I don't really care that much for politics, nor I really don't consider myself a Republican nor Democrat. I'm just not a political person. Period. I look forward to the day when there is no longer a political system, only to worship our Creator in Heaven and His Kingdom. However, I do exercise my right to vote & I tend to vote depending on where the candidate stands on issues; not for the political party that they represent.
On the last day of April-- in which the whole month of April is Autism Awareness month; I ran across this video and found it refreshing to me. As a parent with a child that has autism, it is awesome to see someone take a stand to this issue & the needs of a child and their families.
Our son, Noah was 3 years old when his pediatrician "suspected" that Noah had PDD-NOS; but never told us that we needed to get him formally diagnosed. Instead, he only referrred us to a speech therapist.The intervention team at Noah's preschool also thought Noah fell under the catagory of autism, but now that Noah will be starting kindergarten this Fall, he is only limited to certain services, as he only falls under the catagory of "developmentally delayed".
Noah can only receive limited services under that catagory, as he is yet to get the formal diagnosis of autism at this point. It was an answer to our prayers when I happened to find help through a neurologist, who specializes in autism and finally Noah will be able to get the diagnosis this August. This was a blessing in disquise as I happened to respond to an advertisement looking for kids with autism, for a research clinical trial.
Im sure you can only imagine our frustration if you don't have a child with special needs! This is the first that I've heard so far of a political candidate who has addressed the issue of autism.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Lies Of the Enemy & A Loving God (My testimony)
I've heard a good message by a well known Pastor regarding Healthy Relationships the other day. She said that God brings people into our lives to bless us, while the enemy also bring people into our lives to try to destroy us (or curse) us from God's plan for our life.
I can easily testify to both of these points. I grew up with a Mother who lacked a proper role model in her life, as her own Mother was mentally and physically ill. The effects of that relationship later escalated into how my Mother chose to deal with me while I was growing up. A very low self esteem resulted from my Mom's verbally abusive attacks on me. On the other hand; I was blessed with a loving father, who loved me and never had said unkind words to me. I was the apple of his eye and until the day that he passed away in 2002, I knew that I was loved. Unfortunately, my Mom and dad had divorced when I was 10 years old, so I lived with my Mother and step-father, who had a strained relationship themselves. I was taken away from the daily contact of my dad's loving kindness, so I wasnt filled with the positive no longer, only the negativity which came from my Mother.
I married in 1985, in order to escape my Mom's abuse. The marriage lasted 10 years. In that marriage, I was blessed with two sons, Josh and Jeremy. I had always wanted to be a Mother and I promised myself that I would never let my boys hear an unkind word about them out of my mouth. To this day, I can gratefully say, that I had kept that promise. My Mom always had told me "You're Nothing like Me, Your just like your dad" in which that is 100 percent true. But, back then, that was meant to be an insult on her part.. I just hadnt had that revelation yet! LOL
While I was married, going to church was on special occasions. It seemed odd to me, as I thought I had married a Christian man. His parents were church going people, and we had many dates in the church. Unfortunately, the marriage was strained and I eventually filed for divorce after my husband had confessed that he had an affair.
Unfortunately, I had strayed away from God at this time and tried to seek love, acceptance and approval from relationships with men that were unhealthy and destructive to me. I worked hard being a single Mother to support my two sons, while putting myself through college.
Three years later, I had met the man who was an answer to my prayers. I started going to church regularly during this time and filled my spirit with the Word of God. We eventually married in 2000 and had a son, a year later in 2001.
Ive grown alot in the last eight years. But unfortunately, the enemy will continue to sabatoge everything that the Lord has tried to build up in my life. My Mother is a good example. Today, our relationship continues to be strained and estranged after many attempts on my part to reconcile the relationship.
Since then, I had to set boundaries and limits on my relationship with my Mother. I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy, which comes out of my Mothers mouth. Instead, I chose the Word of God and finally know who I am in Christ.
I pray that my testimony will be an encouragement to someone. Refuse to believe the enemies lies. The devil is a lier and only comes to kill and destroy relationships and His purpose for our lives.
I must be on the right path for my life, because I have received many attacks of the enemy over the years. Ive learned that the enemy will try to counterattack and enlist allies in order to try to destroy your life and what God has put into our life. We need to feed ourselves daily with the Word of God as we arent wrestling with Flesh and Blood, but powers and principalities (of the enemy)
Ive got a song for the devil and it goes something like this:
" So don't you knock on my door. I won't be home anymore,You can find me out walking (With the Son ), Oh, you hide it so well, It isn't easy to tell, But I know a heartache when I see one!"
I can easily testify to both of these points. I grew up with a Mother who lacked a proper role model in her life, as her own Mother was mentally and physically ill. The effects of that relationship later escalated into how my Mother chose to deal with me while I was growing up. A very low self esteem resulted from my Mom's verbally abusive attacks on me. On the other hand; I was blessed with a loving father, who loved me and never had said unkind words to me. I was the apple of his eye and until the day that he passed away in 2002, I knew that I was loved. Unfortunately, my Mom and dad had divorced when I was 10 years old, so I lived with my Mother and step-father, who had a strained relationship themselves. I was taken away from the daily contact of my dad's loving kindness, so I wasnt filled with the positive no longer, only the negativity which came from my Mother.
I married in 1985, in order to escape my Mom's abuse. The marriage lasted 10 years. In that marriage, I was blessed with two sons, Josh and Jeremy. I had always wanted to be a Mother and I promised myself that I would never let my boys hear an unkind word about them out of my mouth. To this day, I can gratefully say, that I had kept that promise. My Mom always had told me "You're Nothing like Me, Your just like your dad" in which that is 100 percent true. But, back then, that was meant to be an insult on her part.. I just hadnt had that revelation yet! LOL
While I was married, going to church was on special occasions. It seemed odd to me, as I thought I had married a Christian man. His parents were church going people, and we had many dates in the church. Unfortunately, the marriage was strained and I eventually filed for divorce after my husband had confessed that he had an affair.
Unfortunately, I had strayed away from God at this time and tried to seek love, acceptance and approval from relationships with men that were unhealthy and destructive to me. I worked hard being a single Mother to support my two sons, while putting myself through college.
Three years later, I had met the man who was an answer to my prayers. I started going to church regularly during this time and filled my spirit with the Word of God. We eventually married in 2000 and had a son, a year later in 2001.
Ive grown alot in the last eight years. But unfortunately, the enemy will continue to sabatoge everything that the Lord has tried to build up in my life. My Mother is a good example. Today, our relationship continues to be strained and estranged after many attempts on my part to reconcile the relationship.
Since then, I had to set boundaries and limits on my relationship with my Mother. I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy, which comes out of my Mothers mouth. Instead, I chose the Word of God and finally know who I am in Christ.
I pray that my testimony will be an encouragement to someone. Refuse to believe the enemies lies. The devil is a lier and only comes to kill and destroy relationships and His purpose for our lives.
I must be on the right path for my life, because I have received many attacks of the enemy over the years. Ive learned that the enemy will try to counterattack and enlist allies in order to try to destroy your life and what God has put into our life. We need to feed ourselves daily with the Word of God as we arent wrestling with Flesh and Blood, but powers and principalities (of the enemy)
Ive got a song for the devil and it goes something like this:
" So don't you knock on my door. I won't be home anymore,You can find me out walking (With the Son ), Oh, you hide it so well, It isn't easy to tell, But I know a heartache when I see one!"
The battle isnt ours-- its the Lords. And knowing the truth (0f the Word of God) shall set us all free!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Perfect Job Test
I enjoy taking these Ph.D tests on the www.tickle.com website. I am surprised on how pretty accurate they are. This test was for the Right/Wrong Jobs. Here is my results (interesting, as I have always been attacted to interior design!)
Paula, the right jobs for you would allow you to be Creative and Analytical
With your skills, you could be earning up to $83,000 per year. Find out which jobs match these skills in your personalized Right Job Report.
You're a visionary in many people's eyes — able to think outside the box and to come up with your own solutions. You're creative not necessarily in the artistic sense, but because you can expand your mind to do things differently from others.
It might take a while for colleagues to recognize and reward you for your entrepreneurial spirit and abilities. That could be because they envy you, or because they find your ideas slightly rebellious — willing to go against the current. All in all, you make it hard for people to pigeon hole you. That is why you, more than others, need a job that allows you to play to your strengths, break out of the mold, and truly excel.
Paula, the right jobs for you would allow you to be Creative and Analytical
With your skills, you could be earning up to $83,000 per year. Find out which jobs match these skills in your personalized Right Job Report.
You're a visionary in many people's eyes — able to think outside the box and to come up with your own solutions. You're creative not necessarily in the artistic sense, but because you can expand your mind to do things differently from others.
It might take a while for colleagues to recognize and reward you for your entrepreneurial spirit and abilities. That could be because they envy you, or because they find your ideas slightly rebellious — willing to go against the current. All in all, you make it hard for people to pigeon hole you. That is why you, more than others, need a job that allows you to play to your strengths, break out of the mold, and truly excel.
A funny for Friday
Well, Its been a challenging week, as I am recovering from a ruptured ear drum as a result of an ear infection. So, here is another dose of laughter to go with my antibotics.. LOL
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
::The Sneeze::
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would not pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, " GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found an unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, " GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found an unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
::Plans for 2008::
In 2004, Joel and I have been blessed with moving to our town home since winning the big prize of 250K towards a new home through the Home Run Derby Sweeptakes that was sponsored by Century 21-- in which we are very grateful. I had been praying for our own home since we had gotten married back in 2000.
It was a long time answer to my prayers. We had some financial set backs, so the win was a miracle for us. Before moving into our townhome, we lived in a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment. Our upstairs neighbors were a family of 9 ... from Samoa, so these were BIG people! They blasted their music day and night and they sounded like a herd of elephants when they walked across their floor. The final straw that broke the camels back was one day when I took our 2 year old son, Noah to the play ground. I had discovered that the play ground on the apartment grounds was covered in graffiti.. very foul language that no parent would want their children exposed to. Well, Joel and I had enough of it, so we began looking for another place to live, which is when the miracle of our big win happened!
Unfortunately, 250K doesn't buy you a lot in our area, but we felt pretty darn blessed to find our town home that was brand new on the market in 2004 at 238K! Since then, the value of our home has gone up to 330K in just 3 years! We figure it was a good investment, and a stepping stone for us. Being in the same school district was a factor, as we didnt want to uproot Noah and Jeremy from their schools. Since Jeremy will be graduating from high school in 2008 and Noah will be transitioning to 1rst grade, next summer that factor will be no longer relevant. Plus-- we would like to relocate further north, so to cut down our 30 minute (1 hr total round trip) drive to church each Sunday. Of course, a bus line will also be a factor, as Joel has been taking the bus to work in Seattle to cut down parking and gasoline costs from our budget.
Now that it is 2007, we've discovered that our abode isnt as perfect as we had thought. The interior paint and carpet is cheap, and will need to be replaced. Ive discovered that our kitchen lacks counter space, as cooking and baking feels cramped. We found the upstairs drywall to be poorly constructed, as Noah easily dug a small hole in the loft wall, with a pair of safety scissors! The gate to our housing development has been broken numerous times and the HOA isnt all that great. So-God willing; we are planning to fix up our place and put it on the market the summer of 2008.
Joel and I have been looking "just for fun" to what is out there in the housing market. In fact, I found a house that I liked just last week after I picked up Noah from preschool. In order to save time, I chose to drive home in another direction -- thats when we stumbled into this nice neighborhood & saw that it was for sale. Joel and I both agree that this particular home is over priced by 50K, but it gives you an idea of what we are looking for. (see photo above)
http://frame.windermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Listing.ListingDetail&ListingID=17581886
We've also noticed another listing for a cute townhome in Bellevue, which is another possible contendor for the future. Joel and I both loved the idea that it has a view that comes with the 350K price. Sweet!
http://www.northwestidx.com/listing.php?mls=27067461&site_id=13230&client_search=13653203
It was a long time answer to my prayers. We had some financial set backs, so the win was a miracle for us. Before moving into our townhome, we lived in a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment. Our upstairs neighbors were a family of 9 ... from Samoa, so these were BIG people! They blasted their music day and night and they sounded like a herd of elephants when they walked across their floor. The final straw that broke the camels back was one day when I took our 2 year old son, Noah to the play ground. I had discovered that the play ground on the apartment grounds was covered in graffiti.. very foul language that no parent would want their children exposed to. Well, Joel and I had enough of it, so we began looking for another place to live, which is when the miracle of our big win happened!
Unfortunately, 250K doesn't buy you a lot in our area, but we felt pretty darn blessed to find our town home that was brand new on the market in 2004 at 238K! Since then, the value of our home has gone up to 330K in just 3 years! We figure it was a good investment, and a stepping stone for us. Being in the same school district was a factor, as we didnt want to uproot Noah and Jeremy from their schools. Since Jeremy will be graduating from high school in 2008 and Noah will be transitioning to 1rst grade, next summer that factor will be no longer relevant. Plus-- we would like to relocate further north, so to cut down our 30 minute (1 hr total round trip) drive to church each Sunday. Of course, a bus line will also be a factor, as Joel has been taking the bus to work in Seattle to cut down parking and gasoline costs from our budget.
Now that it is 2007, we've discovered that our abode isnt as perfect as we had thought. The interior paint and carpet is cheap, and will need to be replaced. Ive discovered that our kitchen lacks counter space, as cooking and baking feels cramped. We found the upstairs drywall to be poorly constructed, as Noah easily dug a small hole in the loft wall, with a pair of safety scissors! The gate to our housing development has been broken numerous times and the HOA isnt all that great. So-God willing; we are planning to fix up our place and put it on the market the summer of 2008.
Joel and I have been looking "just for fun" to what is out there in the housing market. In fact, I found a house that I liked just last week after I picked up Noah from preschool. In order to save time, I chose to drive home in another direction -- thats when we stumbled into this nice neighborhood & saw that it was for sale. Joel and I both agree that this particular home is over priced by 50K, but it gives you an idea of what we are looking for. (see photo above)
http://frame.windermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Listing.ListingDetail&ListingID=17581886
We've also noticed another listing for a cute townhome in Bellevue, which is another possible contendor for the future. Joel and I both loved the idea that it has a view that comes with the 350K price. Sweet!
http://www.northwestidx.com/listing.php?mls=27067461&site_id=13230&client_search=13653203
Congress says it wants answers
Most of the time, I disagree with this guy. But, he finally said something in his commentary that made perfect sense and I actually agree for once!
By Ken Schram
Watch the story
Congress says it wants answers.
If that's true, Congress has one close at hand.In attempting to deal with the massacre at Virginia Tech, much has been made about the killer's mental state.
From all accounts, Cho Seung-Hui was severely disturbed. At one point, a local judge went so far as to issue a temporary detention order for Cho.
He was found to be "an imminent danger to self or others as a result of mental illness."Yet Cho was still able to go out and buy the two handguns he used to slaughter 32 people -- even though a federal law says that someone judged as mentally defective is not allowed to buy those guns.
The reason?
Since Cho had never actually been committed to a mental institution, the State of Virginia decided the federal law didn't apply.20 states don't submit any mental health records to the FBI, which maintains the database for background check on handgun purchases.Other states, like Virginia, pick and choose which mental health records are reported.
I'd like someone in Congress to try and explain why.
I'd like someone in Congress to sit up and take notice.
I'd like someone in Congress to close this one loophole; a loophole that might have been able to save the lives of 32 people.
That is, if Congress is really interested in answers.
By Ken Schram
Watch the story
Congress says it wants answers.
If that's true, Congress has one close at hand.In attempting to deal with the massacre at Virginia Tech, much has been made about the killer's mental state.
From all accounts, Cho Seung-Hui was severely disturbed. At one point, a local judge went so far as to issue a temporary detention order for Cho.
He was found to be "an imminent danger to self or others as a result of mental illness."Yet Cho was still able to go out and buy the two handguns he used to slaughter 32 people -- even though a federal law says that someone judged as mentally defective is not allowed to buy those guns.
The reason?
Since Cho had never actually been committed to a mental institution, the State of Virginia decided the federal law didn't apply.20 states don't submit any mental health records to the FBI, which maintains the database for background check on handgun purchases.Other states, like Virginia, pick and choose which mental health records are reported.
I'd like someone in Congress to try and explain why.
I'd like someone in Congress to sit up and take notice.
I'd like someone in Congress to close this one loophole; a loophole that might have been able to save the lives of 32 people.
That is, if Congress is really interested in answers.
A little LOL fun
I am recovering from being under the weather, so here is a little LOL fun for today-- as laughter is good medicine! :) I love Weird Al's parody's... as this one makes you stop and think that there is probably a little nerd in all of us. :)
Monday, April 23, 2007
::Remembering Virginia Tech::
I heard on the news that the students were allowed to return to the Virginia Tech campus for classes today after the deadly shootings that occured on campus, just one week ago. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through, as it is such a great loss. I was touched by a glimpse of what they are feeling in their hearts. On the sidewalks on the campus of Virginia Tech-- the students have placed band aids, as a symbolic reminder of how they (and America too) are hurting and need of healing.I ran across this song that is appropriate in memory of the lost lives of Virginia Tech. You can find the audio on my profile page on Myspace: www.myspace.com/blessed2you
Wish You Were Here
Mark Harris
I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we're apart
But don't cry for me
'Cause I'm finally free
(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me
No don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day
They'll welcome you home
And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free
(Chorus)
I wish you were here, I wish you were here
And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again
(Chorus)
We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We'll listen to stories of saints new and old
We'll worship our maker that's where we'll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here
Sunday, April 22, 2007
God is like a GPS system
Joel and I are enjoying our GPS system that we bought last month with a portion of the money from our tax return. We had bought a less expensive model, a Garmin Street Pilot 330-- that easily adheres to our car windshield by a suction cup. I was born direction challenged, so this is ideal for driving at night and also for driving around the streets that I'm not that familiar with around the Seattle area. If you have ever driven in Seattle, then you can understand just what I mean! LOL
I really like the way that you just program in the address and it gives you the shortest route to the location. This was really a nice investment, to save me time and unwanted stress! I really like the way that when you get off course, the GPS automatically recalculates your route from where you are to get you to your location. Since it is portable, we can take it with us when we travel, as Joel will be doing when he travels to Michigan to attend his son, Josh's upcoming graduation from Hillsdale College this May.
I heard a well known Pastor reflect on how God is like a GPS system. Even though we get off course in our lives sometimes; the Lord always recalculates it so we get the point in our lives where we need to be. Just like that GPS system, when we get off track... you'll never hear Him say "You Idiot, you're going the wrong way!!!" Instead, being the loving God that He is; He just recalculates where we are in our lives-- then leads us in the direction where He had originally planned for us; so we'll eventually "arrive at our destination."
Like a GPS system, we must program our "route" by prayer, to listen for the Lord's directional cues, then ask for guidance and wisdom liberally. I've found that the Lord loves it when we humble ourselves by totally trusting in Him when we ask for His help-- as we can't see the final destination to where that He wants us to be--but only a glimpse of it.
I can only imagine the Lord thinking, as I have gotten off course from His plan for my life (and believe me, I have fallen short many times!) "Oh no... she's off course again... Recalculating!!!" LOL
Now, if that isnt reasurrance-- than I don't know what is :)
I really like the way that you just program in the address and it gives you the shortest route to the location. This was really a nice investment, to save me time and unwanted stress! I really like the way that when you get off course, the GPS automatically recalculates your route from where you are to get you to your location. Since it is portable, we can take it with us when we travel, as Joel will be doing when he travels to Michigan to attend his son, Josh's upcoming graduation from Hillsdale College this May.
I heard a well known Pastor reflect on how God is like a GPS system. Even though we get off course in our lives sometimes; the Lord always recalculates it so we get the point in our lives where we need to be. Just like that GPS system, when we get off track... you'll never hear Him say "You Idiot, you're going the wrong way!!!" Instead, being the loving God that He is; He just recalculates where we are in our lives-- then leads us in the direction where He had originally planned for us; so we'll eventually "arrive at our destination."
Like a GPS system, we must program our "route" by prayer, to listen for the Lord's directional cues, then ask for guidance and wisdom liberally. I've found that the Lord loves it when we humble ourselves by totally trusting in Him when we ask for His help-- as we can't see the final destination to where that He wants us to be--but only a glimpse of it.
I can only imagine the Lord thinking, as I have gotten off course from His plan for my life (and believe me, I have fallen short many times!) "Oh no... she's off course again... Recalculating!!!" LOL
Now, if that isnt reasurrance-- than I don't know what is :)
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Way I See It # 206
As you can tell by a previous blog on 4/15; I enjoy reading the little quotes on the back of the Starbucks cups. I also liked todays quote. President Carter was onto something when he says that people everywhere seek "inner peace". It makes you stop and think that people are so in need of peace, as it is human nature to seek and search for it.
My belief system is simple and the message that I saw conveys that (you might have seen this one before on a bumpersticker somewhere, "Know God... Know Peace"... "No God...No Peace") --and you might have had the same reaction I did when I first saw this on a bumpsticker that happened to be parked in our church parking lot one Sunday.
My reaction is this.... that Jesus Christ reigns as the Prince of Peace & to know Him is finally find the peace that the world is searching for that passes all human understanding!!!....
And still the greatest treasure still remains to those who choose Him now-- and that treasure includes a peaceful spirit. :)
The Way I See It #206
"Peace is more than just the absence of war. People everywhere seek an inner peace that comes from the human rights to voice their views, choose their leaders, feed their families and raise healthy children."
-- Jimmy Carter
Nobel Peace Prize laureate, former U.S. president and founder of The Carter Center, which works to advance peace and health worldwide.
My belief system is simple and the message that I saw conveys that (you might have seen this one before on a bumpersticker somewhere, "Know God... Know Peace"... "No God...No Peace") --and you might have had the same reaction I did when I first saw this on a bumpsticker that happened to be parked in our church parking lot one Sunday.
My reaction is this.... that Jesus Christ reigns as the Prince of Peace & to know Him is finally find the peace that the world is searching for that passes all human understanding!!!....
And still the greatest treasure still remains to those who choose Him now-- and that treasure includes a peaceful spirit. :)
The Way I See It #206
"Peace is more than just the absence of war. People everywhere seek an inner peace that comes from the human rights to voice their views, choose their leaders, feed their families and raise healthy children."
-- Jimmy Carter
Nobel Peace Prize laureate, former U.S. president and founder of The Carter Center, which works to advance peace and health worldwide.
Friday, April 20, 2007
::A Mom's Frustration!::
When Noah was 3 years old, his pediatrician said that he suspected that Noah had PDD-NOS (autism) and I found out through Noahs school nurse today when she was doing his re-evaluation at preschool (he is now 5) that he doesnt qualify for any additional services other than the ones that he has now, cause he wasnt formally diagnosed! If he had been formally diagnosed, he could go to kindergarten for an extended day in the Fall (instead of a half day) participate in a summer school program this year, among other additional services!!!!!!!!
My frustration is why didnt the pediatrician give us a referral to get Noah diagnosed 3 years ago when he first suspected it? And when we had medical insurance?????? All he gave us was a referral to a speech therapist. My husband is currently working a contract position, so we dont have medical insurance at all now, and we did back then 3 years ago!!! Stupid me, assumed that since the pediatrician suspected that Noah had PDD-NOS, my husband and I took that for a diagnosis.We had no clue that he had to be formally diagnosed with autism to qualify for services!!!! He does get services at school now, under the catagory of being "developmentally delayed". He works with a speech pathologist and a occupational therapist, but he could be getting more help!!!
Besides, I really don't care for this pedatrician. He seems stern and uncaring, unlike the pediatrician that Noah had when he was a baby (Unfortunately, he retired and hubby changed medical plans, so we ended up with the one that we have now)I cant wait until my husbands contracted position becomes permanent. I have already told him to get another medical plan, so we can get Noah a new pediatrician! I cant believe this... this is so upsetting, especially when we are trying to do everything that you can to help our little boy.
SIGH!!! Sorry, just had to vent!!!!! It's been one crazy day!
My frustration is why didnt the pediatrician give us a referral to get Noah diagnosed 3 years ago when he first suspected it? And when we had medical insurance?????? All he gave us was a referral to a speech therapist. My husband is currently working a contract position, so we dont have medical insurance at all now, and we did back then 3 years ago!!! Stupid me, assumed that since the pediatrician suspected that Noah had PDD-NOS, my husband and I took that for a diagnosis.We had no clue that he had to be formally diagnosed with autism to qualify for services!!!! He does get services at school now, under the catagory of being "developmentally delayed". He works with a speech pathologist and a occupational therapist, but he could be getting more help!!!
Besides, I really don't care for this pedatrician. He seems stern and uncaring, unlike the pediatrician that Noah had when he was a baby (Unfortunately, he retired and hubby changed medical plans, so we ended up with the one that we have now)I cant wait until my husbands contracted position becomes permanent. I have already told him to get another medical plan, so we can get Noah a new pediatrician! I cant believe this... this is so upsetting, especially when we are trying to do everything that you can to help our little boy.
SIGH!!! Sorry, just had to vent!!!!! It's been one crazy day!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Faces Of Autism
Autism Quotes Quote from Dr. Temple Grandin:
"What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done."
::Satan's Strategy::
I ran across this article on a board that I frequent. I thought it was appropriate, after the V-Tech Tragedy that occured on Monday.
http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/satans.html
Satan’s Strategy
2 Corinthians 2:11
March 20, 1994
By J. David Hoke
. . . in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
In 1972, Hal Lindsey wrote a book that would sell over a million copies. It is called, Satan Is Alive And Well On Planet Earth. It certainly struck a cord in our culture, and it sold to a wide audience of Christians and non-Christians alike.
There is no doubt that we are engaged in a struggle between good and evil. All you need to do to confirm this is to read the daily news. The pages of our papers and the screens of our televisions are filled daily with graphic accounts of violence and human depravity of every horrendous kind. Why is this true? What is wrong?
The simple answer to the question of what’s wrong is that we are wrong. Within humankind there is a propensity to do evil. The Bible calls this sin. We all struggle with sin.
But there must be more. Surely there must be a driving force behind the intensity of sin that we see in society. There must be some power pushing this culture toward destruction. Could it be that there is a Dark Side of the Force as was depicted in the movie Star Wars? If so, what is it? To quote the "Church Lady" from Saturday Night Live, "Could it be . . . Satan?"
Well, when the laughter dies down—we must soberly say, "Yes!"—and it’s no joke. Satan is indeed alive and well on planet Earth and he has a strategy for his goal of destroying you! What is that strategy? Can we know it? Yes. We are told in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we can be aware of the schemes of the devil. The devil has an MO (Modus Operandi) which has been the same since the beginning of time. We can become aware of how he works and how we can combat his activities in our lives.
You see, through temptation Satan seeks to draw us away from God and to destroy us. Therefore, we must be thoroughly familiar with how the tempter uses temptation to defeat us. Let’s study how he works. Let’s examine his strategy during the first temptation recorded on the pages of Scripture.
Satan’s Strategy
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Indeed, has God said, "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden"?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, "You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die."’ And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." (Genesis 3:1-6)
There is much we can learn from this first temptation recorded in Scripture. It reveals to us many clues concerning how Satan works—what his schemes really are.
We see that Satan is very crafty. He is not some dumb creature bumbling his way through history. He is certainly not some creature dressed up in a red suit with a pointed tail. His attack will be sophisticated and subtle. Notice how he approaches Eve.
The first thing which should be obvious is that his attack was directed primarily to the mind or intellect. He began by sowing doubt. It was doubt concerning God’s Word. God had given His Word to Adam and Eve. His Word was their guidance. Indeed, His Word could have been their only defense in this situation, but it became the object of Satan’s attack. Satan desires that we begin to doubt God’s Word.
He attacked God’s Word in three ways. the first was that he challenged the authorship and hence authority of God’s Word. The first words Satan uttered were, "Indeed, has God said?" "How do you know that God really said it? Were you there when God gave this Word?" When Eve replied, she misquoted the Word of God and, in fact, added to it. Satan probably knew then that he was on the right course.
By questioning the authorship and authority of God’s Word, he also questioned its accuracy. In other words, if she couldn’t be sure God really said what He had said, then how could she trust that it was true? Perhaps something had been lost in the translation when Adam had communicated that word to her.
Finally, he questioned the acceptability of the Word which God had supposedly given. He sought to appeal to her selfish desires and focus her gaze, not on the goodness of God, but rather on her own self-interest. In doing so, he attacked the integrity of God. He boldly declared that God had an ulterior motive for what He had said and that God was trying to keep them from something which would make them happy. He said, "You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
So, we see that Satan was not only sowing doubt concerning God’s Word, he was also issuing a denial that God’s Word was true. Doubt and denial are always a part of Satan’s strategy. Indeed, denial follows closely upon doubt.
His goal, of course, is delusion. He desires to bring a delusion to God’s people. In this case, he told Eve that she and Adam would be like God. But he will tell us anything we want to hear. He doesn’t care what the delusion is, as long as it draws us away from God’s truth.
Do you see what happened in this first temptation? What happened there still happens today. His plan was to turn a look into a lust, a desire into a decision, a choice into a chain, and a sinner into a seducer. Each was another step away from God.
Some people believe that there is no harm in looking. But temptation comes through the eyes many times. In 1 John 2:16 we are told of "the lust of the eyes." When her look had become a lust, Satan had succeeded in getting her to take the first step.
Then she took from its fruit and ate. Now her desire had become a decision. She had taken the second step. Satan did not force her, she made a decision. He will tempt us, but we must decide.
When she ate, she took the third step. Her choice was turned into a chain and Satan had her just where he wanted her. She had been snared by the devil.
Finally, we are told that she gave also to her husband. The final step was taken and the sinner had been turned into a seducer. Satan desires not only to seduce us, but to make us his accomplice in seducing others.
Notice in all of this that Satan’s strategy was very covert. He almost never mounts a frontal assault, because that would be too obvious. He uses subtlety and entraps us before we know we are snared. He seeks to cause us to doubt the authority, accuracy and acceptability of God’s Word. He seeks to deny the power of God’s Word and to get us to do the same. He seeks to delude us into believing a lie instead of the truth. And he sows all of these seeds in our minds. Our minds become the battle ground where he seeks to defeat us. You see, if he can influence the way we think about God and His Word, then he can influence the way we behave. This is his strategy.
Our Response
How should we respond to Satan’s strategy? Well, we might begin by saying that it is important for us to understand several general truths concerning temptation. Firstly, we must understand that the source of temptation is Satan, not God. James 1:13 says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt any one." God is not the author or source of temptation, Satan is.
Secondly, the power of temptation is found in our desires. James 1:14 says, "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." If we were not enticed, we would find temptation powerless. The word, "enticed" is actually a fishing term. It means "to be lured by bait." Just for a moment, crawl into a fish’s brain. A worm looks like a porterhouse steak to a fish. The experienced fisherman baits the hook so that the fish doesn’t even know it’s there. The bait is the deception that entices the fish to take hold. And when it takes hold, the angler senses its presence and sets the hook. After that, it’s too late.
Thirdly, and finally, we must understand about temptation that there is a way out. In other words, no temptation is irresistible. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we read, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." God always provides the way of escape.
Having said that, let’s look at five ways we can handle temptation and defeat Satan’s strategy.
1. We must be aware of his strategy. Remember, we are told in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we are not ignorant of his schemes. Although the first half of this message has been devoted to an examination of Satan’s strategy, it is so easy to forget what you’ve heard. Remind yourself to think about how Satan works. Unless you are consciously aware of his strategy you will be caught off guard by his subtlety. A good soldier will study his enemy. Don’t be caught off guard.
2. We must anticipate his attacks. Do you think that you are somehow exempt from the attacks of the enemy because you have accepted Jesus Christ? Far from being exempt, now you are a prime target! Therefore, be ready! 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The attacks will come. They will come often when we least expect them. They will come when we are weak. They will come when we are down. Be ready for them. In fact, anticipate them. If you do, then you will not be surprised at the attack. And you will recognize it for what it is.
3. We must guard our minds. Since our minds are the area of the enemy’s attack, we must find ways to protect them from his influence. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says, "But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." In 1 Peter 1:13 we read, "Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Our minds must be protected from the influence of the enemy as he seeks to lead us away from the truth of God’s Word.
As it says in Romans 12:2, our minds need to be renewed if we are to be transformed by God. Where we focus our minds will determine how vulnerable we are to temptation. If we allow the devil to influence how we think about God, we will find ourselves taking one step after another away from Him.
4. We must realize our limitations. The quickest way to fall into temptation is to think that you are above it. Immediately before the verse on temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is verse 12, which says, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." We are all made of ordinary stuff, and given the right situation this ordinary stuff can yield to temptation. Many people, who thought that it could never happen to them, have wondered how they got into the mess they are in. If you do not realize your limitations, you will never take the adequate and thorough precautions you need to take to avoid temptation. Know your limitations and stay away from those situations where you will be enticed to sin.
5. We must depend on God’s resources. We are certainly in a warfare. Our enemy is powerful. But we have access to weaponry which is more powerful than he. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 records this concerning our warfare: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every though captive to the obedience of Christ."
God has given us powerful weapons to enable us to bring our minds in line with His truth. Satan attacks us at the point of our intellect, sowing doubt and delusion. But by the power of the supernatural weapons we have been given we can destroy these speculations and anything else that comes against the knowledge of God. We can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. As we depend upon God’s resources, we can defeat Satan’s schemes.
So, the next time Satan mounts an attack against you, see it for what it is, refuse to be brought low by his trickery. Instead, resist! As it says in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/satans.html
Satan’s Strategy
2 Corinthians 2:11
March 20, 1994
By J. David Hoke
. . . in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
In 1972, Hal Lindsey wrote a book that would sell over a million copies. It is called, Satan Is Alive And Well On Planet Earth. It certainly struck a cord in our culture, and it sold to a wide audience of Christians and non-Christians alike.
There is no doubt that we are engaged in a struggle between good and evil. All you need to do to confirm this is to read the daily news. The pages of our papers and the screens of our televisions are filled daily with graphic accounts of violence and human depravity of every horrendous kind. Why is this true? What is wrong?
The simple answer to the question of what’s wrong is that we are wrong. Within humankind there is a propensity to do evil. The Bible calls this sin. We all struggle with sin.
But there must be more. Surely there must be a driving force behind the intensity of sin that we see in society. There must be some power pushing this culture toward destruction. Could it be that there is a Dark Side of the Force as was depicted in the movie Star Wars? If so, what is it? To quote the "Church Lady" from Saturday Night Live, "Could it be . . . Satan?"
Well, when the laughter dies down—we must soberly say, "Yes!"—and it’s no joke. Satan is indeed alive and well on planet Earth and he has a strategy for his goal of destroying you! What is that strategy? Can we know it? Yes. We are told in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we can be aware of the schemes of the devil. The devil has an MO (Modus Operandi) which has been the same since the beginning of time. We can become aware of how he works and how we can combat his activities in our lives.
You see, through temptation Satan seeks to draw us away from God and to destroy us. Therefore, we must be thoroughly familiar with how the tempter uses temptation to defeat us. Let’s study how he works. Let’s examine his strategy during the first temptation recorded on the pages of Scripture.
Satan’s Strategy
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Indeed, has God said, "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden"?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, "You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die."’ And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." (Genesis 3:1-6)
There is much we can learn from this first temptation recorded in Scripture. It reveals to us many clues concerning how Satan works—what his schemes really are.
We see that Satan is very crafty. He is not some dumb creature bumbling his way through history. He is certainly not some creature dressed up in a red suit with a pointed tail. His attack will be sophisticated and subtle. Notice how he approaches Eve.
The first thing which should be obvious is that his attack was directed primarily to the mind or intellect. He began by sowing doubt. It was doubt concerning God’s Word. God had given His Word to Adam and Eve. His Word was their guidance. Indeed, His Word could have been their only defense in this situation, but it became the object of Satan’s attack. Satan desires that we begin to doubt God’s Word.
He attacked God’s Word in three ways. the first was that he challenged the authorship and hence authority of God’s Word. The first words Satan uttered were, "Indeed, has God said?" "How do you know that God really said it? Were you there when God gave this Word?" When Eve replied, she misquoted the Word of God and, in fact, added to it. Satan probably knew then that he was on the right course.
By questioning the authorship and authority of God’s Word, he also questioned its accuracy. In other words, if she couldn’t be sure God really said what He had said, then how could she trust that it was true? Perhaps something had been lost in the translation when Adam had communicated that word to her.
Finally, he questioned the acceptability of the Word which God had supposedly given. He sought to appeal to her selfish desires and focus her gaze, not on the goodness of God, but rather on her own self-interest. In doing so, he attacked the integrity of God. He boldly declared that God had an ulterior motive for what He had said and that God was trying to keep them from something which would make them happy. He said, "You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
So, we see that Satan was not only sowing doubt concerning God’s Word, he was also issuing a denial that God’s Word was true. Doubt and denial are always a part of Satan’s strategy. Indeed, denial follows closely upon doubt.
His goal, of course, is delusion. He desires to bring a delusion to God’s people. In this case, he told Eve that she and Adam would be like God. But he will tell us anything we want to hear. He doesn’t care what the delusion is, as long as it draws us away from God’s truth.
Do you see what happened in this first temptation? What happened there still happens today. His plan was to turn a look into a lust, a desire into a decision, a choice into a chain, and a sinner into a seducer. Each was another step away from God.
Some people believe that there is no harm in looking. But temptation comes through the eyes many times. In 1 John 2:16 we are told of "the lust of the eyes." When her look had become a lust, Satan had succeeded in getting her to take the first step.
Then she took from its fruit and ate. Now her desire had become a decision. She had taken the second step. Satan did not force her, she made a decision. He will tempt us, but we must decide.
When she ate, she took the third step. Her choice was turned into a chain and Satan had her just where he wanted her. She had been snared by the devil.
Finally, we are told that she gave also to her husband. The final step was taken and the sinner had been turned into a seducer. Satan desires not only to seduce us, but to make us his accomplice in seducing others.
Notice in all of this that Satan’s strategy was very covert. He almost never mounts a frontal assault, because that would be too obvious. He uses subtlety and entraps us before we know we are snared. He seeks to cause us to doubt the authority, accuracy and acceptability of God’s Word. He seeks to deny the power of God’s Word and to get us to do the same. He seeks to delude us into believing a lie instead of the truth. And he sows all of these seeds in our minds. Our minds become the battle ground where he seeks to defeat us. You see, if he can influence the way we think about God and His Word, then he can influence the way we behave. This is his strategy.
Our Response
How should we respond to Satan’s strategy? Well, we might begin by saying that it is important for us to understand several general truths concerning temptation. Firstly, we must understand that the source of temptation is Satan, not God. James 1:13 says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt any one." God is not the author or source of temptation, Satan is.
Secondly, the power of temptation is found in our desires. James 1:14 says, "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." If we were not enticed, we would find temptation powerless. The word, "enticed" is actually a fishing term. It means "to be lured by bait." Just for a moment, crawl into a fish’s brain. A worm looks like a porterhouse steak to a fish. The experienced fisherman baits the hook so that the fish doesn’t even know it’s there. The bait is the deception that entices the fish to take hold. And when it takes hold, the angler senses its presence and sets the hook. After that, it’s too late.
Thirdly, and finally, we must understand about temptation that there is a way out. In other words, no temptation is irresistible. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we read, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." God always provides the way of escape.
Having said that, let’s look at five ways we can handle temptation and defeat Satan’s strategy.
1. We must be aware of his strategy. Remember, we are told in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we are not ignorant of his schemes. Although the first half of this message has been devoted to an examination of Satan’s strategy, it is so easy to forget what you’ve heard. Remind yourself to think about how Satan works. Unless you are consciously aware of his strategy you will be caught off guard by his subtlety. A good soldier will study his enemy. Don’t be caught off guard.
2. We must anticipate his attacks. Do you think that you are somehow exempt from the attacks of the enemy because you have accepted Jesus Christ? Far from being exempt, now you are a prime target! Therefore, be ready! 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The attacks will come. They will come often when we least expect them. They will come when we are weak. They will come when we are down. Be ready for them. In fact, anticipate them. If you do, then you will not be surprised at the attack. And you will recognize it for what it is.
3. We must guard our minds. Since our minds are the area of the enemy’s attack, we must find ways to protect them from his influence. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says, "But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." In 1 Peter 1:13 we read, "Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Our minds must be protected from the influence of the enemy as he seeks to lead us away from the truth of God’s Word.
As it says in Romans 12:2, our minds need to be renewed if we are to be transformed by God. Where we focus our minds will determine how vulnerable we are to temptation. If we allow the devil to influence how we think about God, we will find ourselves taking one step after another away from Him.
4. We must realize our limitations. The quickest way to fall into temptation is to think that you are above it. Immediately before the verse on temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is verse 12, which says, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." We are all made of ordinary stuff, and given the right situation this ordinary stuff can yield to temptation. Many people, who thought that it could never happen to them, have wondered how they got into the mess they are in. If you do not realize your limitations, you will never take the adequate and thorough precautions you need to take to avoid temptation. Know your limitations and stay away from those situations where you will be enticed to sin.
5. We must depend on God’s resources. We are certainly in a warfare. Our enemy is powerful. But we have access to weaponry which is more powerful than he. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 records this concerning our warfare: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every though captive to the obedience of Christ."
God has given us powerful weapons to enable us to bring our minds in line with His truth. Satan attacks us at the point of our intellect, sowing doubt and delusion. But by the power of the supernatural weapons we have been given we can destroy these speculations and anything else that comes against the knowledge of God. We can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. As we depend upon God’s resources, we can defeat Satan’s schemes.
So, the next time Satan mounts an attack against you, see it for what it is, refuse to be brought low by his trickery. Instead, resist! As it says in Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
The Fireman (Tell your storm how BIG your God is! )
A friend emailed me this story and it touched me.
Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is!
In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared
down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of
terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled
with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of
determination. Like any parent, she wanted her
son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now
that was no longer possible..
The leukemia would see to that. But she still
wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took
her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever
think about what you wanted to be once you grew
up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do
with your life?"
Mommy, "I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up."
Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can
make your wish come true."
Later that day she went to her local fire
department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met
Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .
She explained her son's final wish and asked if
it might be possible to give her six-year-old son
a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than
that. If you'll have your son ready at seven
o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an
honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come
down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on
all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if
you'll give us ! his sizes, we'll get a real fire
uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy
one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire
Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear
and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right
here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast."
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy,
dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him
from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and
ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the
truck and help steer it back to the fire station.
He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in
Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all
three calls. He rode in the different fire
engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news
program. Having his dream come true, with all the
love and attention that was lavished upon him, so
deeply touched Billy that he lived three months
longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop
dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in
the hospice concept that no one should die alone,
began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a
fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked
if it would be possible to send a fireman in
uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he
made his transition.
The chief replied, "We can do better than that.
We'll be there in five minutes.
Will you please do me a favor?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the
lights flashing, will you announce over the PA
system that there is not a fire? It's just the
fire department coming to see one of its finest
members one more time.
And will you open the window to his room?
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck
arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder
up to Billy's third floor open window
16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into
Billy's room.
With his mother's permission, they
hugged him and held him and told him how much
they loved him.
With his dying breath, Billy
looked up at the fire chief and said,
"Chief, am I really a fireman now?"
"Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,"
the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said,
"I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.."
He closed his eyes one last time.
*****************************
The Moral to the story???
Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is !!
Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is!
In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared
down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of
terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled
with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of
determination. Like any parent, she wanted her
son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now
that was no longer possible..
The leukemia would see to that. But she still
wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took
her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever
think about what you wanted to be once you grew
up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do
with your life?"
Mommy, "I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up."
Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can
make your wish come true."
Later that day she went to her local fire
department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met
Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .
She explained her son's final wish and asked if
it might be possible to give her six-year-old son
a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than
that. If you'll have your son ready at seven
o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an
honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come
down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on
all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if
you'll give us ! his sizes, we'll get a real fire
uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy
one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire
Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear
and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right
here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast."
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy,
dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him
from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and
ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the
truck and help steer it back to the fire station.
He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in
Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all
three calls. He rode in the different fire
engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news
program. Having his dream come true, with all the
love and attention that was lavished upon him, so
deeply touched Billy that he lived three months
longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop
dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in
the hospice concept that no one should die alone,
began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a
fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked
if it would be possible to send a fireman in
uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he
made his transition.
The chief replied, "We can do better than that.
We'll be there in five minutes.
Will you please do me a favor?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the
lights flashing, will you announce over the PA
system that there is not a fire? It's just the
fire department coming to see one of its finest
members one more time.
And will you open the window to his room?
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck
arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder
up to Billy's third floor open window
16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into
Billy's room.
With his mother's permission, they
hugged him and held him and told him how much
they loved him.
With his dying breath, Billy
looked up at the fire chief and said,
"Chief, am I really a fireman now?"
"Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,"
the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said,
"I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.."
He closed his eyes one last time.
*****************************
The Moral to the story???
Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is !!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Virginia Tech: What Is the Lesson for Our children?
It's been a sad week for America, as lives have been taken away from us. But in the midst of evil, there lies good. Professor Librescu is a true hero in my eyes and in the eyes of many others as well. A Holocaust survivor; He chose to put his life on the line to save his students.
In the middle of all this senseless evil, I can see our Lord shining through. If you look hard enough, there is good that overcomes evil.
I believe that that those that were slain, didn't die in vain. After reading many of the profiles and reading reflections of them by their friends and loved ones, their lives seem to touch others and I believe that leaves a legacy on all that their lives touched.
I was inspired by this article, as evil always seems to overplay his hand. That's when the Lord shows up and turns evil into good. We can really learn ALOT from this tragedy. Like the author conveys through this article, that life is precious and sacred-- and we are lost without a Savior.
I pray that many people come to Christ and find comfort in Him this week and in the days that follow. Like my Pastor (Wendell Smith) had preached last Sunday... "His Yoke is Easy, His burden is Light". I believe that the Lord gave our Pastor a message before hand, to comfort us all this week in the midst of everything! What can I say, I can't seem to say it loud enough (but I will keep trying in hopes that my lifesong takes root in someone's heart someday) that Our God is a Good God, and the devil is Evil. Whether you find it hard to believe that, I pray that one day that you will find freedom in the truth-- and that the truth will set you free!!!!
I pray for the families and loved ones of the victims that they may find peace, strength and comfort, In Jesus's Mighty Name. Amen!
Now, off my pulpit now (LOL) and onto the article:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/perspectives/vonBuseck_VaTech_Tragedy.aspx
Virginia Tech Tragedy: What is the Lesson for Our Children?
By Craig von Buseck
CBN.com Ministries Director
– There is a well-known Rodgers and Hammerstein song from the musical South Pacific called "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught." The song was published in 1949, just as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. African-American soldiers had fought in World War II to defend freedom and democracy, but when they returned home they faced legislated segregation in many parts of America -- and de facto segregation in most of America.
Rodgers and Hammerstein added their voices to the growing consensus that racism was evil and that it needed to end in America, at least in law -- and hopefully, in time, also in the hearts of Americans.
Sung by the character Lieutenant Cable, the song is preceded by a lyric saying racism is "not born in you! It happens after you’re born..." The song begins:You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear,You’ve got to be taught from year to year,It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—You’ve got to be carefully taught
You’ve got to be taught to be afraidOf people whose eyes are oddly made,And people whose skin is a different shade—You’ve got to be carefully taught.
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late—Before you are six or seven or eight,To hate all the people your relatives hate—You’ve got to be carefully taught!You’ve got to be carefully taught!
Despite the vocal opposition of many Americans at the time, Rodgers and Hammerstein were willing to risk the South Pacific production in order to make their point.
James A. Michener, the author of Tales of the South Pacific, the book that the musical South Pacific was based upon, remembered, "The authors replied stubbornly that this number represented why they had wanted to do this play, and that even if it meant the failure of the production, it was going to stay in."
Obviously the point that Rodgers and Hammerstein made through this song was that much of what we become in life is as a result of what our parents teach us as children -- both good and bad.One of the most important and sacred contributions we make in life is to educate our children. The Bible is clear on the mandate that God gives parents to teach their children what is right and what is wrong:
Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also’ (Deut. 4:10, NLT).
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut. 11:18-19, NIV).
We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come, the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children… (Psalm 78:4-6, NASB).
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse (Mal. 4:6, NIV).
The word “educate” comes from the Latin educo, which means “to lead out of.” We are to lead our children out of ignorance and selfishness and into the ways of God -- loving the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. The writer of Proverbs declares, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6, NKJV).
So what are we to teach our children when a tragedy like the Virginia Tech massacre occurs?
It's difficult to answer that question, because there is not much about this that makes sense.
American soldiers faced the same kind of issues when they liberated the concentration camps in World War II and discovered the victims of the Nazi Holocaust. American officers and GIs alike wondered, "How can people do this to their fellow man?" Our soldiers stood on the brink, staring into the yawning abyss of evil, and recognized the depth of depravity that human beings are capable of reaching.
We have seen such depravity and evil this week here in America.
But we have also seen heroism and genuine love displayed during this tragedy. And it is that kind of love, I submit to you, that is the lesson for our children.
This sacrificial love was most clearly seen in the heroic actions of a Virginia Tech professor and Holocaust survivor, Liviu Librescu. Though he escaped the Nazis and the Communists, Mr. Librescu died in America trying to keep a gunman from murdering his students in the killing spree at Virginia Tech.
Professor Librescu was an aeronautics engineer and teacher at the school for 20 years, having moved to Virginia after living in Israel. His selfless actions saved the lives of several students as he used his body to barricade a classroom door before he was gunned down in Monday's massacre -- ironically, on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
His son, Joe Librescu, told The Associated Press that his mother received e-mails from students shortly after learning of her husband's death.
"My father blocked the doorway with his body and asked the students to flee," Joe Librescu said in a telephone interview from his home outside of Tel Aviv. "Students started opening windows and jumping out."
Joe Librescu told CNN that one of the e-mails was from the last student left in the room. The student said he looked back and saw his teacher struggling to hold the door, and "he was torn between jumping out the window and coming and helping my dad."
"He chose, and possibly made the right decision, to jump out the window," Mr. Librescu said.
Just before he went to the cross, Jesus taught His disciples about true love. "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13, NLT).
Professor Librescu demonstrated the same kind of love to his students by laying down his life that they would live. What a remarkable act. What a remarkable man. What a remarkable life.
What a tragic loss.
So what will I teach my children in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre?
I will teach them that man is a sinner in need of a savior. I will teach them that this mass murder is further evidence that there is, indeed, evil in this world. I will teach that life is sacred, and that life is precious.
But I will also tell them the story of a selfless Jewish man -- who witnessed some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind under the Nazis and Communists in his native Romania -- yet he willingly gave his life to save the lives of his students.
For you see, you've got to be taught before it's too late, before you are six, or seven, or eight, to love your fellow man, in the face of such hate.
You've got to be carefully taught.
In the middle of all this senseless evil, I can see our Lord shining through. If you look hard enough, there is good that overcomes evil.
I believe that that those that were slain, didn't die in vain. After reading many of the profiles and reading reflections of them by their friends and loved ones, their lives seem to touch others and I believe that leaves a legacy on all that their lives touched.
I was inspired by this article, as evil always seems to overplay his hand. That's when the Lord shows up and turns evil into good. We can really learn ALOT from this tragedy. Like the author conveys through this article, that life is precious and sacred-- and we are lost without a Savior.
I pray that many people come to Christ and find comfort in Him this week and in the days that follow. Like my Pastor (Wendell Smith) had preached last Sunday... "His Yoke is Easy, His burden is Light". I believe that the Lord gave our Pastor a message before hand, to comfort us all this week in the midst of everything! What can I say, I can't seem to say it loud enough (but I will keep trying in hopes that my lifesong takes root in someone's heart someday) that Our God is a Good God, and the devil is Evil. Whether you find it hard to believe that, I pray that one day that you will find freedom in the truth-- and that the truth will set you free!!!!
I pray for the families and loved ones of the victims that they may find peace, strength and comfort, In Jesus's Mighty Name. Amen!
Now, off my pulpit now (LOL) and onto the article:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/perspectives/vonBuseck_VaTech_Tragedy.aspx
Virginia Tech Tragedy: What is the Lesson for Our Children?
By Craig von Buseck
CBN.com Ministries Director
– There is a well-known Rodgers and Hammerstein song from the musical South Pacific called "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught." The song was published in 1949, just as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. African-American soldiers had fought in World War II to defend freedom and democracy, but when they returned home they faced legislated segregation in many parts of America -- and de facto segregation in most of America.
Rodgers and Hammerstein added their voices to the growing consensus that racism was evil and that it needed to end in America, at least in law -- and hopefully, in time, also in the hearts of Americans.
Sung by the character Lieutenant Cable, the song is preceded by a lyric saying racism is "not born in you! It happens after you’re born..." The song begins:You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear,You’ve got to be taught from year to year,It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—You’ve got to be carefully taught
You’ve got to be taught to be afraidOf people whose eyes are oddly made,And people whose skin is a different shade—You’ve got to be carefully taught.
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late—Before you are six or seven or eight,To hate all the people your relatives hate—You’ve got to be carefully taught!You’ve got to be carefully taught!
Despite the vocal opposition of many Americans at the time, Rodgers and Hammerstein were willing to risk the South Pacific production in order to make their point.
James A. Michener, the author of Tales of the South Pacific, the book that the musical South Pacific was based upon, remembered, "The authors replied stubbornly that this number represented why they had wanted to do this play, and that even if it meant the failure of the production, it was going to stay in."
Obviously the point that Rodgers and Hammerstein made through this song was that much of what we become in life is as a result of what our parents teach us as children -- both good and bad.One of the most important and sacred contributions we make in life is to educate our children. The Bible is clear on the mandate that God gives parents to teach their children what is right and what is wrong:
Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also’ (Deut. 4:10, NLT).
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut. 11:18-19, NIV).
We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come, the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children… (Psalm 78:4-6, NASB).
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse (Mal. 4:6, NIV).
The word “educate” comes from the Latin educo, which means “to lead out of.” We are to lead our children out of ignorance and selfishness and into the ways of God -- loving the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. The writer of Proverbs declares, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6, NKJV).
So what are we to teach our children when a tragedy like the Virginia Tech massacre occurs?
It's difficult to answer that question, because there is not much about this that makes sense.
American soldiers faced the same kind of issues when they liberated the concentration camps in World War II and discovered the victims of the Nazi Holocaust. American officers and GIs alike wondered, "How can people do this to their fellow man?" Our soldiers stood on the brink, staring into the yawning abyss of evil, and recognized the depth of depravity that human beings are capable of reaching.
We have seen such depravity and evil this week here in America.
But we have also seen heroism and genuine love displayed during this tragedy. And it is that kind of love, I submit to you, that is the lesson for our children.
This sacrificial love was most clearly seen in the heroic actions of a Virginia Tech professor and Holocaust survivor, Liviu Librescu. Though he escaped the Nazis and the Communists, Mr. Librescu died in America trying to keep a gunman from murdering his students in the killing spree at Virginia Tech.
Professor Librescu was an aeronautics engineer and teacher at the school for 20 years, having moved to Virginia after living in Israel. His selfless actions saved the lives of several students as he used his body to barricade a classroom door before he was gunned down in Monday's massacre -- ironically, on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
His son, Joe Librescu, told The Associated Press that his mother received e-mails from students shortly after learning of her husband's death.
"My father blocked the doorway with his body and asked the students to flee," Joe Librescu said in a telephone interview from his home outside of Tel Aviv. "Students started opening windows and jumping out."
Joe Librescu told CNN that one of the e-mails was from the last student left in the room. The student said he looked back and saw his teacher struggling to hold the door, and "he was torn between jumping out the window and coming and helping my dad."
"He chose, and possibly made the right decision, to jump out the window," Mr. Librescu said.
Just before he went to the cross, Jesus taught His disciples about true love. "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13, NLT).
Professor Librescu demonstrated the same kind of love to his students by laying down his life that they would live. What a remarkable act. What a remarkable man. What a remarkable life.
What a tragic loss.
So what will I teach my children in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre?
I will teach them that man is a sinner in need of a savior. I will teach them that this mass murder is further evidence that there is, indeed, evil in this world. I will teach that life is sacred, and that life is precious.
But I will also tell them the story of a selfless Jewish man -- who witnessed some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind under the Nazis and Communists in his native Romania -- yet he willingly gave his life to save the lives of his students.
For you see, you've got to be taught before it's too late, before you are six, or seven, or eight, to love your fellow man, in the face of such hate.
You've got to be carefully taught.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
What's So Special about "Special Needs"??
Thanks to a fellow Mommy and Yada friend; I got inspired to post this in honor of Autism Awareness Month. I like the way that John Fischer describes the Mom in this devotional as " belonged exactly where she was in her life" I feel that way too regarding the relationship with my son, Noah, who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, just 3 years ago. I'm discovering through Noah's life, that the Lord is doing a good work in my own as well. Even though that process isnt a easy one, I'm learning to put my trust in our Creator, as he works all things out for Good (Romans 8:28)
I strongly believe that the Lord blesses these special children with special parents and has a divine purpose over our lives. Rest assured, our good Lord knows exactly what he is doing, even though we haven't got a clue sometimes! :) :) :)
Purpose Driven Life Devotional
What’s so special about ‘special needs’?
By John Fischer
I often like to include stories that come from our readers as inspiration. Sometimes I retell them in my own words, but this one I’m passing on pretty much as it came to me. Thanks to Kim for sharing some valuable lessons with us.I learned something new about myself this week from a new friend named Thomas who is 12 years old, incredibly handsome, friendly, and autistic. He sat behind me in a restaurant, close enough to touch. He was enamored with my 5-year-old who was not feeling well and not giving him any attention. I felt compelled to do so myself.
Throughout the evening, Thomas and I became buddies – talking about everything from basketball to Nike shoes.The most fascinating part of this new acquaintance was Thomas’ mother – an elegant, well-kept, very dignified, and composed woman. Her name is Debbie and in my eyes she is amazing. She is a single mom, a partner in a business, and manages to raise her son with "special needs." When she and her husband found out about Thomas’ autism at the age of 2, her husband got scared and left them. He has never been back.Earlier in the evening, I was frustrated with my children for being difficult. They didn't want to get dressed to go the restaurant, they weren't happy about the jackets I chose, the baby was feeling bad, they didn't like each other, and were bickering.
I was extremely exhausted and feeling terribly sorry for myself, because my husband was working late and I had no help with the children. I was driving them and my mother-in-law to the restaurant thinking, "How am I ever going to keep up with this? If I could just get enough rest to regain my composure, blah, blah, blah ..."During dinner, the waves of guilt came over me as I began to think about how long and difficult Debbie's days must be, and yet she looked so much like she belonged exactly where she was in her life at that moment.
I don't know how it will change my outlook on things long term, but it was definitely an eye opener for me today. Debbie was truly a motivation.And then, irony of ironies, she came over to me as they got up to leave and hugged me with tears in her eyes – thanking me for being good to her son. Apparently their typical experience in public is to have people shy away from them out of fear of what to say. She has no idea that I owe her and Thomas the thanks. I will always be grateful that he reached out to my son and me that night.
I strongly believe that the Lord blesses these special children with special parents and has a divine purpose over our lives. Rest assured, our good Lord knows exactly what he is doing, even though we haven't got a clue sometimes! :) :) :)
Purpose Driven Life Devotional
What’s so special about ‘special needs’?
By John Fischer
I often like to include stories that come from our readers as inspiration. Sometimes I retell them in my own words, but this one I’m passing on pretty much as it came to me. Thanks to Kim for sharing some valuable lessons with us.I learned something new about myself this week from a new friend named Thomas who is 12 years old, incredibly handsome, friendly, and autistic. He sat behind me in a restaurant, close enough to touch. He was enamored with my 5-year-old who was not feeling well and not giving him any attention. I felt compelled to do so myself.
Throughout the evening, Thomas and I became buddies – talking about everything from basketball to Nike shoes.The most fascinating part of this new acquaintance was Thomas’ mother – an elegant, well-kept, very dignified, and composed woman. Her name is Debbie and in my eyes she is amazing. She is a single mom, a partner in a business, and manages to raise her son with "special needs." When she and her husband found out about Thomas’ autism at the age of 2, her husband got scared and left them. He has never been back.Earlier in the evening, I was frustrated with my children for being difficult. They didn't want to get dressed to go the restaurant, they weren't happy about the jackets I chose, the baby was feeling bad, they didn't like each other, and were bickering.
I was extremely exhausted and feeling terribly sorry for myself, because my husband was working late and I had no help with the children. I was driving them and my mother-in-law to the restaurant thinking, "How am I ever going to keep up with this? If I could just get enough rest to regain my composure, blah, blah, blah ..."During dinner, the waves of guilt came over me as I began to think about how long and difficult Debbie's days must be, and yet she looked so much like she belonged exactly where she was in her life at that moment.
I don't know how it will change my outlook on things long term, but it was definitely an eye opener for me today. Debbie was truly a motivation.And then, irony of ironies, she came over to me as they got up to leave and hugged me with tears in her eyes – thanking me for being good to her son. Apparently their typical experience in public is to have people shy away from them out of fear of what to say. She has no idea that I owe her and Thomas the thanks. I will always be grateful that he reached out to my son and me that night.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Excerpt from Lost Boys: Autism and My Son
I found this article to be interesting... especially the part of Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton. I also found it interesting that Dr. Temple Grandin ( in an interview that recently aired on ABC's "The View" this month on the topic of Autism); described these types of people as " the techno-geeks that work in Silicon Valley". It's nice to know that this disorder does have a positive side!
http://health.msn.com/pregnancykids/kidshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100160052&page=1
''There's no law in America that says a 7-year-old white male can't keep a dime he finds at the pool.'' -- Harrison, arguing with his sister about a coin he found.
When Harrison was born, he had abs. I don't mean a six-pack, but a defined ridge separating his obliques from the rest of his abdomen. He also had perfectly round deltoids and a visible trapezius muscle in his upper back. His quadriceps bulged on his hairless little thighs. If you didn't know better, you'd swear someone had spiked his umbilical cord with testosterone.
Which brings me to one of the newest and most intriguing theories about why autistic kids are that way. It's called the "extreme male brain" theory of autism, and it starts with an unusually high amount of testosterone before they're born.
Simon Baron-Cohen, Ph.D., is a Cambridge University psychology professor and the driving force behind the theory. He has found that children exposed to high levels of testosterone in their mother's amniotic fluid have the most trouble making eye contact and forming friendships by age 4.
When they reach manhood, men tend to be systematizers: Our brains have a tendency to organize things unemotionally, to understand events and people by creating categories for them. Women tend to be empathizers, taking other people's feelings into account when trying to analyze situations and events.
All this falls on a spectrum, with some men and women in the middle, equally capable of empathizing and systematizing.
Autistic people, on the other hand, fall way, way out on the male side, leading to the "extreme" aspect of the male-brain theory. Part of the condition leaves them unable to empathize in normal ways. The other component is a tendency toward systematizing. The highest-functioning autistic people—a group that may have included Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, according to Baron-Cohen—can focus on narrow topics of interest. Newton, for example, got so absorbed in his work that he forgot to eat, and young Albert Einstein was known to repeat the same sentences over and over. Who better to attempt a unified theory of the universe than an obsessive systematizer?
http://health.msn.com/pregnancykids/kidshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100160052&page=1
''There's no law in America that says a 7-year-old white male can't keep a dime he finds at the pool.'' -- Harrison, arguing with his sister about a coin he found.
When Harrison was born, he had abs. I don't mean a six-pack, but a defined ridge separating his obliques from the rest of his abdomen. He also had perfectly round deltoids and a visible trapezius muscle in his upper back. His quadriceps bulged on his hairless little thighs. If you didn't know better, you'd swear someone had spiked his umbilical cord with testosterone.
Which brings me to one of the newest and most intriguing theories about why autistic kids are that way. It's called the "extreme male brain" theory of autism, and it starts with an unusually high amount of testosterone before they're born.
Simon Baron-Cohen, Ph.D., is a Cambridge University psychology professor and the driving force behind the theory. He has found that children exposed to high levels of testosterone in their mother's amniotic fluid have the most trouble making eye contact and forming friendships by age 4.
When they reach manhood, men tend to be systematizers: Our brains have a tendency to organize things unemotionally, to understand events and people by creating categories for them. Women tend to be empathizers, taking other people's feelings into account when trying to analyze situations and events.
All this falls on a spectrum, with some men and women in the middle, equally capable of empathizing and systematizing.
Autistic people, on the other hand, fall way, way out on the male side, leading to the "extreme" aspect of the male-brain theory. Part of the condition leaves them unable to empathize in normal ways. The other component is a tendency toward systematizing. The highest-functioning autistic people—a group that may have included Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, according to Baron-Cohen—can focus on narrow topics of interest. Newton, for example, got so absorbed in his work that he forgot to eat, and young Albert Einstein was known to repeat the same sentences over and over. Who better to attempt a unified theory of the universe than an obsessive systematizer?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Way I See It #212
I enjoy reading the blurbs "The Way I See It" that are printed on the back of my Starbucks java cups. I really liked this one. The picture is a little blurry, but it reads:
"Patience is a virtue, life is a waiting game. Peace must be nurtured and all the money in the world can buy you nothing. Let me tell you that" --- Corinne Bailey Rae (singer-songwriter)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
One- Minute Neck Massage For Two
Its been one busy week as my boys have been on Spring Break all week. I love my boys-- but sometimes Mom needs to recharge and unwind after a busy day! Its not easy sometimes with a gregarious 17 year old teen son and a very energetic 5 year old with a developmental disability. We love our 5 year old, Noah with all the love in our hearts can give... but a person only has so much patience then we tend to fizzle out. You can find me praying for strength and grace daily... cause this Mama tends to leak and I need to be refueled... ALOT!
Well, My 17 year old son, Jeremy; has been taking driver education classes, and soon will be learning how to apply what he has learned on the roadways. Plus-- on top of that my eldest son, who is 19; moved into his first apartment this week in Bremerton...(which is bittersweet for me, btw) as we have been helping him get set up with some essentials for his new abode that he shares with a friend.
Anways, I tend to carry stress in my neck and shoulders. There isnt always time (and money) to go get a professional massage, although my first Swedish massage that I got last year in May was a real God send!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!!! Thank You Lord for providing what I need and when I need it! :) :)
I just thought this One Minute Neck Massage for Two might be some useful info for all of us who have had "one of those days" or in my case "one of those weeks!"
Enjoy!
By Grace Wilson
This is simple and feels fantastic!
1. Have your partner sit in a chair, and then stand by his or her side so that you're facing your partner (i.e. you're looking at your partner's ear). Place one of your hands over your partner's forehead for support, and the other hand on the back of the neck.
2. With the hand that's on the back of the neck, imagine you're grabbing a puppy by the scruff of the neck and begin digging your fingertips and thumbs into the long muscles that run from the base of the skull down to the bottom of the neck. Squeeze, dig in, do small circles, moving and massaging the muscles and connective tissues with your fingers.
3. Make sure to be thorough. Spend five to ten seconds in one spot, then move on to another area, making sure to massage the entire length of the neck.
4. After one minute, you're done! Now switch places with your partner so that you get a chance to receive. Have your partner massage your neck in the same fashion. The best way to learn how to give a great massage is to know what one feels like, so receiving is a must.
This is very effective at releasing chronic muscle tension and stress. Do it regularly!
Well, My 17 year old son, Jeremy; has been taking driver education classes, and soon will be learning how to apply what he has learned on the roadways. Plus-- on top of that my eldest son, who is 19; moved into his first apartment this week in Bremerton...(which is bittersweet for me, btw) as we have been helping him get set up with some essentials for his new abode that he shares with a friend.
Anways, I tend to carry stress in my neck and shoulders. There isnt always time (and money) to go get a professional massage, although my first Swedish massage that I got last year in May was a real God send!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!!! Thank You Lord for providing what I need and when I need it! :) :)
I just thought this One Minute Neck Massage for Two might be some useful info for all of us who have had "one of those days" or in my case "one of those weeks!"
Enjoy!
By Grace Wilson
This is simple and feels fantastic!
1. Have your partner sit in a chair, and then stand by his or her side so that you're facing your partner (i.e. you're looking at your partner's ear). Place one of your hands over your partner's forehead for support, and the other hand on the back of the neck.
2. With the hand that's on the back of the neck, imagine you're grabbing a puppy by the scruff of the neck and begin digging your fingertips and thumbs into the long muscles that run from the base of the skull down to the bottom of the neck. Squeeze, dig in, do small circles, moving and massaging the muscles and connective tissues with your fingers.
3. Make sure to be thorough. Spend five to ten seconds in one spot, then move on to another area, making sure to massage the entire length of the neck.
4. After one minute, you're done! Now switch places with your partner so that you get a chance to receive. Have your partner massage your neck in the same fashion. The best way to learn how to give a great massage is to know what one feels like, so receiving is a must.
This is very effective at releasing chronic muscle tension and stress. Do it regularly!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Spring Break treat-- Sushi!
The kids have been on Spring break all week. This is the second year that we didn't go away on a Spring Break trip, so I took Jeremy, Jennise and Noah out for a treat on the last day of their break. We went to Sushi Land, which is located in Bellevue.
Sushi Land is such a cool place! The sushi selections come on a conveyer belt and you just take what you want. The sushi selections are placed on a color coded plate, and range from $1.00, $1.50, $ 2.oo and $3.00. A menu is placed at your table or counter, so you can identify one selection of sushi from another.
After you and your party is finished eating, a wait person comes by and then tallies up how many plates of the different colored plates were consumed and gives you a receipt. You then take the receipt to the cashier and she gives you a total to pay.
I think it is a fun and enjoyable experience. Even my 5 year old, Noah,enjoyed watching all the selections come by on the conveyer belt and he was brave enough to try some! The shrimp on rice (the top picture on the orange plate) is my all time favorite. Plus their California rolls are reasonable... you can get 3 of them (see the 3rd picture from the top) for only a $1.00! A nice ending to your meal is Sushi Land's Creme puffs ($1.50 for one)... filled with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup.
YUMMO! :) :)
Monday, April 9, 2007
Noah's Easter Bunny Cake
Noah made this bunny cake as an Easter present for his grandparents. I am very proud of him. Not bad for a 5 year old, although he did have a little help from Mom... LOL. I did the baking and shaping, but Noah did the rest. The bunny is back home now, to our dismay.... as Noah's grandpa said that that they don't eat that many sweets. Sigh! At least his grandma was sweet enough to have a taste.... carrot cake.. Yum! :)Saturday, April 7, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Live like you were dying...
I just love this song by Tim McGraw! It reminds me of how we really need to embrace life, as today could very be our last on Earth. I pondered this as I spoke to a dear friend, Jesse; who is awaiting a kidney transplant. I found out that we have the same blood type, and I hope to get tested soon to find out if I am a potential donor. I've known Jesse and his family for 30 years now; and I would be so happy to be able to give him a second chance at life -- just as the Lord has given me. :) Friends mean that much to me & I often think of the scripture, "What greater love than to lay down ones life for a friend."
I've also experienced a close brush with death myself-- back in April 2004; I had a life threatening blood clot in my left leg that had spread from my upper thigh; all the way down to my ankle. I was so BLESSED that I sought medical attention in time, had it surgically removed & I am alive today!!!!!!!! :) :)
It really makes you stop & think, to stop and smell the roses--- as our lives are truly a gift from our Creator! :)
Live Like You Were Dying
Tim Mc Graw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BLG4TfX2Q
I've also experienced a close brush with death myself-- back in April 2004; I had a life threatening blood clot in my left leg that had spread from my upper thigh; all the way down to my ankle. I was so BLESSED that I sought medical attention in time, had it surgically removed & I am alive today!!!!!!!! :) :)
It really makes you stop & think, to stop and smell the roses--- as our lives are truly a gift from our Creator! :)
Live Like You Were Dying
Tim Mc Graw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BLG4TfX2Q
He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how�s it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what�d you do
and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I�d been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn�t
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn�t such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I�d do if I could do it all again
and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I�d been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what�d you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it?
Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Destiny Test-- Advisor
Just for fun; I took this test about my destiny. These are the results-- they sound so very much like me, its amazing!!!!!
At your core, you're meant to be an Advisor. You are 92% in line with the Advisor role. This indicates that you are a quiet and reserved person who loves to help others achieve their potential through interpersonal connections. Others value you for your wisdom, integrity, and sound advice, as well as your genuine concern for people's welfare. You are a thoughtful person, trust your gut feeling about things, and have extremely acute intuition. You are somewhat of a poet in your way of thinking, finding beauty and meaning in simple things. Because of your sensitivity and soft-spoken ways, you may experience mood swings and the inability to get out of bad situations from time to time. Just be aware of that and you will get stuck in fewer unsatisfying ruts.
As an Advisor, you are in good company with Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Mother Theresa. Just as their destinies have a deep effect on their life paths, your destiny as an Advisor undoubtedly has a profound impact on every aspect of yours.
Professional Life
In your professional life, you will probably have the most joy in a career that allows you to interact with people. You tend to find satisfaction from helping others in their personal development. Whether it is in the area of medicine, teaching, counseling, ministry, or writing, you yearn to have a real impact in making the world a better place one person at a time. You have an ability to be a productive contributor to any organization and are willing to work hard to make things run smoothly. You tend to be a good listener, work well with others, and thrive in a positive environment.
Personal Life
In your personal life, you may tend to have a few, close friends, rather than a lot of superficial relationships. You would likely make a loyal partner who is affectionate, giving, and empathetic. You have an incredible capacity for love but a low tolerance for conflict. Advisors tend to be exceptionally devoted parents whose lives revolve around their children. This can be taken to the extreme, and so balance is crucial. Your children would typically feel very loved and cared for, while having a good sense of boundaries because of your firm but reasonable discipline. You long for a tranquil home life.
A Day in the Life of an Advisor
Being an Advisor will manifest itself in the many ways you view life and make decisions. For example, let's take a look at Jessica who is also an Advisor. She attended a prestigious university, and although quiet, she became a trusted friend to some in her dormitory. While she was reserved and not an outward leader, when freshmen had trouble adjusting to their new surroundings or were going through other emotional difficulties, they would often end up in Jessica's room to talk it out. She would often use poetic imagery when giving advice, lending the assurance that everything happened for a reason. Jessica was always genuinely concerned in these situations and would feel deeply for those she counseled. She once overheard someone gossiping negatively about her, and she was deeply hurt by this, making her even more withdrawn than usual. She had an intuitive sense about others and was able to see through facades easily. She went on to become an art therapist, working with children who had emotional problems.
What you and Jessica most likely have in common is a naturally strong desire to help others. Bravo!
| The Destiny you match most closely is Advisor |  |
At your core, you're meant to be an Advisor. You are 92% in line with the Advisor role. This indicates that you are a quiet and reserved person who loves to help others achieve their potential through interpersonal connections. Others value you for your wisdom, integrity, and sound advice, as well as your genuine concern for people's welfare. You are a thoughtful person, trust your gut feeling about things, and have extremely acute intuition. You are somewhat of a poet in your way of thinking, finding beauty and meaning in simple things. Because of your sensitivity and soft-spoken ways, you may experience mood swings and the inability to get out of bad situations from time to time. Just be aware of that and you will get stuck in fewer unsatisfying ruts.
As an Advisor, you are in good company with Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Mother Theresa. Just as their destinies have a deep effect on their life paths, your destiny as an Advisor undoubtedly has a profound impact on every aspect of yours.
Professional Life
In your professional life, you will probably have the most joy in a career that allows you to interact with people. You tend to find satisfaction from helping others in their personal development. Whether it is in the area of medicine, teaching, counseling, ministry, or writing, you yearn to have a real impact in making the world a better place one person at a time. You have an ability to be a productive contributor to any organization and are willing to work hard to make things run smoothly. You tend to be a good listener, work well with others, and thrive in a positive environment.
Personal Life
In your personal life, you may tend to have a few, close friends, rather than a lot of superficial relationships. You would likely make a loyal partner who is affectionate, giving, and empathetic. You have an incredible capacity for love but a low tolerance for conflict. Advisors tend to be exceptionally devoted parents whose lives revolve around their children. This can be taken to the extreme, and so balance is crucial. Your children would typically feel very loved and cared for, while having a good sense of boundaries because of your firm but reasonable discipline. You long for a tranquil home life.
A Day in the Life of an Advisor
Being an Advisor will manifest itself in the many ways you view life and make decisions. For example, let's take a look at Jessica who is also an Advisor. She attended a prestigious university, and although quiet, she became a trusted friend to some in her dormitory. While she was reserved and not an outward leader, when freshmen had trouble adjusting to their new surroundings or were going through other emotional difficulties, they would often end up in Jessica's room to talk it out. She would often use poetic imagery when giving advice, lending the assurance that everything happened for a reason. Jessica was always genuinely concerned in these situations and would feel deeply for those she counseled. She once overheard someone gossiping negatively about her, and she was deeply hurt by this, making her even more withdrawn than usual. She had an intuitive sense about others and was able to see through facades easily. She went on to become an art therapist, working with children who had emotional problems.
What you and Jessica most likely have in common is a naturally strong desire to help others. Bravo!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Are You Jesus?
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about inhis soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about inhis soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Monday, April 2, 2007
::April Is Autism Awareness Month!::
Hello, my name is Autism
Hello. Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me. I am a condition, a "disorder" that affects many people. I strike at will, when and where I want. Unlike Down's syndrome or other birth "defects," I leave no marks on those I strike. In fact, I pride myself on the ability to infiltrate a child's life, while leaving him or her strikingly handsome. Many people may not even know that I am there. They blame the child for what I cause him or her to do. I am Autism and I do as I please.
I am Autism. I strike boys and girls, infants and toddlers. I find my best victims to be boys around the age of 2, but any child will do. I like children and they are always the true victims, though I take hostage of the others in the child's family as well. It is a bit like getting two for the price of one. I affect one child and infect the entire family.
I am Autism. I strike rich and poor alike. The rich combat me with education and therapy. The poor shut their children away and cannot afford to fight me. I am able to win in the lives of poor children more than I am of the wealthy, but I will try to take root anywhere.
I am Autism. I am an equal opportunity disorder. I like whites, blacks, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Koreans and Fins. In fact, I strike everywhere on earth. I know no geographical bounds.
I am Autism. I do not discriminate based upon religion either. I strike Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics, Hindus and Rastafarians. I do not care what religion a person is or what beliefs he may hold. When I strike, there will be little time for any of that anyway. When they find me, they will question everything they believe in, so why would I strike any one group? I have affected followers of every religion on the planet.
I am Autism and I am strong and getting stronger every year, every month, every day, every minute, and every second. I am concerned that money might be allotted to combat me and my takeover of children, but so far I have little to fear. Some countries, like Kuwait, are spending quite a bit of money to assist those who I have targeted and some, like the United States, would rather spend money on such ludicrous things as discovering the number of American Indians who practice voodoo, as opposed to combating me. In an atmosphere as that, I can flourish and wreck havoc at will. In places such as that, I rub my hands with glee at the problem I can cause to children, families and to the society at large.
I am Autism. When I come, I come to stay. I take the dreams and hopes of every parent and trample them with glee. I see the fear and confusion in the eyes of my victims and I see the formation of wrinkles, worries and ulcers and the pain on the face of their parents. I see the embarrassment their child causes because of me and the parents unsuccessful attempt to hide their child and, me. I see tears and the parents cry and feel the tears of their child. I am Autism. I leave sorrow in my wake.
I am Autism. I take and give nothing but bewilderment and loathing in return. I take speech and learning, I take socialization and understanding. I take away "common sense" and if I am allowed to flourish, I take away all but their physical life. What I leave behind, is almost worse than death.
I am Autism. I fear nothing except courage, which I thankfully see little of. I fear those who take a stand against me and attempt to fight me and bring others into the fight as well. I fear those who try to make it safe and easier for my victims in the community, and their families. I fear those who push ahead, despite the fact that I am in tow. I fear the day that I will be eradicated from the planet. Yet, I do not fear too much right now. There is no need. I am supported by the ignorance about me from those in the community.
I am Autism and I bet you know me or know of me. If you don't, you probably will soon. I am marching forward faster than I ever have before. I am looking for new children all the time. I dread the day I will be looked on with pity or worse yet, understanding, for that day, is the day I will begin to die. But, I don't think that will happen for a long, long time though, do you? In the meantime, I prowl onward, looking to cause pain and suffering wherever I go. I have so much work to do and thankfully, no one is stopping me.
Hello my name is Autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me...
I am Autism. I strike boys and girls, infants and toddlers. I find my best victims to be boys around the age of 2, but any child will do. I like children and they are always the true victims, though I take hostage of the others in the child's family as well. It is a bit like getting two for the price of one. I affect one child and infect the entire family.
I am Autism. I strike rich and poor alike. The rich combat me with education and therapy. The poor shut their children away and cannot afford to fight me. I am able to win in the lives of poor children more than I am of the wealthy, but I will try to take root anywhere.
I am Autism. I am an equal opportunity disorder. I like whites, blacks, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Koreans and Fins. In fact, I strike everywhere on earth. I know no geographical bounds.
I am Autism. I do not discriminate based upon religion either. I strike Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics, Hindus and Rastafarians. I do not care what religion a person is or what beliefs he may hold. When I strike, there will be little time for any of that anyway. When they find me, they will question everything they believe in, so why would I strike any one group? I have affected followers of every religion on the planet.
I am Autism and I am strong and getting stronger every year, every month, every day, every minute, and every second. I am concerned that money might be allotted to combat me and my takeover of children, but so far I have little to fear. Some countries, like Kuwait, are spending quite a bit of money to assist those who I have targeted and some, like the United States, would rather spend money on such ludicrous things as discovering the number of American Indians who practice voodoo, as opposed to combating me. In an atmosphere as that, I can flourish and wreck havoc at will. In places such as that, I rub my hands with glee at the problem I can cause to children, families and to the society at large.
I am Autism. When I come, I come to stay. I take the dreams and hopes of every parent and trample them with glee. I see the fear and confusion in the eyes of my victims and I see the formation of wrinkles, worries and ulcers and the pain on the face of their parents. I see the embarrassment their child causes because of me and the parents unsuccessful attempt to hide their child and, me. I see tears and the parents cry and feel the tears of their child. I am Autism. I leave sorrow in my wake.
I am Autism. I take and give nothing but bewilderment and loathing in return. I take speech and learning, I take socialization and understanding. I take away "common sense" and if I am allowed to flourish, I take away all but their physical life. What I leave behind, is almost worse than death.
I am Autism. I fear nothing except courage, which I thankfully see little of. I fear those who take a stand against me and attempt to fight me and bring others into the fight as well. I fear those who try to make it safe and easier for my victims in the community, and their families. I fear those who push ahead, despite the fact that I am in tow. I fear the day that I will be eradicated from the planet. Yet, I do not fear too much right now. There is no need. I am supported by the ignorance about me from those in the community.
I am Autism and I bet you know me or know of me. If you don't, you probably will soon. I am marching forward faster than I ever have before. I am looking for new children all the time. I dread the day I will be looked on with pity or worse yet, understanding, for that day, is the day I will begin to die. But, I don't think that will happen for a long, long time though, do you? In the meantime, I prowl onward, looking to cause pain and suffering wherever I go. I have so much work to do and thankfully, no one is stopping me.
Hello my name is Autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me...
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