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My Dear Friend Jaclynnette: A Tribute
I don't want to write this. And yet, I must. My heart cries out in longing for the friend I lost. I think to myself that writing about her will help the healing and grieving process. There's something about expressing everything I feel by translating it into words...
Be Brave and Take Family Pictures
I don’t know about you, but my Pinterest feed is currently filled with adorable fall family pictures and ideas for a photo shoot. October and November are great months to grab your camera (or a photographer), coordinate your entire family’s outfits, and plan an...
Guilt and Competition
My son Samuel was diagnosed with autism at 28 months old. He was mostly non-verbal, except for when he scripted his favorite movie lines or spelled out letters he saw on signs. He had no meaningful communication and he screamed a lot. He repeatedly banged his...
The Special-Needs Scrim
The sanctuary was dark. The air was thick with grief, tension, and anticipation of what we all knew was coming next. But nothing prepared me for what my eyes were about to behold. I was watching our church’s Easter pageant from the middle of the large auditorium. We...
Remembering the Christmas Diagnosis
Seven years ago today, I took Samuel to the Kansas City Regional Center to meet with a psychologist for autism testing "just to rule it out." Instead, we left with an official diagnosis of moderate/severe classic autism. He was constantly scripting with no meaningful...
How Spilled Milk Leads My Son with Autism to the Cross
We were so close. All that was left was to get his drink before going to bed. Tale as old as time: Brother 1 gets mad at brother 2 and responds inappropriately and unkindly. Mom steps in and deals with each of them, explaining what was wrong, the right that should...
She Just Sees Sam
I was really hopeful after such a great day yesterday. It had been a full Saturday for Sam. He went to a new soccer group (his very first!), got his hair cut, and had an ice cream date with me. It was one thing after another, and that's a lot to process. He had a...
Just for Today
Today, my son still has autism. Every day for the rest of his life, he will have autism. But today, or rather right now, I don’t want to dwell on the difficulties autism brings and will bring when he comes home from school at the end of the day. I don’t want to wish...
On Respite and Guilt
This past week, Samuel spent a few days at my parents' house without his brothers. We dropped him off on Wednesday, came back on Saturday for our monthly family dinner, and took him back home with us Saturday night. On Thursday, my oldest son Ben was invited to Six...
Praying Through the Storm of Autism
"Mom, the clouds are dark. I think there's going to be a tornado." "No, Sam. There's no tornado." "I think the sky is turning green," he said, his pitch rising, and eyes frantically searching the sky for clues. "I'm afraid there's going to be a tornado!" "Samuel. Look...
Jason Hague: Aching Joy
Episode 7 Jason Hague: Aching JoyJason and Sarah discuss Jason’s book, Aching Joy, including being transparent, choosing joy, embracing pain, and especially finding hope. Plus, some fun bonus content at the end, so stay tuned! Hosts & Guests Sarah Broady...
Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry Leaders
Episode 6 Bronwyn Murphy: On Building Positive Relationships with Ministry LeadersBronwyn Murphy is both the mother of a child with special needs as well as a ministry leader in her church, and founder of a special needs support group for moms in California. We talk...
Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie Gomez
Episode 5 Redefine Special: An Interview with Melanie GomezSarah and Melanie discuss special needs motherhood and Melanie's devotional, Bundle of Joy. Melanie and Sarah will both be speaking at Key Ministry's Inclusion Fusion Live! Conference on April 5th-6th in Bay...
Ability Ministry with Ryan Wolfe
Episode 4 Ability Ministry with Ryan WolfeRegardless of the size of the church, community outreach to the disability community is not only possible, but commanded by Jesus himself. We are here to help. Most churches aren't opposed to the idea of getting involved in...
Embracing Life with Jenn Soehnlin
Episode 3 Embracing Life with Jenn SoehnlinJenn shares her story dealing with grief after an autism diagnosis, how God met her on the beach, and how she has moved forward in hope. We talk through how to deal with grief, what to embrace about our kids with special...
Discover GOALLY
Goally is an incredible time, task, and behavioral management aide designed specifically for individuals with autism under the control of a parent with the parent app. Kids manage their own tasks and routines (set up within the parent app,) building independence, creating good habits, and it enables parents and therapists alike to track behavior, both "desireable" and "undesireable", and allow kids/Goally users to redeem points for rewards. There is even a FB support group for parents with access to help as needed. Some insurance waivers will even cover the cost of Goally as an assistive device.
Get $10 off with affiliate code HOPE10
