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Monthly Archives: December 2015

Elizabeth: “To Take Away My Reproach”

Luke 1:5-7, ESV, Luke the Physician narrating

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

A barren woman getting up in age. One who waited for a motherhood yet to happen. A womb that yearned but ached so empty. A husband, though a priest, himself filled with doubt.

But then—then a Savior’s story ushers in. God uses her swelling belly to send a message in utero that later hit the Judean wilderness.

She was not forsaken.

She was not to be scorned.

Her womb was chosen to host a Holy Spirit-filled messenger.

With her story, came a Messiah who gave His life so that we too may host the Holy Spirit. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by Bonnie Lyn Smith on December 22, 2015 in Grace in Big Gulps, Meaningful Holidays, Relationship with God

Tags: advent, baby leaped in her womb, barren woman, blessed is the fruit of your womb, Elizabeth and Zechariah, God writes our story, God's plans, God's story, impossible, John the Baptist, Luke 1, Messiah, nothing will be impossible with God, prophet of the Most High, reproach, to take away my reproach

Top 10 Ways to Keep Kids Regulated and Engaged During the Holidays

17 Dec

Whether or not you have a child with special needs during the holidays, everyone in the house—adults and teens included—can get ramped up and a little “off” during the lack of routine, irregular eating and sleeping patterns, and increased social interactions of the holidays.

As facilitator of a FOCUS Group for Special Needs Parents at my church, I brought in a 20-year public school occupational therapist within our congregation to do a parent workshop on “De-Stressing the Holidays.” With Linda’s permission, I share some helpful tips for all families at a particularly stressful-yet-fun time of year. Perhaps there are some last-minute stocking stuffer ideas you can find here as well.

10. Social Stories (to help with emotions, disappointments, fear, anxiety, etc.)

The holidays often come to us as a mixed bag of expectations and emotions. Children are excited, perhaps nervous about a family get-together, have pent-up energy and frustrations, and have trouble staying regulated among the extra sugar intake, late nights, and unpredictable schedule. “Social stories” can have pictures and words; they walk through holiday-time scenarios so kids know what to expect and that feelings can be unpredictable and very normal. Here is a great web site I found for social stories on everything from anticipating blood draws to the dentist.

9. Calendaring

Children need a sense of what to expect when the normal routine is disrupted by holiday events and time off school. A simple printed-out calendar with pictures or words (depending on the child’s developmental age) can be a great way to take away the “What are we doing today?” question that visits us twenty times a day and give kids a sense of knowledge and control; they could even express “wants” on it (like “see a movie” or “play a game”). They feel a part of the family calendar when they can see it. Read the rest of this entry »