My daughter once accused her older brother of opening his eyes during dinner prayer, not realizing, of course, she implicated herself in the process. Classic. But last week the violator of the “Super-Spiritual Guide to Prayer Protocol” wasn’t 10 years old, she was 49. Guilty as charged, I opened my eyes mid-prayer when a woman in my prayer group said a surprising thing: “Thank you, God, for the … [Read more...]
Run, Run, Run {Guest Post}
Read below for a guest post from Lorna Bradley. “Later you get pie!” Words to live by shouted by a cheering spectator as I ran mile after mile in a recent half marathon. Seriously, spending my calorie bank after a race makes me very happy. One of my favorite parts of running races is the motivational signs. Okay, that and the finish line. I enjoy reading the funny signs along the … [Read more...]
Who Do You Say You Are?
Each day, we have choices to make. One choice—one that you make each day—can drastically affect your life in astounding ways. Choose one option and you will live an abundant life unshaken by the circumstances around you. Choose the other option and you will live a reactive life, unstable and swayed by the opinions of others. The question we face each day is this: Who do you say you are? Are … [Read more...]
Uncertainty in a Special Needs Life: surviving its ups and downs
Yesterday I uttered two words I have never said side by side in the same sentence: “Good IEP.” In all my years as a special needs mother, those two words are about as unlikely a duo as, “happy hemorrhoid” or “joyful jogging.” But there it was. My response to my husband’s query about our 20-year-old’s annual IEP review. “It was good,” I repeated, still amazed these words had managed to come … [Read more...]
Challenging Waves: A Surfer Who Understands Himself Better after Getting an Aspergers Diagnosis
“It’s not what we accomplish in life that matters most but what we overcome.” Jill’s motherly instincts sensed that Clay was unique and different from his older brother, Shane. When Jill tenderly nursed Clay he would twirl her hair. At seven months Clay abruptly quit nursing without any weaning. As a four-year-old Clay would line seashells in a ridge pattern along the beach. When Clay was five, … [Read more...]
Where to Find God When God is Silent
In our family's journey with autism, there have been times when God has shown up in a big way: A miraculous provision. A tender word from a stranger that so perfectly comforted a stressful day. A breakthrough for Alec that we did not expect. These are the "walking on the water" days, when God's presence is so palpable that I am humbled to silence. On days like that, I know beyond a shadow of … [Read more...]