For several months in my life, I had a severe "pity party." I was angry toward God because He refused to match my self-prophesied life plans. Ridiculous. I know... But in talking to other parents I find that I am not alone in my bitterness struggle. Parenting is not what we expect. The days are long. The work is brutal. Of course, there are ...
Visiting the Grand Canyon with Kids
This summer, we had the amazing opportunity to visit Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon National Parks. A-maz-ing. So far I have shared tips about all of the trip except the Grand Canyon. So, without further ado, let's get started so you can make plans for your vacation to this amazing part of the world! Read from the beginning of this ...
Why Early Intervention is So Important
You don't have to travel far into a conversation with me to know that I am a firm believer in early intervention. I've seen firsthand the difference it makes. I've also seen the struggles that occur when professional services are not sought for a child. Early intervention provides a child with the professional help he or she needs to address ...
Encouraging Your Child
If you watch the ABCJLM YouTube Channel, you know that I believe children need firm boundaries draped in love. But in having children with disabilities, I have learned that sometimes discipline is not the answer. Let me explain with a blog post that I wrote six years ago... Bubs struggles with new things. New foods, different places, and ...
7 Truths of Real-Life Parenting
image source While going through my collection of papers from Women's Ministry, I stumbled upon notes from a message we heard called "Keeping It Real: Seven Truths." While I am unable to give credit to the exact speaker, these truths are too good not to share. 1. My children will make mistakes. ...And at the most inopportune times. No ...
What Makes a Good Consequence?
On Wednesdays, our newspaper prints a column by Dr. John Rosemond. While I don't agree with all of his parenting advice (especially when dealing with children who have disabilities), our overall parenting philosophies are very similar. High expectations for all children. Boundaries that prove the test of time. Unconditional love that has no ...
Have a Strong-Willed Child?
I am hearing a lot of frustration on the ABCJLM Facebook Group about having a strong-willed child. Can I just encourage you for a moment? While there are varying degrees, raising a strong-willed child means that your child is developing...growing...maturing. Showing their desire is part of the process of learning independence and checking to ...
Parenting: What to Do When What You Are Doing Isn’t Working
My heart is breaking. I am reading so many posts from mommas sharing frustrations in parenting. They feel like failures. They feel alone. They feel defeated. He ignores what I tell him to do. She is emotional, loud, and demands her own way. He is so strong willed and laughs when I discipline him. Parenting is hard. Blood, sweat, and tears ...
God, What Have You Asked Me to Do Today?
And that's a wrap. As your read last week's post, we closed the door on summer and we are ankle deep in school for my four kiddos. Because I want to practice what I preach, I pulled back the last 3 months to focus on my family. Today I sit at the computer ready to take whatever next step God has for this ministry. But this peace hasn't come ...
A Parent’s Pray for the School Year
Today we are closing the door on summer. At the crack of dawn tomorrow, I will deliver my children to their appropriate elementary and middle schools to spread their wings. I would like to pretend that this is easy to do, but honestly, like a mother hen, I would much rather keep them in the safety of my nest. It is only by God's strength and ...