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# Full Joy Ministries

Encouragement for Parents of Special Needs Children

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://fulljoyministries.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Phone a Friend](https://fulljoyministries.com/phone-a-friend/) - As a caregiver mama, I’ve noticed one thing that consistently adds joy to my days. Friendships. Maintaining friendships has been one of my best investments over the years. Four distinct kinds of friendships make the most beautiful bouquet when bundled together. First, the long-term friendships that have been well-seasoned over many years. Those where we
- [Flexibility, Expectations, and Travel](https://fulljoyministries.com/flexibility-expectations-and-travel/) - Kim Cusimano Flexibility, Expectations, and Travel August 10, 2026 February 17, 2024
- [Count Your Blessings](https://fulljoyministries.com/count-your-blessings/) - In a few weeks, we will say goodbye to 2023. Recently, I’ve been mindful that it has been a great year! As a special needs mom/family, if we’re not careful, the challenges and logistics can get highlighted more than the blessings. Not this year! Here are some of the things I’m thankful for in 2023…
- [Saying Thank You](https://fulljoyministries.com/saying-thank-you/) - Saying Thank You Fifteen seconds, that’s about all the time we spent with Tim Tebow. However, that was long enough to say thank you. I’m sure he has heard it a thousand times, but I needed to say it one time, personally. Tim Tebow’s foundation sponsors the Night to Shine event for adults with differing
- [Coming Soon! Life In The Estrogen-Free Zone](https://fulljoyministries.com/coming-soon-life-in-the-estrogen-free-zone/) - Life In The Estrogen-Free Zone Coming Soon! As a mom to two sons, one a Navy officer and the other an Elvis tribute artist, I know something about every son being different. Also, having a son with differing abilities and some special needs has been a journey in learning many new mom lessons. I look forward to
- [Tend the Roses](https://fulljoyministries.com/tend-the-roses/) - As special needs parents, we care for people daily and have added responsibilities. We generally don’t want to add more chores around the house. But hear me out. I would submit we also tend to something else besides caring for our loved ones, something that grows and brings life to our homes in other ways.
- [Having Fun Trying](https://fulljoyministries.com/having-fun-trying/) - We took our 24-year-old daughter to see Frozen, the musical. Honestly, we were hesitant to spend the money on the tickets. We just never know what she will enjoy. If you ask her in advance, she often says “no” to offers to do something fun. Her emotional cues can be flat and hard to read.
- [Power of Small](https://fulljoyministries.com/power-of-small/) - Kim Cusimano January 31, 2023 Power of Small
- [Full Joy](https://fulljoyministries.com/blog-one/) - These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.John 15:11 “Joy”, what a beautiful word! What is there not to love about joy? And the idea that joy can be “full”, is surely the best kind. John 15:11 stood out to
- [Have some fun!](https://fulljoyministries.com/have-some-fun/) - Our special needs son, Nate, is a huge Elvis fan. How did he discover The King? I can't exactly remember. A few years ago he stumbled on his music and then noticed all the other iconic Elvis characteristics such as his colorful clothing, fancy dance moves, and cool hair. He has been a fan ever
- [Tears Can Talk](https://fulljoyministries.com/blog-3/) - One evening a few years ago, I sat around a table with friends. One friend had always been an encourager to everyone around her. Countless times she had specifically spoken helpful words to me. But, on this evening, my usually strong, well put together friend let down her guard. She began to share from a
- [Protection](https://fulljoyministries.com/protection/) - Like many special needs parents, we parent both special needs children and typical children. We find ourselves working to meet such a wide range of needs for all of them. This is where I found myself one day when my teenage son negotiated for more freedom, to let him “be himself.” I had a special
- [Mom Wants to Help](https://fulljoyministries.com/mom-wants-to-help/) - Love helps. Love tries hard. Love makes many plans. But on some days, Alone love can stand. Help can help too much. Trying hard can be too hard. Plans fall down. Frustration moves in. But on some days, Let love see… The light in a son’s eyes. Let love hear… The beat of his drum.
- [Joy, Peace and Big Hats](https://fulljoyministries.com/joy-peace-and-big-hats/) - Lord, when I grow old… I hope I look more like Jesus, But in my own skin. I want to wear big hats, Be able to laugh at myself, Make others laugh until they cry, Spend time growing red roses, Get lost in reading good books, Spend time with my grandchildren -playing dress up and
- [Laughter Is…](https://fulljoyministries.com/laughter-is/) - A gift you can hear. A joy that talks. A medicine for the soul. From a friend even more so. It lightens my load, brightens my vision, awakens my hope. From a friend even more so. To be shared, multiplied, invited in… like an invitation from a friend. Thank you for the gift. No need
- [Send The Soldiers, Send The Swords!](https://fulljoyministries.com/send-the-soldiers-send-the-swords/) - Thoughts come and go, Some move in to stay! Some are friendly, Bringing rest. Some are hostile, Stealing peace. I imagine this door, An entrance of sorts. Peace, you are welcome here, Hope, you too may come in. Others are turned away. Fear, sorry there is no room. Worry, you must turn and go. Thieves
- [Words Come and Go](https://fulljoyministries.com/words-come-and-go/) - Writing Words come and go, Sometimes fumbled, Other times flow. Writing, Like a pouring out, Cleanses me. A spoken word, Can evaporate, But in ink no. It keeps for me to see, Maybe for others too, We both have a need. Writer or reader, We seek, A release or something new. My released pain, Or
- [Encouraging Our Typical Children](https://fulljoyministries.com/encouraging-our-typical-children/) - Trying to find the perfect words to say when our children are struggling with an issue can be a challenge. Rarely in the moment do we feel we said exactly the right thing. It seems all too often I come up with the best things to say after my child has left the room. This
- [4 Ways to Help Kids Process a Crisis](https://fulljoyministries.com/4-ways-to-help-kids-process-a-crisis/) - Quarantine. Shelter in place. Social Distancing. School ending. These are things our children have never encountered and maybe you have found you and your young ones are struggling. How do we process a pandemic? How do we respond? What can we do to keep fear and panic from filling our children and our homes? Here
- [Words of Gratitude and Celebration!](https://fulljoyministries.com/words-of-gratitude-and-celebration/) - Wow, Full Joy Ministries has already been up and running a few months now! Thank you to all those who have visited the new site. Let’s celebrate and recap together! March brought the launch of the new book, Staying Power, Building A Stronger Marriage When Life Sends Its Worst. Staying Power was written by Carol
- [Keep It Simple](https://fulljoyministries.com/keep-it-simple/) - Keep it simple! Are you new to homeschooling due to all the changes going on in our world? If so, I’m here to repeat my mantra, “Keep it simple!” Many years ago, I homeschooled our two special-needs children for some time during their early elementary years. I tried many of the things I had heard
- [Picture Perfect](https://fulljoyministries.com/picture-perfect/) - It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and I’m basking in the glow of having had our family together around the table. Like many, we missed getting to celebrate with our extended families. 2020 brought a more intimate gathering of “just us.” My husband and I sat with only our four, nearly all grown children. We laughed
- [Afraid? Go Anyway!](https://fulljoyministries.com/afraid-go-anyway/) - As a special needs family, we are blessed to have friends and extended family who come alongside us and have the courage to be ALL IN when it comes to walking through difficult times with us. About a year or so ago, our special needs daughter was going through a tough time. We were trying
- [Devotions of the Distracted Heart](https://fulljoyministries.com/devotions-of-the-distracted-heart/) - Peg Arnold is a dear friend who heads up the vibrant ministry, Wonder of Women. Peg graciously invited me to contribute a blog for her devotional series, Distractions of the Heart. The following was posted on pegarnold.org, but I also wanted to share it with my readers. I enjoyed writing it, and it comes with a
- [Listening](https://fulljoyministries.com/listening/) - I cup my hand to the back of my ear, Lord, I’m listening. I focus my eyes on the page. God, let’s talk. You love me, This I know, For these pages, Tell me so. But, so much noise. Speak up, Speak out. Speak above, And over it all. Memory is also a thief, Like
- [Relinquish](https://fulljoyministries.com/relinquish/) - Hold too tight to a snowflake, A firefly, Or a rose petal, And it withers. You can’t keep the artistry, You can’t see the light, You can’t put it back together. When we hold too tightly, No matter the helpful intent, Or wishful desires, The holding is hurting. All from our own hand, Our own
- [One Day at a Time](https://fulljoyministries.com/one-day-at-a-time/) - Oh, 2022, where have you gone? It’s December, and I can feel the year fading fast. I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect and update. I have been on an unintended/unplanned sabbatical of sorts. I write on this site to encourage special needs parents and caregivers, yet this year I had to take

## Pages

- [Home](https://fulljoyministries.com/) - Encouragement for Parents of Special Needs Children Welcome! You may have found this site purposely or stumbled on it curiously. Either way, here we are! -Together! If you are a parent of a special needs child or adult, you are already my familiar friend. As a parent to two, young adult special needs children, I
- [Speaking](https://fulljoyministries.com/podcasts/) - Hear Kim on... The Mom Show with Courtney Doyle Sandwich Season Sanity with Ruthie Gray The Grace Cycle Show Rethinking My Thinking Unshakable Hope podcast with Kelly Hall The No More Perfect Podcast with Jill Savage: When the Nest Won't Be Empty The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith POPTalk's podcast: Finding Joy as a
- [Writings](https://fulljoyministries.com/writings/) - Contributions and Collaborative Works Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon Blogs Phone a Friend Flexibility, Expectations, and Travel Count Your Blessings Saying Thank You Coming Soon! Life In The Estrogen-Free Zone Tend the Roses Having Fun Trying Power of Small One Day at a Time Devotions of the Distracted Heart Afraid? Go Anyway!
- [Attribution](https://fulljoyministries.com/attribution/) - This site has been created with the help of many different people and companies.In particular, a special thanks goes to the following for content running on this site: Author: carolexm / UnsplashLicense: In addition, this site was built on a powerful, Inspirations based web builder called BoldGrid. It is running on WordPress, the most popular
- [Contact](https://fulljoyministries.com/contact/) - Contact I would welcome the opportunity to connect. If I can serve, pray for, or encourage you, please let me know. Kim
- [About Kim](https://fulljoyministries.com/about-kim/) - My Story It all started according to plan. I graduated from college, married my dream man, and got my first teaching job. As a young woman of faith, I trusted God's plans would always be for my good. Although I didn't know it many years ago, good wouldn't always mean easy. A few years into
- [Poetry](https://fulljoyministries.com/poetry/) - My Poetry As a special needs mom, one of my passions is to encourage other special needs moms to find ways to express themselves or share their gifts in addition to their roles as moms and caregivers. One way I express myself is through writing poetry. Occasionally, I write a poem about one of my
- [Cookie Policy](https://fulljoyministries.com/cookie-policy/) - This page provides comprehensive information about how we use cookies on our website to enhance your browsing experience, improve website performance, and deliver personalized content. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit our site. They help us understand how visitors interact with our website, allowing us to offer
- [Home Banners](https://fulljoyministries.com/home-banners/) - Encouragement for Parents of Special Needs Children Encouragement for Parents of Special Needs Children Learn More
- [Privacy Policy](https://fulljoyministries.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is: https://fulljoyministries.com a personal ministry of Kim Cusimano. You can reach her from the Contact Page. What personal data we collect and why we collect it If you choose to contact us using the Contact Page, we may ask you to provide your name, email address and your message.
- [Testimonials](https://fulljoyministries.com/testimonials/) - What Others are Saying During the years that Kim Cusimano and I were colleagues in Prosper ISD, Kim quickly established herself as an expert instructional assistant. She was adept at helping students struggling with autism, learning disabilities, and severe behavior challenges experience success in the general education classroom. Her expertise also extended to implementing BIP

## Categories

- [Education](https://fulljoyministries.com/category/education/)
- [Relationships](https://fulljoyministries.com/category/relationships/)
- [Health](https://fulljoyministries.com/category/health/)
- [Parenting](https://fulljoyministries.com/category/parenting/)
- [Poetry](https://fulljoyministries.com/category/poetry/)