Take Heart

Growing up in a special needs family can sometimes cause siblings to feel invisible, but there are ways parents can take the time to help all their children have the attention they need. In this episode, Sara interviews her oldest son, Connor, discussing both the positive and negative of growing up in a special needs family and the importance of the foundation of faith. April 19, 2022; Ep. 82 Time...

There are blessings and difficulties when growing up with a sibling who has special needs. In today’s episode, Carrie’s oldest boys talk about some struggles, the benefits, and most importantly the spiritual impact it’s had on their lives with some practical tips for how others can support families of children with special needs. April 12, 2022; Ep. 81 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-     Intro...

Special needs moms often worry that they are not doing enough. This is especially true when it comes to our other kids.  We make assumptions about how our other kids are doing. In this episode, Anna Brown shares her perspective of being a sibling to a child with RAD and FASD and the blessings and challenges that brings.  April 5, 2022: Ep. #80 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:22-    M...

Special needs families have heard all types of fixes, remedies, and advice throughout their parenting journey. How do we react to these phrases with love and grace, and figure out the false beliefs behind these statements? Listen to today’s collaborative episode to find out.  March 29, 2022; Ep. #79 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:26-    Things People Say 2:48-    You’re An Inspirati...

All moms struggle with believing lies about their motherhood: who they should and shouldn’t be, what they should or shouldn’t feel or do. In this episode, Amy, Carrie and Sara dive into some of the lies special needs moms believe, ways to recognize them, and how to replace them with the truth. March 22, 2022; Ep. 78 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:24-    The “Perfect” Mom 6:25-    Go...

We often believe the lies that we should do this, we should be this. In today’s episode, Sara helps us deconstruct the lies of “should”, and helps us recognize our true worth in Jesus Christ.  March 15, 2022; Ep. 77 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:01-    Intro 1:19-    The Should Statements 3:07-    Learning to Cope 8:09-    You’re Worthy 10:14-  Closing Prayer 11:18-  Outro Episode Links & Res...

What do you do when God doesn’t answer your prayers the way you desire? Sometimes these situations cause us to believe lies about God. In today’s episode, through Carrie’s personal story you will learn how to recognize the lies and what to do about them. March 8, 2922; Ep. 76 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:30-    Spiritual Battle 2:40-    Is God Good? 6:38-    Recognizing Lies 8:51-...

Lies bind us and cause us to live in bondage, but we do not always recognize the lies we believe. In this episode, Amy helps us to recognize the lies, reconnect to the truth, and relinquish our false narratives to God. March 1, 2022; Ep. 75 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:21-    False Narratives 3:03-    Scarcity Mindset 6:15-    Prodigal Son 9:14-    Recognize 10:40-  Reconnect &amp...

Sometimes we equate surrender with quitting or giving up, yet we forget that surrender means wrestling, trusting, and asking questions. It means letting go of our need to know the future in God’s capable hands. This week’s podcast dives into what surrender looks like, its cost, and unexpected gifts.  February 22, 2022; Ep. 74 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:15-    Times Of Surrender...

Sometimes we have a preconceived notion that surrender means quitting. In this episode, Sara dives into what it means to surrender to God as an active daily choice the benefits that come as a result. February 15, 2022; Ep. 73 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:33-    Deliberate Choice 5:01-    Letting Go 6:44-    Live In Today 8:39-    Defining Our Lives 11:11-  Closing Poem 12:04-  Out...

*Note: Scripture mentioned is Hebrews 12, not Romans 12.  To give up control over one’s life and plans is difficult because we want to protect ourselves from pain. In this episode, Carrie reminds us that surrender is an invitation to three things and how to know when you’re struggling with giving up control. February 8, 2022; Ep. 72 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:30-    Holding On 5...

Surrender is not easy, but it is essential to living a life of peace and joy as a special needs parent. In this episode, Amy shares some of her struggles and three important steps that will help you give up control and open your hands to God. February 1, 2022; Ep. 71 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-    Intro 1:21-    A Bad Word? 3:06-    Notice The Gifts 4:54-    False Narratives 7:00-    Three...

Finding connection as a special needs parent can be a challenge. This week, Sara, Amy, and Carrie share about authentic connection, what to do with conflict, and ideas on finding the support and friendship you need. January 25, 2022; Ep. 70 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:18-     Intro 1:24-     Isolation 3:24-     Lies We Believe 8:22-     Authenticity 9:35-     All Things To All People 14:14-   W...

Our most important weapon to combat loneliness is our connection with God. We need to be intentional about connecting to our Heavenly Father and with others. This week Sara shares some tools to fight the false narratives and tips on creating quality connection with God and others.  January 18, 2022; Ep. 69 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:00-     Intro 1:16-     Complex Emotion 2:45-     Connection,...

It can be difficult when our children with special needs are rejected and don’t have many friends. Today, Carrie shares some practical tips for creating those opportunities for connection and an important reminder that Jesus understands rejection, and He is with you in your heartache. January 11, 2022; Ep. 68 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:18-    Intro 1:37-    Rejection 4:04-    Jesus Knows 6:08-...

Special needs moms often feel lonely. In this episode, Amy encourages us to look for invitations to connect.  She gives us tools to connect with God, ourselves, and others. January 4, 2022; Ep. 67 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:18-    Intro 1:17-    Sustained Loneliness 4:55 -   Come Home To God 8:05-    Come Home To Yourself 9:39 -   Come Home To Friendship 11:30-  Outro  Episode Links & Reso...

We often think of the three gifts the wisemen gave to Jesus, but what about the intangible gifts of time, worship, and many others. In this episode, Sara encourages us to consider their intangible gifts given to the Savior, and how we can offer these same ones to God and one another. December 21, 2021; Ep. 66 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:20-    Intro 1:07-    Matthew 2:1-12 3:28-    Their Intang...

In the struggles of daily life it can be difficult to believe God, His Word, His will and relinquish control. In advent, we see the example of Mary, who chose small steps of obedience and surrender while facing many obstacles. May we follow her pattern and choose belief in small ways each day. December 14, 2021; Ep. 65 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:23-    Intro 1:07-    Luke 1:26-30 2:01-    Anno...

Mary had to embrace the unknown and the unfamiliar to welcome life.  In this episode, Amy shares how Mary had to say yes to life and how we as special needs moms can see God in this season. December 7, 2021; Ep. 64 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:19-    Intro 1:07-    Luke 2:8-19 2:32-    Embracing the Unfamiliar 4:57-    Born In You 6:14-    Prayer 6:58-    Outro Episode Links & Resources: Scr...

As a parent of a child with special needs, the holidays can be particularly overwhelming. Amy, Carrie, and Sara will share their top ten practical tips for celebrating the holidays with your family.  November 30, 2021; Ep. 63 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:20-    Intro 1:14-    The “Perfect” Christmas 4:14 -   Plan Well 5:42-    Ruthlessly Eliminate 8:49-    Pack Extra 14:29-  It’s the Little Thin...

Sometimes, fear disguises itself as other emotions, and it’s important to recognize it for what it is. Fear of the future can paralyze us. In this episode, Sara, Amy, and Carrie dive into recognizing fear, dealing with fear of the future, and some practices for living led by God’s love. November 23, 2021; Ep. 62 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:21-    Intro 1:03-    Pushed By Fear Or Led By Love 3:3...

Through the story of Lazarus, we learn how as we face even the fear of death that God’s love for us is authentic and active. He is never late, always in control, and He cares for us. In this episode, Sara always shares her practical exercise of how to live with fear, not in it.  November 16, 2021; Ep. 61 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:26-    Intro 1:09-    Why Allow Suffering 2:48-    Strategic So...

Fear can be paralyzing and cause us to say or do things we normally wouldn’t. There are many times in scripture where the phrase “take heart” or a variation of the phrase is written. Carrie reminds us of some strategies to move our focus from fear to Jesus. November 9, 2021; Ep. 60 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:20-    Intro 1:19-    Take Heart 6:30-    Focus on the Now 8:30-    Focus on the Who 1...

Fear is a common emotion among special needs parents. It distorts our thoughts and hijacks our reason. Fear keeps us in the dark. In this episode, Amy teaches us how to walk out of the darkness and into the light.  November 2, 2021; Ep. 59 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:20-    Intro 1:17-    Conquering Fear? 3:50-    Constant Companion 4:43-    Walk into the Light 7:00 -   Choosing the Light 11:14...

Finishing up the topic of jealousy, Take Heart hosts share about seasons of jealousy, vulnerable stories, and how we parent children struggling with these feelings. Remembering that God is our portion, and He can handle any emotion we have, we learn to grieve, be grateful, and see God’s design in each of our paths.  October 26, 2021; Ep. 58 Timestamps & Key Topics: 0:22-    Intro 1:05-    Jeal...