Contributions.

Savoring every bit of these mornings with these beautiful creatures and absorbing the impact motherhood can have for generations to come.

 I spoke at a women’s conference this past weekend and, as I was gathering statistics and research, I was reminded of a quote I’ve heard over and over, but the whole of its meaning hit me right in the heart, ‘Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise,’ by Andy Stanley. I like to think, as parents, we are perpetually showing our kids what Love looks like. Not just in the sense of how to love our family, but in a greater capacity of how to love the world. 

The importance of differences.
The opportunity to grow by getting to know and becoming friends with people who don’t look quite like we do.
Listening.
Learning.
Advocating for what is right.

Maybe, if I am all consumed in raising children while actively showing them what true love looks like, my contributions will be far greater and the impact will reach exponentially farther than than just the lives inside our four walls

Restore Place

We don’t do this. 

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge with Art Museum in background.

We rarely have date nights, let alone two nights away from our kids. 

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

We don’t leave the life of parents of four. And we definitely don’t take a break from the title of special needs parents. But a couple weekends ago we did, and it was been beyond therapeutic. 

The Mad Priest Coffee Roasters 

A weekend full of baked goods, coffee shops, full bellies and wandering about Chattanooga, just the two of us. A slow paced weekend of uninterrupted conversations and no unbuckling of carseats is exactly what we needed, and Restore Place made that possible.

Niedlov's Breakworks

Restore Place, Inc speaks to the heart of special needs ministry by showing great love and validation to caregivers by providing time away from the stresses that can all too often seem overwhelming. They gave us a two night stay at a far fancier hotel than we are used to staying in, pampered us with gift cards and goodies, and simply gave us time to be nothing more than a couple.

Milk and Honey

 To nurture the soul of children with special needs is more than just meeting their physical needs, it’s equally about meeting their emotional needs, as well; and it’s hard to nurture someone else well if your own personal wellness tank is empty.

The Chattanoogan

 We are thankful for this inspiring family and this ministry they provide. Check out their website, www.restoreplace.org and if your heart is led in the way of special needs children, consider donating to such a wonderful cause.