Dec. 17, 2009 - A Christmas thought
Ok, I'm back for a post. My dear wife has told me, multiple times, that I need to get back to posting. I haven't for a variety of reasons, and I am fairly certain that most of the people who used to read this have disappered, but I do have a thought, so, here goes.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It is, hands down, my favorite time of year, and the older I get, the more I love it. There have been a few times this year I have been nearly moved to tears thinking about the fact that God, Sovereign, became Man, to save us from our sins. It is a truly joyous time of year, for believers. I don't want to minimize the pain that many feel this time of year (and that isn't even the point of this post), but even those who are lonely can take comfort in the One who never forsakes. Those who have lost loved ones can have peace in His Sovereignty. And those who are wrestling with death and illness can take comfort in the Eternal Life that He brings, if you are a believer.
On the other hand I have watched our society try to take Christ out of Christmas. Now it is Happy Holidays, Nativity scenes are gone, and children are suspended from school for acknowledging Christ. While I wish we, as a society, would acknowledge God, I am surprised that so many Christians are shocked by this. Christmas should not be a joyful time for a non-believer. Christmas means that God does exist, and so does sin. Christmas means that sin must be punished, and that punishment must be paid either by Christ on the cross, or by me through my suffering in Hell. Christmas means that hell is real, because if it wasn't real, Christ didn't have to come, and Christmas means that if I reject Christ, that's where I go. I don't mean to be harsh, but Christmas should not be pleasant for unbelievers, it should be a PAINFUL reminder that without Christ, they are LOST and destined for eternal destruction.
So, here's my point. I understand why our culture wants to take Christ out of Christmas. A baby in the manger means a just God in Heaven, and means unless He is my Lord (another whole post on what THAT means), I will be punished. If I wasn't a believer, I would want the Christ out of Christmas too. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, jingle bells, Rudolf, Frosty and Santa are much easier to deal with than my sin. So, I guess I am not surpised when those around my are offended by a baby in the manger, because the baby in the manger means the cross is coming and that truly is an offense to those who don't believe.
December 17, 2009 - Autism Night Before Christmas
Autism Night Before Christmas
by Cindy Waeltermann
“Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse
We tried melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract
The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my OWN head
Did I get the right gift
The right color
And style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile?
Our relatives come
But they don't understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands.
"He needs discipline," they say
"Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent…"
And on goes the attack
We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side
We know what it's like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions…
But what they don't know
And what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity
He said "hello"
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene!
He peed on the potty
Who cares if he's ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again!
Others don't realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on
At the end of our rope
But what they don't see
Is the joy we can't hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride
We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste,
But what they don't know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity.
We don't get excited
Over expensive things
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings
Children with autism
Try hard every day
That they make us proud
More than words can say.
They work even harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky
So to those who don't get it
Or can't get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I'll assure you
That even 10 minutes
Into the walk
You'll look at me
With respect, even shock.
You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you
That you won't say a thing
You'll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned……”
October 15, 2009 - Good-bye for now...and thanks
Klicka family:
Thank-you for all the blessings your family has been to me, my friends, and many I have never met.
Thank-you for your unwavering faith through all that comes your way.
Bye for now, Attorney Klicka. And again...Thanks for the life you gave.
Read Attorney Klicka's story: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisklicka/journal
HSLDA: http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/200910050.asp
September 30, 2009 - Thought for the day
(And possibly my 2010 New Year's Resolution):
"Retaining freedom always requires vigilance." -Spunky
September 28, 2009 - "Close to the brokenhearted"
This post is dedicated to:
The Halbfoerster family. Not mourning like those who have no hope....
The Klicka family. Thank-you for the life you've given to bless so many of us!
The Roman family. Still and continually praying...
What an intense Sunday this week...
May 23, 2009 - Especially Heather
Good post: http://especiallyheather.com/2009/05/21/lets-talk-about-ese-shall-we/
May 13, 2009 - Just some thoughts...
And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother...
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.
Mar. 17, 2009 - Taged-ed
Okie doke.... so here's a tag from YardenAlona2991. Enjoy....
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how old is you dad's oldest brother's oldest child? Uhhh... he doesn't have children. what did you get your oldest brother/sister for his/her birthday? A card.... and uhhhhh.... I don't remember. lol. did you brush your hair this morning? nopers when you open your eyes in the morning what do you see? The top bunk of my bed, I think. have you ever given to "Locks of Love"? Nope what size shoe do you wear? *cough*.... 12 what is the last letter in your middle name? y are you wairing any finger-nail polish? Uhhhhhh...... maybe.... lol. what 4 people will you tag? Theimmortals Gratitude Cowgirl123 loveinhim \m/ |
March 2, 2009 - Choice: It's a beautiful thing
Posted with permission from Spunky Homeschool.
Imagine with me, if you will, that you just bought a new home. You are so excited. The rooms are spacious, the neighborhood lovely, and the surrounding community is spectacular. The area is loaded with restaurants, museums, orchestras, and cultural opportunities galore. All to entertain and educate you and your children. You wander around your new dwelling staring at boxes and dreaming of the future.
Suddenly, your dream is interrupted by a knock at the door. Wondering who it is, you peek through the door. It's a face you don't recognize. You greet the stranger warmly. He, however, appears to be all business. "Are you Mrs. Jones the new homeowner?"
"Why, yes I am. Is there a problem? Did my dog get loose? Buster come back!" You yell out the door. "Oh, he loves to explore. Just like my children. That's why we bought this house, you know. There's so much to see and do. It's just wonderful. I can't wait to take them on Monday to the Chinese restaurant down the road. Have you been there?" You ramble on hoping to snag his interest and ease the tension in the air.
"No, I haven't and that's just what I'd like to talk to you about." He proceeds to explain that because you have purchased the home at 123 Maple you are only allowed to do certain things. You are only permitted to eat at one restaurant. - the Italian restaurant across the road. The only grocery store you can frequent is Jack's Pack N Save about 10 miles away. The only entertainment venue you can visit is the Starlight Theater that shows second run movies and hosts an Elvis week once a month. He also informs you that the foreign model car currently parked in your driveway is not permissible on county roads. But don't worry, there is a bus available to pick you up at a designated time if transportation is a problem.
"What do you mean?" You howl in protest. "I can't eat there. I"m allergic to tomatoes! In fact, I don't like any of those choices you have selected for me. Why should I have to eat, shop, and entertain my family at those selections simply because I bought this house? And I can't drive my car? That's ridiculous. It's down right unAmerican. Isn't there anything I can do about it?"
The man smiles slightly and replies, "Sure, you can go pay each of those businesses assigned to your address a fee. We have set up a seamless deduction system where the money is taken out of your pay each week. You won't even notice its gone. We have found that to be the best way to make sure that everyone's needs are taken care of equally. Then as long as your fees are paid up you are free to visit any other establishment you choose."
Outraged, you furiously attempt to refute his absurd suggestion, "If I pay those establishments I will have very little money left for my own choices. I can't afford both."
"Sorry, that's the way it is. Congratulations on your new home." He hands you a form to sign and leaves.
Questions: If we would never accept this in any other area of our life...why do we accept it in something as important as the education of our children?
Feb. 27, 2009 - Yo!
It appears I have yet again neglected posting on here. But just so I can get back in the posting "race" again I thought I'd just give an update, or at least something of the sort.
Actually... not a whole lot has really happened. My dad is still working 2 jobs all day long and it's looking like he'll lose the full-time one next month. Prayer would be very much appreciated. We've kinda been in this rough spot for a really long time now. I know God can do something totally awsome through this situation, and I'm pretty sure He will.... it would just kinda help of we knew how and when. lol. But everything is on His hands. Just as it always has been.
And I'm thinking about taking up guitar lessons again. I really want to get better and try and start up a band. Again. lolz. Tried once *laughs* ........ living nightmare. lolz! Maybe next time I should get some guys who can actually play their instruments and are also wanting to go God-glorifying direction.
Oh yeah! I'm going to a Basketball tournament tomorrow. Am I playing? Ha! Of course not. I stink at b-ball. It's a special Olympics game that I would normally help coach but they only allow 4 coaches to help with the tournament. So I'm just gonna be sitting on the sidelines. SHould be kinda fun though.
Welll............ thats really it. How I was able to work up 4 paragraphs I'll never know. lolz. But hey, If any of you peoples are on Facebook let me know! Catch ya'll lata.....
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