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Surrender, Labels, and Unexpected Joy (with Julie Hornok) | Episode 10
In this heartfelt episode of A Little Extra Love, host Rachael Vermeulen sits down with Julie Hornok, co-founder of Labeled and Loved, wife of 28 years, and mom of three—including her daughter Lizzie, who was diagnosed with autism at age two.Julie opens up about her family’s journey through grief, surrender, and surprising joy as God met her in the places she couldn’t control. From the moment she first stepped into a church’s special needs ministry, to navigating the fears and questions of Lizzie’s baptism, Julie’s story shines with vulnerability, redemption, and hope.Together, Rachael and Julie talk about the labels parents carry, the suffering of our children, and the unshakable faithfulness of God. You’ll also hear the powerful story behind Labeled and Loved, the nationwide ministry creating lifelines for moms of children with disabilities through retreats, sisterhood circles, and support.Whether you’re weary, carrying labels you never asked for, or just in need of a reminder that God is working even in what feels broken—this conversation will meet you there.Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss:Julie’s journey through Lizzie’s early autism diagnosis and God’s provision along the way.The moment of surrender that shifted her motherhood and faith.How the church can respond with tenderness and love to families of children with disabilities.Wrestling with questions about faith and baptism in children with special needs.Holding hope when healing looks different than expected.The birth and growth of Labeled and Loved—and how it’s changing lives across the country.A reminder for moms: God is working while you rest.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Labeled and Loved WebsiteLearn more about the Weekend of Hope Retreat and Sisterhood CirclesScripture References:Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you...”Proverbs 3:24 – “When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”Connect with Julie Hornok:Instagram: @juliehornokLabeled and Loved InstagramConnect with Rachael Vermeulen & A Little Extra Love:Instagram: @alittleextraloveInstagram: @rachvermeulenWebsite: alittleextralove.com
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In His Image - God Knew Before I Did: Parenting, Diagnosis & Finding Faith (with Sunita Theiss) | Episode 9
Episode Summary:In this profoundly honest and tender episode, Rachael sits down with Sunita Theiss, an autistic and ADHD writer, advocate, and mother of two neurodivergent children, to explore what it means to be seen by God even when life feels misaligned, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.Sunita shares how her children’s diagnoses led her to her own, and how, in the midst of that unraveling, she encountered the unshakable presence of God. From her Hindu upbringing to the grief of losing her father, from substance use to late diagnosis, Sunita’s journey testifies to the faithfulness of a God who was present all along.This episode is an invitation to every weary parent, especially those raising children with disabilities, to remember: you are not alone, and your story is not outside the bounds of redemption.Key Topics Covered:Finding joy in small, sensory-centered momentsNavigating late autism and ADHD diagnosis as a motherReframing disability not as brokenness, but as intentional designLetting motherhood reveal God's nature and loveHow spiritual formation looks different in neurodivergent homesDispelling toxic theology around suffering and disabilityCreating support systems rooted in faith, honesty, and mutual understandingHow prayer and presence can sustain a weary heartEmbracing God's mercy through healing, therapy, and honest communityKey Quotes:“Maybe the brokenness in this world is not your child's disability—but the failure to accommodate.”“You're not broken, you're being built. Moment by moment, mercy by mercy.”“God knew before I did. And He called it good.”Spiritual Themes:Providence: God’s hand in our lives even before we have language for our experiencesImago Dei: The dignity and divine image reflected in neurodivergent children and adultsSanctification through parenting: How motherhood reveals and refines our faithTheology of suffering: Honest reflection on grief, loss, and the presence of God in painPrayer as regulation: Integrating faith into daily sensory and emotional practicesResources Mentioned:Sunita’s Upcoming Workshop: Parenting PDA with a Biblical LensFree Resources for Christian Parents Navigating NeurodivergenceVirtual Support Group for Christian Moms of PDA ChildrenWriting Groups and Creative Support SpacesLetter Writing Tool: FutureMe.comFollow Sunita:https://sunitatheiss.com/https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/Resources:Low Demand Coaching Biblical Truths for Neurdivergent KidsIf you've ever questioned how your story fits into God’s plan, this episode will remind you that His faithfulness isn't dependent on your clarity. He is...
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In His Image - Rainbows After the Rain: Autism, Faith, and Unfolding Grace (with Renee Sellers) | Episode 8
In this heartfelt conversation, Renee Sellers shares her journey as a mother of two autistic daughters, exploring the intersection of faith and disability. She discusses the initial struggles with the diagnosis, the shift from despair to joy, and the importance of celebrating her daughters' uniqueness. The conversation emphasizes the need for church communities to be inclusive and supportive, recognizing the beauty in every individual's story. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Renee highlights God's presence in their journey, encouraging other parents to trust in His love and timing.Follow Renee Sellers on Instagram Inclusive Pathways equips churches to create vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities and their families thrive. Learn more about Inclusive Pathways here !Chapters00:00 The Journey of Parenting with Disabilities00:05 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments02:41 Reconciling Faith with Diagnosis05:27 The Shift from Despair to Joy08:02 God's Promises and Rainbows10:36 Celebrating Autism and Acceptance13:09 The Role of Church in Disability Advocacy15:36 Feeling Seen in the Faith Community18:10 Trusting God in the Waiting20:45 Encouragement for Moms in the Journey23:25 Closing Prayer and Reflections24:36 New Chapterdisability, autism, faith, parenting, church inclusion, joy, acceptance, God's promises, community support, motherhood
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In His Image - Why Celebration Isn’t Optional (with Rachael Vermeulen) | Episode 7
In the first episode of the In His Image - Disability Pride Month Mini Series from the A Little Extra Love podcast, Rachael Vermeulen discusses the intersection of disability and faith, particularly in the context of Disability Pride Month. She explores the theological implications of disability, emphasizing that every person, regardless of ability, reflects the image of God. The conversation challenges traditional views of disability as a flaw and instead presents it as a vital part of God's design, deserving of honor and celebration. Rachael calls for a shift in church culture towards true inclusion and belonging for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the need for communities to embrace interdependence and learn from those who experience disability.Learn more about Inclusive Pathways here!Follow Rachael on: Instagram - Facebook - TiktokFollow A Little Extra Love on: Instagram - Facebook TakeawaysDisability is a vital part of God's design.Every person reflects the image of God, regardless of ability.The church must honor and include individuals with disabilities.Disability is not a detour but a place where God's glory dwells.We need to shift from pity to partnership with disabled individuals.Celebration of disability is about seeing it as sacred.The future is not about erasing disability but revealing it in glory.Belonging is central to the gospel and should be prioritized in church communities.Disability illuminates the gospel rather than hinders it.Communities must reflect the heart of God by embracing interdependence.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Disability Pride Month01:03 Understanding the Image of God05:22 Reframing Disability and Suffering09:10 The Indispensable Role of Disability in the Church12:29 The Hope of Redemption and Glory16:17 Celebration of Inclusion and Belonging21:05 Call to Action for Churches and CommunitiesKeywordsDisability, Image of God, Inclusion, Church, Belonging, Disability Pride Month, Theology, Community, Celebration, Hope
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Embracing Joy and Strength in Disability Parenting (with Amber Mustain) | Episode 6
In this episode of A Little Extra Love, Rachael Vermeulen is joined by Amber Mustain, a wife and mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with disabilities. Amber is the host of the Wait & See Podcast, and a creative florist located in Colorado. Amber shares the profound story of her son Colton, who was diagnosed with congenital CMV, and how her faith has been the anchor through the storm of challenges. Together, they explore the importance of surrendering control, building a supportive community, and finding joy even in the midst of hardship. Amber’s story is a reminder that, while the journey of disability parenting can feel isolating, we are never alone when we lean on faith and community.Show Notes:In this episode, Amber Mustain opens up about her experiences as a mom raising a child with disabilities. She speaks about the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced after her son Colton’s diagnosis, and how she leaned into her faith to navigate these trials. Amber touches on the complexities of medication decisions, finding support from those around her, and how surrendering control has helped her grow as a parent.Some of the key topics discussed in this episode include:Amber’s journey with Colton’s congenital CMV diagnosis and the early challenges they faced.The vital role of faith in Amber’s parenting journey and how trusting God provided strength.The power of surrendering control as a parent of a child with disabilities.The importance of building a community of support and connection.Finding joy amidst the chaos of disability parenting.Amber’s podcast and her mission to create space for parents to share their stories.Amber's wisdom will resonate with anyone walking the road of disability parenting, offering hope, encouragement, and a reminder that we are not alone.Takeaways:Faith and surrender are essential for navigating the challenges of disability parenting.Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation.Parents should focus on what helps their child thrive and trust God’s leading.Every child’s journey is unique—resist the temptation to compare your story with others.Even in the most difficult moments, joy can be found in the smallest blessings.You can connect more with Amber at:https://www.instagram.com/waitandseepodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082412962537https://www.ambermustain.com/Disability parenting, Special needs parenting, Faith and resilience, Parenting challenges, Parenting with faith, Support for special needs parents, Surrendering control in parenting, Building community in disability parenting, Joy in adversity, Faith in parenting, Parenting a child with disabilities, CMV diagnosis, Trusting God in parenting, Resilience in special needs, Supportive community for parents, Special needs mom encouragement
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