Hope Anew

We were recently gifted a packet of seeds from The King's Table Ministries, a ministry in Grand Rapids that serves families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What made us smile was realizing the packet doesn't say what's inside. Looking at the individual seeds, I could tell they were flowers and probably not vegetables—but beyond that, your guess is as good as mine.

This morning, as I was planting our raised garden bed, I decided we would simply create a "King's Table Flower Bed" and watch with excited anticipation to see what grows.

The more I thought about it, the more this little packet reminded me of our journey. We often start with ideas, hopes, and plans, but we don't fully know what to expect. There are surprises. There are challenges. There are seasons of waiting. There are things that don't grow the way we imagined.

But there is also beauty.

Sometimes the beauty comes in forms we never would have chosen or expected.

So now we'll be watching our King's Table flower bed grow throughout the summer, wondering what will emerge. And maybe that's not such a bad reminder for life, either.

Like these seeds, we don't always know what God is growing or what the final result will look like. But we can trust the One who does. Even when the path is uncertain, He is faithful.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

As I was printing this month's Hope Notes materials and preparing envelopes today, I found myself praying for each mom who will receive one.

Some have been walking the special needs journey for many years. Others are just beginning to navigate a diagnosis they never expected.

Some are exhausted.

Some are discouraged.

Some are carrying burdens no one else sees.

Some are wondering if anyone truly understands what this journey is like.

I prayed that when they open their mailbox and find Hope Notes inside, they would be reminded that they are seen, loved, and not alone.

Tonight is the final opportunity to sign up for this month's mailing.

If you've been thinking about subscribing for yourself, gifting Hope Notes to a special needs mom, or requesting a scholarship, there's still time.

Registration closes tonight.

https://www.hopeanew.com/hope-notes

A small note. A little hope.

Some Tuesdays don't feel particularly meaningful.

They're filled with therapy appointments, phone calls, laundry, medication reminders, and trying to remember why you walked into the kitchen.

But faith is often lived out in ordinary places.

Never underestimate what God is doing through your everyday faithfulness.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

Only 3 days left to sign up for the first Hope Notes mailing.

If you're a mom walking the special needs journey, or if you know a mom who could use encouragement right now, this is your opportunity to be part of the very first Hope Notes delivery.

Each month, Hope Notes brings thoughtful encouragement and practical reminders that moms on this journey are seen, loved, and not alone.

Registration for this first mailing closes in just 3 days, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Sign up today at https://www.hopeanew.com/hope-notes

When our oldest son turned 21, he compared it to a video game and said he had finally unlocked all the levels.

It's probably best that nobody tells him there are a few more levels after that. 😉

It made us realize that special needs parents unlock achievements every single week.

🏆 Special Needs Parent Achievements Unlocked This Week 🏆

🎮 Arrived at an appointment on time
🎮 Remembered all the paperwork
🎮 Went to the bathroom uninterrupted
🎮 Survived on less sleep than should be humanly possible
🎮 Successfully transitioned out of a preferred activity
🎮 Drank your coffee while it was still hot

Which achievement did you unlock this week? (Bonus points if you have one to add!)

"Who dares despise the day of small things?" — Zechariah 4:10

A summer permission slip for special needs parents:

☐ It's okay if your summer doesn't look like everyone else's.

☐ It's okay to skip the event that will cost your child three days of regulation afterward.

☐ It's okay if "vacation" means eating popsicles in the backyard while your child plays in the sprinkler.

☐ It's okay to say "no" to one more therapy activity if what your family actually needs is rest.

☐ It's okay to celebrate progress that no one else notices.

☐ It's okay to laugh at the absurd moments. (Because there will be absurd moments.)

☐ It's okay if this season is beautiful and hard at the same time.

No signature required.

Just a reminder that you know your child better than anyone else 💚.

9 days left.

In just 9 days, we'll prepare the very first Hope Notes mailing.

Hope Notes was created to remind moms of children with disabilities and special needs that they are seen, loved, and not walking this journey alone.

If you'd like to encourage a special mom in your life—or receive Hope Notes yourself—be sure to sign up before the deadline so you don't miss this first mailing.

The sign up for the first Hope Notes mailing closes in 9 days.

https://www.hopeanew.com/hope-notes

As summer begins, social media will soon fill with vacation photos, vbs pictures, camps, road trips, and family adventures.

For some families impacted by disabilities, summer may look very different.

And that's okay.

Each summer, our family comes up with a list of things that we want to do to make summer special for each of our family members. It could be as simple as reading a book together or eating a slice of water melon but it gives us something to look forward to and make memories.

Is there something simple that your family is looking forward to this summer?