Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families


Book Description

"With a frank and honest observation on how disability can unravel family unity, this book inspires and equips us to live out our faith as we interact with those we love." -Joni Eareckson Tada, founder & CEO, Joni and Friends Between the worry, the doctor’s appointments, and the thousand small challenges of everyday life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. The idea of showing abundant love to every member of your family can feel like a daunting task. Jolene Philo has been there. And in this wise, warm, practical guide, she and Dr. Gary Chapman show you how the 5 love languages can help strengthen your marriage and family life—whatever your needs. Sharing dozens of stories from parents of children with special needs children, they teach you how to: protect your marriage amidst the stress discover and speak the love language of your child—even if they’re nonverbal accommodate the love languages for children with special needs and disabilities show love to every member of your family when you have limited time, money, and energy Having a special needs child shouldn’t mean sacrificing a full family life. Learn to share love abundantly no matter your circumstances.




Every Child Welcome


Book Description

A guide to children's ministry that serves families with special needs Jesus set a high standard when He said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The call is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who color between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level. Children's ministries are responsible to be ready to bring children with disabilities to Jesus' feet too. Every Child Welcome is the guide for leaders and volunteers to assist in purposeful planning and skill development for a ministry inclusive of children with unique needs. Experienced children's ministry leaders, and parents of special-needs children themselves, the authors are superbly equipped to offer a thoughtful, thorough approach to creating a positive environment for children--one where all children will be able to digest the important concepts being taught. For leaders and volunteers, Every Child Welcome will provide the knowledge and tools to * create a welcoming environment before kids arrive * help children learn more effectively by connecting new information to what they already know * reinforce the main idea of a lesson, building background knowledge and reviewing important concepts * supplement instruction with hands-on activities to increase attention and participation * reinforce and wrap up an activity effectively




Unexpected Blessings


Book Description

Unexpected Blessings helps special-needs families move past the pain and confusion of their circumstances and slowly, firmly face the future with hope. Speaking honestly about struggles that accompany a variety of disabilities, Sandra Peoples shows readers how to · let go of false beliefs that hold them back · work through the cycles of grief · focus on self-care and healthy routines · understand disability based on what the Bible says · rebuild a strong faith foundation · create support systems for themselves and others Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when parents see their new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for them all along.




Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs


Book Description

As the parent of a child with special needs, does your heart ache with questions, confusion, or discouragement? Do you ever feel that you have no margin in your emotional reserves or sense a gaping need for encouragement, rest, and refreshment? Caring for someone with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, emotional or behavioral disorders, or physical disabilities can be all-consuming. Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs can help you claim God’s promises for your everyday life. You’ll become more aware of God’s passion for you and your child through this handy guide that speaks directly to the unique journey of special needs parenting. These promises are for your comfort. Claim them as your own. Pray them over your family and over your children. Let them guide you into the presence of Jesus and the security that only he can provide.




Does My Child Have Ptsd?


Book Description

A mother, advocate, and educator shares research and personal experience in this guide to help anyone care for children dealing with PTSD. Is it possible that the struggles you have with your child may be because he or she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Once ignored, even by the medical professionals treating war veterans, PTSD is gaining global recognition as a very real and serious issue for those who have experienced traumatic events, even children. When children experience medical illness, witness violence, or are abused, it can leave a lasting effect. According to recent studies, 50 to 60 percent of children who experience these traumas early in life may suffer from a form of PTSD, leading to issues in childhood, through adolescence, and even into adulthood. Does My Child Have PTSD? is designed for readers looking for answers about the puzzling, disturbing behaviors of children in their care. With years of research and personal experience, Philo provides critical information to help people understand causes, symptoms, prevention, and effective diagnosis, treatment, and care for any child struggling with PTSD. “Philo’s dramatic story will capture the reader's attention, and there’s tremendous value in her patient explanations, from a simple definition of trauma to an exploration of PTSD causes, myths, and common terminology. . . . Though occasionally heart-wrenching, the book is organized so simply and logically as to be easy to follow and digest. Each chapter ends with “reflection questions” and additional valuable resources. Philo concludes on a hopeful note, providing encouragement and reassurance for other families in similar situations.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review




5 Traits of a Healthy Family


Book Description

Is your family all that it could be? Many feel bombarded by images and experiences of broken families, but this is not how God intended families to be! So often we examine the traits of unhealthy families, but Gary Chapman paints a biblical portrait of what a loving, stable family looks like. He details five timeless characteristics that create a healthy family environment: A heart for service Husbands and wives who relate intimately Parents who guide their children Children who obey and honor their parents Husbands who love and lead In Dr. Chapman's own words, "What happens to your family does make a difference not only to you and your children, but to the thousands of young observers who are in search of a functional family." This book is not merely for reading, but for living. Experience God's design for family.




Loving Rachel


Book Description

A mother describes the difficult task of coping with a handicapped child as their family moved from grief to acceptance.




A Different Dream for My Child


Book Description

Devotional meditations for parents of critically or chronically ill children.Author Jolene Philo shares lessons from her own life, as well as the stories of other parents.




The Other Side of Special


Book Description

Find Hope, Joy, and Community as a Special Needs Mom For the special needs mom who yearns for community and support on what can be a lonely road, The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had. As you pour your energy and resources into raising a special child, it's easy to struggle with feelings of isolation, competition, guilt, and overwhelm. Here's the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation. In The Other Side of Special, three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.




Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade


Book Description

Across America and around the world, the five love languages have revitalized relationships and saved marriages from the brink of disaster. Can they also help individuals, couples, and families cope with the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD)? Coauthors Chapman, Shaw, and Barr give a resounding yes. Their innovative application of the five love languages creates an entirely new way to touch the lives of the five million Americans who have Alzheimer’s, as well as their fifteen million caregivers. At its heart, this book is about how love gently lifts a corner of dementia’s dark curtain to cultivate an emotional connection amid memory loss. This collaborative, groundbreaking work between a healthcare professional, caregiver, and relationship expert will: Provide an overview of the love languages and Alzheimer’s disease, correlate the love languages with the developments of the stages of AD, discuss how both the caregiver and care receiver can apply the love languages, address the challenges and stresses of the caregiver journey, offer personal stories and case studies about maintaining emotional intimacy amidst AD. Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade is heartfelt and easy to apply, providing gentle, focused help for those feeling overwhelmed by the relational toll of Alzheimer’s. Its principles have already helped hundreds of families, and it can help yours, too.