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.

In 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 Website
• Learn more about the Weekend of Hope Retreat and Sisterhood Circles

Scripture 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: @juliehornok
• Labeled and Loved Instagram

Connect with Rachael Vermeulen & A Little Extra Love:

• Instagram: @alittleextralove
• Instagram: @rachvermeulen
• Website: alittleextralove.com

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.

• Finding joy in small, sensory-centered moments
• Navigating late autism and ADHD diagnosis as a mother
• Reframing disability not as brokenness, but as intentional design
• Letting motherhood reveal God's nature and love
• How spiritual formation looks different in neurodivergent homes
• Dispelling toxic theology around suffering and disability
• Creating support systems rooted in faith, honesty, and mutual understanding
• How prayer and presence can sustain a weary heart
• Embracing God's mercy through healing, therapy, and honest community

“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.”

• Providence: God’s hand in our lives even before we have language for our experiences
• Imago Dei: The dignity and divine image reflected in neurodivergent children and adults
• Sanctification through parenting: How motherhood reveals and refines our faith
• Theology of suffering: Honest reflection on grief, loss, and the presence of God in pain
• Prayer as regulation: Integrating faith into daily sensory and emotional practices

• Sunita’s Upcoming Workshop: Parenting PDA with a Biblical Lens
• Free Resources for Christian Parents Navigating Neurodivergence
• Virtual Support Group for Christian Moms of PDA Children
• Writing Groups and Creative Support Spaces
• Letter Writing Tool: FutureMe.com

Follow Sunita:

https://sunitatheiss.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/

Resources:

Low Demand Coaching

Biblical Truths for Neurdivergent Kids

If 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...

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 !

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Parenting with Disabilities
• 00:05 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
• 02:41 Reconciling Faith with Diagnosis
• 05:27 The Shift from Despair to Joy
• 08:02 God's Promises and Rainbows
• 10:36 Celebrating Autism and Acceptance
• 13:09 The Role of Church in Disability Advocacy
• 15:36 Feeling Seen in the Faith Community
• 18:10 Trusting God in the Waiting
• 20:45 Encouragement for Moms in the Journey
• 23:25 Closing Prayer and Reflections
• 24:36 New Chapter

disability, autism, faith, parenting, church inclusion, joy, acceptance, God's promises, community support, motherhood

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 - Tiktok

Follow A Little Extra Love on: Instagram - Facebook

Takeaways

• Disability 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Disability Pride Month

01:03 Understanding the Image of God

05:22 Reframing Disability and Suffering

09:10 The Indispensable Role of Disability in the Church

12:29 The Hope of Redemption and Glory

16:17 Celebration of Inclusion and Belonging

21:05 Call to Action for Churches and Communities

Keywords

Disability, Image of God, Inclusion, Church, Belonging, Disability Pride Month, Theology, Community, Celebration, Hope

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=100082412962537

https://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

Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Rachael Vermeulen and Laura Powell discuss the profound journey of faith, resilience, and community support through the challenges of infertility and a dwarfism diagnosis for her daughter. Laura shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of trusting God during uncertain times and finding beauty in the struggles. The discussion highlights the significance of community, the impact of social media, and the transformative power of faith in navigating life's challenges. You can find Laura on instagram at @laupow_!

Takeaways

• Laura's journey through infertility lasted 10 years, filled with challenges and hope.
• Trusting God during difficult times can lead to unexpected blessings.
• Community support is vital for parents facing special needs challenges.
• Social media can be a double-edged sword; set boundaries to protect mental health.
• Acceptance of a child's diagnosis is a journey that takes time and support.
• Finding beauty in the journey can transform one's perspective on life.
• Open up and share your story; you may find unexpected support.
• Clarity about your child's needs comes with time and experience.
• God's presence is felt most during life's hardest moments.
• Every child is wonderfully made, and their uniqueness is a gift.

Chapter

00:00 The Journey of Infertility

02:08 Faith and Resilience in Adversity

04:37 Navigating Pregnancy Challenges

07:12 Embracing the Unknown: Trusting God

09:46 Finding Peace in Diagnosis

12:09 The Beauty of Motherhood

14:35 Overcoming Comparison and Setting Boundaries

18:19 The Power of Community for Special Needs Moms

24:09 Finding Support in Difficult Times

28:39 Embracing the Journey of Motherhood

35:28 A Prayer for Hope and Healing

Keywords

Infertility, Disability Parenting, Dwarfism, Faith, Parenting, Special needs, Community Support, Disability Diagnosis, Christian Motherhood, Disability Ministry, Special Needs Ministry, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss their journey of stepping back from their podcast in 2024 to focus on building a community for families affected by disabilities. They emphasize the importance of belonging, connection, and support within the church and the broader community. The couple shares their experiences of creating safe spaces for families, launching new programs for 2025, and the mission of Inclusive Pathways to equip churches to foster true belonging for all families.

Takeaways

• Building a community where families feel seen and belong is essential.
• Sometimes obedience means stepping away from what you thought was important.
• Creating a sense of belonging is crucial for families affected by disabilities.
• Hope and healing are experienced through community support.
• The disability community is one of the most underserved populations.
• Disability dads often lack safe spaces to connect and share their experiences.
• Authentic friendships can transform lives and provide support.
• Belonging is not just about being invited; it's about being essential.
• Inclusive pathways can help churches become places of true belonging.
• Every family deserves to feel valued and supported in their faith journey.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Community and Belonging

02:15 Stepping Back to Step Forward

04:42 The Need for Connection in Disability Communities

07:08 Building Authentic Relationships

09:51 Creating Safe Spaces for Families

12:13 The Impact of Community on Families

14:58 Launching New Programs for 2025

17:40 Inclusive Pathways: A New Approach

19:11 Transforming Churches for True Belonging

21:42 The Heart of Disability Ministry

23:26 Looking Ahead: Hope and Healing in 2025

special needs parenting, disability parenting, autism, down syndrome, developmental delay, community, belonging, disability, faith, support, connection, church, families, hope, healing, caregiving, disability ministry, special needs ministry,

Summary

In this episode, Rachael and Kyle Vermeulen discuss the importance of maintaining a strong marriage during the challenges of disability parenting. They emphasize the role of faith in navigating crisis and the need for open communication and teamwork. The couple shares their own experiences and offers practical tips for building a strong foundation in marriage, including the use of love maps, turning towards each other, and making repair attempts during conflicts. They highlight the importance of seeking therapy and finding a supportive community. Overall, the episode encourages disability parents to prioritize their marriage and find strength in unity and faith.

Disability Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Faith Journey, Down Syndrome, Autism, Medically Complex, Christian Parenting

Takeaways

• Maintaining a strong marriage is crucial for disability parents navigating crisis.
• Faith plays a significant role in overcoming challenges and finding support.
• Open communication, teamwork, and empathy are essential in a healthy marriage.
• Using tools like love maps, turning towards, and repair attempts can strengthen emotional connection and resolve conflicts.
• Seeking therapy and finding a supportive community are important for growth and resilience in marriage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

05:00 The Importance of Marriage Counseling

09:13 Recognizing and Supporting Each Other in Times of Stress

14:51 Forgiveness and Unity in Marriage

29:06 Turning Towards Each Other

36:41 Prayer and Unity in Marriage