Posted in Autism Prayers

This from Children of Destiny ...

A BIG THANK YOU!

We at Children of Destiny want to thank you for participating in the Turning the Tide prayer thrust throughout the month of April.  It was a great success! We would love to have your input.  If you have a testimony of how the Lord answered prayer during April, please let us know.  Also, if you have any other comments or suggestions for future prayer thrusts, we welcome them!  Simply reply to this email, or send one to prayer@childrenofdestiny.org.

FIRST FRIDAY FAST

Children of Destiny is once again partnering with Paulette Britton in fasting efforts.  Paulette, who coordinated the World Day of Prayer and Fasting this past April 23rd, is now coordinating a First Friday Fast, which is a day of prayer and fasting regarding autism to take place the first Friday of each month (a list of the dates for 2008 are below).  We at Children of Destiny will be sending out a special reminder, prayer, teaching , and/or tips in the week before the first fast to all who sign up for the First Friday Fast email list.  This special edition email will begin for June, and will be sent out only to those who sign up. If you are interested in participating in the First Friday Fast, or want to receive the monthly email free of charge or obligation, visit our website and click on “Manage My Subscriptions.”

MAY 2ND (no Children of Destiny email will be available for May)
JUNE 6TH
JULY 4TH
AUGUST 1ST
SEPTEMBER 5TH
OCTOBER 3RD
NOVEMBER 7TH
DECEMBER 5TH

To visit Paulette Britton’s website for further information, please visit www.asdprayandfast.com and click on the “Monthly Fasting” option.

Once again, thank you so much for all your participation in April!

Blessings,
Jack and Rebecca Sytsema

Posted in Autism Prayers

There's no doubt for me as a Christian that prayer works; I've seen it many times personally & heard about it countlessly. Thanks to all who prayed for the autism community this month of April, & bless you!

If you'd like to continue to pray go to Children of Destiny to sign up for free daily prayer emails. They will send you a prayer specifically for your own family, & in case you're not affected personally but know someone who is, there is another prayer specifically for others you may know.

Day 30 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Praising God! The Tide Will Turn!

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
(2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV)

“What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.”
(Isaiah 46:11, NIV)

Praise God that He will fulfill every one of His promises, and that we will live to see Him turn the tide of autism for good.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 29 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Children of Destiny

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

“but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are-high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean-nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.”
(Romans 8:37-39, TLB)

Pray that those struggling with autism would know who they are in Christ despite their current challenges.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 28 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Wisdom for Practitioners

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
(Proverbs 24:3-4, NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
(James 1:5, NIV)

Pray that practitioners who treat persons with autism would have great wisdom,  understanding, and creativity.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 27 From Children of Destiny autism prayers: God's Hope For The Future

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
(Jeremiah 29:11-12, NIV)

“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
(Hebrews 10:23, NLT)

Give praise to God for His wonderful promises of hope for the future.  Thank Him that he will do all He has promised!

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 26 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Advocacy in Places of Power

“A king's rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”
(Proverbs 19:12, NIV)

“Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel”
(Daniel 1:9, NIV)

Pray for God’s favor on those who are voices for the autism community and that they would be heard in places of power.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 25 Children of Destiny autism prayers: Schools & Administrators

“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:14, NLT)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
(Matthew 5:7, NIV)

Pray that those who make decisions about school programs and placements would truly be led by the Lord.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 24 Children of Destiny autism prayers: Wisdom & Provision

"If you need wisdom — if you want to know what God wants you to do — ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.”
(James 1:5-8, NLT)

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.”
(Ps 1:3, NLT)

Pray for God’s wisdom and His provision to be flowing in the lives of families who are affected by autism.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Christian

Today is fasting to turn the tide for autism. But what if one has a medical condition to prevent fasting, or is pregnant, or perhaps nursing a baby (or babies!)?

Have a favorite food you can give up? How about coffee or other caffeine products? TV, videos, electronic games of some sort, etc?

Or how about the computer? (I think that's for the more "advanced" among us...).

Check here for more info on fasting for autism.

"When you fast do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:16-18, NIV)

Looking for a great devotional? Joni Eareckson Tada has a wonderful devotional that you can sign up for daily through her website Joni & Friends. Her devotionals have really been a blessing, & I think most are very appropriate & helpful for those of us raising special needs children.

I'll post today's here as an example. Many of us with autistic children struggle with envy toward others with "NT" children. It can be especially difficult for Christian parents. Her devotional today touches the heart of that matter, & puts things in proper perspective. I hope it's a blessing to someone today.

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
April 23, 2008

A Lesson from a Sprig

"Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." 
Psalm 73: 1-3

It's a fact that those who don't believe often possess polished reputations and shining health.  Their children graduate from Stanford University, and the Chamber of Commerce bestows on them community-service awards.  They may even nod approvingly at your religious beliefs.  From all appearances, few Christians seem to measure up to these pillars of the community.
 
For perspective, note this excellent expression by St. Augustine: "It is better to be the meanest number of the body than to be the highest and most important member and cut off from the body; it is better to be a little sprig in the tree joined to the root than to be an arm cut off from the root." *[1]
 
Augustine was right.  When a great arm of a tree is cut off, it may be thick and lush with green leaves, but the little sprig on the tree is in a much better condition because it is joined to the tree.  The other will wither and die in a short time.  So it is with people of the world whom we envy.  They are like great boughs cut off from the tree, for although they have talents and riches, they have no union with God.
 
Please don't envy those who seem to have it better.  You may live in a poor condition, you may lack riches, but you are joined to the Root of Jesse, the Vine, the Branch of the Lord.
 
Prayer:
"God, please save the wicked!  And save me from envying as I pray for them with compassion and empathy."

Blessings,
Joni and Friends

[1]* Burroughs, Jeremiah, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, The Banner of Truth Trust, Pennsylvania, 1992, p. 196.

Taken from Diamonds in the Dust.  Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Used by permission.  Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 23 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Fasting to Turn the Tide

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
(Isaiah 58:6, NIV)

“Declare a holy fast ; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”
(Joel 1:14, NIV)

Fasting is a powerful tool of prayer. Consider fasting in some way today as you pray that the tide will turn and autism end.

* For more information on fasting and the World Day of Prayer and Fasting for Autism Spectrum Disorder, please visit ASDPrayandFast.com.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 22 from Children of Destiny autism prayers: Proper Care No Matter Where

“He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.”
(Psalm 121:6-8, TLB)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
(Isaiah 43:2, NIV)

Ask God to ensure that in every setting these children enter they may have “proper care, no matter where.”

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 21 Children of Destiny autism prayers: Vaccine Injury & Autism

“‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the LORD. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’”
(Psalm 12:5, NIV)

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32, NIV)

Pray that the complete truth about the role of vaccines in autism will be fully exposed and definitive to all.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Please see this entry regarding today's prayer topic, & please do read the comments...

Day 20 from Children of Destiny Autism Prayers: Understanding Among Believers

“Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.”
(Luke 6:36, TLB)

“My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.”
(1 John 3:18, NCV)

Pray that fellow Christian believers will seek to both understand and reach out to families struggling with autism.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 19 Children of Destiny autism prayers: Government Agencies

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
(1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV)

"Do not pass along untrue reports. Do not cooperate with an evil man by affirming on the witness stand something you know is false.”
(Exodus 23:1, TLB)

Pray that godly people of integrity will come into power in government agencies in order to bring justice and truth.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

From Children of Destiny Day 18 Autism Prayers: Funding for Education

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”
(Psalm 41:1-3, NIV)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
(Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

Pray that those who make funding decisions will have the mind of God as they seek to allocate funds for special education.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Many people with autistic children go it alone, which as we know is very difficult at times, but with the Lord's help & many sacrifices, can be done. Most families find out who is for real, & who is not, when autism hits. In this way, it can actually be a blessing. I look at it this way, it's a good thing to get rid of the "weeds" in one's life.

From Children of Destiny Day 17 Autism Prayers: Family & Friends

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
(Proverbs 17:17, NIV)

“these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family”
(1 Timothy 5:4, NIV)

Pray that family members and friends would be touched by the many needs and offer help and support as they are able.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

From Children of Destiny Day 16: Fighting to Turn the Tide

“We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds.  With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6, NLT)

“With God's help we shall do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.”
(Psalm 60:12, TLB)

Pray that God’s people would rise up in prayer over autism in order to see the tide turned and afflicted people set free.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Ponderings

We were sick last week, & I happened to catch it this time. When I'm sick my appetite & sugar cravings typically go way down, & that's what happened. I can tell I'm feeling better though, because I was very hungry today. The babies are nursing a lot still, & I think that again, I need to drink more water. I'm often just so thirsty, especially with my bad throat right now. But now that I've kind of broken down the bad sugar cravings, I hope to keep them under control. I hope!

I also have to remember to take my vitamins... I'm still having little aches & pains here & there; signs of inflammation. I think if I gave up wheat that may help; it has in past.

My Bible readings are more consistent than they were, but I've missed 3 days of the challenge. I remember & pick it back up again, so I'm glad about the challenge, because it's kept me going. I don't get much, if any, quiet time. I've started taking my laptop to bed, & sometimes I can get an hour or two of things done while it's more quiet. Tonight I got my reading in that way. I'm still thinking of adding in more of a study, along with my daily reading through the Bible schedule (maybe that's a bit ambitious). Either way, the daily readings & daily prayers are very strengthening.

I love Children of Destiny (can you tell?). I have been on their email list for a while now, & the daily prayers addressing all of our different needs, some that don't even occur to me to pray for, have been a huge blessing. This keeps me in daily prayer specifically for my two severe kiddos. The Autism Awareness Month prayers have been a blessing as well, & I'm happy to be posting them daily on this blog & my main blog, I Can Do All Things...Phi 4:13. It's awesome to know there may be lots more people out there praying, not just for all the children, but the whole situation, which I feel is really a huge spiritual battle needing this tremendous prayer thrust.

Posted in Autism Prayers

We strive to help our children all we can, but we don't know what the future holds for them. We won't always be here for them, & if they can't take care of themselves, who will care for them? There are enough heartbreaking stories of abuse & death of autistics in the hands of those who are supposed to be caring for them when the parents cannot. As parents of growing autistic children, we live with those concerns & fears everyday...

From Children of Destiny Day 15 Autism Prayers: God's Safety & Protection

“For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail.”
(Psalm 91:11-13, TLB)

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV)

Pray that the Lord would set a special wall of protection and safety around these vulnerable children and adults.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)

Posted in Autism Prayers

Day 14 Autism prayers from Children of Destiny: Insurance & Finances

For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.”
(Proverbs 8:35, NIV)

“And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.”
(Philippians 4:19, TLB)

Pray that autism families will have favor with insurance companies and that the Lord will provide needed finances.

(Click here to see today's Daily Prayer extended version)