Saying hello to 2012

I am so excited about a new year! I am ready to take what we've learned in 2011 and run with it.

I think a little looking back is healthy. A long as you don't linger there's too long. So here's a little recap of what is sticking out in my mind about our year 2011.

~*~. Our biggest story of the year would have to be our youngest son being diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. We began that journey near the beginning of the year. By July we had an official diagnosis and no clue how to feel or cope. Yet. In the six months that followed, we were BLESSED with private therapy, a super school for him, and encouragement from our family in huge ways. My God has never been absent in this journey. He has chosen to be silent on occasion. But always when I was absent from being at His feet. Funny how that works, huh? We continue on into this year much more equipped. Baffled, yes, sometimes. Frustrated, often. Hopeful, continuously.

~*~Another (divine) glitch was when our laptop died. *sniff* It was October, I believe. Oh, how I have missed it! I never noticed how much I would open that thing up and look up some random factoid or recipe or home-design-idea-or-inspiration. We still had (have) our pc downstairs, but who wants to spend tons of time down there surfing? Tons of time...hmm...yep. Maybe too much time. For all of us! We enjoyed the hiatus and just touching base with the common sites like fb and email. I will still say I sorely missed my fav blogs during the holidays, but I know catching up will be fun! We got some Christmas money that we are going to put into fixing it. But keeping an eye on how much quality time I spend with it will be a priority.

~*~ Wow, the blessings of family. 2011 showed us just how much family means. Our little boy will not lack for therapy or help or tools. We were gifted an iPad for him in December. And how exciting to see the progress he is already making with these Autism apps! Handwriting was a big focus. And now we are branching out into eye contact and emotions. He is thriving with this amazing tool. Awesome.

~*~So looking forward to 2012. New. More of the same great habits. Strength to weed out some bad ones. Hope your New Year is shiny and bright!

Jennifer

Sundays Unplugged

Allowing church family into the inner circle of our family.  Not easy for a very private person.

We talked in SS about forgiveness and how it's such a challenge to forgive ourselves.  And also that we are thinking about our particular situation a whole lot more than the person we need to forgive is.

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Peace.  Peace comes in His presence.  Peace comes from knowledge and preparation, also.  Lord, equip me to be the advocate I need to be.

 

Grateful for the gift of fun family moments.  Dancing in the living room to cartoon music.  Celebrating the life we have!!!

 

How did you celebrate your Sunday this week?

 

 

Sundays Unplugged

Had to swallow a lot of pride today.  And, in a way, a lot of privacy.  Yet another step in acceptance of our new diagnosis.

How do you handle a sudden public announcement of something you have kept quite private? 

You trust.

You must.  After the tears subside and the selfishness of the desire for privacy is over, God steps in.  He says, "Trust me.  Don't rely so much on yourself.  Allow your church family to pray for you.  They want to love on your family."

Then the peace comes.  Slowly I remember the events of the morning.  Both kiddos have "moved up" in their Sunday School classes, even though the little boy is still working on that potty.  Even though mommy doesn't think he can handle it.  Then a wonderful gentle man takes little boy under his wing.  And success happens!  Peace.

Then little boy escapes the room.  Panic.  Where is he?  God protects me from all of it by removing me to serve elsewhere.  And the congregation enjoys some surprise comic relief when he makes it all the way to the drums.  Daddy's drums.  So familiar.  So fun!  One loud noise of praise.  He's found.  Safe.  Peace.

One loving church member's words keep ringing- "We aren't going to let you fail."

I trust you, Lord.  I swallow pride.  I feel lost at times with all these terms and appointments.  All of the education I've had so far about this mysterious and broad Autism.  And now the church family wants to be educated.  Step up.  Trust.  Be little boy's advocate.  Biggest fan. 

But remember that no one can be a bigger fan of him than God. 

And God is my biggest fan, too. 

Rejoice!

Sundays: Unplugged

A quiet ride to church.

Our annual "fancy dinner" to celebrate the First Day of School.

A little boy finding his words.  And using them to say, "Come on sis, let's play!"

Fun bath time.  Barbies, goggles, and one pool mask.

A loose tooth.

Excitement as we all try to sleep.

~Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul.~

Friendship





A dear friend of mine is moving.

My heart hurts.  Even though I've tried to prepare myself that this could happen, as it is the nature of her husband's business.

This is one of those "grown up" moments.  You can't prepare for this fully.  This is one of those moments where your faith is strengthened. 

Where God dwells.

I know our friendship will continue.  Our children will still grow up knowing one another.  We'll just drive to visit now.  That's the special thing about dear friends.  They will always be dear friends.  Most folks only have one or two of those.

When God brings a friend like mine into my world, you just know it's special.  A person that makes me a better Believer.  A better mother.  A better friend. 

Lord, help me to be a friend she can always rely on, whether she lives near or not.



A New Chapter is Here!

I stumbled upon a website a few weeks ago as a result of a powerful testimony I read. 
(Read that here) from Emily at Chatting At the Sky.  A brave question and answer moment about Emily's decision to travel to the Philippines with Compassion International as one of a few talented bloggers that will be writing about the trip.

Well.  At the end of this article were these words:
And if you’re inspired to take a couple steps outside your comfort zone into the action, we’ll start registration this weekend for the next session of the Maximize Your Mornings Challenge. Stay tuned.

Hmm.  A challenge.  I don't need another challenge in my life.  But this one leads me right to God's feet.  I need that.  Every morning!  With accountability?  I really need that.  I know it won't be easy.  We are getting ready for summer break here with my one school aged child and a teacher husband.  But I am committed!

Here's the most exciting part for me.  I began this journey last week.  Monday-check.  Tuesday-check.  Tuesday afternoon-internet out.  Caput.  Gone.  We just finished the final repairs and are back online today.  I see that as a perfect confirmation that this challenge is for me!  The devil tried to discourage and distract with the computer, colds, and commitments other than this challenge.  I persevered.  If the devil is after it, it's got God's plan all over it!

I'm meeting new ladies from all over the world on FB and Twitter that are commited to this as well.  Their encouragement is awesome.  So many different situations and so many strong women coming together to draw closer to Christ.  I'm honored to be a part of that!

Inspired to Action is overwhelming me with support for this Maximize Your Mornings challenge, too.  So blessed to have found this wonderful blog!  God continues to make Himself real to me.  Intentionally making myself available to Him.  Praise God!