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Unexpected Blessings: The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-needs Family
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.
· 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.
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Published November 20, 2018
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About the author
Sandra Peoples
4 books36 followersSandra Peoples, MDiv, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone (Patheos), and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens (LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at www.sandrapeoples.com.
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December 8, 2018Sandra Peoples is not asking you to feel sorry for her. Neither is she asking you to be impressed with how well she’s dealing. Although his book is a personal testimony about the challenges and joys of raising her non-verbal son, she actually wrote this book for you. Every page of Unexpected Blessings is written to offer hope and comfort to a family facing the disruption of a diagnosis for one of their children that they didn’t expect. Since it is such a short book it absolutely could and should also be read by churches who want to know how best to support one of the unreached people groups in America: children with special needs and their families.
With gentle encouragement, Peoples comes alongside parents who are reeling in the wake of a difficult diagnosis to offer them hope. She corrects poor theology and points back to stories from scripture that feature “unexpected” events that were ordained by God.
Peoples knows parents don’t want cliches like “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” In fact, she reminds us that God gave Abraham and Moses and Daniel more than they could handle on their own, but God was also with them. Sprinkled throughout the book are reminders that God loves all of his children, that this diagnosis is not a punishment or a lesson but an opportunity for God to display his works (John 9:3Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)).
She reminds the hurting parent that “Jesus doesn’t condemn us for feeling a full range of emotions, and we shouldn’t condemn each other. It’s ok to not be ok. There is grace to meet you there.” Her hope is “to make sure no parent feels alone, no matter what emotions he or she is experiencing” and her words do just that. She includes several chapters filled with practical suggestions for caring for your own mind, body, and soul. Because she grew up with an older sister who has Down’s Syndrome, Peoples is also able to offer helpful insight on what it is like to be the sibling of a child with special needs.
Unexpected Blessings also offers a vision for the church that is very much needed. If our politics are pro-life, then our pews must be welcoming for all types of families. Sandra Peoples offers some ideas for churches that don’t want to only “love and serve people who can best serve them back” but are willing to “love and serve people–period.”
With gentle encouragement, Peoples comes alongside parents who are reeling in the wake of a difficult diagnosis to offer them hope. She corrects poor theology and points back to stories from scripture that feature “unexpected” events that were ordained by God.
Peoples knows parents don’t want cliches like “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” In fact, she reminds us that God gave Abraham and Moses and Daniel more than they could handle on their own, but God was also with them. Sprinkled throughout the book are reminders that God loves all of his children, that this diagnosis is not a punishment or a lesson but an opportunity for God to display his works (John 9:3Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)).
She reminds the hurting parent that “Jesus doesn’t condemn us for feeling a full range of emotions, and we shouldn’t condemn each other. It’s ok to not be ok. There is grace to meet you there.” Her hope is “to make sure no parent feels alone, no matter what emotions he or she is experiencing” and her words do just that. She includes several chapters filled with practical suggestions for caring for your own mind, body, and soul. Because she grew up with an older sister who has Down’s Syndrome, Peoples is also able to offer helpful insight on what it is like to be the sibling of a child with special needs.
Unexpected Blessings also offers a vision for the church that is very much needed. If our politics are pro-life, then our pews must be welcoming for all types of families. Sandra Peoples offers some ideas for churches that don’t want to only “love and serve people who can best serve them back” but are willing to “love and serve people–period.”
November 24, 2018
WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK:
I have a family member with special needs and so the subject is one I find interesting. Also, the back cover blurb sounded pretty uplifting and interesting.
What I Thought about This Book
There were so many positives about this book - it takes you through an honest, but hope-filled look about what it's like to have a special needs person enter your family. It talks about various things you have to work through, learning how to keep going, and also has a couple of chapters filled with very practical, everyday advice.
Several things I found particularly interesting/liked a lot were:
- Decision fatigue. Miss Sandra talks about how it can be so difficult taking care of special needs children during harder times in life (such as when facing medical issues), and that making even small decisions can be tiring. She then goes on to give tips on how your life/home can become more organized so you don't feel as overwhelmed.
-How she dug into God's word. When Miss Sandra's son was diagnosed with Autism she really had to figure out what the Bible really said and what she had just believed because of her own experiences.
-How her family's lives were changed when they found out James had Autism. The family became very involved with the special needs community around where they lived and even moved to be more involved with the special needs community. The experiences she shared in the book as a result of James having Autism were neat.
-How huge of a blessing children with special needs are. I think people sometimes don't have a clue how special it can actually be to have a person in your life that lives on a whole different "level" of life than most people.
There were a few things I didn't fully agree with. The main issue I had was that the subject of why there is suffering, etc... in the world in the first place never came up. Miss Sandra talks about how she had to work through why a loving God would allow bad things to happen (not her wording), but never bought up the fact that suffering is a result of sin being in the world. That is not to say that our sin causes children to be born with special needs, because that's not what I mean at all - simply that sin in the first place is what brought suffering into the world.
CONCLUSION:
The book was a quick, easy read. I finished it in one day with no problem.
RATING:
I'm giving Unexpected Blessings four out of five stars, and recommend it to people with a special needs family member, or those who wish to better understand the special needs people/families in their lives.
This book was given to me from the publishers in exchange for me reviewing it on my blog.
I have a family member with special needs and so the subject is one I find interesting. Also, the back cover blurb sounded pretty uplifting and interesting.
What I Thought about This Book
There were so many positives about this book - it takes you through an honest, but hope-filled look about what it's like to have a special needs person enter your family. It talks about various things you have to work through, learning how to keep going, and also has a couple of chapters filled with very practical, everyday advice.
Several things I found particularly interesting/liked a lot were:
- Decision fatigue. Miss Sandra talks about how it can be so difficult taking care of special needs children during harder times in life (such as when facing medical issues), and that making even small decisions can be tiring. She then goes on to give tips on how your life/home can become more organized so you don't feel as overwhelmed.
-How she dug into God's word. When Miss Sandra's son was diagnosed with Autism she really had to figure out what the Bible really said and what she had just believed because of her own experiences.
-How her family's lives were changed when they found out James had Autism. The family became very involved with the special needs community around where they lived and even moved to be more involved with the special needs community. The experiences she shared in the book as a result of James having Autism were neat.
-How huge of a blessing children with special needs are. I think people sometimes don't have a clue how special it can actually be to have a person in your life that lives on a whole different "level" of life than most people.
There were a few things I didn't fully agree with. The main issue I had was that the subject of why there is suffering, etc... in the world in the first place never came up. Miss Sandra talks about how she had to work through why a loving God would allow bad things to happen (not her wording), but never bought up the fact that suffering is a result of sin being in the world. That is not to say that our sin causes children to be born with special needs, because that's not what I mean at all - simply that sin in the first place is what brought suffering into the world.
CONCLUSION:
The book was a quick, easy read. I finished it in one day with no problem.
RATING:
I'm giving Unexpected Blessings four out of five stars, and recommend it to people with a special needs family member, or those who wish to better understand the special needs people/families in their lives.
This book was given to me from the publishers in exchange for me reviewing it on my blog.
January 24, 2019
The author offers good advice for special needs families. I think her advice could work for families in general. Parents that struggle to help their kids excel in school or in making friends, with life in general. We are saddened when situations don't go as planned. We're thrown for a loop when the unexpected happens. For example, decision fatigue! The feeling of being overwhelmed by all of the decisions needing to be made on a daily basis. By the time dinner rolls around, I've no plans and no idea what to cook, so we end up getting fast food. I started using a small, magnetic whiteboard that I place on my refrigerator. I have boxes (I used black electrical tape) to make each day of the week on the board. My goal was to mainly plan for Monday-Friday, but I've often been able to make plans for the weekend as well. Yes, it takes a little bit of time to come up with ideas of dinners (Thank you Allrecipes.com and Pinterest!). I usually do it once a week in the evening. Thanks to the whiteboard, I write down the meal plans for each night. So on that day, I don't even have to think about it and I'm prepared mentally for the amount of time I need to devote to dinner. Pork chops? I need about an hour. Spaghetti? The sauce I can set it and forget it in a slow cooker and in the evening the noodles will take only minutes. The author's point, with ideas like the whiteboard, is to remove as many daily decisions as possible so you don't feel as frazzled or stressed by the end of the day.
Each chapter provides some personal examples from the author, who not only grew up with a Down syndrome sibling but also in raising her son James who was diagnosed with autism. She shares her fears, her reaction to her son's diagnosis and the different responses between herself and her husband. That alone can be of encouragement for parents. While one might scour the internet looking for diet changes, or other helpful tips once a diagnosis is made, the other parents might be stunned into paralysis, unable to get their thoughts around the idea. The book has real-life stories and honest thoughts on the challenges from day-to-day. The author stresses the importance of self-care and healthy routines. Parents shouldn't take a backseat to their own health. It doesn't mean they'll neglect their child. It just means if they get better sleep, they are better equipped (especially emotionally) to help their child. I, for one, can speak to the importance of sleep and that I get seriously grumpy when I'm lacking.
While I don't have personal experience with a special-needs child, I do believe this book is a great resource for those that do, as well as the family and friends around them. It will help us better understand all that's involved from diagnosis to raising the child (or living with a sibling) to everyday life activities that we take advantage of so that we can provide the love and support these families need. I received a complimentary copy of Unexpected Blessings from Bethany House publisher. The thoughts and honest opinions in this review are my own.
Each chapter provides some personal examples from the author, who not only grew up with a Down syndrome sibling but also in raising her son James who was diagnosed with autism. She shares her fears, her reaction to her son's diagnosis and the different responses between herself and her husband. That alone can be of encouragement for parents. While one might scour the internet looking for diet changes, or other helpful tips once a diagnosis is made, the other parents might be stunned into paralysis, unable to get their thoughts around the idea. The book has real-life stories and honest thoughts on the challenges from day-to-day. The author stresses the importance of self-care and healthy routines. Parents shouldn't take a backseat to their own health. It doesn't mean they'll neglect their child. It just means if they get better sleep, they are better equipped (especially emotionally) to help their child. I, for one, can speak to the importance of sleep and that I get seriously grumpy when I'm lacking.
While I don't have personal experience with a special-needs child, I do believe this book is a great resource for those that do, as well as the family and friends around them. It will help us better understand all that's involved from diagnosis to raising the child (or living with a sibling) to everyday life activities that we take advantage of so that we can provide the love and support these families need. I received a complimentary copy of Unexpected Blessings from Bethany House publisher. The thoughts and honest opinions in this review are my own.
October 8, 2019
I love all the resources coming out for parents with special needs kiddos. I have to say I would have loved to have had Unexpected Blessings 15 years ago. We focus so much on our kids and the specialist that taking care of ourselves becomes not as important. It can be stressful having a kid with special needs. I know as I have a now 16 year old with disabilities.
Most of all I love that this comes from a Biblical perspective. The book is practical and very realistic with inspiring words and advice. I found myself nodding my head and chuckling throughout. I could see myself in her stories as I’ve been there - done that!
Most people who don’t have a child with disabilities couldn’t image what it is like daily and they don’t see the big picture of what it looks like having a child with disabilities. She takes you on her journey when her son was first diagnosed with Autism. She also explains the impact that it has on your family from other children in the family, and your marriage. What about extended family members and your church? The book shares her journey which is common in many families who have a child with special needs.
I love how she talks about grief. It is a continuing cycle of grieving for your child. Some people think grief is someone dying. With a special needs child it’s so much more. It’s a lost of dreams you had for your child, grieving over seeing your child being rejected over and over by kids and even family. Depending on your child’s needs it could be the lost of them marrying and having kids. It’s a lost of the little things that we took for granted.
Recently I have been dealing with some issues with my daughter not understanding why she can’t go on a trip like her brother can. The reality is that I’m not there with her, the issue of pull ups and accidents, appointments, medication, and her physical limitations. We had a lot of tears coming from her. I found myself grieving over the simple things that I took for granted as a child. My daughter will never be able to do those things that most kids can do. The words in the book were encouraging as I reflected on the grief of my daughter not able to do another thing again.
Each chapter ends with questions that you can talk about or journal your thoughts from what you read. Some chapters you could write in the book but, I’d recommend a journal or notebook.
She has some interesting insights on scriptures that I’m still pondering on throughout the book.
I have been truly blessed reading Unexpected Blessings by Sandra Peoples. I do have to say that my daughter is an Unexpected Blessing in so many ways and I wouldn’t change the journey that God has taken me on all these years.
I highly recommend this book for a mom with a child with special needs whether they are new to this journey or several years into it. I also thing this would be a good book for extended families and friends to read.
I received a free copy of this product
Most of all I love that this comes from a Biblical perspective. The book is practical and very realistic with inspiring words and advice. I found myself nodding my head and chuckling throughout. I could see myself in her stories as I’ve been there - done that!
Most people who don’t have a child with disabilities couldn’t image what it is like daily and they don’t see the big picture of what it looks like having a child with disabilities. She takes you on her journey when her son was first diagnosed with Autism. She also explains the impact that it has on your family from other children in the family, and your marriage. What about extended family members and your church? The book shares her journey which is common in many families who have a child with special needs.
I love how she talks about grief. It is a continuing cycle of grieving for your child. Some people think grief is someone dying. With a special needs child it’s so much more. It’s a lost of dreams you had for your child, grieving over seeing your child being rejected over and over by kids and even family. Depending on your child’s needs it could be the lost of them marrying and having kids. It’s a lost of the little things that we took for granted.
Recently I have been dealing with some issues with my daughter not understanding why she can’t go on a trip like her brother can. The reality is that I’m not there with her, the issue of pull ups and accidents, appointments, medication, and her physical limitations. We had a lot of tears coming from her. I found myself grieving over the simple things that I took for granted as a child. My daughter will never be able to do those things that most kids can do. The words in the book were encouraging as I reflected on the grief of my daughter not able to do another thing again.
Each chapter ends with questions that you can talk about or journal your thoughts from what you read. Some chapters you could write in the book but, I’d recommend a journal or notebook.
She has some interesting insights on scriptures that I’m still pondering on throughout the book.
I have been truly blessed reading Unexpected Blessings by Sandra Peoples. I do have to say that my daughter is an Unexpected Blessing in so many ways and I wouldn’t change the journey that God has taken me on all these years.
I highly recommend this book for a mom with a child with special needs whether they are new to this journey or several years into it. I also thing this would be a good book for extended families and friends to read.
I received a free copy of this product
January 14, 2020
This book is for you if you are a Christian parent, are plugged in to a faith community, and you are looking for a book that will encourage your spiritual journey parenting a child with a disability. Sandra Peoples' approach is scriptural -- every page has a reference to a Bible verse or a Biblical character and she explains how their spiritual journey parallels ours. In this book you will find Biblical encouragement and verses to guide you. Peoples did not write this book to share her story, but rather to encourage other parents with Biblical truths. She does refer to her personal experiences as the mother of an autistic child and sibling to a sister with Down syndrome, but those narratives are short and concise (to the point) -- the focus is on you, the reader. In chapter two, Peoples relates five signs that perhaps we have been influenced by a subverted gospel -- this was my favorite section of the book and applicable beyond parenting. You can look at just about any area of your life (spiritual, personal, even political) and examine where your heart is. Then Peoples provides Scripture to confront those erroneous beliefs that I suspect many of us hold at some point or another. I think these five points are so important I wish everyone would read them!
My caveat with the book: Peoples often encourages parents to reach out first to their pastor, but pastors are not trained mental health counselors. They do not have the training nor the experience to deal with certain issues that do require the help of someone with professional formal training. Also, many families impacted by disability do not have a church they regularly attend, yet many references in the book infer the parents are active members in their faith communities. Aside from that, in the last chapter there is "dismissal by omission" of the voices of actually disabled individuals. The book is for parents of children with disabilities, yes, but in any conversation surrounding disability -- especially when you bring up disability ministry, social reform, or legislation issues-- we need to first acknowledge that actually disabled individuals are the ones who are currently leading the fight and advocacy, and not the parents. Peoples instead encourages parents to reach out and help other parents, but I do wish she had acknowledged the fierce disabled advocates that are currently leading these efforts and changing the world for our kids.
My caveat with the book: Peoples often encourages parents to reach out first to their pastor, but pastors are not trained mental health counselors. They do not have the training nor the experience to deal with certain issues that do require the help of someone with professional formal training. Also, many families impacted by disability do not have a church they regularly attend, yet many references in the book infer the parents are active members in their faith communities. Aside from that, in the last chapter there is "dismissal by omission" of the voices of actually disabled individuals. The book is for parents of children with disabilities, yes, but in any conversation surrounding disability -- especially when you bring up disability ministry, social reform, or legislation issues-- we need to first acknowledge that actually disabled individuals are the ones who are currently leading the fight and advocacy, and not the parents. Peoples instead encourages parents to reach out and help other parents, but I do wish she had acknowledged the fierce disabled advocates that are currently leading these efforts and changing the world for our kids.
November 18, 2018
I had the opportunity to be on the launch team for the book “Unexpected Blessings,” written by Sandra Peoples, who is walking through the journey of raising a child with autism. She also works with Key Ministry, a national ministry aimed at reaching special-needs families.
Each chapter contains a wealth of helpful and practical information, and it really spoke to me as a mom of a young child with autism myself.
The first three chapters deal with adjusting your life to the Plan B God has placed you in, letting go of unbiblical ideas you might get in regards to your journey as a special needs parent, and dealing with your grief as you accept the reality of your situation.
Chapters four through seven deal with the emotions you must work through in order to move forward as a special-needs parent, taking care of yourself in the midst of your journey, adjusting your routines to best fit your family, and navigating the detour that a special-needs diagnosis for your child can seem to be.
The final chapters address what the Bible has to say about disabilities, strengthening your relationships with family and friends, finding support and friendships with other special-needs families, and embracing the ministry opportunity that being in a special-needs family gives you.
Each chapter is filled with wise and practical advice and is based in Scripture. As a special-needs parent, I saw my story in the pages of this book. It gave me advice, it gave me encouragement, it gave me reassurance, and it made me think.
The book has questions at the end of each chapter that give the reader the opportunity to journal his or her thoughts or discuss them with other people. It helps you flesh out everything you read and think about it on a deeper level.
No matter where you may be in your journey as a special-needs parent, “Unexpected Blessings” gives you the assurance of knowing you are not alone, God’s got you, and He will bring amazing blessings out of your experiences. I highly recommend it.
Each chapter contains a wealth of helpful and practical information, and it really spoke to me as a mom of a young child with autism myself.
The first three chapters deal with adjusting your life to the Plan B God has placed you in, letting go of unbiblical ideas you might get in regards to your journey as a special needs parent, and dealing with your grief as you accept the reality of your situation.
Chapters four through seven deal with the emotions you must work through in order to move forward as a special-needs parent, taking care of yourself in the midst of your journey, adjusting your routines to best fit your family, and navigating the detour that a special-needs diagnosis for your child can seem to be.
The final chapters address what the Bible has to say about disabilities, strengthening your relationships with family and friends, finding support and friendships with other special-needs families, and embracing the ministry opportunity that being in a special-needs family gives you.
Each chapter is filled with wise and practical advice and is based in Scripture. As a special-needs parent, I saw my story in the pages of this book. It gave me advice, it gave me encouragement, it gave me reassurance, and it made me think.
The book has questions at the end of each chapter that give the reader the opportunity to journal his or her thoughts or discuss them with other people. It helps you flesh out everything you read and think about it on a deeper level.
No matter where you may be in your journey as a special-needs parent, “Unexpected Blessings” gives you the assurance of knowing you are not alone, God’s got you, and He will bring amazing blessings out of your experiences. I highly recommend it.
December 30, 2018
My Reflections:
Can I just start by saying "AMEN" Sandra Peoples addresses so many issues I face on a daily basis! This book was a breath of fresh air to read. I didn't tackle it like I normally do- focused sit down get er done kind of approach. I savoured each and every healing encouraging page.
Peoples comes alongside parents with gentle encouragement and a shining light of hope. A diagnosis is just that, a label, a way of organizing help so desperately need as parents with blessed kids.
I have two children with such labels, so I know a little about this walk. It's tiring, and some days even discouraging but it is also one of my biggest blessings. My loves are perfect. They are God-given miracles. God does not make mistakes, he makes us perfect and unique in our own right.
Another aspect of this book that I found helpful is how Peoples addresses the issues of well-meaning people who try to say the right things, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or "How do you do it every day?" To quote another book I recently reviewed, its Okay not to be Okay! God gives us peace and sincere hope coupled with love to get us through all circumstances in our lives.
Peoples encouragement is sure to uplift and motivate all parents facing a new (or old) diagnosis.
If you are looking for that last minute gift idea, or are a parent with a special child of your own this is definitely a must read.
Thank you Sandra Peoples for putting a voice to so many of those questions and issues we all face as parents. Your God-centered book was just what I needed to read in this season of my life!
Can I just start by saying "AMEN" Sandra Peoples addresses so many issues I face on a daily basis! This book was a breath of fresh air to read. I didn't tackle it like I normally do- focused sit down get er done kind of approach. I savoured each and every healing encouraging page.
Peoples comes alongside parents with gentle encouragement and a shining light of hope. A diagnosis is just that, a label, a way of organizing help so desperately need as parents with blessed kids.
I have two children with such labels, so I know a little about this walk. It's tiring, and some days even discouraging but it is also one of my biggest blessings. My loves are perfect. They are God-given miracles. God does not make mistakes, he makes us perfect and unique in our own right.
Another aspect of this book that I found helpful is how Peoples addresses the issues of well-meaning people who try to say the right things, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or "How do you do it every day?" To quote another book I recently reviewed, its Okay not to be Okay! God gives us peace and sincere hope coupled with love to get us through all circumstances in our lives.
Peoples encouragement is sure to uplift and motivate all parents facing a new (or old) diagnosis.
If you are looking for that last minute gift idea, or are a parent with a special child of your own this is definitely a must read.
Thank you Sandra Peoples for putting a voice to so many of those questions and issues we all face as parents. Your God-centered book was just what I needed to read in this season of my life!
December 29, 2018
Unexpected Blessings: The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family by Sandra Peoples is an inspirational book that talks about embracing the blessings and navigating the difficulties of life in a special needs family. The author grew up with a sister who has Down syndrome and now has a son with autism, giving her valuable insight on how to help other parents and siblings of people with special needs.
The book focuses on how to face the grief of letting go of certain dreams or expectations, and it also focuses on the immense joy that a family member with special needs brings to the family. Sandra Peoples shows how people with special needs are an asset to the church. She weaves Scripture references and relevant Biblical stories throughout the book, and she talks about how the Bible discusses disability. The end of each chapter includes helpful journaling questions to reflect upon the material.
Unexpected Blessings is realistic, and encouraging, and it shows how a tribe of special needs families can move mountains with grace, hope, and love.
I received this book for review.
The book focuses on how to face the grief of letting go of certain dreams or expectations, and it also focuses on the immense joy that a family member with special needs brings to the family. Sandra Peoples shows how people with special needs are an asset to the church. She weaves Scripture references and relevant Biblical stories throughout the book, and she talks about how the Bible discusses disability. The end of each chapter includes helpful journaling questions to reflect upon the material.
Unexpected Blessings is realistic, and encouraging, and it shows how a tribe of special needs families can move mountains with grace, hope, and love.
I received this book for review.
November 20, 2018
As a former special education teacher, I was excited to have the opportunity to review an advance copy of this book.
The author writes from personal experience (as a sibling and a parent). Her book is encouraging and emotional, and it contains numerous practical tips to help parents feel less overwhelmed. Scripture verses are used throughout, as well as Biblical people (such as Job, Ruth, Jonah, and Peter), to tie things together.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
The author writes from personal experience (as a sibling and a parent). Her book is encouraging and emotional, and it contains numerous practical tips to help parents feel less overwhelmed. Scripture verses are used throughout, as well as Biblical people (such as Job, Ruth, Jonah, and Peter), to tie things together.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
November 24, 2018
I read this book recently, it's an incredible read. The author takes you into her life both as a mother and a sister of a special needs person. She gives real life practical examples and draws you closer to the Bible and God's word as you explore your own thoughts and experiences.
I would highly suggest this book, as a Christmas gift, for yourself, your family, a loved one facing a special needs life, (it certainly helped me at this difficult time of year) but mostly I think this should be a resource in every church library! Why not purchase one for yourself and one for the library!!! It's well worth your time, and will help spread God's word to all families facing challenges.
I would highly suggest this book, as a Christmas gift, for yourself, your family, a loved one facing a special needs life, (it certainly helped me at this difficult time of year) but mostly I think this should be a resource in every church library! Why not purchase one for yourself and one for the library!!! It's well worth your time, and will help spread God's word to all families facing challenges.
August 3, 2020
I highly recommend this book for all parents of children who are "different". It is written for parents of children with autism I believe, but I got a lot out of it and my child is neurologically diverse. The diagnosis may not be the same the reality of having to let go of the visions of parenting that you held are. I found a great deal of comfort and support, and actionable things I could do to calm myself in the moments when facing the reality of the permanence of the situation I find myself is too much. Obviously this is a Christian book and it shares scripture and prayers, but I think you could still benefit from it even if you don't share those beliefs.
March 28, 2023
Sandra Peoples address the challenges of special needs parenting, the grief process, and the joys with grace, encouragement, and an openness that invites vulnerability and acceptance. I encourage everyone that knows an individual with any type of disability to read this book. Relatives and caregivers will be blessed with hope and encouragement. People that live in community with an individual with a disability (hint: that’s everyone if you’re paying attention) will gain valuable insight into how to better support and love those living with disability.
November 21, 2018
This book was wonderful writing and compelling to read with also very encouraging and giving us with more hope and blessing in everyday when you had a member of your family was diagnosed with a special need and this book will bring you to discovery and see more opportunity to recognize the amazing grace that God displays each and in every day. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Bethany House for this review”.
November 23, 2018
Sandra has done an excellent job of combining her personal experiences, passion for special needs families, and practical wisdom in Unexpected Blessings. As a parent, pastor, and adult diagnosed with Aspergers, I appreciate Sandra's gift for placing her faith at the center of her family's journey toward God's best life for their son. This book is an excellent resource for families looking for practical help and inspiring hope on their journey.
November 23, 2018
I was so blessed by Sandra's approach to this book. She lays out a biblical foundation for the approach to you child's special needs. Then she offers practical advice for daily life with that kiddo. She makes you feel hopeful and supportive. And it feels like your talking at your kitchen table. No matter what stage you may be in on your child's journey, this is a book you'll love to have on your shelf and refer to often.
November 25, 2018
This book gets right to the heart of raising a special needs child. The feelings of drowning in grief with life lines to pull you ashore. Sandra walks the walk. She shares the beauty and sorrow of this journey. This book is filled with hope and practice tips for moving from grief, to survival to blessings. I recommend it for every special needs family and everyone who loves a special needs family!
December 4, 2018
If you or someone you know has a special needs person in their life then you ought to read this book. The author shares her journey in a ways that is so inspiring. She provides you with tools to help you on your own journey. There is hope and joy in the unexpected but sometimes we need help seeing it.
It isn’t easy to find great books in thus area so I am thankful for this tool being available for all to read.
Read it!!
It isn’t easy to find great books in thus area so I am thankful for this tool being available for all to read.
Read it!!
January 30, 2019
A Must Read for Special Needs Families
This is a wonderful book that will encourage any parent of a special needs child! It contains lots of practical advice and plenty of scripture to back it up. Even if you don’t have a special needs child, this book will be helpful to giving you an insider’s view of special needs parenting and how you can help on the journey!
This is a wonderful book that will encourage any parent of a special needs child! It contains lots of practical advice and plenty of scripture to back it up. Even if you don’t have a special needs child, this book will be helpful to giving you an insider’s view of special needs parenting and how you can help on the journey!
November 21, 2018
Being a special needs parent I am always looking for books that represent "real life" issues while maintaining hope for the future. Peoples offers applicable helps while sharing her own families struggles and triumphs. Great book that offers true hope in a world of intangibles.
July 29, 2019
This book is a great resource for anyone whether you and your family are impacted by disability or not. Sandra Peoples is great at balancing faith and reality in a positive way that is very encouraging and empowering. I highly recommend this book!
November 24, 2018
A great book for parents of special needs children. Biblically based wisdom and reminders for self-care, family care and spiritual care. A must read!
July 6, 2023
It is always a little refreshing to read a book that I can related to - specifically in parenting.
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