Category Archives: Families

Ron Sandison…She believed in the word “CAN”

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Dr. G

My mom’s belief in the word “CAN” paid off. My mom believed that by having me interact with typical children my own age I would learn essential social skills, and by developing my talents I could gain independence and accomplish my dreams. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Parents, Stories | Tagged A Parent's Guide to Autism, Autism, autism refined, Biblical Wisdom, Key Ministry, Kristine Barnett, parenting, pastor, Ron Sandison, seminary | 1 Comment

One in seven young children have a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder (MBDD). WHY?

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Dr. G

The lack of a medical home and poor parental mental health were the two most critical risk factors for future development of MBDDs. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies | Tagged behavioral disorders, Centers For Disease Control, children's ministry, developmental disorders, early childhood, Key Ministry, MBDDs, mental health, outwardly-focused ministry | Leave a comment

Why I tell my kids about my depression

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Dr. G

If we talk about it, depression is no longer the elephant in the room. By naming it and talking about it (according to the girls’ ages and level of understanding), it isn’t me against my family, but us together moving toward health. Continue reading →

Posted in Depression, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged Depression, family illness, Family Ministry, Gillian Marchenko, Key Ministry, mental health ministry, Still Life | 2 Comments

Needed: Spaces for foster & adoptive parents to say “me too”

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Dr. G

God never meant for us to do everything on our own. We’re created for community, and finding yours is worth the risk of being brave with your stories. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Foster Care, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged Adoption, Created for Care, Disability Ministry, Foster Care, Inclusion, me too, parent support, Refresh Conference, Shannon Dingle | 1 Comment

What about my career?

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Dr. G

What about my career? What about providing for my family? Shouldn’t that be my first and most important priority? Shouldn’t I have to make sacrifices about my time with my children so I can more effectively provide for their needs?
Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Key Ministry, Parents, Special Needs Ministry | Tagged Disability Ministry, family, Jeff Davidson, Key Ministry, No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches, parenting, Rising Above Ministries, Special Needs Ministry, work | 3 Comments

The Day I Said, “I Quit!”

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Sandra

One day Cindi said, “I quit!” And it’s exactly what her son needed her to do. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Key Ministry, Parents | Leave a comment

Am I to blame for this happening?

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Dr. G

Does God really have a plan and a purpose for your child’s life? Did God really allow this because he intended to use our circumstances for His glory?
Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Parents, Special Needs Ministry | Tagged Disability Ministry, facing the elephants in the room, Jeff Davidson, Key Ministry, No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches, parenting, Psalm 139, Rising Above Ministries, Special Needs Ministry, Wonderfully Made | 1 Comment

What are the stats on adoption, trauma and disability?

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Dr. G

It appears that adoptive families are more likely than others to face the challenge of dealing with disabilities among their children. Continue reading →