Unexpected Blessings

The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family

by: Sandra Peoples

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493415984

  Pub. Date

  Nov 2018

  SRP

  $17.00

  Buy

About

When someone in your family is diagnosed with a special need, it can be difficult to move past the pain and confusion. Why did this happen? What will our lives look like now? But living in a special-needs family can be a special blessing! Are you ready to face the future with hope? Speaking honestly about the challenges that accompany a variety of disabilities, author Sandra Peoples shows you how to
· let go of false beliefs that hold you back,
· work through the cycles of grief,
· focus on self-care and healthy routines,
· rebuild a strong faith foundation, and
· create support systems for yourself and others.

Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when you see your new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for you all along.

"A biblical and helpful resource for parents like us who are facing a difficult diagnosis for their child."
--CHRISTINE HOOVER, author of Searching for Spring and Messy Beautiful Friendship

Sandra 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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Endorsements

"Reading Unexpected Blessings was like being wrapped in an enormously comforting hug that I didn't even know I needed! It is both practical and emotional, offering affirmation to all special-needs parents. I know Sandra's beautiful words will give fellow parents the tools they need to not only accept a diagnosis but also to thrive. Her stories and encouragement reminded me again and again of the immense joy found along this detour we're on as special-needs families."

Courtney Westlake, author of A Different Beautiful

"Unexpected Blessings is a book rich with faith. Sandra Peoples has learned faith in the trenches of life as she discovered how to do life by loving and caring for a son affected by autism. This book is only incidentally about disabilities--it's mainly about life as it should be lived as dependent, believing children."

Paul Miller, author of A Praying Life

"When my husband and I stood facing our family's Plan B, we didn't know what our next step should be or why God had allowed it. Unexpected Blessings provides a biblical and helpful resource for parents like us who are facing a difficult diagnosis for their child. I only wish I'd had it from the very beginning of our autism journey!"

Christine Hoover, author of Searching for Spring and Messy Beautiful Friendship

"It is always uplifting for me to pick up a book written by a parent of a child with disabilities. I know I am reading authentic words written in blood, sweat, and tears. Sandra's writing is particularly encouraging because it is incredibly practical, faithfully scriptural, and saturated with the gospel."

Greg Lucas, author of Wrestling with an Angel: A Story of Love, Disability, and the Lessons of Grace

"In this excellent book, Sandra Peoples offers not only empathy (as a both a parent and sibling of a child with special needs), but also a biblically-grounded cause for hope for all those living a Plan B life. Unexpected Blessings will comfort you, challenge you, encourage you, and ultimately point you to Jesus. I cannot recommend it highly enough."

Rachel Wilson coauthor of The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs

"This is a must-read that will bring hope and offer practical insights to anyone on the unchartered journey of raising a child with special needs. Read this book and learn from one of the best!"

Marie Kuck, cofounder of Nathaniel's Hope

"For those struggling with the hardships of disability, Unexpected Blessings is an encouraging reminder that God's Plan B is always better than our Plan A. With biblical truths, thought-provoking questions, and practical tips, Sandra speaks to readers who may be caught in their own cycles of fear and grief, and helps them to identify the blessings hidden within the beauty of God's unexpected but faultless designs."

Sarah Parshall Perry, author of Sand in My Sandwich: And Other Motherhood Messes I'm Learning to Love and Mommy Needs a Raise (Because Quitting's Not an Option)

"Sandra Peoples knows all about the heartache a special-needs diagnosis can bring. In this book, she helps parents like her to rise above the emotional chaos and breathe easy again. At each turn, Unexpected Blessings points us back to the hopeful promises of Scripture and the nearness of God."

Jason Hague, author of Aching Joy: Following God through the Land of Unanswered Prayer

"You may be 'cautiously optimistic' on your journey like Sandra was, but she guides you through the diagnosis to the differences a special-needs addition to your family brings, tackling topics of family, marriage, friends, and church as we learn to let go of the challenges that come our way so that change can happen and bring us from pain to purpose!"

Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, national speakers with FamilyLife and authors of Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course

"A wise, empathetic, and seasoned guide to navigating . . . the universal struggles of special-needs parents. We are not alone!"

Diane Dokko Kim, special-needs ministry consultant and author of Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent

"Sandra Peoples writes from the same vantage point as her readers. She's a parent on an unexpected, challenging, and rewarding journey as she and her husband raise their child with special needs. From the first page to the last, she shares compassion and hope that equip parents to embrace their journey and help their families thrive."

Jolene Philo, author of the Different Dream Parenting series and coauthor of Every Child Welcome

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