Pebbles of Light

Natalie Hobbs shares her story of learning that her new baby, Sam, had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. She talks about how she personally worked through the diagnosis and what it would mean for their family and their new son as well as the joy and happiness that Sam has brought to their family.

This episode's Pebble: The pebble for this week is to check out one of the following organizations to learn a bit more about Down Syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Society

National Down Syndrome Congress

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network - They have a ton of very specific groups to meet your needs ... both for Moms and Dads.

Jack's Basket - They are doing an incredible job celebrating babies and changing the narrative of how parents receive their baby's diagnosis.

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota - Super educational and helpful in all areas, across the lifespan!

Zion's Army - In memory of their son, they celebrate babies on their 1st birthday by sending gift boxes of therapy/learning toys.

Zoe's Toolbox - sends families therapy - OT, PT, Speech - supplies for free.

You can find links for them in the full show notes as well as find out how to support the podcast and the See Good Days Shop!

Casting director Beverly Holloway shares insights about what the faith-based film industry is like, the guidance and faith that led her to her vocation, and some behind-the-scenes tidbits about the hit streaming series “The Chosen.”

THIS EPISODE’S PEBBLE: Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” What are ways you can more fully live the principles found in that scripture?

Aside from my husband and my dad, Lars Peterson and Drake Self have been some of the most influential men in my life. I’m so grateful for the chance to talk with them a bit about how they met while at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Get in touch - whether in person, a phone call, a text, just something - with someone who has been a Pebble of Light in your life.

Be sure to check the full show notes for quotes, resources, and information about the podcast sponsors.

Have you ever wondered how to help your kids, or other youth in your life, recognize how amazing they are? Anne talks with Darla Trendler from the Spiritually Minded Women podcast about how to help others, especially youth, recognize their divine potential.

The PEBBLE for the week: Share an encouraging, sincere compliment with a teen - or anyone - that you know. Do your best to brighten someone else’s day with the power of your words!

Be sure to check the full show notes for references, including links to Darla’s podcast, and the quotes shared.

Deb & Kambree Austin talk about Kambree’s ability to overcome obstacles she has faced. With hemiplegic cerebral palsy, not many physical things come easy for Kambree but her grit and determination help her to move forward and have faith in the effort. Be sure to see the full show notes for references and resources.

PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Consider a previous pursuit or goal when you did not achieve the expected outcome. Write down some of the things you learned through the effort that you put into that goal.

In this episode, Anne talks to her friends, Erin Gurney and Jessa Sebastian, about how to find the friends you need as well as the importance of effort and vulnerability in friendship. Be sure to check the full show notes for resources from the episode and links to find this week's guests!

PEBBLE FOR THE WEEK: Try to go a little bit out of your comfort zone to reach out to a new (or old) friend sometime this week. For some, “going a little bit out of your comfort zone” may consist of sending a “want to get some tacos on Thursday?” text. For others, it may include singing Vanilla Ice while dropping off a pack of gum. You do you!

Myrna Peterson is a quadriplegic living in rural Northern Minnesota who is a proactive advocate for differently abled persons. She has done a TEDx Talk, broke a Guinness World Record and is a recipient of the very prestigious Andrus Award for Community Service. She says that she only has one thumb that moved but she has a mouth that doesn’t stop. And she uses her voice to do all the good that she can.

PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Do your best to really see people and understand their story. This can be as simple as looking the store clerk in the eye while (sincerely) telling them thank you and to have a wonderful day. Or it could be taking time to talk to someone while in line at the store or even reaching out on social media to an acquaintance and learning more about their story. Brené Brown has said that “people are hard to hate close up.” Do your best to get know someone and understand their perspective – especially if it is different from yours.

Tessa and Jamis Buck share their story of doing their best to follow an inspired path even when it took them in an unexpected direction.

PEBBLE FOR THIS WEEK: Be a first responder sometime this week. When you feel inspired to do something – whether for yourself or for someone else, just do it.

Emily Jones shares how the program that she developed with her husband David has blessed their lives through the development of an internal filter for their family’s use of technology. We also discuss this amazing generation of kids and the importance of inspiration in knowing how to parent and guide them.

2 PEBBLES OF THE WEEK: Take some time to assess your personal use of technology. Maybe try that activity we mentioned of going to a park and watching the role technology plays in others.

If you are a parent, I have an additional pebble for you. Take some time this week to think about what you are grateful for in your kids. Is it the way they make you laugh? Their determination that sometimes manifests itself as stubbornness? Is it their kindness, their go-getter attitude? Is it the way they give you a sweet hug each morning? For me, focusing on gratitude in regards to parenting has helped me to feel inspired as to how to help and support that particular child.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Kristen Coltrin had experiences working with and learning from the LGBTQ community. This helped to prepare her for when her professional life and her personal life would intersect. Check the full show notes for references, resources and ways to support the podcast.

PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Check out that list of Kristen’s favorite resources, pick one and learn more. Seek to listen and learn to understand a perspective that may be different from yours.