There is in each of us an intricately interwoven desire for order. At some level or another, we are all walking through the messiness of life. How that looks for each of us is different, but the desire for order is not. As human beings, we crave it. Even the most adventurous spirit has a desire for clarity, certainty, and confidence. And yet, as the reality of life unfolds, we often find ourselves fighting for or forfeiting it. Adding foster...
All this sensory input, which begins in the brain, has its effect throughout the body. Norman Cousins Many children from hard places have challenges meeting their sensory and motor needs. Unmet sensory and motor needs can present as negative behaviors that interrupt other areas of life. Libby Van Bruggen, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, guides caregivers in understanding a holistic approach to identifying and helping meet various sensory and motor needs. Through these support resources, she works to help caregivers understand...
Now let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 To our faithful friends, All praise to Him and gratefulness to you as we look back over 2019 and look ahead to 2020 As I reflect on this past year, my mind is flooded with His faithfulness in so many ways. There were many challenges, there were many joys, He was in all of it. My mind is drawn to a song called, “My...
Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued – when they can give and receive without judgementBrene Brown We all need connection. It really is that simple. There’s no way around it, no way to fight it, no way to let go ignored. We were created by a loving and gracious Father not to do life alone. Yet, as easy as it is to admit this might be true, it is not near...
It’s not easy, and you’re not alone. That’s the first thing you should know. Our children from hard places need guidance to survive and thrive in the school setting. And unfortunately, it’s not something many people outside of the foster care and adoption community understand. Until you’re living it, it’s hard to see the effects schooling can have on kids who have experienced trauma. Grant Willits, our local school counselor and former classroom teacher, joined us for our first support meeting to share...
Katelyn’s Fund Newsletter | SPRING 2019 Katelyns-Fund-Spring-2020- ...
This clip from Bryan Post at The Post Institute is an excellent reminder of how we need to be aware of our own triggers and emotional state before trying to help our children’s mindfulness and regulation. It is a great taste of the teaching Mary Weber did in September for our Sioux Falls Katelyn’s Fund families. Click here to watch the video ...
My almost 8-year-old son never wants to pray out loud with me at bedtime. I know enough not to make it a big deal or make him go through the motions if his heart is not in it. But, it still bugs me that he is not interested in talking to God with me. Tonight I took him with me to a high school FCA event I was speaking at (out of convenience mostly but with the hope he would enjoy...
It has been too long since I have written a blog post (due to me forgetting to post when I am scheduled!) and I had every intention to post yesterday when I was scheduled! Ahh but life happens and my days are full, in the best way, with 3 small children, college athletes that need to hear the Gospel, a staff team that needs care, and neighbors and a church community to invest in. As I slow down and sit to...
In the last little while, some of my teen kids have said things like this: Can you imagine what life would be like if we hadn’t adopted…….if we had stopped with….(insert name). My teens are living interesting lives. More time away from home and with friends, focusing on leaving the nest rather than living in the nest, etc. Tonight it came up again. Our number 4 has significant ADHD and life with her is like living in a tornado. All...
