Posted in Homeschooling

For years I searched for a spelling program that would work for us & not bore us to tears (literally!). I would typically use workbooks for Storyman, which he didn't mind, but I didn't think they were helping him too much with the various rules & such which can be confusing.

I've been using All About Spelling with Butterfly for over a year now, & so far it has been just what we needed. I'm really happy with the program, & moreover, so is Butterfly.

The website (link below) gives a great deal of information including articles on strategies for teaching spelling, developing Phonemic Awareness, teaching spelling in your homeschool, among others. They also have a spelling newsletter one can sign up for, & a free report on the “20 Best Tips For Teaching Spelling”.

This program does not work by grade level, which is all the better for an older child struggling with spelling. There are four levels, and the website gives information about choosing the appropriate starting level for a child.

There are some necessary, & some just helpful, extra items such as letter tiles, tokens, phonogram cards & optional magnets, a phonogram audio CD-ROM, & spelling games. I hope to utilize the games more this year.

I am typically not crazy about lots of preparation in my homeschool, & there is quite a bit of cutting out of various cards. I have to admit it was very worth the bit of extra effort to get it going, because once that’s done it really is easy to just open up & go to each daily lesson.

All About Spelling is a great multisensory approach to learning spelling, & ideal for “wiggle worms” who have trouble focusing & staying on task (like my Butterfly). She loves to alphabetize the letter tiles. The lessons use them to build words & demonstrate rules. For example, step 5 in the Level One book is about choosing the correct vowel sound. I would pull down the letter tile “m”, put a blank letter tile next to it, & then next to that the letter tile “t”.

Since we had already been learning letter sounds, vowels & consonants, I would then talk about spelling the word “mat” & about what sound goes between “m” & “t”, & insert the letter tile “a” to complete the word. She would then get multiple practice at doing this herself, where I would bring down the letter tiles, say the word we want to spell, & she would replace the blank tile with the appropriate letter to make the word.

Here are some pictures demonstrating an early lesson in the Level One book:







There are also exercises where I give her words she builds herself using the letter tiles.

We did a lesson on “consonant teams”. There are letter tiles of consonant & vowel teams, (& many others) as well as headings to show the child more clearly what they’re learning. The vowels are in red, & the “y” tile comes in both blue & red because it can be used as both a consonant & a vowel. The “q” is “qu” because that is the correct pronunciation for reading & spelling purposes.

Below is an example of a lesson with the consonant team "ck", with the "c" & "k" being on a letter tile together:



Each lesson also includes dictation of words & phrases, which makes for good handwriting practice as well.

There are multiple cards included: word cards, which include all the words they will learn through dictation, key cards, sound cards, & phonogram cards. Each has a “future lessons”, “review”, & “mastered” card for organization of skills. If she is having trouble with a particular rule, sound, etc., I can put that card under “review” to remind me of what we need to practice.

 

It also comes with a progress chart & "Certificate of Achievement":



Butterfly & I have finished working through Level One. We’ve been working on reading & phonics as well, of course, & she’s improved so much in just a few months time. I feel this program really helped her reading skills improve; things began to “click” quicker & there has been a noticeable difference.

We’ve begun Level Two recently & I have Storyman sitting in on the lessons now. He’s already picking up things that have been missed throughout the years of using various popular spelling workbooks.

This is one program I can really say I’m very happy with & will continue to use consistently. I’ve been happy enough with this curriculum to become an affiliate, which means I really like it! It may not be for everyone, but the flexibility & variety of programs available is part of the beauty of homeschooling. For anyone struggling to find a good spelling program for your kiddos, this is worth a look.

Check it out here if you’d like, or click the graphic below. 

Posted in Christian

Here's one I needed to hear... maybe someone else does too.

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional

September 25, 2008

Fruit Comes Through Struggle

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
                                         --John 15:8

Last week Ken and I visited Tim, a friend from church, who grows several rare varieties of grapes on the hillside behind his house.  I was surprised that Tim had planted his vines along a steep and rocky portion of the hill.  "Why didn't you plant the vines at the base of the hill?" I asked him.  "The soil certainly looks a lot better-and there's more sun."

Tim smiled.  "There's a rule you need to remember when it comes to growing these special varieties of grapes," he said.  "When you feed them luxuriously with lots of nutrients and fertilizer, the vine produces a profuse bush of leaves and cane.  But the fruit it grows is sparse and very poor.  Oh make no mistake," he laughed.  "The plant loves lots of fertilizer.  But it invests all those nutrients into growing lush, dark, beautiful leaves.  And when the vine has finished doing that, it has very little energy left to produce fruit.  It certainly looks like a beautiful vine.  But that's it.  It just looks good." 

How, then, do you get good grapes?  As Tim explained it, you have to make sure the grapevine struggles!  You plant it in rocky, flinty soil, or you girdle the vine by wrapping wires around the cordons, forcing the plant to struggle as it tries to draw nutrients from its roots.  This causes the distressed vine to divert most all of its prized and hard-won nutrients into the fruit, instead of the leaves.  The result of these trials and tribulations is the sweetest fruit possible!

********
 
So... maybe the rocky soil and steep inclines in your life aren't so bad after all.  The trials and struggles, disappointments and setbacks you face, this "girdling" that presses you in from all sides... is a bruising of blessing.  And you won't bear a crop without it.

Lord, when this life is all over and I stand before you, I want you to find sweet fruit in my life... and not just leaves.

Blessings,
Joni and Friends 
 
Taken from Pearls of Great Price.  Copyright © 2006 by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Used by permission.  Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Posted in Christian

A very timely devotional from Joni today... just had to share.

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional

September 11, 2008

Terror Tactics

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
                                                                                          --Ephesians 6:16-17

Today is Patriot Day and I am reminded of the spiritual lessons I am learning from this war on terror.  Terrorism is a devilish kind of warfare.  A group like Al-Queda knows it could never stand toe-to-toe against a power like the United States because they would be outgunned, outmanned, and outmaneuvered.  So what does Al-Queda do?  They throw hand grenades here, take sniper shots there, and they hijack and hold hostage.  It's not conventional warfare.  They know they would lose if they ever went one-on-one against coalition forces.
 
Terrorism spreads fear and chips away at our resolve until we become demoralized.  When that happens, good people cave in.  We make appeasements, all in the name of being left alone.  Just leave us alone.  Go away!
 
The devil fights like that.  He knows he would lose if ever he went directly up against God.  He'd be outmaneuvered by the Almighty and he knows it.  So what does our adversary do?  He gets at God by needling us.  He takes potshots at our peace of heart, and fires off shots of discouragement or frustration.  He throws hand grenades into our joy and robs us of our confidence in the Lord.  The devil doesn't come out with guns blazing.  He pricks at us with fiery darts and spreads fear and terror, little by little, until we make appeasements.  We compromise our testimony - just sinning a little - hoping that the devil will quit bugging us and leave us alone.
 
 * * * * * * * *
 
Christians must remain focused against the devil.  His goal is to demoralize and defeat us by gorilla warfare.  Ephesians 6:16, however, gives great advice.  Christian, take faith!  The war has been won!  So please don't let the daily battle wear you down.  Terrorism must not win... and it won't!
 
Captain of the Lord's Army, I take my shield of faith and sword of the Spirit today.  Fit me for battle against the forces of darkness.  Be my victory, O Lord!

Blessings,
Joni and Friends
 

Posted in Ponderings

I've been quite discouraged lately by the constant challenges; seems like everytime I turn around there's something else difficult happening. If the Lord truly uses challenges in our lives to bring us closer to Him, then He must really want me at His feet 24/7.

Being tired isn't helping; been extra tired lately. It's almost constantly on my mind to eat better; I must be being convicted. I know I'd feel better, so why is it so tough? Seems ridiculous when I think about it.

I also get tired of being alone, sometimes, then (many) other times I think I actually prefer it. The latter one might be a bit more of a concern.

My home needs so much organizing. I cannot fathom how it will all get done. I think right now I'm in the fog, & can't see the clearing. All I see is everything & everyone needing/wanting my attention.

So how to get myself together in the middle of it all... baby steps, baby steps... maybe I'll get to that someday.

I'd trade all that for the children to get better. Three in particular are on my mind right now, although the others are never far behind.

We need His miracles here.

But then as I've read recently, no one is "entitled" to His healing, no one is "entitled" to an easier life, especially not Christians. He said we'd have trouble in the world. I guess that helps me look forward to eternity, & keep my mind focused on Him.

I do want that. I want my mind to stay focused on Him.

Can I do that without my children suffering? Only He knows for sure.

Maybe there's more work to be done on me first.

Posted in Ponderings

I wish my children weren't so challenged. I wonder why it is we're always struggling; there's always something to worry about.

Why are we so beseiged with problems & issues? I can't seem to do anything to ever help them, & sometimes things hurt more than help, so what's the point? But what future does that offer them?

How do I keep moving forward for them when it can end up taking us steps back??

I can't take another setback, with anyone.

I've been struggling with many fears lately, fears I hope are unfounded. 

I'm a mom watching my children struggle, & I can't seem to help.

Posted in Autism

I received a really nice email recently from a young man, D.J. Svoboda, who described himself as an "autistic artist". After a little background, he directed me to his website & to his first book & accompanying coloring books. He has created over 3,000 colorful & friendly characters! My interest was peaked, so I ordered the book & 2 of his coloring books.

Charmingly hand written & colorfully illustrated, D.J. Svoboda describes a young boy named Joshua who has autism. He is walking home from school, saddened by yet another day of being mistreated by his classmates due to his differences. Joshua feels "very hurt & bad inside". Joshua loves using his imagination, so on his way home alone, he steps into a whole different, wonderful world called "Imagiville". There are some "very special loving people" there called "The Imagifriends".

This is a world of "joy" & "kindness", where "anything is possible". The Imagifriends greet him warmly & happily, & offer him nice treats such as a  "juicy dapple fapple". Most of all they remind Joshua he is loved & very special.

Joshua feels better & better but the sadness of his day still lingers as he walks & interacts with these friendly creatures. The Imagifriends continually reassure Joshua that he is very loved, that he should ignore hurtful things that are said to him, & that "the autistic & the handicapped are special too". They reassure him that they & many others really love him, but the big change in Joshua comes when he is told how much "God & Jesus" love him so very much.

All of a sudden Joshua can smile & his heart is lighter. He is encouraged by this truth of how God loves people who are autistic. In the end the author reassures his readership that they are very, very loved, just the way they are.

His closing verse is Psalm 139:14 - I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

This is such a touching book. Having autistic children, both higher & lower functioning, made me appreciate this book as their mother so much. Granted, as homeschoolers,  they are not exposed to the cruelty of the classroom, although we've had a taste of what we're missing (which makes me thankful we're missing it). But they have to go out in the world, a world that is very often cruel to anyone who is different.

I'm reassured that this talented artist has faith, & knows the Lord. I wrote to thank him for contacting me, as he & his mom found me in my little corner of the web here, & I'm so glad they did! I asked if I could share his testimony, & he was more than willing. Here is what he wrote:

"I found The Lord years ago when I was a young boy, I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. During that time growing up with Autism was very tough in early life. There were times in School when I was made fun of and was treated mean. When I started middle School I used to do a lot of doodling and sketching, but when I started High School I decided it was time to get serious, I did a lot of drawing and in 2001 is when The Imagifriends had their very first website and when they were born which is October 19, 2001. I felt that The Lord wanted me to be a artist to help all those with Autism and Disabilities and to help them know how very special they are and can make a great difference in the world. The Lord loves them all very much just as The Lord loves everyone too. The Imagifriends teach about acceptance and many other great things, one other big thing that they teach is that as long as someone has a very good heart it never matters what he or she looks like. The Imagifriends care about everyone and always do great things to help many others, as well as those with Autism."

His book is a great reminder to look past the superficial. The Lord wants a pure heart. He knows & sees all. So many children grow up like this author, being mistreated for something they cannot control. I pray they all find His saving grace & feel His love in their lives, no matter what is going on around them here in this world.

Do visit his website here.
Watch a video about D.J. Svoboda here.
To purchase his books go here.

Posted in Christian

It's probably a combination of poor eating habits at the moment, along with the homeopathy I handle to help my kiddos, but I've been very fatigued lately. I have a lot of signs of detox, which other parents have said can happen with handling this stuff; hope it's for the best in the long run as I could use it too!

I had a big lull in homeschooling, & have been working at getting it back together again the past few days. I still have decisions to make & tweaking to do; there's always something I end up changing. I wish there was that perfect program but I've come to find there just is no such thing!

There is still a lot sliding. There are many things to be sorted through, organized & put away or given away etc. I'm trying to be patient with these things; it can't all get done at once. There are periods of time where I just can't wrap my mind around getting a certain task done; it feels like there's so much in front of me to be done I become paralized & can't do anything. Then all of a sudden things will start to click & He'll give me the strength to get up & get going again. I'm getting into that mode again now, slowly.

It really is true that taking one's eyes off Jesus makes one sink, just like Peter on the water (then in the water!). Even if it's just baby steps, I have to remember to watch Him, imagine His hand reaching out to me & then me realizing so I take hold of Him in order to walk forward...

Thank you Jesus, please lift me up & keep me going!

Posted in Health

I've been trying to clean up my diet, since due to the twins' birthday I kind of got off track with the sugar stuff. There is a difference in my reactions to various foods with sugar, I've noticed. Even though I do better off sugar completely (except for maybe honey or xylitol), there are certain foods that have a much worse effect on me than others. Unfortunately I had been having some of those foods & really took a nosedive physically.

I was already not doing so great, so that was not needed! Lots of aches & pains lately have been pushing me to get those vitamins in, especially to be more diligent with the D3 liquid. I should probably get back on the tumeric as well, to help with the inflammation. Lately I've had a wierd pain/issue with my one ankle & calf; almost feels like it may be a tendon or something but I'm not sure. I've been trying to ignore it, but today had a knee injury (story here), so now i may have to get some attention for those issues.

I feel like I'm falling apart & need to be put back together!

Posted in Christian

Being an only follower of Jesus among unbelievers can provide ample opportunity to show His love to the world. However, being a totally fallible human being, dealing with those who don't hold the same morals & values on a constant basis can push one over the edge at times.

Let your light shine, as the song goes. Shine His light unto the world. But what happens if my light goes out?

Being overwhelmed at times can bring about crankiness from fatigue, both physical & mental. Not getting personal "recharge" time doesn't help either. Impatience sets in, & a total intolerance for others' lapses. Reacting, rather than holding back, begins to happen; snapping back instead of holding the tongue just makes things worse. Mostly, the tone of life is completely up to me. It's only through Christ that can be done; I have no strength to keep up.

No one is perfect. Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven, right? So I suppose the first step is asking forgiveness. Then giving it back to others, whether they ask or not.

Then moving on, forgetting those things past. People are so quick to remember faults & bad moments. They so want to remember you a certain way; to put you in a box you cannot get out of, when you know deep inside & out that you are a new creation in Christ. At least He allows me to get up, start anew & continue on, forgiven.

Posted in Ponderings

I don't do parties for my kids to be "supermom". I'm no where near anything like that. So many things had to slide to even get it done. I happen to like planning those things, even though it's not so much fun in the end, for me, I do enjoy watching the kiddos have fun with it all. We have so little in our life that is "normal". For others a birthday party is no big deal. For us, it's a rare, "normal" kind of fun.

I'm not always down about not being able to do normal things. A lot of normal things are not necessarily good. There are worldly things that in the end, the kiddos are probably better off not being involved in (& many of them are labeled "Christian"). In fact very often when I do get down I get a nudging reminder not to love the things of this world.

Autism, remedies, supplements, babies, homeschooling, etc; it's not something I keep up with easily. Something is always sliding. I'm definitely always sliding. If I slide too much, other important things slide too; that's what's been happening lately.

I'm finding the coming new year of homeschooling to be daunting, honestly. I don't enjoy it a whole lot, from feeling a bit too stretched. Some of this may be choices in programs. What I've thought of as a more ideal way of learning is not necessarily going to be what is reasonable for me to implement. I'm rethinking what to do for Storyman before ordering. His work has to become much more independent, therefore necessitating more workbooks. Butterfly still needs more hands on at her age & stage; the others need me totally. Thankfully he really doesn't mind; I think I mind more. Providing interesting & educational reading material keeps him motivated; he loves to read. Somehow, we also need to have more fun together on a daily basis, which for us means re-thinking everyday things that can be "fun".

Posted in Ponderings

Not mine. My birthday came & went as of May, & I pretty much dismissed it as most others did as well. (Something about turning 40 I guess...).

I just got through having a first birthday party for my little Ladybugs (story & details here). I spent a lot of time & effort on making it nice, having everything match a theme, & in particular wanting it to be personal to my babies. I know they won't remember, but I will. I can also show them pictures someday, Lord willing; my kiddos usually enjoy seeing themselves as babies & what was done for them.

I guess it shouldn't matter to me whether or not the effort is appreciated by anyone else, but sometimes it does. They are my babies, not anyone else's, so why would they care about all the personal details & loving thought put into it? Well, there are a few who should have but didn't, but that's another story not for here.

I often wonder, now that their "first" is over, whether or not I should bother doing these things anymore. The folks invited, for the most part, are ones that I most likely would not see if I didn't actually have a party for a few children a few times a year. What relationship is that? Even if technically "family", that is not a relationship; that is nothing. And unfortunately there are those I really must keep my distance from, for sad but necessary reasons. Oddly, I also feel I have to do these things for them specifically, because then I can have a group together, because even though small, there's more "safety in numbers".

We really don't have folks in our lives on a consistent basis who truly care, who are here because they want to be, who would come back without a formal invitation, who care about our situation & our struggles enough to ask & really try to understand, etc. Being the only believer in my entire family, & being isolated from other believers for the most part (except online) because of my situation, is also terribly difficult.

I've gotten quite a few messages in recent months regarding such situations; deep valleys & such. It seems it can be a way for the Lord to draw us closer to Him. I've had this situation for years, but it's true that & other particulars of my life really show me He's the only one I truly have, & the only one I can ever truly have to rely on. He's been doing a lot of "weeding" in my life, & it's all for the best.

I suppose this post is a bit whiny, for which I apologize. I don't share a lot of the "internal struggles" with anyone, but I haven't been eating right so I'm not feeling well & needed to write it out I guess. It's just tough when I see others going through darker times getting the help they need, love & support throughout; even though things are still difficult as it's still their trial, they are not alone in this world; there's even just that one person they can confide in, get Godly advice etc, & for that I become covetous... I'm sorry for that; it's just something I tend to struggle with.

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