2:1 Meet-Up for Parents of Kids with Special Needs

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

2:1 Conference Button

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know that I was scheduled to speak at The 2:1 Conference but that the session Heather Laurie and I were co-hosting was cut. I was blessed with partial sponsorships by two wonderful and generous companies: Always Icecream and Total Yearbooks. Thanks to these sponsors, I’m still attending the conference!

My flight is booked, and I’m ready to talk more about the meet-up for parents of kids with special needs that I mentioned a few weeks ago. I want those of us who were planning to attend the special needs homeschooling session to meet and encourage one another, pray together, and share ideas!

The plan is for us to meet in the general meeting room after the last general session on Saturday night. That makes the time between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m., depending on when that last session wraps up.

If you’re already planning to attend 2:1 and are interested in the meet-up, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post or by sending me an e-mail or a private message on Twitter or Facebook.

If you don’t have a ticket to 2:1 but would like to attend the meet-up, buy your ticket and book a room today! Then contact me about the meet-up. I want to meet you!

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Posted in 2to1Conf, Special Needs | 3 Comments

God’s Timing is Perfect!

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Mustard Seeds

Recent events showing how perfect God’s timing is have led me to meditate on Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV1984):

“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven . . .”

The first thing that happened is I started a home business. I looked at the same opportunity a few years ago and even called about signing up. I didn’t have a peace about it, though. I didn’t follow through and figured that was the end of it. The opportunity came across my path again at the end of last year. I figured it wasn’t right for me because it didn’t work out two or three years ago. When it kept coming up, I started praying about it, talked to my husband about it, and we prayed together. Everything fell into place, and my business is off to a great start. To God be the glory! I’m amazed at what I see Him doing.

The second thing occurred during Princess Roo’s immunology appointment. It went very well. She had a pulmonary function test and lots of blood work drawn. He adjusted the dosages of a couple of medications and then brought up the subject I knew was coming: a trial off her weekly infusions to do more testing on her immune system. Last summer when he brought it up, I was very uneasy. Roo was still having lots of infections. Since then, she has done very well. She’s probably the healthiest now that she’s ever been. Cold and flu season is almost over. I’m at peace with taking her off the infusions now and getting the testing done. She’ll be monitored closely, and the doctor is concerned with watching her and making sure she does well throughout this process too.

I’m at peace in both of these situations, something that wasn’t true a year (or more) ago. I have prayed about the difference in my level of peace now versus the uneasiness then. The only thing I can see that’s different is the timing. God’s timing is perfect!

How do you see God at work in the timing of your circumstances?

Please join Rebecca and me as we plant Seeds of faith by linking up or leaving a comment here or at Mom’s Mustard Seeds to share the verses you  are memorizing or meditating on this week. I enjoy reading your posts each week!



Posted in Faith, Growth, Life, Reflections, Scripture Memory, Special Needs | 4 Comments

Immunology and Baptism

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Immunology and baptism really have nothing to do with each other. They’re just the main topics of my thoughts tonight.

This week we’ll have Princess Roo’s immunology appointment. We’re seeing the immunologist at the children’s hospital—not her allergist/immunologist, the one who prescribes her infusions. This man is the one who diagnosed her as failure to thrive last summer, and I expect that he’ll want her to do a trial off her infusions so that they can see how she does and do more testing on her immune system this summer. She’s had a great winter, so I’m not opposed to that plan, but I need for this man and the one who prescribes her infusions and oversees her allergy situation to work together on a plan for this spring and summer. Please pray for them to have wisdom to know what’s best for Roo and that they will be in agreement.

On an entirely different note, Princess Roo got baptized today. She made a public profession of faith after some private prayer time at home almost two years ago and has been fearful and apprehensive about being baptized. She really wanted to get baptized but has struggled all this time with the process of getting baptized. The baptistry at our church is really big for a little girl like Princess. Finally, she decided to face her fears. Our pastor prepared her well, and she was baptized today!

I am so excited and blessed by this precious moment in our lives that my gift list seems rather limited this week:

#1261. Ready for the big event. Our church family and extended family are waiting!

#1262. Entering the baptistry all by herself!

#1263. Her introduction to our church family.

#1264. The actual baptism!

What is your family celebrating this week?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes
Posted in 1000 Gifts, Faith, Family, Gratitude, Multitudes on Monday, Special Needs | 18 Comments

Tornado Season and a Prayer Request

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

It’s tornado season. We were spared the storms last week that cost so many people their lives and that tore families and property apart. There are storms rolling in today. We don’t have a huge threat of severe weather but have been told to stay alert.

The rain is here, along with some thunder. Not long ago, the girls and I heard a crash. I stepped onto the carport and found this:

It’s bigger than it looks in the picture, and it was a live limb, not a dead one. I have no idea what caused it to fall. As I think about that and the tragedies I’ve heard on the news, I find myself content. I have much to be thankful for:

  • the limb didn’t hit the house,
  • or the van.
  • all of my family is safe and accounted for.
  • our electricity is still on.
  • our house is intact.

I could go on for a while, but you get the picture, right? As I keep an eye on the weather and comfort my children (who get a little panicky during storms because they have lived through bad ones that caused us to wake them in the middle of the night and move them to inner rooms), I pray for all of those who have lost loved ones in this spring’s storms and for those who are trying to rebuild their lives.

Will you join me?

I’m linking up with Michelle at SomeGirlsWebsite for Thought-Provoking Thursday. If you’ve never visited Michelle, click on over and visit!

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes
Posted in Faith, Family, Gratitude, Growth, Life | 4 Comments

Filled with Power

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Mustard Seeds

It’s one of those days. You know the kind. The days where you really want to curl up into a ball on the bed and cry, but you don’t because you know it won’t change anything (and will probably give you a headache and make you feel worse). Instead you choke back the tears, keep going, and cry out to God for HELP!

The girls played outside. I grabbed my Kindle, walked around outside praying Isaiah 12:2, saying over and over, “I will trust and not be afraid.” I took some deep breaths and began reading my Bible in 90 Days reading plan on the Kindle. As I read Micah, I came across this verse:

“But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might . . . .”

Micah 3:8 (NIV1984)

I read it, then read it again, and a third time. I have gone back to it many times this afternoon. When I read it, I stand up straighter, hold my chin up, and realize that I’m a victor! Because of Him, I am not defeated, regardless of my current circumstances. My Daddy God already has it all worked out. Even the tough, yucky stuff is going to turn out for my good.

If that doesn’t lift your mood, what will?

What verses do you turn to when you need a reality check?

Please share the verses you’re meditating on or memorizing this week by linking up or leaving a comment here or at Mom’s Mustard Seeds. Your posts always minister to me!


 

Posted in Faith, Life, Scripture Memory | 9 Comments

Finding Focus

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Something strange has happened at my house. I’ve got more to do than ever: Princess Roo’s therapy and specialist appointments, homeschooling, laundry, meal preparation, dishes, writing, Bible study, and our new home business. I’ve run around trying to figure out a way to get everything done for a long time, but as I have more to do, I’m actually becoming more productive because I’m more focused.

I don’t spend as much time “browsing” Facebook and Twitter now. That helps me stay focused on writing when I’m sitting at my laptop. I no longer allow myself to get distracted and bounce back and forth between my blog, Facebook, and Twitter. I think my writing is better for it too. I limit my social media experiences to a few short periods throughout the day, but I don’t schedule them for when I’m trying to do other things. I find that as I focus on them briefly, I’m actually interacting more than my scattered attempts before.

I exercise more, eat healthier, and keep up with my Bible in 90 Days reading plan. I go to bed and get up earlier. My husband is helping out around the house (which he always does), but we have assigned our children more responsibility too. They are rising to the challenge beautifully. It’s amazing how quickly our household chores get completed when all four of us are working on them!

We still go on playdates and enjoy extracurricular activities too. I’m really amazed at how God has blessed my time as I have taken the time to prioritize our activities and be intentional about what we do with each day.

We are blessed in many other ways too:

#1251. beautiful flowers and trees blooming.

#1252. spring-like weather and temperatures that have allowed for lots of outdoor play.

#1253. a great start to the new business.

#1254. God’s help with getting our days better ordered so we can get everything done.

#1255. peace that continues even though we still don’t have all the answers.

#1256. the joy with which the kids are helping more around the house.

#1257. my husband’s support and encouragement that never fails.

#1258. my oven still works! (So thankful it’s really fixed this time.)

#1259. the diligence with which BookGirl pursues learning.

#1260. seeing my children’s gifts and helping to develop them. (Who knows how God will use them?!)

How are you working at being more intentional with your time?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes
Posted in 1000 Gifts, Family, Gratitude, Multitudes on Monday | 8 Comments

When the Shock Wears Off

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

On a bed of nails at a science museum.

It’s been a little over two months since we got the diagnosis that changed our world. It wasn’t unexpected, but hearing someone say it out loud and seeing it written in a report about my daughter still caught me off guard. I’ve talked, prayed, wondered, and questioned since that day in December, and I feel like I’ve gone from swimming in alphabet soup to living again.

Past the extensive medical records, surgery notes, evaluation reports, and diagnosis codes is my daughter. She is a person—a beautiful, smart, funny, talented Princess. Like her sister, I love her more than I can express and feel privileged and blessed to be her mother.

Is it hard? Sometimes it is. Some days I don’t know how I’ll make it to bedtime—or if she’ll go to sleep when that time comes. Other days are great. The quirks are still there, but they don’t seem as glaring or problematic.

When the shock wears off, and the alphabet soup has simmered down, what’s left is my daughter. That’s something I’m thankful for—and what I try to remember.

Do you ever have trouble seeing past a diagnosis or label to the person?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes
Posted in Faith, Family, Growth, Reflections, Special Needs | 4 Comments

I’m Miss March 2012!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Arkansas Women BloggersIf you’ve read my blog for a while, you probably remember that I attended my first blogging conference last summer—Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged! I met some great women and learned more about blogging, Arkansas, Collective Bias, and the Pig Trail!

I proudly display the Arkansas Women Bloggers button on my blog and follow the ARWB blog faithfully. Last month, I received some exciting news!

I’m Miss March 2012! I have been chosen as the Arkansas Women Bloggers featured blogger for March. My “introduction” post is up today, and I’ll have two more posts up on the site this month. I’m excited about this opportunity and would love for you to go over and read my intro! You might learn a thing or two about me that you didn’t know!

See you there!

Posted in Blogging, Friends, Fun | 5 Comments

Whose Plans Are They?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

Mustard Seeds

As I read through Isaiah and Jeremiah, I found verse after verse that talked about God’s plans and purposes prevailing over anything man had schemed, plotted, or planned. Even the most powerful rulers of that time couldn’t carry out anything that didn’t ultimately fit into God’s “big picture.”

Then I came across this verse in Isaiah:

“The LORD will guide you always; 
   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 
   and will strengthen your frame. 
You will be like a well-watered garden, 
   like a spring whose waters never fail.“

Isaiah 58:11 (NIV1984)

If I’m reading it correctly, this verse is talking about God providing guidance and about His people flourishing (if they’re obedient, of course). I started to wonder why sometimes I don’t feel satisfied, strong, or like I’m flourishing. I think it’s because sometimes I’m following my guidance, not God’s.

I’m going back to my schedule and list of activities, praying over it and asking for wisdom. I want to discern which activities are the ones God has ordained for this season of my life and which are my own selfish ambition. Want to guess which ones will get crossed off the list?

How do you prioritize your schedule and activities?

Share the verses God is using to transform your life by linking up or leaving a comment here or at Mom’s Mustard Seeds. Rebecca and I love to read your posts. I’m always blessed by them!



Posted in Bible in 90 Days, Growth, Life, Reflections, Scripture Memory | 6 Comments

Bad News, Good News, and More Good News

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Jennifer Janes

If you’re planning to go to The 2:1 Conference, you may have already noticed that the schedule has been streamlined. Some hard decisions had to be made, and several breakout sessions were cut, including the special needs homeschooling session that Heather Laurie and I were going to co-host. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that God has made a way for me to go to the conference! I received two partial sponsorships from some wonderful companies I have done reviews for to help with my expenses. Total Yearbooks and Always Icecream are my sponsors! I am excited to report that these amazing companies are not only helping me get to 2:1, but they’re sending some great surprises with me! The details aren’t finalized yet, but there are good things in the works. If you’re planning to spend time with me at 2:1, be ready to make the rounds with me as I share the benefits of these great companies with everyone. I have my work cut out for me!

Because God has made a way for me to attend the conference, I plan to host a special needs meet-up for those attendees who wanted to attend the special needs homeschooling session. This will be a great opportunity for us to connect and encourage one another! (And, of course, you’ll be hearing more about the great companies who helped me get there!)

But there’s more good news!

Total Yearbooks is now on Pinterest, so those of you who are addicted to Pinterest can learn more about Total Yearbooks and plan ways to use the surprise I’m bringing to the conference.

AND, as if that weren’t enough great news, when the girls logged on to Always Icecream today, there were new games loaded for the younger princesses. The people behind Always Icecream work quickly, and they deliver. The site is now geared towards K-8th grades!

On a more personal note, I have much to be thankful for:

#1241. great sales enabled us to stretch our Christmas gift cards far beyond what we imagined. (But I left these great shoes at the store. I wonder why?)

#1242. Princess Roo’s endocrinology appointment has been scheduled for April, which is an astonishingly short wait.

#1243. Roo’s first OT appointment in a new facility with a new OT went better than I had hoped.

#1244. new books (another Christmas gift card!).

#1245. the opportunity to start a home business with my children.

#1246. the honor of being chosen as Arkansas Women Bloggers featured blogger for March.

#1247. the progress Roo is making in her studies that’s so tremendous it brings tears to my eyes.

#1248. shows like The Electric Company that reinforce what Roo is learning and help reading “click” for her.

#1249. a furry, purring friend who sits on my lap every evening when I read my Bible.

#1250. God’s blessings on my husband’s work this month.

What blessings are you counting in celebration today?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes
Posted in 1000 Gifts, 2to1Conf, Gratitude, Homeschool, Multitudes on Monday, Special Needs | 6 Comments