Apr 21, 2009
Daily Devotional
Every week I receive a daily devotional from Moments for Moms. This week's devotional is something I think many people need to read so I am posting it here.
April 21, 2009
Volume 4, Number 16
This e-newsletter you requested from the National Women's Department, brings wisdom and insight to moms with children of all ages.
God’s Perfect Plan
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10–14
This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile" (NIV).
Mom’s Reflection
In this passage we see the Lord’s reassurance to His people. Yes, they were going to go through captivity, but God wanted them to know that He would hear their prayers. He wanted them to know that, despite difficult circumstances and all appearances to the contrary, He still had a great plan for their lives.
We all need reassurance at times, don’t we? Whether we’re going through a long-term challenge or a short-term frustration, there is a tremendous comfort in knowing God has a bigger plan—and a good plan—in mind. I’m sure the Israelites were thinking that seventy years in captivity was not a good plan, but God reassured them that He would give them a future and a hope. He let them know He intended to restore their fortunes and bring them back to their own land.
We have the same assurance. Not only does God have a plan for us, but it’s a good plan. What’s more, God promises to listen to our prayers. When we seek Him, we will find Him. What a powerful message for us and for our families!
My Prayer
“Powerful God, I praise You because You have a good plan for my life. I praise You because You are able to carry out that plan in Your time and in Your way. I trust Your love for me. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for the way You work in my life far beyond what I can see. Help me to continue to seek You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
This week I’m praying for: ____________________
My Choices
This week I will choose to rejoice in the fact that God has a plan for my life.
This week I will choose to rejoice in the fact that God has a plan for my children’s lives.
This week I will choose to rest in the fact that God’s plan is a good plan.
This week I will choose to: ____________________
For Further Reading: Jeremiah 29–31
Nothing whatever surprises God; all things that happen are absolutely certain from all eternity because they are all embraced in God’s plan.
―J. Gresham Machen
O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand.
―William Penn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reprinted from The Power of a Positive Mom Devotional and Journal by Karol Ladd, Howard Publishing Co., Inc., ©2006.
April 21, 2009
Volume 4, Number 16
This e-newsletter you requested from the National Women's Department, brings wisdom and insight to moms with children of all ages.
God’s Perfect Plan
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10–14
This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile" (NIV).
Mom’s Reflection
In this passage we see the Lord’s reassurance to His people. Yes, they were going to go through captivity, but God wanted them to know that He would hear their prayers. He wanted them to know that, despite difficult circumstances and all appearances to the contrary, He still had a great plan for their lives.
We all need reassurance at times, don’t we? Whether we’re going through a long-term challenge or a short-term frustration, there is a tremendous comfort in knowing God has a bigger plan—and a good plan—in mind. I’m sure the Israelites were thinking that seventy years in captivity was not a good plan, but God reassured them that He would give them a future and a hope. He let them know He intended to restore their fortunes and bring them back to their own land.
We have the same assurance. Not only does God have a plan for us, but it’s a good plan. What’s more, God promises to listen to our prayers. When we seek Him, we will find Him. What a powerful message for us and for our families!
My Prayer
“Powerful God, I praise You because You have a good plan for my life. I praise You because You are able to carry out that plan in Your time and in Your way. I trust Your love for me. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for the way You work in my life far beyond what I can see. Help me to continue to seek You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
This week I’m praying for: ____________________
My Choices
This week I will choose to rejoice in the fact that God has a plan for my life.
This week I will choose to rejoice in the fact that God has a plan for my children’s lives.
This week I will choose to rest in the fact that God’s plan is a good plan.
This week I will choose to: ____________________
For Further Reading: Jeremiah 29–31
Nothing whatever surprises God; all things that happen are absolutely certain from all eternity because they are all embraced in God’s plan.
―J. Gresham Machen
O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand.
―William Penn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reprinted from The Power of a Positive Mom Devotional and Journal by Karol Ladd, Howard Publishing Co., Inc., ©2006.
Marriage...
Way To Go Ms California!
I just have to say I do agree on this subject...marriage is between a man and a woman period!
I just have to say I do agree on this subject...marriage is between a man and a woman period!
Apr 20, 2009
Something fun with a good point!
I received this in an email today. Thought it was cute and had some really good points to it so I thought I would share it. I have NO idea who wrote it but its good stuff!
Rules from God for 2009
1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!...
To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!...
For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!...
Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
Rules from God for 2009
1. Wake Up !!
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!...
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!...
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!...
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
Apr 16, 2009
Sensory Processing Disorder/Autism
Today on the Today Show on NBC they did a segment dealing with Autism and sensory integration. Kris deal's with both issues but when he was younger all we knew was sensory issues. Sensory issues is a real problem even now for Kris. Just last night he was on noise overload. The tic toc of the clock, the typing on the keyboard, the swirl of the fan, the humm of the fridge was throwing him into tantrums and it took us 45 minutes to call him down. Those sounds specifically were bothering him let alone the noise his siblings were making. The segment was very well done and very cool...go check this out! click on ---> VIDEO
Apr 12, 2009
Autism screening tops Obama's medical to-do list
Autism screening tops Obama's medical to-do list
Nancy Shute U.S. News & World Report
Autism is the only disorder or disease mentioned explicitly in Obama's 24-point agenda on Whitehouse.gov . Heart disease and cancer don't get the call. Neither does diabetes, or other chronic diseases.
But there are four hefty bullet points addressing autism. Obama called for:
1. Increased funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services for autism spectrum disorders.
2. "Life-long services" for people with autism spectrum disorders, as children and as adults. Many parents struggle to find and pay for screening and treatments for their children, but there is even less coverage and capacity for adults with autism-based impairments.
3. More funding for the 2006 Combating Autism Act, as well as improving state and federal autism programs.
4. Universal screening for all infants for autism disorders, as well as re-screening for all 2-year-olds. This is the biggie; children are currently screened only if parents or pediatricians voice a concern, so too many children aren't diagnosed until they enter elementary school. The earlier treatment starts, the more effective it is, and a national screening program would help reduce the number of kids falling through the cracks. It would also be a huge undertaking, at a time when both government and privately insured health care is foundering.
That second bullet point would be a huge help for families who are struggling to provide care. In a recent survey, 52 percent of parents of children with autism said their family finances were drained by treatment and care, compared to 13 percent of typical families.
The 2006 Combating Autism act promised almost $1 billion over five years for autism research and development, but Congress hadn't appropriated $200 million per year, even before the economy hit the skids. The Obama manifesto gives a big fat hint that for autism, at least, the hard times cited in the new president's inaugural address won't mean big cuts in funding.
Still, universal screening for autism will be a huge challenge. There's no blood test that can be used to diagnose autism, as there is for hereditary diseases like galactosemia and sickle cell, which are screened for using a heel stick while a newborn is still in the hospital. With autism, parents and doctors instead need to observe a child and look for delays in language, social interactions, and gross motor skills.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pediatricians screen children during well-baby visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. But many doctors don't get around to doing those screens, and until very recently the recommended tests weren't sensitive enough to pick up mild autism spectrum disorders. Early screening for autism is a terrific idea. Making it happen will be a tall order, even for the can-do Obama team.
(c) 2009 U.S. News & World Report
Copyright © 2009, Tribune Interactive
Nancy Shute U.S. News & World Report
Autism is the only disorder or disease mentioned explicitly in Obama's 24-point agenda on Whitehouse.gov . Heart disease and cancer don't get the call. Neither does diabetes, or other chronic diseases.
But there are four hefty bullet points addressing autism. Obama called for:
1. Increased funding for research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services for autism spectrum disorders.
2. "Life-long services" for people with autism spectrum disorders, as children and as adults. Many parents struggle to find and pay for screening and treatments for their children, but there is even less coverage and capacity for adults with autism-based impairments.
3. More funding for the 2006 Combating Autism Act, as well as improving state and federal autism programs.
4. Universal screening for all infants for autism disorders, as well as re-screening for all 2-year-olds. This is the biggie; children are currently screened only if parents or pediatricians voice a concern, so too many children aren't diagnosed until they enter elementary school. The earlier treatment starts, the more effective it is, and a national screening program would help reduce the number of kids falling through the cracks. It would also be a huge undertaking, at a time when both government and privately insured health care is foundering.
That second bullet point would be a huge help for families who are struggling to provide care. In a recent survey, 52 percent of parents of children with autism said their family finances were drained by treatment and care, compared to 13 percent of typical families.
The 2006 Combating Autism act promised almost $1 billion over five years for autism research and development, but Congress hadn't appropriated $200 million per year, even before the economy hit the skids. The Obama manifesto gives a big fat hint that for autism, at least, the hard times cited in the new president's inaugural address won't mean big cuts in funding.
Still, universal screening for autism will be a huge challenge. There's no blood test that can be used to diagnose autism, as there is for hereditary diseases like galactosemia and sickle cell, which are screened for using a heel stick while a newborn is still in the hospital. With autism, parents and doctors instead need to observe a child and look for delays in language, social interactions, and gross motor skills.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pediatricians screen children during well-baby visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. But many doctors don't get around to doing those screens, and until very recently the recommended tests weren't sensitive enough to pick up mild autism spectrum disorders. Early screening for autism is a terrific idea. Making it happen will be a tall order, even for the can-do Obama team.
(c) 2009 U.S. News & World Report
Copyright © 2009, Tribune Interactive
Apr 11, 2009
Apr 10, 2009
Apr 9, 2009
Apr 8, 2009
Apr 7, 2009
Apr 6, 2009
Apr 5, 2009
Izzy's Puppies
The puppies are 5 weeks old now and next week we will be finding homes for them. THis is the picture collage I created to advertize them. PLEASE PRAY we find homes for them soon. All though we love them dearly and do not want to part with any of them, we can not continue to afford to keep 9 dogs! Thanks everyone!
Apr 4, 2009
Apr 2, 2009
Apr 1, 2009
Florida Teacher Who Held Vote to Kick Autistic Child Out of Class Loses Reinstatement Bid
Florida Teacher Who Held Vote to Kick Autistic Child Out of Class Loses Reinstatement Bid
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Associated Press
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A kindergarten teacher who held a vote to kick a 5-year-old autistic student from the classroom lost her appeal for reinstatement.
An administrative law judge Tuesday upheld the St. Lucie School Board's decision to suspend Wendy Portillo for a year without pay and remove her tenure.
• Click here for a video.
The school district determined that Portillo violated the state's code of ethics for teachers and school board rules in May 2008 when she allegedly asked the class to vote whether the boy should stay in the classroom. The student, who was in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, had been referred twice to the principal for discipline problems.
He lost the vote 14-to-2.
Hundreds of parents of autistic children signed an online petition to get Portillo fired for her alleged tactics that mirrored the reality show “Survivor.”
The boy's mother, Melissa Barton, claimed her son was punished for symptoms of his disability, such as humming and eating his homework. He didn't return to school after the incident and told his mother he felt sad about it.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Associated Press
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A kindergarten teacher who held a vote to kick a 5-year-old autistic student from the classroom lost her appeal for reinstatement.
An administrative law judge Tuesday upheld the St. Lucie School Board's decision to suspend Wendy Portillo for a year without pay and remove her tenure.
• Click here for a video.
The school district determined that Portillo violated the state's code of ethics for teachers and school board rules in May 2008 when she allegedly asked the class to vote whether the boy should stay in the classroom. The student, who was in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, had been referred twice to the principal for discipline problems.
He lost the vote 14-to-2.
Hundreds of parents of autistic children signed an online petition to get Portillo fired for her alleged tactics that mirrored the reality show “Survivor.”
The boy's mother, Melissa Barton, claimed her son was punished for symptoms of his disability, such as humming and eating his homework. He didn't return to school after the incident and told his mother he felt sad about it.
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