Joni’s Posts
It’s our volunteers that make Family Retreat a one-of-a-kind experience for families with special needs. And serving changes our volunteers’ lives too! Meet my friend, Chris. He’s been volunteering at Family Retreat for almost 10 years now! The experience has transformed his life, relationships and his heart forever. “Volunteering at Family Retreat has completely changed me,” Chris told us.…
Read More
Proverbs 25:25 says, “Good news from far away is like cold water to a thirsty soul.” That perfectly describes Ken and me today. We were prepared to gladly take whatever from the hand of God, even if it were from his left hand. But the Lord was gracious and heard the desire of our hearts…
Read More
It’s no surprise that I love horses, like this friendly fellow Ken and I met last summer at our Family Retreat in New Mexico. Just spending time with this gentle gelding brought back a flood of horseback-riding memories. I used to love saddling up and running my horse through his paces. Often, I’d be preparing…
Read More
I’ve got a special dinner in store for tonight! Thirty-seven years ago, Ken Tada and I said “I do” in front of our friends, family and most importantly, the Lord. We had no way of knowing what the future held (no one does, right?). But now that we’ve spent more than half our lives together,…
Read More
When someone you love is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the smallest annoyance can trigger emotional outbursts or anxious feelings of despair. The toll on others can be overwhelming. Job 18:11 really describes PTSD, “Terrors startle him on every side and dog his every step.” It’s why I’m thankful that Joni and Friends hosts…
Read More
This week, I’m getting ready to share about God’s glory and finding hope in and through disability at Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills, California. This is one of my favorite topics to share about, so you don’t want to miss it! Registration is already closed, but I would love to see you join the live…
Read More
Honestly, it happens every time… How can God possibly do something “new under the sun” at yet another Family Retreat?! Ken and I recently came home from the Mission Springs Family Retreat, and we were wide-eyed with wonder. We’ve participated in scores of Retreats over the past 28 years, experiencing many highlights, but once again,…
Read More
Today is the official first day of summer, and it brings to mind that verse in Proverbs, “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” Whether it’s plucking ripe tomatoes or picking corn, this is the season to go out and gather crops!…
Read More
It being Father’s Day, it is no surprise that I’m remembering John King Eareckson, my Daddy. I was born to him late in life, the last of four daughters. I loved being his little buddy, shadowing him around the farm, working hard to mimic him. Whether it was how he curried the horses or mixed…
Read More
This year marks a big milestone for me. I am turning 70 and I can hardly believe it! With every year, I get even more passionate about reaching people with disabilities for Christ. So, this year I’m donating my birthday to Joni and Friends! I’m looking for 70 friends, or better yet 700 friends, to donate $70 dollars…
Read More