summer
Already wondering how you’re going to fill those long summer days? Here are 100 fun ideas to keep you and the kids (or grandkids) busy! Plant a garden Visit a national park – remember, People With Disabilities Are Entitled to a Free Lifetime Pass to National Parks Start a new collection Climb a tree … Read more
Top Five Worries of Special-Needs Parents (and how to overcome them)
I run a Facebook group focused on self-care for special-needs moms, and I recently asked them what was causing the most stress in their lives right now. “Worry about meeting my child’s needs now and in the future” was the number one answer. It was no surprise to me. I grew up as a special-needs … Read more
The Special Relationship Special-Needs Siblings Can Have
I was probably four years old when I asked my mom why my sister Syble was different. I noticed she looked different, with her almond-shaped eyes and low muscle tone. I noticed she talked differently, calling me “S-s-s-sandra” or just “Andra.” I noticed there were things I could do that she couldn’t do, even though … Read more
Five Self-Care Ideas for You after an IEP Meeting
It’s IEP season for many of us. We prepare, we pray, and we walk through those school doors ready to get our kids everything they need to be as successful as possible. Sometimes they go well. Everyone is on the same page and you hear yes over and over. Sometimes they don’t go well. Your … Read more
Spring Clean Your Digital Life
Feeling overwhelmed by your digital life—social media, a full inbox, and the noise that never seems to end? Join me for a five-day email series that will help us spring clean our online habits! In this series we’ll talk about: How our brains and lives are changing as a result of our constant connectivity … Read more
