"Mom.......don't forget to pray for us!" It's the sweetest (and sometimes a frustrating thing) my boys say at the end of each day. I made it a priority to pray with my boys at bedtime a few months ago and they swarmed to the idea like bees to honey. It's sweet because I am touched and pleased by how important this time is to them. However, sometimes I have to fight my flesh because I am so tired at the end of almost every day I just want to turn off the light and sit down to my nightly mug of tea! Sometimes it seem like just another chore but I trust that no matter how I feel about it, my nightly prayers are valuable to God and therefore valuable to my kids!
Most of the time I absolutely love praying for the kids at night. I take a deep breath, prepare my heart to enter into God's presence by letting go of the day's worries and hand over the 3 most precious little people in my life over to God. It is a sacred moment of sacrifice that I have come to crave.
I always start the prayer with praise for God. I'm trying to teach my children that it is good to praise Him since God inhabits our praise. Also, I hope to teach them about God by naming His attributes out loud. Next, I have a few things I pray for them on a regular basis.
1) I pray for their safety: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
2) I ask God to give them wisdom and discernment in situations where someone means to harm them (the underlying subtext here is, among other things like bullies, pedophiles).
3) I ask God to give them a thirst for righteousness and a thirst for His word.
4) I ask God's Spirit would work in their hearts and minds teaching them about Himself in a way they can understand (The subtext here is especially for Bear. His autistic brain twists things around in ways I often can't follow so I have to fully trust that God will speak to him concerning who He is when I can't. I have always trusted God to help me with teaching Bear about spiritual things and He continues to prove faithful in this area. Bear seems to understand the things of God better than anything else. He reads his Bible on his own and a devotional book and the most blessed things come out of his mouth!).
5) I ask that God would give them good, godly friends who will build them up.
I don't always pray all 5 of these things every night but I found out I always have to include the safety one. Bear reminds me of only that one if I forget. One night as I turned to leave Bear said, "Mom, aren't you going to pray for our safety?" Then he added, "Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual?" I guess you could say he's listening! He never reminds me of the other things, just that one. I am pleased that he may focus on that one because he understands that God is our ultimate help in times of trouble.
Before I sign off for the day I wanted to share a resource for praying for our kids that I just stumbled across. It's 40 Ways to Pray for Your Children from Christianity Today. I just printed this out and am excited to incorporate some of the things on their extensive list in my prayers for my kids each night!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesdays at my House
I've been up all night with a puking kid (Monkey, poor babe). I don't have the "stomach" to really discuss in detail my reorganization of the office today. I will say that DH and I spent a couple of hours in there on Saturday and it is going in the right direction! Hopefully next week I can post a pic because there will be something to see!
Traditional Tuesdays
Weight loss, weight loss, weight loss..........blah, blah, blah. You know that oatmeal commercial where people walk around with a scale attached to their ankles while the song, "You Were Always On My Mind" plays. Yeah, that's me. I have been working on weight loss since I was 14. THAT IS 22 YEARS OF THINKING ABOUT MY WEIGHT EVERY DAY!!!!! And what do I have to show for it? I am 100 pounds overweight. Yep, that 1-0-0 over my goal weight, exactly. And my goal weight is very reasonable, I don't want to be a supermodel.
I think I found the best way to eat for our family with Nourishing Traditions but because I can't manage my portions I'm not losing weight on it. Oh yeah, and the ice cream and chocolate I eat too much of almost daily don't help either. I'm feeling pretty discouraged. I used to be able to follow a diet for a few weeks before I bailed on it (my record was 3 months on Atkins). Then I could do it for a couple of weeks before binging and now? I literally can eat right for 1 day. I ate perfect portions, tons of veges and low sugar on Monday but on Tuesday I finished on a quart of ice cream that was about 1/2 full. Sigh.
So, I know why I'm fat and I know how I need to eat differently to change it and exercise is not a problem (I LOVE TO EXERCISE). However, I think my biology is working against me. After research on the Internet and talking with some friends I think my hormones are out of whack and possibly my thyroid (I have had 8 out of the 10 main symptoms for years now). I have come to the conclusion that I may need some medical help to lose weight at this point. Which is hard to admit I'm so independent and stubborn. However, I've heard it said that say insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result so I've got to do something different this time. A friend of mine knows a really good doctor who specializes in helping women "balance out" so I'm going to call and make an appointment as soon as I finish this post.
Here's my favorite new recipe of the week from Nourishing Traditions:
Basic Muffins
This is a great plain muffin mix that you can add whatever you like to it! See a note on soaking at the bottom.
3 c. of whole wheat flour
2 c. of buttermilk, kefir or yogurt
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 t. sea salt
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla extract
3 T. melted butter
Soak flour in buttermilk, kefir or yogurt in a warm place for 12-24 hours. Muffins will rise better after 24 hours. When ready to bake, blend remaining ingredients. Add whatever you like, raisins and cinnamon, berries, chocolate chips, mashed banana and nuts, etc, etc. Pour into well buttered muffin tins, filling about 3 quarters full. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes clean.
Note on soaking flour: You may be freaked out about leaving buttermilk or kefir unrefrigerated for a day but I've done it a couple of times now and the result of doing it is AWESOME and nobody has gotten sick. Cultured milk products do not go "bad" at room temperature in one day. You may wonder, why do this? Why soak the flour first? Soaking the flour for 12-24 hours in buttermilk or kefir or yogurt activates the enzyme phytase which breaks down the bran in grains (according to Nourishing Traditions bran is not good for your gut). Soaking increases the vitamin content and makes the nutrients in the grains more available. It also softens the whole meal flour so that the final product often tastes the same as if you used white flour. When you soak your flour first it rises easily with baking soda and doesn't need baking powder.
I think I found the best way to eat for our family with Nourishing Traditions but because I can't manage my portions I'm not losing weight on it. Oh yeah, and the ice cream and chocolate I eat too much of almost daily don't help either. I'm feeling pretty discouraged. I used to be able to follow a diet for a few weeks before I bailed on it (my record was 3 months on Atkins). Then I could do it for a couple of weeks before binging and now? I literally can eat right for 1 day. I ate perfect portions, tons of veges and low sugar on Monday but on Tuesday I finished on a quart of ice cream that was about 1/2 full. Sigh.
So, I know why I'm fat and I know how I need to eat differently to change it and exercise is not a problem (I LOVE TO EXERCISE). However, I think my biology is working against me. After research on the Internet and talking with some friends I think my hormones are out of whack and possibly my thyroid (I have had 8 out of the 10 main symptoms for years now). I have come to the conclusion that I may need some medical help to lose weight at this point. Which is hard to admit I'm so independent and stubborn. However, I've heard it said that say insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result so I've got to do something different this time. A friend of mine knows a really good doctor who specializes in helping women "balance out" so I'm going to call and make an appointment as soon as I finish this post.
Here's my favorite new recipe of the week from Nourishing Traditions:
Basic Muffins
This is a great plain muffin mix that you can add whatever you like to it! See a note on soaking at the bottom.
3 c. of whole wheat flour
2 c. of buttermilk, kefir or yogurt
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 t. sea salt
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla extract
3 T. melted butter
Soak flour in buttermilk, kefir or yogurt in a warm place for 12-24 hours. Muffins will rise better after 24 hours. When ready to bake, blend remaining ingredients. Add whatever you like, raisins and cinnamon, berries, chocolate chips, mashed banana and nuts, etc, etc. Pour into well buttered muffin tins, filling about 3 quarters full. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes clean.
Note on soaking flour: You may be freaked out about leaving buttermilk or kefir unrefrigerated for a day but I've done it a couple of times now and the result of doing it is AWESOME and nobody has gotten sick. Cultured milk products do not go "bad" at room temperature in one day. You may wonder, why do this? Why soak the flour first? Soaking the flour for 12-24 hours in buttermilk or kefir or yogurt activates the enzyme phytase which breaks down the bran in grains (according to Nourishing Traditions bran is not good for your gut). Soaking increases the vitamin content and makes the nutrients in the grains more available. It also softens the whole meal flour so that the final product often tastes the same as if you used white flour. When you soak your flour first it rises easily with baking soda and doesn't need baking powder.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday Morning Random Fact
My top 5 favorite movies in no particular order are: Notting Hill, Adam's Rib, Crossing Delancy, Cold Comfort Farm and A Room With a View. My favorite genre of movies is Romantic Comedies, if you can't tell from the list.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday Funnies
I listen to something every weekend that makes me laugh. I am a an avid NPR listener and on the weekend there is a show called "Wait Wait....Don't Tell Me". It's a quiz show with a panel of comedians and satirists based on the most popular and sometimes the strangest stories of the past week.
Here is a description from their website: "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up."
I often listen to it online here: Wait Wait. Even if you are not interested in the news it's hilarious stuff! Check it out if you have time. It's very funny!
Here is a description from their website: "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up."
I often listen to it online here: Wait Wait. Even if you are not interested in the news it's hilarious stuff! Check it out if you have time. It's very funny!
Thursday Thoughts On My Faith
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Yesterday was about faith in action for me. A good friend and neighbor of mine broke her leg on a bike ride a couple of weeks ago. It was a bad a break. She had to have surgery to help mend it. She has two boys ages 5 & 7 and the older one has mild autism like mine. Her husband works 12 hour shifts, often over night, as an EMT. She has no family here in town. It almost goes without saying that she was going to need some help.
I did help her out a little. I took her boys overnight when she broke her leg and went to the ER and then again when she went back to the hospital for her surgery. I have been helping by picking her kids up from school, but I had this nagging feeling I wasn't doing enough. I called her periodically and asked if I could do anything. She usually politely said no, she was fine. I kept thinking about what it would be like if I were in her place. I would need TONS of help but I would probably politely turn down anyone who asked. I would probably be embarrassed because my house would be a mess and I probably wouldn't be able to shower often. But I thought, I wouldn't think badly of someone who had just had surgery and had a messy house!
Yesterday morning she called to tell me I didn't need to take her older son to school because he had been throwing up all night. I knew that her husband had been on a shift overnight and asked her how on earth she dealt with that from her wheelchair. She just laughed it off and said once again that she was okay. After I got my kids to school I called her back. I said kindly, "Look here friend, you have GOT to need some help over there. So put some pants on, I'm coming over in about 20 minutes and I won't take no for an answer!" I could hear her smiling meekly and she said, "Okay."
But I struggled on my way over there. I don't like to clean. No, I hate to clean. I really hate it. And I figured what she probably needed most was help with her kitchen or bathroom and I LOATHE cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. I'm a dust and vacuum kinda girl. And then I realized that I've been avoiding going over there (forgive me "friend" if you are reading this) because I didn't want to do the work. I was being totally selfish. I kept making the excuse to myself that I was asking her if she needed help and she gave me the "out" I wanted by telling me "no thanks". BUT I KNEW SHE MUST NEED HELP! Wouldn't you, if you were in her situation???? This is very humbling for me to admit that I knew someone who needed help and I avoided helping her. I feel like Jonah on the way to Ninevah but hopefully I listened to the Holy Spirit's conviction soon enough and avoided being swallowed by the whale!
So I asked God's forgiveness and asked Him to help me, help her. And of course He did. When I got there I found out that she did need help, in a big way. I asked her what was "bugging" her the most in her house. Of course it was the kid's bathroom. I thought, "Oh man, I HATE cleaning bathrooms!" But guess what? I was just fine while cleaning it, "little boy pee-pee stink" and all. I really was okay and I enjoyed serving the Lord doing it. I found a true joy from serving! I did some other things, changed sheets, folded laundry and the time flew by. I was surprised to find myself disappointed when had to leave because Baby Girl needed her nap. I planned to go back today to help again. However, my boys spiked fevers and had sore throats last night so I couldn't go back today and I was bummed that I couldn't go! I wanted that joy again of serving God by serving one of His children. Of course I am serving Him today by serving my own children (who have strep throat, poor babies!) but I think in the future I will not be so quick to make excuses when I have an opportunity to serve outside my home. I found, once again, it is always the right thing to obey God and love others as we love ourselves.
Yesterday was about faith in action for me. A good friend and neighbor of mine broke her leg on a bike ride a couple of weeks ago. It was a bad a break. She had to have surgery to help mend it. She has two boys ages 5 & 7 and the older one has mild autism like mine. Her husband works 12 hour shifts, often over night, as an EMT. She has no family here in town. It almost goes without saying that she was going to need some help.
I did help her out a little. I took her boys overnight when she broke her leg and went to the ER and then again when she went back to the hospital for her surgery. I have been helping by picking her kids up from school, but I had this nagging feeling I wasn't doing enough. I called her periodically and asked if I could do anything. She usually politely said no, she was fine. I kept thinking about what it would be like if I were in her place. I would need TONS of help but I would probably politely turn down anyone who asked. I would probably be embarrassed because my house would be a mess and I probably wouldn't be able to shower often. But I thought, I wouldn't think badly of someone who had just had surgery and had a messy house!
Yesterday morning she called to tell me I didn't need to take her older son to school because he had been throwing up all night. I knew that her husband had been on a shift overnight and asked her how on earth she dealt with that from her wheelchair. She just laughed it off and said once again that she was okay. After I got my kids to school I called her back. I said kindly, "Look here friend, you have GOT to need some help over there. So put some pants on, I'm coming over in about 20 minutes and I won't take no for an answer!" I could hear her smiling meekly and she said, "Okay."
But I struggled on my way over there. I don't like to clean. No, I hate to clean. I really hate it. And I figured what she probably needed most was help with her kitchen or bathroom and I LOATHE cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. I'm a dust and vacuum kinda girl. And then I realized that I've been avoiding going over there (forgive me "friend" if you are reading this) because I didn't want to do the work. I was being totally selfish. I kept making the excuse to myself that I was asking her if she needed help and she gave me the "out" I wanted by telling me "no thanks". BUT I KNEW SHE MUST NEED HELP! Wouldn't you, if you were in her situation???? This is very humbling for me to admit that I knew someone who needed help and I avoided helping her. I feel like Jonah on the way to Ninevah but hopefully I listened to the Holy Spirit's conviction soon enough and avoided being swallowed by the whale!
So I asked God's forgiveness and asked Him to help me, help her. And of course He did. When I got there I found out that she did need help, in a big way. I asked her what was "bugging" her the most in her house. Of course it was the kid's bathroom. I thought, "Oh man, I HATE cleaning bathrooms!" But guess what? I was just fine while cleaning it, "little boy pee-pee stink" and all. I really was okay and I enjoyed serving the Lord doing it. I found a true joy from serving! I did some other things, changed sheets, folded laundry and the time flew by. I was surprised to find myself disappointed when had to leave because Baby Girl needed her nap. I planned to go back today to help again. However, my boys spiked fevers and had sore throats last night so I couldn't go back today and I was bummed that I couldn't go! I wanted that joy again of serving God by serving one of His children. Of course I am serving Him today by serving my own children (who have strep throat, poor babies!) but I think in the future I will not be so quick to make excuses when I have an opportunity to serve outside my home. I found, once again, it is always the right thing to obey God and love others as we love ourselves.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Today a Break from Our Regularly Scheduled Program
I know, I know my post today is supposed to be "Wednesdays At My House" where I talk about the organization of my house but, there really isn't anything to discuss on that front. I did organize my daughter's toys last week but that's about it. And I have something much more important on my mind.
April is Autism Awareness Month and Children of Destiny launched a prayer campaign today for children with autism called Turning the Tide. As a parent of a child with autism I can tell you it's a devastating diagnosis that makes everything in a family harder. Even though my son, Bear, is considered "high functioning" his autism is still a dark cloud over our family. I know that many parents with disabled children somehow find the silver lining in the disability and are even thankful that it's something God brought into their lives. I will be honest, I hate autism and I would do just about anything, that wasn't a sin, to heal my son. The day we received his diagnosis I felt like he had died. I struggle all the time to have a relationship with Bear through the autism he buried under. I cry for him because he is often swirling in confusion as the connections in his brain are so crossed sometimes. I see no silver lining in the autism cloud, it's the worst thing that has ever happened to our family. Have I been blunt enough? It's just plain awful.
That being said about my personal experience, it's not just happening to my family. Autism is a worldwide epidemic. This morning on "Good Morning America" I heard it reported that the UK is now reporting 1 in 60 children and 1 in 38 boys are being diagnosed with autism. I believe when they do another count here in the US our numbers will be close to that as well. It's just EVERYWHERE and nobody on this earth knows why. But I am confident our Heavenly Father knows why and how we can 1) help the kids effected by autism and 2) stop this condition from stealing our children. That is one of the reasons Children of Destiny exists, to encourage people to pray for those with autism and their families. I get a daily email on how to pray for Bear and today the email included information on Turning the Tide a month long prayer campaign for our kids and autism. If you feel led, please join us! We truly need God's help to fight this battle.
April is Autism Awareness Month and Children of Destiny launched a prayer campaign today for children with autism called Turning the Tide. As a parent of a child with autism I can tell you it's a devastating diagnosis that makes everything in a family harder. Even though my son, Bear, is considered "high functioning" his autism is still a dark cloud over our family. I know that many parents with disabled children somehow find the silver lining in the disability and are even thankful that it's something God brought into their lives. I will be honest, I hate autism and I would do just about anything, that wasn't a sin, to heal my son. The day we received his diagnosis I felt like he had died. I struggle all the time to have a relationship with Bear through the autism he buried under. I cry for him because he is often swirling in confusion as the connections in his brain are so crossed sometimes. I see no silver lining in the autism cloud, it's the worst thing that has ever happened to our family. Have I been blunt enough? It's just plain awful.
That being said about my personal experience, it's not just happening to my family. Autism is a worldwide epidemic. This morning on "Good Morning America" I heard it reported that the UK is now reporting 1 in 60 children and 1 in 38 boys are being diagnosed with autism. I believe when they do another count here in the US our numbers will be close to that as well. It's just EVERYWHERE and nobody on this earth knows why. But I am confident our Heavenly Father knows why and how we can 1) help the kids effected by autism and 2) stop this condition from stealing our children. That is one of the reasons Children of Destiny exists, to encourage people to pray for those with autism and their families. I get a daily email on how to pray for Bear and today the email included information on Turning the Tide a month long prayer campaign for our kids and autism. If you feel led, please join us! We truly need God's help to fight this battle.
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