Great Tools for Every Christian (from Ephesians Four Ministries)

I want to share with you a website I learned about from my dad, called EPHESIANS FOUR MINISTRIES.  They provide tools for churches AND individuals who are interested in leadership, evangelism and/or spiritual growth.





Recently, I got onto the website and took a FREE SPIRITUAL GIFTS ANALYSIS by answering a simple online questionnaire. Spiritual gifts are the tools God gives Christians in order to serve HIM by ministering to others. Each Christian receives at least one gift at the moment of salvation, but other gifts can also be developed. (Personally, my two main gifts were noted to be the gifts of mercy and of service. This is consistent with other questionnaires I have taken in the past.)

 

As you answer the questions, there are no right or wrong answers. Just be sure to answer the questions thinking about what you are doing NOW - not thinking about what you would LIKE to be doing. Once you submit the questionnaire, results are given immediately for you to review. If you are interested, you can also purchase additional resources that will explain more about the gifts.

Speaking of spiritual gifts, even children can find out what their strongest gifts are. I purchased GOD'S SPECIAL GIFTS FOR ME (one booklet for each of our children) by Dr. Larry Gilbert. These booklets help introduce the 9 ministry-oriented gifts to children, and helps them see where ministering to others fits them best. The booklets are only $2.95 each (plus shipping), and are geared for ages 8-12. My plan is to begin using these in the coming school year, maybe sooner!

 Another FREE resource is PRIME TIME WITH GOD, a daily prayer and devotional you can receive in your inbox. Each devotional focuses on faith, work, and ministry. They are short to read, but always have a good message to share. The prayers do not always coincide specifically with the devotional, but have been wonderful reminders for me on where to keep my focus. Here are two recent examples of the prayers:

TODAY'S PRAYER 6-8-2012

This is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. May I see all the good around me today. I do not want to focus on anything negative, but on what is good and pure. Please help me focus on all your blessings today, Lord. I pray that all I think, and do, and say will be positive, will encourage others, will glorify you, and will be in your will. Thank you for the power you give through your Holy Spirit, so that I might live as you want. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

TODAY'S PRAYER 6-20-2012

Lord, Please make me a blessing. I present myself to you, a living sacrifice, for ministry to the world. I pray that I would see others through your eyes of love and concern and that I would ask myself "What would Jesus do?" Please forgive me of the times I have been selfish or apathetic, for the times I have missed out on the opportunity to minister and be a blessing. I pray for all the people in my family and community who need a blessing right now. I pray for Christians around the world who need your hand of blessing right now. Lord, you know the need. You are good, all the time. I pray that in your mercy, you will will reach out in the way you know best and meet those needs, uplift those spirits, bless those souls, for your glory. In Jesus name, amen.

You can also visit "Prime Time with God" on Facebook by clicking: HERE

I truly hope you will take advantage of these great tools, as I am seeing more and more of a need in our churches, and among our Christian circles, to remain focused on our goal for being in this world. We are not here to attend church one day a week and then forget about the Lord the rest of the week. We are not here to spend most of our time thinking about ourselves. We ARE here to serve the Lord with GLADNESS, and glorify Him in all things. These tools - the spiritual gifts resources, the prayers, the devotionals - these are all helpful in teaching us and reminding us that our days on earth are numbered and we need to be seriously thinking about where our priorities lie. I am speaking to myself here, too! No matter how stressful life becomes, we need to remember our real reason for being here. That is why I plan on utilizing these tools from Ephesians Four Ministries, and to do my best at using the gifts God has given me in ways that are pleasing to Him. I hope you will join me. 

"Cleaning House" by Kay Wills Wyma (book Review)

Youth Entitlement. It’s becoming more and more prevalent these days. What is the reason for it? Author Kay Wills Wyma believes it is due, in part, to parents who would rather do everything for their children instead of teaching them how to do it themselves. It’s the parents way of either “protecting” their children from failure, or just wanting to do things themselves because they believe it should be "done right." This, unfortunately, leads to children never learning how to learn from their mistakes, or how to become capable and responsible adults. This is what led Kay, a mother of five children ages 4 to 14, to write a new book called, “Cleaning House: A Mom’s 12-month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement.”

This book isn’t specifically a “how-to” book, or a step-by-step manual that tells us exactly what to do and how to do it. It is more of a journal, of sorts, from a mother explaining what SHE did, how her kids reacted, and about the obstacles they faced. She spent an entire year teaching her kids, from the youngest to the oldest, how to do various chores, tasks, and services by choosing one thing each month to focus on. Things like:

• Making beds and keeping clutter off the floor
• Planning and cooking a meal, cleaning up kitchen afterwards
• Working outdoors (planting flowers, weeding, mowing, etc.)\
• Making income
• Cleaning the bathrooms
• Laundry
• Small maintenance/repair jobs around the home
• Hospitality
• Working as a Team
• Running errands
• Service to others
• Good manners

There are several Scripture references mentioned through-out the book. One I especially liked came from Matthew 22, and was mentioned in chapters 11 and 12: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This, I believe, was the basic premise of the entire book - to teach our children to think of others rather than themselves. The author says in chapter 12,

“At the core of today’s youth entitlement problem is a generation of kids and young adults convinced - dare we admit, trained to believe - that the world does, in fact, revolve around them. The simple remedy: teach them to consider others ahead of themselves.” 

While I found myself to be a little bit ahead of the author in the chore-teaching areas, I still gleaned a lot of helpful ideas and insight from her. For example, taking an entire month to work on one new task sounds like a great idea. And, I really like the idea of taking time to teach each child (one-on-one) how to cook an entire meal and clean-up after themselves in the kitchen. We have done a little of this in the past, but I want to make it a more consistent thing. Doing laundry is another task I want them both to learn how to master. So, I am pretty sure we will be adding these things to our agenda this coming school year. In the meantime, there are some projects I am working on around the house this Summer, and am trying to get the kids involved as much as possible. One thing my son and I recently did was hang a tomato planter (on my birthday, of course, since I LOVE fresh tomatoes and just didn't feel up to planting an entire garden this year).

  

Another project was sanding and staining our picnic tables. I did the sanding myself, as the power sander really is too big and powerful for my kids to handle at this point; but my 9yo helped with the clean-up process, and at least they both saw how a do-it-yourself project can be satisfying work, as well as economical.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It had a humorous tone to it while giving me helpful insights and suggestions. But, most of all, it reminded me that I am not being a "slave driver" by teaching my kids how to work and survive independently in this world.

Click here to read the first chapter of this book:

SNEAK PEAK of CLEANING HOUSE by KAY WILLS WYMA 

Click here to go to Kay’s MOAT blog:
MOTHERS of ADOLESCENTS and TEENS

NOTE: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review purposes only.

 

Illustration: “Holding the Father’s Hand”

I recently visited Bible.org, one of my favorite websites for researching and studying the Bible.

Here is an illustration I found that gives us a good picture of what it's like when we take hold of the Lord’s hand...

HOLDING THE FATHER'S HAND

 An interesting thing happened one day. A father was walking with his toddler close behind. They were going from a Sunday school building to the sanctuary of the main church building. The father, knowing they were approaching a set of about 20 steps going down to a parking lot and concerned that the son may fall, admonished the two-year-old, "hold daddy's hand." The youngster sternly shook his head 'no' and kept following along a couple steps in behind dad. They came to the top of the steps. The toddler stopped, looked down that long drop, looked up at his dad, and reached his hand out for his Father's firm grip. How often we are like that with our heavenly Father. He asks of us, "take hold of my hand." Often, we see no need. But our Father knows what lies ahead. Better to place our hands firmly in the grip of the Father before we face the possibility of perilous times.

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Your Work Matters to God

Before my husband and I were blessed with children, I worked outside of the home. Three of those years were spent in the linens and housewares department at Montgomery Ward. After two years of employment there, I began to become dissatisfied with my position, and strongly disliked being there. I started focusing more on the negatives of my job, rather than on why the Lord had placed me there for that time. In my mind, I was working outside of the home ONLY because my husband and I needed the money.

While it is true that we did need the money (still being newly married and trying to save up enough funds to buy our own house), money should not be the ONLY reason why we work.

According to Doug Sherman and William Hendricks in their book “Your Work Matters to God,” (this may sound like a book review, but its not. This is a book I was required to read while attending college, and it made an impact on me) there are 5 purposes for our everyday work: 

1. Through work we serve people.
2. Through work we meet our own needs.
3. Through work we meet our family’s needs.
4. Through work we earn money to give to others.
5. Through work we love God.

With these thoughts in mind, I asked several friends to answer a few questions about their work, and here are the answers I received. These answers show how, no matter what kind of “work” we are doing (being in the secular workforce, in full-time ministry, a homemaker, retired, or even being unemployed), we can and should be working for the Lord, keeping our focus on Him rather than on ourselves...

JULIE, Insurance Agent

What my work entails: selling insurance policies (residents of Illinois) to the general public or to contacts that I call (home, auto, life, health).

What I enjoy about my work: I love being directly involved with the public.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: I am a "talker" (Yes, she is!) so I end up in conversations with probably 80% of my clients; I am, therefore, always able to mention how thankful I am that the Lord has provided me with an opportunity to "help" people by explaining the coverages of an insurance policy to them so they can understand it; and at the same time being honest with them that if my companies rates are not better, I will tell them that as well. In the 4 years I have been an agent you would be surprised how many clients and I have prayed together right here in my little office. 

(That's awesome, Julie! Thanks for sharing.)

GINA, Teacher

What my work entails: Teaching young adolescents.

What I enjoy about my work: I love the honesty and enthusiasm of the kids.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: I try to show the students Christian values, make them feel safe and valued, and let "my light shine!"

(Sounds like it can be a very challenging, yet rewarding job, Gina. Thanks for sharing!)

LISA, Dental Hygienist & Mother

What my work entails: helping people to get their mouth healthy in many ways.

What I enjoy about my work: seeing the turn around in someone’s life when their mouth becomes healthier.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: I would probably say talking about my kids and maybe encouraging someone to become a foster parent or mentor to help kids. Also telling someone about adoption!

(You are the right person to talk to about adoption, Lisa! What a great way to serve the Lord by serving others in this way.)

VICTOR, Self-employed

What my work entails: mostly landscaping, but also some carpentry and commercial cleaning.

What I enjoy about my work: making good relationships with my customers.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: providing some work for those who have a hard time getting a job.

(Thanks for sharing, Vic. Giving others a chance when no one else will is very noble.)

LORILEE CRAKER, Freelance writer and Author

What my work entails: What doesn't it entail? :) Seriously, I do all kinds of things, from writing about a new play coming to town to researching the Apostle Peter for my book about Heaven.

What I enjoy about my work: It's an honor to interview creative people, and have their ideas enrich my life. I love going to plays and concerts of all kinds, and interacting with other writers!

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: In my newspaper work, I see myself as being a salt and light to a sometimes dark and confused people group--entertainers, musicians and actors. It's amazing how God opens hearts to talk. My gift is encouragement, and I hope to give my readers "fresh courage" and hope to face the day.

(You can read more from Lorilee over at SHOEFLY PIE. She's an amazing author.)

JUDY BATES, The Bargainomics Lady

What my work entails: Sharing Biblical truths about money management.

What I enjoy about my work: It helps people realize their responsibility to be good managers of God’s blessings and, in many cases, helps free people from the bondage of debt.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: My prayer every day is to be used of God, whether it’s through an article I write, a person who reads one of my books, or through a kind word or deed done for the glory of God. If we belong to Jesus, we are called to serve as He taught us by example.

(Judy is the author of some great books over at THE BARGAINOMICS LADY. Check them out!)

 

 
CHARITY, Household Manager

What my work entails: I am snuggler, question answerer, maid, chef, teacher, counselor, boo-boo cleaner upper, gardener, nutritionist, encourager, prayer warrior, secretary, accountant, and the list could go on but basically I am learning to be flexible enough to be what my husband, children, and Lord need me to be. I also hope to one day be a published author, but that goal takes a second place to the ones mentioned above.

What I enjoy about my work: I enjoy it very much. Let me say this-- My worst day at home is better than my best day in the workforce ever was. I am not saying that I was not able to do good things when I was a mental health/substance abuse therapist because the Lord did use me in that capacity. However, I believe I am where I need to be right now and that the Lord wants me to be making disciples, starting with my children, then making disciples through my home life. The sense of purpose this gives me has been amazing.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: My husband and I have the goal to reach as many for the Gospel as we can in our lifetime and to raise children who are able to reach more with the Gospel than we ever could. I believe that my time is spent raising up the next generation of leaders that our society needs. It starts in my home with my family. Then as the Lord allows others to come through our home I believe it will spread. I am praying for the Lord to turn our nation back to him and I am asking him to use my home in the process.

(Charity has such good insight. You can read more from her over at her own blog:  VANDERHOOF HOUSE.)

AMY, Homemaker

What my work entails: Cooking, cleaning, folding laundry, dishes, paying bills, cuddling with kids, playing games, nursing them back to health when their sick, reading to them, chauffer, hostess...

What I enjoy about my work: The fun time I get to spend with my kids and watch them grow spiritually and physically.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: By raising the children to be generous and loving members of their community and to represent Christ in everything they do.

CARIE, Homemaker

What my work entails: cleaning, cooking, taxiing, schedule managing, hug giving, listening, reading, praying, teaching.

What I enjoy about my work: The time I am able to spend with my husband and children.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: I am serving the Lord by training up my children to know and serve Him. I also try to serve others and be an encouragement on their journey.

(I agree, Amy and Carie! Being a homemaker myself, it is very rewarding serving my family while, at the same time, teaching and training our children to serve the Lord. By the way, Carie also blogs over at LIVING LOVING & LEARNING WITH THE LORD.)

JUDY, Homemaker
What my work entails: Keeping my home with Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 as my guidelines. I have been able to save money on food and clothes by gardening and sewing, among other activities.

What I enjoy about my work: Feeling that I'm serving God by having a peaceful home for my family. Less mess, less stress. I've always thought our home should be a refuge. No matter what happens "out there" we feel safe, loved, and accepted at home. My children still feel that even though they haven't lived here for over 10 years.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: By helping my husband - healthy meals and no stress when he comes home from work are 2 ways I help. Also, having a company-ready home, unplanned visits are not a problem. I am always ready with a cup of tea, an open ear, and a loving heart.

(Yay, Judy! Sorry.... I'm just so proud of my sister! Had to give her a "shout-out." Love you, Judy! I'd join you for tea any day. Just wish we lived a bit closer.)

MIKE PHILLIPS, Retired
What my work entails: Holding down the Couch to keep it from Flying away. (Funny, Mike!)

What I enjoy about my work: Doesn't demand a lot of thinking or effort.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: Well, when I can get off the couch, it leaves a whole lot of time to spend telling others about Gods Great Plan.


ADELE, Currently Unemployed
What my work entails: Looking for work.  (Ha ha. Yep.)

What I enjoy about my work: Right now, enjoying the time God is giving me to be with my kids while I wait on His timing for the perfect job for me.

How I see myself serving the Lord in my work: Since I am primarily being a homemaker, I am serving God by being the best mother to my kids and being a better wife to my husband.

Col 3:23-24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.(NAS)

 

My Thoughts On "The Voice" - A New Bible Translation

Back in February, I won a New Testament copy of "The Voice," a new translation of the Bible published by Thomas Nelson, and I've been reading various portions of it between then and now.

The official website of The Voice says this is a "translation that reads like a story with all of the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching it invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind. This bold new translation engages readers like no other Bible." And, the Translation Team consists of a large group of men and women who are Pastors, Professors, Lawyers, and Writers. So, it is not just one or two people participating in this project, but many.

So, what do I think about it? The wording is definitely more easy to understand, and it was interesting to read God's Word using language that was meant more for today. However, I'm not too sure I would recommend it to a new Christian, or to someone who doesn't already have a good grasp on the content in the Bible. In my opinion, caution is warranted because this new translation seems to change the meaning of some of the passages into something that was not originally intended. For example, read how Luke 12:15-20 is written:

Jesus:  You'd better be on your guard against any type of greed, for a person's life is not about having a lot of possessions. (then, beginning another parable) A wealthy man owned some land that produced a huge harvest. He often thought to himself, "I have a problem here. I don't have anywhere to store all my crops. What should I do? I know! I'll tear down my small barns and build even bigger ones, and then I'll have plenty of storage space for my grain and all my other goods. Then I'll be able to say to myself, 'I have it made! I can relax and take it easy for years! So I'll just sit back, eat, drink, and have a good time!' Then God interrupted the man's conversation with himself. "Excuse Me, Mr. Brilliant, but your time has come. Tonight you will die. Now who will enjoy everything you've earned and saved?"

What's wrong with this, you might ask? Well, there's nothing particularly wrong with it, except for the fact that the meaning is somewhat changed. In the major translations (NAS, KJV, NKJV, NIV) verse 20, which is highlighted above, uses the words "You fool!" to describe the man's ignorant actions and his egotistic way of thinking. Somehow, the thought of God saying, "Excuse Me, Mr. Brilliant" (which sounds like sarcasm to me) just doesn't convey the same idea. God wasn't intending to be sarcastic in this passage. He was strongly rebuking the man for his selfish and greedy actions. Maybe, to some, this change isn't a big deal. But, it just leaves me feeling a bit uncomfortable with leaving it in the hands of a new Christian.

As for the format, I liked how this translation was written in a play script format. It helped to show exactly who was speaking in different events. But, one thing missing in the format was a title or description at the beginning of each chapter. It was difficult to find specific chapters I was looking for because it was written like a play and not like a Bible. Some may like the format but, for my organized way of thinking, it made things more difficult.

That said, I wouldn't throw this Bible out the window. I understand the idea of this new translation, and applaud their efforts in wanting to make a Bible that is worded in today's language. It could be good to use alongside another translation, or possibly for doing a narrative in front of people. It just wouldn't be my first choice for a Bible to study with, or to read on its own - at least not without first knowing what other translations say as well.

Paws & Tales "Being Kind and Caring" DVD Review

The 8th DVD in Chuck Swindoll’s “Paws & Tales” series for kids will be released in May 2012. "Being Kind and Caring" is the second Paws & Tales DVD my children and I have watched together, thanks to  Tyndale House Publishers who provided me with a complimentary copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Paws & Tales videos include animated stories that teach godly traits and biblical truths to children. This new DVD is based on Ephesians 4:32 and Philippians 2:3-4. It includes 2 episodes that teach the importance of forgiveness, being tender-hearted towards others, and cooperation. Pastor Swindoll, the Founder of Insight for Living, introduces each story.

My children and I enjoyed watching these stories. They were colorful, entertaining, humorous at times, and taught valuable lessons. As with all the Paws & Tales DVD’s, I recommend parents/grandparents watch the stories WITH their children, at least for the first time. These stories can be helpful tools for bringing about discussion, and guiding children into proper Christian character. If you are not sure about how to begin the discussion, the bonus features on the DVD include helpful teaching resources for parents, grandparents and/or Christian educators to use. Just pop the DVD into your CD-Rom in order to access them.

This DVD, and other Paws & Tales DVD's, can be purchased through various locations, including Christian Book Distributors.

Article: Understanding Autism

The month of APRIL is Autism Awareness Month. As a family affected by autism, my husband and I have been involved in helping raise the awareness of this disorder, especially since the numbers have now increased to 1 in 88 being diagnosed.

First of all, we joined Autism Speaks in the "Light it Up Blue" campaign. We have been wearing blue clothes, wearing blue autism puzzle pieces, and using a blue lightbulb on our front porch each night. I also made a CAMPAIGN PAGE to share with those who wish to make a donation. I have already reached my goal of $50.00, however, you are still welcome to contribute if you desire to do so.

One of my daughter's therapists (Sarah) has been handling a lot of events and activities in our area to help increase awareness of autism. This past Thursday, my husband was with her and another parent, being interviewed on our local radio station. They will be on again next Thursday.

And, here is the article I wrote for autism awareness. It is scheduled to be in our local newspaper soon:

~ ~ ~

Understanding Autism

By: Victoria Stankus

When my 13-year-old daughter was born, I never considered the fact that she might be among the many diagnosed with autism. At that time, I believe the numbers were 1 in 250 being diagnosed, but I wasn’t too aware of what it all meant until my life was personally immersed in it. I quickly learned that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the symptoms and characteristics of it can appear in various combinations, ranging from mild to severe. No two children are alike. I also learned the symptoms of autism can improve with various therapies and treatments, which is very good to know. Unfortunately, one thing I wish I hadn’t learned is that raising a child with autism also includes being exposed to merciless comments made about you or your child. The comments are not always intended to be hurtful, but they usually come from a lack of understanding about the disorder. With this in mind, many parents have learned to ignore the comments (even though they do hurt) and/or have made efforts to educate those who will listen. That is my purpose for writing this article – not to whine and complain about unfair treatment, but to increase the awareness and familiarity of autism, and to help give others a better understanding of those affected by it.

NOTE: Included in this article are actual comments spoken from people who were misinformed about autism. These quotes were specifically sent to me by other parents of autistic children from various online support groups. (You would be amazed at how many comments I received, so weeding them down to a few was difficult.) Permission was granted to publish the comments; however, identifying names have been removed in order to protect the privacy of each one involved.

Comments Regarding Discipline
Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental in nature, and it is difficult for affected children to understand the environment around them. They have barriers in their brains that make it difficult for them to adapt to their surroundings. This may include (but is not limited to) sensory dysfunction, self-stimulating behaviors, lack of social skills, lack of communication skills and compulsive tendencies. Many people confuse the behaviors that result from these issues as a lack of discipline, which is not always the case, and should never be automatically assumed. Here are a few comments along these lines:

1. Tina says: After my son had a tantrum in McDonald's, an elderly couple asked me if he was ok. I replied “He's fine, he has autism and sometimes...” and in mid-sentence, they interrupted me and said, "That's nothing a good swift kick in the butt wouldn't cure.”

2. Veronica had a very close relative tell her, "He is not autistic, he is just taking advantage of you, can't you see that? His problem is simple, he is just SPOILT, that's all.”

3. Lynn says: My daughter was “acting up” one day because we were away from home and in a different environment. She may have been hungry or tired, but just didn’t know how to tell me. I was having a hard time getting her to stay calm when my dad’s sister (who was visiting from out of state) asked, “Would she listen better to her grandpa?” implying that my daughter’s behavior was due to a discipline problem and she needed a firmer hand to make her behave.

Comments Regarding Special Diets
Many children who have been diagnosed with autism or sensory processing disorders have dramatically improved after being put on special diets, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF). Gluten is a protein found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. Casein is the protein found in milk products. Other diets, such as the Feingold Diet, include the removal of preservatives and artificial dyes. The limitations of these special diets are apparently confusing to many misinformed people. Some of the comments include:

1. Said to Laura - “Doesn't he starve?”

2. Said to Monica - "Maybe he won't talk because you won't give him the food he wants."

3. One mom shared that her son's school felt she was being abusive because her son was on a restrictive diet for autism. The school said it is unhealthy to deny a child fast food and candy like other kids get.

Comments Pertaining to Language Delays
Contrary to what some believe, the lack of speech in an autistic child does not mean the child is without intelligence. Children with autism do learn, and many can be successfully taught to function, when they are given appropriate therapies and treatment. Simply put, autism produces barriers in the brain which does not allow information to process correctly. A child with autism may actually understand what you say, but the barriers hinder the child from being able to respond appropriately. However, many autistic children can develop functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures. Those who are mildly affected by the disorder may exhibit only slight delays in language, but could have a greater lack in social skills. Therefore, he or she may not be able to initiate or maintain a proper conversation. Communication is often described as “talking at others” instead of with them. For example, they may continue to talk about a favorite subject without pausing, despite the attempts of others to interject comments.

1. Monica says: When strangers say “Hi” to my 4-year-old autistic son, I often tell them he cannot talk. Once, I got the comment, "Maybe he just doesn't have anything to say.” One lady actually said, "What did you do to the poor child?"

2. Said to Debi - "She can't be autistic. She's too smart."

3. Said to Laura - “Well, what did you expect. You let him point to an object to get his way - you should have made him talk.”

Comments Regarding Odd Behaviors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children in the United States are now being diagnosed with autism (numbers published March 2012). With the way autism has increased in numbers in the last 10 years, I believe in the importance of making others aware of it. It is now considered an “epidemic.” Chances are, if a family member does not have autism, you will at least eventually run into someone who does. So, when that happens, please remember there is probably a reason why this child is “acting out” in some odd way. With sensory issues, compulsive tendencies, and lack of communication skills, these children are doing the best they can with whatever situation they are in. The parents, likewise, are doing the best they can to keep their child calm, happy, and secure in his world. Instead of making unnecessary comments, be kind and courteous. A simple smile or a pat on the arm can be more encouraging than you realize.

1. Laurel’s son refused to eat meat of any kind due to oral-sensory issues. Someone said to her, “Can't you just reason with him?"

2. Veronica’s son was 3 years old and attending his cousin's christening. Veronica says: He was enjoying the church's different space and trotting back and forth on the sides of the church. Not being noisy, just not sitting down. A staff member of the church came and asked me to control him. I said, “I can't, he's autistic, he is going to scream if I stop him.” (He would have). She told me to wait outside. This was the second time we had been kicked out of a church for family events.

For more information about autism, please check out these websites:

Autism Society of America

Autism Speaks

Preparing for Easter: I'll Rise Again

In preparation for Easter/Resurrection Sunday, here's a beautiful old song from Dallas Holm.

The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher (Review)

If you have ever thought about making an income while honoring God through piano lessons, K. M. Logan has written a book just for you. “The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher" is an e-book written in such a way that even a high school student could pick it up and learn how to teach piano lessons with it.

According to the author, “This book examines basic piano pedagogy from a Biblical perspective in a reader friendly question and answer format. It provides wisdom in the spiritual, business, and instructional aspects of teaching piano. This book is written with the novice piano teacher or would be teacher in mind.”

I am not a piano player. However, I was asked by the author to look over her new book and give my thoughts. From what I saw, “The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher” is a unique book in content, and well worth the cost of $9.99. It includes questions and answers about qualifications needed to teach piano, how God can bless your teaching, the advantages and disadvantages of teaching, the numerous business aspects of it, how to set up your piano studio, what policies to have in place, and additional resources. If I were interested in teaching piano, this would be an informative tool to have on hand.

For more information, or to place an order, go to http://www.633music.net/. The book can also be purchased through Amazon.com, or barnesandnoble.com.

To learn more about the author herself, head over to her personal website:
http://www.lessonsfromivy.com/

The Beauty of New Life in the Spring

I haven't felt like posting much lately. I guess I've been in a bit of a slump. Nothing is terribly wrong. I've just been busy, and I've been dealing with some circumstances that I won't bore you with. But, through it all, the Lord has continued to be by my side - loving me, caring for me, and teaching me.

As the Apostle Paul has said in the book of Philippians, "I have learned to be content in all circumstances." Something what really helps with this is to notice, and focus on, all the positives in life. Philippians 4:8 says:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Instead of dwelling on the "ugly" things in life, it is much better to notice the beauty of it. 

... and, with Spring here now, its hard not to AT LEAST notice the beauty around us. New life is so beautiful. Even a dandelion, as annoying as they can be, are beautiful in their own way...

A couple of years ago, I wrote a little something about Spring after finding two baby birds in a nest. I am thankful to have had the chance to see this sweet picture of new life -- a reminder of the new lives I held in my arms when they were first born babes; and a reminder of the new life I received when I trusted Christ as my Savior.

~~ *~*~*~*~~

NEW LIFE IN THE SPRING

It’s Spring...

I looked up into a tree in our backyard and saw a nest.

In the quiet of the afternoon, the birds were busy finding worms for their young.

I stood still... I watched... I listened....

Mother Robin flew back to the nest with a worm in her mouth.

I saw 2 little heads pop up above the nest, chirping their hungry cries to their momma.

She willingly fed them, then flew off to find more.

After she had gone, I decided I wanted to see them.

I had to see those sweet little birds up close.

I grabbed a step ladder from the garage and set it up next to the tree.

“Oh... don’t forget your camera!” I thought.

I ran back inside, fetching my camera.

I carefully climbed up the ladder to have a peek into the nest.

This is what I saw...

Two baby robins, sleeping snuggly in the nest as they waited for their momma’s return.

I made a little squeaky noise with my lips and they must have thought it was momma.

They opened their mouths, calling out once again for momma to feed them.

I, then, snapped this picture....

I captured this precious moment in time.

This precious moment of new life in the Spring.

New life is beautiful.