God speaking through my child.

I have to say - I love our church. It has been home for 6 years. We have had no real desire to change / move / church shop even though it is having some challenges.
My youngest has fought me going to church the past 5 years... so much so that I don't even bother to try to take her in the summer time.
Sat, Aug 12th, she asked me if we could go to church the next day...but at a different church.
I was a little shocked and surprised by this question - but said sure.
Then started thinking about where to take her.
With all her sensory needs and anxiety I was very hesitant...
She has also been asking me to help her find a friend with "brown skin" (yes - these are her words, sorry to offend anyone)...
I have a friend who has adopted from Kenya and I found out where they go to church and we checked it out... She was not there - but it was a really great Sunday.
My daughter sat through the whole service except to go to the washroom once (which is amazing in itself)...
It was a very colorful church and very open to the uniqueness of all God's people. I was pleasantly surprised by the man who appeared to have Down Syndrome dance and play his harmonica on stage, and another older lady with the same dancing with her streamer during the worship in music time.And no one seemed uncomfortable or put off by it -  It warmed my heart to see the inclusiveness.
My little one asked me if we could go back - so I look forward to taking her again next week and seeing what God says to us.
It was a place that kind of felt like home without really knowing anyone - just knowing that my girls and I would be accepted in this place / space and not feel out of place or like we make people feel uncomfortable by us being there.
It is possible that God is asking us to switch - I don't know yet. I will listen and see where He leads our family.

...update...it is now 3 months later...we still love it! 

Sabbatical

I have decided to take a "Sabbatical".
The time seems right and our family needs it.
Come fall 2017 - I have chosen to take a break from all planning & leadership roles, babysitting, extra evening activities...and just choose a few support groups and an evening out to connect one on one with friends and grow those relationships.  Our family needs to take time to re-connect and learn to communicate lovingly. We somehow have forgotten how to do this.
During this time we will hopefully learn new tools and seek God in where He wants us to serve together, and where He wants us to spend our time together.
I am a people pleaser - so it is & was hard to tell everyone that I am taking a break from serving with them.