Removing the stigma from single parenthood. by Dawn Shanks, MEd My three-year-old’s voice became increasingly louder. “But why, Mom?!” he repeatedly asked, though I told him to pick only six books — the limit we had agreed on in the car. Our bag could not hold any more books without ripping. Not surprisingly, he…
Read moreCategory: Children
Heart and Soul
Christ performs major surgery on the deepest need. by Dave Moors as told to Priscilla Tate Gilmore In February 2001, when my wife was four months pregnant, our obstetrician, Dr. Robert Olson, delivered alarming news: “Based on previous blood tests, there is a ten percent chance that your baby will be born with Down’s…
Read moreNaming Jason
Surrender to the sovereign will of God is not always easy. by Karen Foster A sharp pain jarred me awake at 4 a.m. Rubbing my large belly, I urged my unborn son, “Settle down in there.” I breathed deeply, but another searing pain made me bolt up in bed. My heart pounded. I can’t…
Read moreParenting a Child with a Disability
How to trust God in the rough places. by Geralyn Anderson Arango, Ed.D. The essay “Welcome to Holland,” by Emily Perl Kingsley, is familiar to many parents of children with disabilities, especially children with Down syndrome. The piece relates the experience of raising a child with a disability to planning a dream-come-true trip to…
Read moreBittersweet Birthday
Letting go of those we love mostand releasing them to God. by Nancey West I knew this birthday would be special. My daughter, Kristi, lived 1,600 miles away and was coming home for the weekend. My son, Matt, had finished his summer job and was home to start another year of college. They would…
Read moreThrough the Ears of a Child
Learning to trust God — without all the answers. by Rebecca Willman Gernon Organization and perfectionism ruled my life. Even my relationship with God was compartmentalized. He was in charge of my soul; I was in charge of my life — a very busy life, with no room for additional challenges. But God had…
Read moreA Different Path
Learning to see the unique design of the Creator. by Sanet Smit “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3, NIV). OK, now we’re cooking! I thought as I read this familiar scripture. God made this…
Read moreWhen Our Son Divorced
by Dawn Hamilton* When we met our son, Paul, at the airport, he stepped off the plane with all he had left in the world: his old tool box. He walked slowly with none of his old carefree spirit. My husband and I said little to him as we found the car and headed…
Read moreWhat to Do When the Nest is Empty
Finding fulfillment when the kids are gone. by Sharlene MacLaren For many, the transition from a full nest to an empty one is difficult. After all, you have spent some twenty years in this business of parenting. You have changed diapers, wiped noses, and cooled fevered bodies. You have read children’s books until you…
Read moreThanks to Ryan
Special needs are not all physical and emotional. by Lynne Hudak as told to Wendy Lynn Decker “Ryan has a rare and incurable kidney disease. He’ll need a kidney transplant by the end of the year.” I felt as though I was going to be sick all over the doctor’s desk. The words dialysis,…
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