No one knows Joshua's fight...

For the past 2+ years....It is daily....it is every moment, every breath, every thought, every movement...

by Angel Thompson on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 11:18pm

The past 3 days have been hard for Joshua. His PANDAS has caused swelling and intense pain in his "thinking part" of his brain, he calls it. He knows it causes him to have thoughts that are not true and it takes him awhile to sift through it, not to mention the pain that accompanies it. Today he paced in the kitchen screaming to God to take the pain.

A moment outside the lodge at camp. He tries to sift through his thoughts and regroup. Later as we sat in a parking lot while Matt was inside a store he began to pray and ask God to make his PANDAS good so it could FIGHT the bad PANDAS. When he was finished he told me that the good PANDAS was God's knight to protect his brain, his house from the war inside.

As he talked more he began to talk about the wall of Jericho that Joshua defeated as God was with him in the battle. He then said, "the wall of Jericho is like my PANDAS and God's knight is like Joshua."

He is fighting this battle with God…side by side and he is RELYING on HIM.

I am so humbled & challenged as I watch my son's outlook towards this battle with PANDAS, and his dedicated step with Jesus by his side.

So, what's your wall...how will you be a Joshua?

A PANDAS GLIMPSE

In 2004 our son was dx with Autism. In January of 2010 he was dx with PANDAS D/O after he contracted Scarlet Fever earlier in 2009. You can find out more by clicking the pages regarding PANDAS on this blog or go to http://www.oasisautism.org/

This short clip is from Joshua. It is a 2 minute glimpse into his life with PANDAS. You are only seeing 2 minutes of what he lives daily. The body tics you see are only an outward part of what has attacked his brain. When he comes in contact with anyone with strep it increases swelling in his brain that increases his symptoms....tics are only one symptom. Last Summer God opened a door and I was able to share with Joshua what PANDAS has been doing and why things were changing in his body. He get's it now....there are days of tears for him, yet he continues to press on. Our way of getting through it is saying "PANDAS ALERT!"

The son you hear in this clip is one that he chose to share with you as it is one of his favorites. The movements you see Joshua doing are not to the music as it was placed in later...these are the body tics he lives with. What you are seeing is mild today. He is on another round of antibiotics aside from the preventative he takes weekly.

He is amazing....he finds joy each day....and we love walking with him in the midst...there is always hope.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER! (EARLY)


Valley of the Son

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By Angel Thompson

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I have an amazing daughter. She is an amazing sister to her brother who has Autism. This story was written for her on her 7th birthday with all of her friends who were invited. Joshua and Faith have a desire to share Jesus with their friends and this story seemed to spring forth from her love for her friends and her own journey with Jesus at such a young age and what she has been learning....and what I have learned from these two who have been entrusted into our care by God. Faithy, know you are loved, amazing....most of all, remember you are a PRINCESS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD!

Life Inside the Box of a Jigsaw Puzzle

I am a parent who is inspired daily by our son who was born and blessed with Autism. May you find blessing, hope...and a new look within the puzzle of Autism.

grip...freedom...hope

grip 1 : to seize or hold firmly (What PANDAS D/O has on our son)

free·dom b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another (What we petition to Christ for daily regarding the grip of PANDAS D/O on our son)

hope Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (What we cling to.)

www.4jart.blogspot.com

Through JT's eyes

A view of the world from the other side of the camera of a boy who lives with Autism everyday.

Joshua, you are my hero.

This is his movie of Shark Chaos.

Joshua has always been fascinated with camera's. So much so he took possession of our video camera.

I generally get motion sick when I things move quickly, yet his video and how he perceives the world at this time in his life...well, I have found it interesting, enlightening and eye opening. As he watched his finished movie he stood with a smile...stimming as he watched it. He was beaming with accomplishment.

Father, as I sit daily with Joshua and the fears that have entered his life lately and how You have given him Your WORDS to decrease those fears...we continue to thank you for his Autism. Continue molding us as his parents.

RAD: Embrace

GCC's Second Chance Videos
RAD Series Vid #2
Short Clips

EMBRACE from Angel Thompson on Vimeo.

"IT'S OKAY TO DROP THE BALL"

It has been a while since I have sat at my computer to write my thoughts. Our summer was filled with constant activity. School has begun with both kids going everyday and the Lord opened the door for an incredible position for me to work with Children Services as an assessment caseworker. Huge changes.

Today as I sit here I am reminded of something I wrote in 2006, something Christ challeneged my heart and life with through my son and I just want to share it with you.

Section from:

THE TRUE INTIMACY OF BECOMING A WATER WALKER

Author: Angel Thompson

Copyright Year: © 2006
Published by Unleashing Potential Ministries, A.Thompson

All Rights Reserved.

"IT'S OKAY TO DROP THE BALL"

It is not uncommon or out of place to see Joshua with his hands full of items, everything that makes him feel comfortable and "intacted". He has Autism, and the things he clutches in his hands bring him a sense of "stability", a sense of peace.

Something interesting happened the other day that impacted my life and made me reflect on my walk with the Lord. Joshua was walking towards me and his "things" kept falling as he tried to make his way to me. I could see the desperation in his eyes as he tried to slowly make his way to where I was. At that moment I threw my arms open and said, "Run to me." As I said that he threw his "comfort" items down and ran to my open arms.

Hebrews 12:1-2a states, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…"

As I think of my son running to me hindrance free, I am humbled once again. From Joshua I am reminded that in order to run this race, in order to make it towards the Prize, which is Jesus Christ, in order for me to have that intimate relationship with God, I need to "throw off everything that is hindering" me. All of those things that keep me from His embrace of love, grace, mercy, compassion, protection…If I would only let go and look up, I would see that He has my race marked out for me.

Don't you just love that part? Our race has been marked out! Do you think the Israelites realized that when God was going before them in a cloud during the day and fire at night? He was scouting the path, marking the way.

What are the things in your life that you are trying to "run" with? For me, it is the worry over finances and wondering "how God, are we going to make it this week? Where are we going to live? How will Joshua transition?" My worries and incessant need to figure out what to do entangles me and keeps me only inches from His embrace.

Joshua has realized he needs to throw everything aside to be in my embrace. This morning he was dressed in his OSU football outfit. Shoulder pads, helmet, football…he is a miniature line backer. As I threw my arms open, he came running and just before he lost himself in mommy's embrace, he dropped the football.

What is the "football" that you are holding on to, that entangles you, which keeps you from that intimate relationship with God? What are the things that give you that "false" sense of security to where you cannot see the path He has marked out for you?

Our walk is not a football game, you can drop the ball. He will pick it up and show you the path, the race He has marked for you as you walk in His intimate embrace.

Because I love HIM.

I don’t know what sparked the question that led to her prayer. Was it that she hears about God daily? Was it the prayer that I fervently pray for her? Or was it just GOD’S timing for her?

As she danced around the kitchen in her princess dress and gloves she said, “Where does God live?”

“In heaven”, I answered. As I began to ask her questions about Jesus and what He did for her, she danced into the other room to look at herself in the mirror. Our conversation continued talking about following Jesus and having Him in your heart, and I asked her what that would mean. She said, “You then will live in heaven.” I asked her what happens if you don’t follow Jesus and have Him in your heart?” From a distance by the mirror I heard, “Ooooo, then you go to hell.”

She came back into the kitchen and continued to spin and twirl. As she did she said she loved Jesus and wanted to live in heaven. As I shared with her what she needed to do…. in a twirl she said with a smile as she looked up, “Jesus come in my heart.”

At that moment began more questions from me. I wanted to see if she was truly grasping. She shared that she knew Jesus died for her on the cross. She stop mid twirl when I said Jesus name again and she said to me, “You mean God?” “Yes, honey.” (She gets that God and Jesus are ONE. Last year she put that together.)

So, we then prayed and she decided that she wanted to use “Bibleman’s words to pray.” Apparently his words sound cooler than mine. So with a simple nod she prayed and asked Jesus into her heart. When I asked her why she asked Jesus into her heart she simply said, “Because I love Him.”

Her journey begins.
I will not doubt the authenticity of her prayer. I will continue to lift my little girl and boy up to Jesus and pray that He gives me wisdom and knowledge to continue cultivating HIS LOVE AND PASSION into their lives. That they grow as HIS.

Lord, I just had a great conversation with Faith, and I know you heard it and that you also had a great conversation with her. Please guide her footsteps and may they continue towards you and in you. Help her to grow with Godly integrity, character and discernment. Give me wisdom to always point Joshua and Faith to you and teach them your truth!
Wow…is all I can say!

He meets Him in a yard filled with dandelions...

My son has this unique relationship with God. I could sit here and say that I am envious and that I long for that, and yet the truth is…I can have that...I do have that…one that is individual and totally and fully “ours”. (Mine and God's)

The other day as I drove around on the lawn mower cutting our "field", I could not help but to be captivated by my son who stood in the grass, dandelion “fuzz” flying around him, arms stretched upward with his face towards the sky. He would stand still and then spin and then stop and sway as if hearing some sweet sound of music only known to him.

Later he asked to ride with me and as he nestled his head on my shoulder I asked what he was doing with his arms up in the yard and he said, “Talking to God and praising Jesus.” When asked what they talked about he said “I cannot tell you, because that was God and I talking.”

He had found his “prayer closet” and went there to talk with Jesus. Uninhibited by what was happening around him, he was able to “sift” through it and find solace with God.

To understand how profound that is….individuals who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder have a hard time “sifting” through all the noises and sensory things that invade our lives daily. As you are reading this there are sounds happening around you and yet you are able to sit and concentrate to comprehend what is on your screen. For people like my son, it is like the GRAND FINALE at the 4th of July happening inside their head all the time and they have to “sift” through it…so…you can understand why I sat in awe as God and Joshua met in that yard and he and Jesus talked and sang together. It was so intimate that Joshua did not want to share the details, only that they "met"…because it was HIS TIME with HIS KING.

My son grasps the meaning of Ephesians 3:19, 20. He knows the power Jesus has in his life and he soaks up the fullness that he has been given because he belongs to HIM.

Do you know that you can know that fullness….that power….if you are HIS…it has been promised to you because HIS SPIRIT lives within you!
I challenge you today to read Ephesians 3:14-21. Meditate on it, soak it in….then go find your “yard” and meet Him there…..He’s waiting!

I will FIND YOU!

Usually I plan my words carefully when I write, and yet this week something happened that altered the way I view my children, all that is precious, why we are here….every thing. I don’t even know how to “eloquently” type it, but just to share the “rawness” of it all.

We were home...all doors locked...and we could not find Faith. We looked everywhere, tore the house apart...I'm on the phone with 911 not believing this is happening and stating, "This cannot be happening!" I couldn't think of our address or what she was wearing. I kept thinking, “How did they get in the house…how did they get past me?" Apparently I voiced that a few times as the dispatcher tried to calm me. All I could feel was emptiness and loss.....life without her....Okay, I'm starting to cry thinking about it. The lady from 911 said that the Police where on their way.... Joshua was crying and screaming for Faith. (I realized how much she is his anchor)....I went into her room to try and focus. Weeping and sobbing. I heard the lady say, "If you find her sleeping somewhere, call us back." At the moment I looked down and there was Faith…fast asleep laying in-between her bed and her baby's cradle. Such a small space and she blended in with the bed, floor and her doll’s blanket. I fell to the floor just sobbing. I picked her up, cradled her and as I held her tight she woke up and asked, "Mommy, can I have a banana?"
All I could do was sob. We all engulfed her with a hug, Matt than sat on the edge of her bed with tears, holding his heart and Joshua hugged her saying...I couldn't find you...I miss you...I love you...I couldn't find you....

I told Matt, my biggest fear happened. I have always been afraid of losing the kids and not being able to find them.

I began to think about what I felt when I thought someone took my daughter, when I thought she was lost, and then I thought of God...billions of His children lost...what agony and pain He must feel as He calls out to them and they don't hear Him because they are walking around asleep.

I NEVER want to go through that again. If I never want to experience that again…I can only imagine what God has been feeling all of these years, decades….We study about it, we talk about…and now I have a small glimpse into HIS pain and it gives me an urgency to wake THEM UP FROM their sleep walking.

As I held Faith in my arms, sobbing with joy...I can only imagine His tears of joy when I woke up and ran into His arms!

I held Faith’s hand all night…I couldn’t let go. I’m glad God has given me His hand…and that He will never, ever let go.

Goo Goo....Go into all the world....

Go into all the world….
I love that verse and today, as parents, we were able to not only talk about what Christ was telling us to do….we got our “sandals dirty” and let our kids be part of the action. Nothing says outreach like GOO GOO bars!

It took us 3 hours to walk to different businesses, banks, stores and gas stations here in Geneva to pass out Goo Goo bars and hand them a special invite card.

As parents, it was exciting and humbling to watch our kids begin the outreach journey of “Go into all the world…” Joshua is quite a little evangelist, which is no secret. He has been that way since giving his life to Jesus. And Faith did not want to miss any of the action. Our little “shy girl” was not afraid to walk in and give a gift and invite people to come to GCC for Easter.

“Lord, as silly as this sounds, I know to your ears it is not. Please go with each goo goo bar and the invite cards that touched the hands they were placed in. May your Spirit draw them to where they can find YOUR WATER OF LIFE! Thank You for asking us to join You today in reaching Geneva for You. May today stay in the hearts of our kids and may they continue to have a burden to reach out and share Jesus in our community and beyond. In Jesus Name…Amen.”

Tent Pegs and Canvas...a day of ramble

I have never been a lover of change, and yet I married a man who thrives on it. My things stay in the spot I place them. My books go back in the spot I pulled them from. During our first year of marriage Matt wanted to change the house around every week. We finally came to a compromise of changing it every 6 months. Our son arrived and once he was diagnosed with Autism the word “change”…changed.

Even though our son is not a lover of change (just like his mommy), and it takes him months to transition, I am amazed at how he lives and faces change.

When you surrender your life to Christ….one who never changes…have you found out that things are in a state of constant….change? I would venture to say that today we live our lives with “TENT PEGS” in our back pockets, that I married a man who loves the smell of canvas and since my decision to follow Jesus back in 1987, I have inherited the same love and so has our son and I pray for that love to enter our daughter as well.

Okay, canvas has thrown you, hasn’t it? The Israelites lived in tents…traveled where God led them and they would put down their tent pegs and raise their tents and CAMP there. Claim it there, be there, explore there, engage there, look for opportunities there, glean there, worship there…JOIN HIM THERE.

The moment I forget the smell of canvas or that I have pegs in my back pocket is the moment that I become stagnant and complacent. I want to be ready at any given moment for a God encounter when He is saying…”Look, did you see that…go!” Or, “Listen, did you hear that…bask in it, lavish here with me…” “Join ME!”

Tent pegs and canvas does not mean “moving” in the literal sense. It represents the opening of your heart, mind, soul and strength to be totally HIS, that if He but whisper you would begin to unfurl your tent somewhere to join Him. What that looks like is between you and Him.

My son has been learning about the “tent pegs and canvas” as he shares his love for Jesus with everyone he meets. Just yesterday he asked the Dunkin Donut girl if she could hear his JESUS music. (Penny, he loves it when I say, O hear O Joshua…)

When I have to literally pull up my tent pegs I feel a bit like Paul. Mind you I did not have to walk miles or sail for weeks or months, yet my heart aches when I have to leave those that I have shared hearts with to encourage, equip, build up….

For those I came to visit and with in a moment of wind had to leave…I give you the words Paul gave Philemon and know that my heart is ever drawn to each of you.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother (sister), have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”

The passion to follow Jesus

There truly are no words that I could use to describe the intense emotion on feels when witnessing someone being baptized.

There are no words to use when it is our son except...GOD, YOU AMAZE ME, BLOW ME AWAY EVERYDAY. You captured him in your arms, placed eternity in his heart before he was even thought of and he followed that to You. I will never forget the day he first prayed to you for snow. I will never forget the day he prayed that you would provide money so we could go to McDonald's. I will never forget the day he asked you into his heart. I will never forget the days he worked hard to put his face in the water. I will never forget the first time he shared Christ with a lady at WalMart....and I will never forget this day when he shared with everyone that he was following You! Thank you for the work You have done in his life, and the work You will continue to do! I am amazed! I am humbled!

Be sure to watch the clips at the end.

NT's can learn social behaviors from kids with ASD

Our son has Autism....I know, most of you know that.

As parents of a special needs child, there are things that you never think you will ever hear and when you do....you are totally blown away, humbled and PROUD of your child. Many of you have heard us praise God for every thing Joshua has accomplished and for the things that we know he will.

• Learning to communicate, talk when they were not sure he would be able to.
• Learning to ride a bike on his own.
• Becoming STUDENT of the Month at his school.
• Publishing his first book.....
• And then....this Christmas hearing the words that WE as parents never thought we would ever here....

As we sat with our friends and their child...who is an incredible, precious and loving little girl and a very typical 3 year old, (totally love it); we heard the words....."Try and be like Joshua and Faith."

Matt and I looked over at our friends and chuckled saying, "We never thought we would hear those words...that someone would encourage their child to be like Joshua." (We know he's great!)

This just proves that just because a child has a disability...it DOES NOT define them; and, that Neurotypicals can also learn and glean life skills from our kiddos.

Thank you, Lord for how you work in our kids lives....

It's true, we NT's can also learn appropriate social behavior from our kids on the spectrum.

Letter to Santa

This evening I walked out into the living room to see a note and cookies. Joshua was planning early. I smiled as I looked at this and at the same time I was reminded of my son’s Autism and where it has him.

I’m not talking about his mind and that he will “always be as a child.” (He has displayed incredible maturity in his thoughts. I do believe his faith in Christ will always be like a child...I don't mean immature...but rather always knowing, believing and trusting that Jesus is who He says He is. That He is his Savior and that He is the one he goes to with all his needs and praise...leaving them there and knowing that God heard him. Something many lose as they grow older.) Believe it or not, our son knows that Santa is not real. He will tell you that Santa is just a character, and that Mrs. Claus and the elves are also fake. He knows that I will be the one to eat the cookies and drink the milk. So, why put out the letter and cookies? Because that is what people do. He has watched and heard people talking about putting out cookies. There are commercials on TV about it, TV shows that do it and families tell their little ones that they need to remember to put out cookies and milk for Santa.

Our son is a mimicker. He looks to everyone for social cues. That means, he looks to you and me to see what we are doing. This is his way of coping and “fitting” into our world. Whether we do something that is appropriate or not appropriate…he will mirror back what he sees. So…the cookies and letter are a reminder to me of my son who lives with Autism, and how he longs to be part of our world and wanting to know how to live in our society and to not only relate, but have relationship.

I learn so much from Joshua that continues to draw me deeper in my relationship with Christ. Yesterday was one of them as he told everyone at church, “We all need to follow Jesus because he died on the cross for our sins and now He is alive.”

My prayer this Christmas…is that my life…my social cues will be those that draw Him deeper in his relationship with Christ.

How are you living your life? Who is watching you? People don’t have to have Autism to take on our “social cues”….how we face life, circumstances…moments that challenge our daily life. The stop light, the slow driver, snow, frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, joy, praise, humbleness…

Thank you, Lord for Joshua’s letter. Thank you for the reminder and thank you for the talk he and I had about the letter…and the talk we had about YOU. May my walk each day be one that reflects You. May it draw both my children towards You and may they fall deeply in love with YOU!

Jelly Pirates: 7 year old boy with Autism publishes first book

For 1 1/2 years I have been sharing my life, my thoughts, my family and my children's remarkable moments that have challenged me in my walk with Christ. Today I have the opportunity to share with you another story of inspiration from our son, Joshua. As most of you know, our son has Autism....okay, instead of writing it I will just share the press release with you below! Just wanted to share our excitment with you!

_____________________

Joshua is 7 years old and has Autism. Joshua lived in his own world which seemed to trap him where he would spend hours screaming and banging his head. After his diagnosis he began speech therapy and occupational therapy as well as early intervention and eventually mainstreamed preschool where he had very involved teachers & therapists.

Joshua wrote Jelly Pirates when he was six. The story was inspired by the Smuckers Jelly packets that sat on the table at the Kaffee Haus in Wooster, Ohio. It is a cute little tale of Jelly Pirates in search of honey treasure.

Since that day, Joshua’s imagination and expression of stories continues to grow and he is excited to write another book in the future which he has already titled: Jelly Pirates and Friends.
"As parents of a child on the Autism Spectrum, we are told our children will have difficulty with expression of emotion and words. We have found that to be true, but when not pressured and allowed to enter their world and when they invite you in…it is amazing what you will find."

To purchase your own copy, click JELLY PIRATES.

Joshua is the son of Matt and Angel Thompson, Founders of the Organization for Autism Spectrum Information and Support, Inc. (www.oasisautism.org)

“screecher preacher”

Life is filled with uncertainty…this human life we live. This is something that many hear me say and talk about. Yet, I usually don’t stop with talking about the “uncertainty” of life, but that it leads me always to what is certain, and that is Christ in my life.

Over the past several years life has truly proven to be “uncertain”. And, if my eyes were only looking to what I could “tangibly” see and touch my foundation would have crumbled years ago.

As I think of that foundation I was reminded of a passage that I have often prayed for my friends. (Ephesians 3:14-21) As I reflected on it this evening, God brought two verses to my mind, and I sit here with tears as my eyes trace the words on the paper.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (20, 21)

Why would this section cause such emotion?

This past weekend has been one of those “immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine” weekends.

Let me share with you what I am talking about. On Friday Matt and I went out on a date, (thank you, Becky for watching our kids). We had to make a few stops for church items...that is just par for the course of ministry. Now I jokingly call our car the “screecher preacher” because we were in need of new brakes and everyone knew it…okay, everyone could hear it. This weekend happened to be the Annual Geneva Grape Jamboree and Matt stopped downtown to see where our jump house and booth were to be set up. There was a lot of traffic and roads being closed as tents and booths were going up all over downtown. We saw John from church and asked if he knew where we were supposed to be and then it happened. "Klunk…klunk…” The “screecher preacher” lost it’s brake pad. So, now instead of "screeching...." we “hissed” down the road to our home and parked the car.

This was truly going to be an interesting and now challenging weekend. It just so happened to be Joshua’s last soccer game, award day, the Grape Jamboree and we were now without a vehicle. We were hoping the brakes would last until Monday because a friend offered to put new ones on for us. However, due to our adventurous date moment....I reserved a car via Enterprise for the next morning. When I called at 9am, Jason shared that he was the only one in the office and they would not be able to come to our house until after 10am, which meant Joshua would miss his final game. I called Matt and shared what we were looking at with time and cost...which is always a fun moment in anyones marriage, I don't care who you are....it just is. When I got off the phone I just sat with my face in my hands and talked with God. “Lord, you know where we are at, and what we need. I’m asking for a miracle because I have no idea what to do.” Two minutes later...I kid you not... Matt called and told me to cancel the car. He shared that Don was on his way and they were going to let us borrow their car until Monday. Joshua would make his final game and we did not have to find funds to pay for a rental. Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

You would think that was the end of my story…but it is not. As you all know, we have a son with Autism. Life and surroundings can and are very overwhelming for him. We are careful as to where we go and gear for what could happen. I always have a plan ready. Well, on Saturday, he along with his teammates rode on the church float…in the parade. That's right, hundreds of people…..no where to go when you are in the center of people with a child who has extreme sensory issues. He did amazing. No meltdowns and when it was time to leave he understood and stuck with the plan.

Sunday arrived. I had no plan to have him ride the float on Sunday…the really BUSY day of the Jamboree. We were going home after church and I was hoping to take a nap for the first time in years. However, just before my eyes closed…my phone rang. “Honey, I need you and the kids to come down and ride on the float.” Okay…this was not in my plan, and yet I found myself in the car, driving down Liberty, walking to Swan Road to the float. Here we were sitting on the float…going down the road, waving and smiling. Guess what? You guessed it, he did great. He was overwhelmed, but regulated himself to cope with what was happening! I was amazed and so proud of him!
Immeasurably more than all we ask and imagine.

I know Joshua will still have really hard days. I know that our car will screech again. I know we will face uncertainty, but one thing I am certain of is that my God can and does do immeasurably more than ALL I ask or could ever imagine! And to Him alone…I praise!

To end this I just want to share a quick story that just took place 10 minutes ago. Joshua watched a news story about a dog that was attacked by a shark, and how this little jack russel was recovering. He asked me what happened and I shared that he had been bitten by a shark. He looked at me and said, “Let’s pray for him.” Here are the words he spoke to God…His Lord that heals. Mind you, I did not in any way tell him what to say….

“Dear Jesus, please be with this puppy that was bit by a shark. Please heal him so he gets better. Jesus you like him, and I love you, Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen”

Immeasurably more than all we ask and imagine.

Can I be president....?

I need to be cleaning for tonight’s meeting, yet I am drawn to sit and record something my son did last night on the way to soccer practice.

When Joshua arrived home from school he took a work page from his back pack with a picture of Pres. Bush and began talking to me about the President. He showed me the picture and then talked about wanting to be like the president. He then asked me if he could be president someday and if he could live in George Washington’s house. I explained that the new president would live in the White House in January. He rationalized in his mind that if he were president that he could live in GW’s house. Yet, since a new president would live there he asked if he could be Abraham Lincoln and live in his house. He asked if he could also have a wife and have children. I shared about Pres. Lincoln’s house being a museum now and that “Yes, when he is older he may marry and even have children." He thought that was interesting. (Okay, the conversation with my son who has autism, was amazing enough...yet, keep reading and you will see why I was even more amazed and humbled.)

On our way to soccer I heard Joshua in the back seat praying. This is what he prayed for, “For sticks to build a house so he could have a place for his wife and children.” Okay, why am I inspired by this?
One, I did not say, “Why don’t you pray to Jesus about that.” Joshua did that on his own. He went straight to the Lord, whom he has asked and left many things at His feet before and has witnessed the Lord’s moving in his world... and he believes it will be done.
Two, He prayed that God would provide for him and his future family. Did you catch that? He prayed for God’s provision for his future.

How often do we try “ to make a way and fix things” in our own human attempts and never ask God for HIS help?
He tells us in scripture to “ask, seek and knock and it will be given unto you.”
In these days of uncertainty with the economy, and how many families and individuals are facing financial difficulties, here was a little boy, in his own words and petition to God, teaching his mommy once again to ask, to seek, to knock…..to trust.

Lord, thank you so much for the treasure in our son. Thank you that he has such an understanding of Your love for him and that he never even hesitates to talk with You and seek You. I pray that his passion to follow You continues to grow and that he continues to gain godly character, integrity and discernment. Also, thank you for the Trust In Your God Relationship 101 lesson. Great reminder! In the midst of it all....we give it to You!

House photos by http://www.fotosearch.com/

...the inspiration is our son...

This entry is not filled with words of wisdom. It is just a simple, short story of God’s moving in a young boys life, and how God once again shows Matt and I that through HIM all things are possible. As we watched our son today we saw the words in Jeremiah 29:11 come to life…again.

The story…the inspiration is our son….and there is nothing I could ever write that could inspire my walk more than watching my son beat the odds of Autism that he lives with daily.

Below this clip you will read a short paragraph about this incredible ministry in sports today.

Upward, where Every Child IS a Winner!
Sports are a great way for children to learn about teamwork, respect for authority and sportsmanship. The sad part is all those things are being lost in today’s sporting society. With an Upward sport, these key essentials are included to create the best sporting experience for every child that participates. Each Upward Sport is designed to reveal the winner in every child. Every child plays. Every child learns. Every child IS a Winner!

www.upward.org