About ten years ago I was leaving women's Bible study and was picking up my children that were helping in childcare. One of the women taking care of the children caught my eye and I stopped to watch her for a few minutes. She appeared to be in her late 20's but was blessed with the gift of being eternally young. I found out later that she was 32.
What struck me was how friendly she was and how competent she was with taking care of children. She had an incredible ability to calm and reassure new mommies and seemed to instinctively know how to take care of little ones. I was fascinated by her and stopped to talk to her for a few minutes.
As the weeks passed I often talked to Hilary and grew to care about her more and more. One Thursday I stopped by to say hello and she asked if we could have lunch together. My children had plans and it happened to be my birthday so I said,
"Yes, that would be wonderful!"
When we arrived at the restaurant she struggled with placing her order. I placed my order and then she took out her wallet to pay for the meal. I told her that it was on me and she said,
"No, I am buying your lunch because it is your birthday and I want to."
We argued back and forth until Hilary put her hand on mine and said,
"Don't you realize how important this is to me?"
I was instantly humbled, thanked her and then thought about the hours she worked to earn the money to do that for me. When we sat down to eat, I really wasn't sure what to talk about. I started by asking her about how long she had been working in childcare. She told me about it and had so much excitement in her eyes. You could tell how much she loved children.
Then Hilary looked at me with a serious face and said,
"But no one will let me do what I want to do. I am a special needs person but I have gifts and I want to tell children about Jesus. I can do that!"
I was stunned. I was sad as I thought about how many times I had limited people. I was also moved by her passion to tell children about Jesus.
I merely made one phone call and I was amazed at how life for Hilary started to change. Over time Hilary started having more responsibilities in childcare. She was a listener for the AWANA program and eventually taught some lessons. She started working in the school library and was an assistant for some of the art classes at the church school. Hilary grew and grew and grew. She has continually touched so many people's lives.
Hilary and I met for Bible study and accountability for the next nine years. I must say, Hilary impacted and taught me more than I could ever think about teaching her. She challenged me, corrected my spiritual course when it was needed, she held me accountable and she made sure I grew in the process.
I love so many things about Hilary. She is honest about her abilities and disabilities. She loves life. She has an eternal childlike faith and she accepts people for who they are and where they are and then gently takes them to greater spiritual heights.
Thanks for being my mentor for so many years, Hilary. I love you!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Special Needs Ministry Training/Austin, Texas
Whether you are a church blessed with a few children or a number of children affected by special needs or a parent looking for support in starting a special needs ministry, we would love to have you join us for one of our training sessions.
"How to Start a Special Needs Ministry": Attend a one-hour training that will help you think outside the box on what this ministry can look like. We will discuss ideas on how to get your church leadership and
congregation on board, changing a culture and recruiting, training and motivating volunteers. We will also discuss some of the obstacles and blessings you will encounter in this ministry.
B.U.D.D.Y. I: Join us for a three-hour B.U.D.D.Y. training. This training focuses on the nuts and bolts of working with a variety of disabilities and age groups. During this portion of the training we will discuss behavior modification strategies, handling seizures, general safety and security issues, as well as many other topics.
"Advocacy vs. Influence:" Sometimes we need to step in and advocate for adults and children affected by a challenge and sometimes it is time to stop advocating and focus on influencing a culture. Join us for a one hour session on learning the difference.
B.U.D.D.Y. II: This course will give you resources for structuring your ministry in terms of administration, leadership and volunteer development. You will also learn additional strategies for classroom management and behavior modification.
The cost per training day is $25 for a continental breakfast, lunch and materials. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide childcare at this time.
Make an appointment for a team to visit your church and help you get started or reach another level of ministry. The team will be happy to share with your Sunday morning volunteers, whether they are mainstream or special needs teachers.
Special Needs Ministry Training Part I:
July 16, 2011 and February 4, 2012
July 16, 2011 and February 4, 2012
8:30 am - 1:30 p.m.
congregation on board, changing a culture and recruiting, training and motivating volunteers. We will also discuss some of the obstacles and blessings you will encounter in this ministry.
B.U.D.D.Y. I: Join us for a three-hour B.U.D.D.Y. training. This training focuses on the nuts and bolts of working with a variety of disabilities and age groups. During this portion of the training we will discuss behavior modification strategies, handling seizures, general safety and security issues, as well as many other topics.
Special Needs Ministry Training Part II:
September 10, 2011 and March 3, 2012
September 10, 2011 and March 3, 2012
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
B.U.D.D.Y. II: This course will give you resources for structuring your ministry in terms of administration, leadership and volunteer development. You will also learn additional strategies for classroom management and behavior modification.
The cost per training day is $25 for a continental breakfast, lunch and materials. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide childcare at this time.
For reservations and questions contact Bill and Deana Boggess by posting on this blog or E-mail sntraining@hcbc.com or theboggi@aim.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Additional Services:
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Frances
I met her 31 years ago and I had no idea how much she would impact my life. I was a freshman in college and was looking for a part-time job to help out with expenses. I came across an ad requesting an aide for a woman in her 50's that had recently suffered from a stroke. Her name was Frances.
The first time I met Frances I was struck by what a classy lady she was. She had a very successful career and a beautiful family. The left side of her body no longer worked. She could not communicate through speech but we quickly connected with our eyes.
We hit it off instantly. She knew that I didn't have any experience but she was incredibly patient with me and taught me so much. I can't recall how she communicated it to me but somehow she asked me to teach her how to read and write again. I had no idea how to do that but Frances guided me by nodding or shaking her head.
She gradually added vocabulary and started writing again and we went on a lot of fun adventures. She hadn't forgotten how to shop! We spent a lot of afternoons laughing and having fun together.
About 6 months into our relationship I received a call from her husband that Frances was ill and was not expected to live. A few days later she passed away.
I was incredibly sad over loosing such a sweet friend but to this day I am grateful for all that she taught me. She taught me to laugh even when things are tough. She taught me to face my challenges no matter how tough they are. She taught me to continually search for ways to communicate when you cannot use traditional means. She taught me to persevere.
The first time I met Frances I was struck by what a classy lady she was. She had a very successful career and a beautiful family. The left side of her body no longer worked. She could not communicate through speech but we quickly connected with our eyes.
We hit it off instantly. She knew that I didn't have any experience but she was incredibly patient with me and taught me so much. I can't recall how she communicated it to me but somehow she asked me to teach her how to read and write again. I had no idea how to do that but Frances guided me by nodding or shaking her head.
She gradually added vocabulary and started writing again and we went on a lot of fun adventures. She hadn't forgotten how to shop! We spent a lot of afternoons laughing and having fun together.
About 6 months into our relationship I received a call from her husband that Frances was ill and was not expected to live. A few days later she passed away.
I was incredibly sad over loosing such a sweet friend but to this day I am grateful for all that she taught me. She taught me to laugh even when things are tough. She taught me to face my challenges no matter how tough they are. She taught me to continually search for ways to communicate when you cannot use traditional means. She taught me to persevere.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
I sure wish I knew who wrote this story so that I could properly give credit to him or her. It was passed onto to me a number of years ago and we have shared it at a number of our training sessions. So many times we stop a seemingly inappropriate behavior and really, we are stopping something beautiful.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Wishing to encourage her young son's
progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they
were seated,
the mother spotted an old friend in the audience
and walked down the aisle to greet her.
Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders
of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually
explored his way through a door
marked "NO ADMITTANCE."
When the house lights dimmed and the concert
was about to begin, the mother returned to
her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her little
boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the
piano and whispered in the boy's ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached
down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully
creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great
master played.
Only the classic,
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Perhaps that's the way it is with God.
What we can accomplish on
our own is hardly noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always
graceful flowing music. However, with the
hand of the Master, our life's
work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish great feats,
listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the
Master, whispering in your ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Wishing to encourage her young son's
progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they
were seated,
the mother spotted an old friend in the audience
and walked down the aisle to greet her.
Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders
of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually
explored his way through a door
marked "NO ADMITTANCE."
When the house lights dimmed and the concert
was about to begin, the mother returned to
her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights
focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her little
boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the
piano and whispered in the boy's ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached
down with his left hand and began filling
in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child,
and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice
transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully
creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great
master played.
Only the classic,
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Perhaps that's the way it is with God.
What we can accomplish on
our own is hardly noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always
graceful flowing music. However, with the
hand of the Master, our life's
work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish great feats,
listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the
Master, whispering in your ear,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."
Monday, June 13, 2011
Taking Next Steps
In my last post I mentioned I was at the "Colorado Christian Writer's Conference." It was such an incredible blessing to even be there. The parents of my students gave me a gracious gift of money and a plane ticket to attend. God prepared the way for me in so many aspects and blessed me with some amazing and supportive friends.
When my father passed away eight years ago I made a promise to God that I would do whatever He asked of me, no matter what, even if it meant public speaking. It has been an incredible ride since that day. God started off that promise with my being asked to speak twice within the first month but I must say as long as you hold onto God for the ride, it truly is incredible.
My husband and I directed a special needs ministry for 13 years and a year ago we stepped out to pursue God's next steps for us. We are trying to be available in whatever way we can. We offer church training in an all day seminar and would also love to visit your church if you need help and encouragement in offering support to families affected by special needs.
For the last year God has laid it on my heart to share our 13 year journey and the mistakes we learned from as well as the blessings. I am hoping to have the book published and released within the next year. I am so grateful for the ways my life has changed by serving in special needs ministry. I look forward to sharing our journey with you and I especially look forward to hearing about yours.
Blessings-
When my father passed away eight years ago I made a promise to God that I would do whatever He asked of me, no matter what, even if it meant public speaking. It has been an incredible ride since that day. God started off that promise with my being asked to speak twice within the first month but I must say as long as you hold onto God for the ride, it truly is incredible.
My husband and I directed a special needs ministry for 13 years and a year ago we stepped out to pursue God's next steps for us. We are trying to be available in whatever way we can. We offer church training in an all day seminar and would also love to visit your church if you need help and encouragement in offering support to families affected by special needs.
For the last year God has laid it on my heart to share our 13 year journey and the mistakes we learned from as well as the blessings. I am hoping to have the book published and released within the next year. I am so grateful for the ways my life has changed by serving in special needs ministry. I look forward to sharing our journey with you and I especially look forward to hearing about yours.
Blessings-
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