Monday, December 15, 2014

Healing Scriptures

These are some great scriptures to stand on when believing for healing!


  • Exodus 15:26: If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

  • Exodus 23:25-26: And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.

  • Deuteronomy 7:14-15: Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

  • Deuteronomy 30:19-20: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

  • 1 Kings 8:56: Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

  • Psalm 91:9-10, 14-16: Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

  • Psalm 103:1-5: Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

  • Psalm 107:17, 19-21: Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Psalm 118:17: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

  • Proverbs 4:20-24: My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

  • Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Isaiah 53:4-5: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • Jeremiah 1:12: Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

  • Jeremiah 17:14: Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

  • Jeremiah 30:17: For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord.

  • Joel 3:10: Beat your ploughshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

  • Nahum 1:9: What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

  • Matthew 8:2-3: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

  • Matthew 8:16-17: When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

  • Matthew 15:30-31: And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

  • Matthew 18:18-19: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 21:21-22: Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

  • Mark 9:23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

  • Mark 10:27: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

  • Mark 11:22-24: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

  • Mark 16:14-18: Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

  • Luke 6:19: And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

  • Luke 9:2: And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

  • Luke 13:16: And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

  • Acts 5:16: There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

  • Acts 10:38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • Romans 4:16-21: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

  • Romans 8:2, 11: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:18: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

  • Galatians 3:13-14, 29: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Ephesians 6:10-17: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

  • Philippians 2:13: [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

  • Philippians 4:6-9: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  • Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

  • Hebrews 10:35-36: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

  • Hebrews 11:11: Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

  • Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.

  • James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • James 5:14-16: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • 1 Peter 2:24: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • 1 John 3:21-22: Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

  • 1 John 5:14-15: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

  • 3 John 2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

At the Movies and Other Updates

I am terrible about blogging here lately. I feel like I never know what to write about. Pretty much the only things I  write about are how sweet my family is and how much progress Linky is making. I convince myself people are tired of hearing about it an decide not to write all. Then I think about how far we have come, how good God is and how DESPERATE I was to hear of God's goodness and healing early on when I found out Linky had autism. That is enough for me to keep writing. People need hope, faith and someone pointing them toward Jesus. I hope I encourage people to never give up and always believe that God heals and sets free and he is GOOD. So, on that note here are some awesome recent updates on how Linky is doing. These are things I have shared on my Facebook page, so I just copied and pasted them here. I will "try" to throw down a legitimate blog here in the next few days!

Recent posts:
Today Maddi and Linky were playing in their room. Not realizing the TV was paused and not really expecting an answer,
I casually said, " Linky, what is wrong with the TV?"
He immediately said, "Nothing is wrong with the TV Mom, I just pressed the 'stop TV button!'"
I am pretty sure I about fell over. If you don't know much about autism, you probably think most of my posts are odd, because the things Linky is doing seem normal, what's the big deal right? I can tell you, tha...t the hardest thing for Lincoln recently, has been answering questions. I am sure it has something to do with communication and the way he processes information. But, it has been difficult at times for him.
I can pick apart that 1 statement he made and tell you so many amazing things that he just did that are flat out AMAZING Simple things that are normal to the everyday person in their communication, that have not been normal to Linky. This ROCKS!
My little boy is walking out his healing every single day and everyday he gets better and better. We don't claim regression here, we just expect Linky to move forward as he always have. I am amazed how far he has come and it is truly the most miraculous thing I have ever witnessed. I'll never quit giving praise for this! Thank you Jesus.
 
Just poked my head in Linky's room and said, "You ok buddy?" He said, "Yeah I fine Mom, now go get me some food!" Ha! Who does he think he is?!

At the movies with my 2 favorite little guys. Linky's first movie! Seriously we've come so far! So proud of him! He just got very excited and said, "I love going to the movies!" Lucas gave him the movie pep talk about listening and sitting on the way over in the car. Super big brother he is!



My little bed-headed fella up writing his name like it's no big deal. Followed by, "Mom, is it Sunday?"

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Progress update for Linky

Progress Update for Lincoln
There is an evaluation system called the ATEC to gauge how treatments are working and the level of severity of autism your child has. A score over 104 (90th percentile) is considered severely autistic. A score Under 30 is considered to be mild autism and is in the lowest percentile (10th). If their score gets to be under 10, they are usually considered "recovered" and indistinguishable... from their peers. The goal is 0.
I have been using tis since April 2012 and love tracking his progress. Check out today's score!

APRIL 2012-  82       (80th percentile)
Aug 2012-      61         (50th percentile)
May 2013-     35         (20th percentile)
Dec 2013-      28        (10th percentile)
 
(Today) Oct 2014-       18         SERIOUSLY, 18!!

 Linky went from severe autism to having mild autism. His original score was 82 and that was after a year of being in an ABA program for 15-17 hours a week. For us, Lincoln got better after being removed from the program.  I believe his score would have been much higher when we first knew he had autism (April 2011) but I didn't know about this tool to gauge that.

The goal is a score of ZERO! God is able. We have been standing believing God's Word that Lincoln is healed. We are watching it come to pass. So very thankful and happy! We still have some things to get worked out and he still has a ways to go. ...but man he's come so far!


 
Why do I use this tool? Because it is always so cool to see laid out on paper what I see everyday before my very eyes. I believe this is very effective. When I took it in Dec. 2013, I knew that meant Lincoln had moved to High functioning autism. When I took him back to his Neuro-Psychologist. in January, his diagnosis changed to mild autism and he said Lincoln was high-functioning. So, I do believe it to be pretty spot on.   :)
 


#JOYishere ##Godisstillinthehealingbusiness #healed #redeemed #kickinautismbooty

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

More Autism Testimonies

I like to share testimonies, particularly of those who are beating autism! I believe they are "faith builders" and help keep us encouraged. God is nor respecter of persons. that means what He will do for one, He WILL (Has already done) do for another! Please be encouraged by these!

 Here is one from an amazing mama, (Ashley Blair Hill) check out her book she wrote!
https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-63063-563-3
 




Here is another one from Gina and Brian Walden;
http://www.mountain-news.com/mountain_living/article_9840ece2-b640-11e1-994f-0019bb2963f4.html

They just did an Autism Conference at their church called a "Brand New Day." The lady above (Ashley) was one of the speakers at the conference.  You can purchase their book at the following link.


http://www.amazon.com/Brand-New-Brian-Gina-Walden/dp/1618626183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409805058&sr=8-1&keywords=gina+walden

Watch part of their testimony here......

 
Enjoy! God is good, healing is ours!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

A Blog I Love....

So, I was scrolling recently through some blogs and found one that I LOVE. I felt like I was reading my own words. I will paste the contents below and put the link below that.

"If you are believing for your child/children to be healed from autism, let me encourage you today. God is always willing and able to heal autism. Jesus walked the earth healing every kind of sickness and disease. Every kind. That includes autism! He healed every person that went to him for healing (Matt 8:16) Every name under heaven has been placed under the Name of JESUS! Autism has a name; therefore it must bow down to the Name of Jesus!
People can believe for healing from cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc, but they seem to lack faith for healing from autism. The world will tell you that autism is a blessing – that it will teach you something. Parents of children with autism will say they would not have their child any other way. They will use cliche slogans such as “different, not less” to describe autism. That is how the world thinks; it is not how God thinks. If you accept autism as a part of your family’s life, you will lose faith for anything to change. That is what the enemy wants you to think.
I love my children unconditionally, without question! But autism robs them of the abundant life that Jesus came to give them; the life that I want for them. It is because I love them so much that I long to see them healed. Jesus loves them so much, that He died on a cross and bore that autism for them, so they can be healthy and whole (Isaiah 53:5). I acknowledge that my children have autism; I do not accept that autism belongs to them. I like to say that I “acknowledge” the autism and I “accept” the child.  I don’t have to accept autism when I can believe for the gift of healing to be received for my kids.
Becoming autism aware has taught me so very much and God has taught me so much more throughout this journey, and He continues to do so. I am thankful for what I have learned, but I am most thankful that God is faithful and that very soon, my children will be free from autism. They are the seed of the righteous and they shall be delivered.
Think about the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5. She had radical faith! According to the law at that time, a bleeding woman was not allowed to travel out in public or touch anyone due to being “unclean”, but she pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment, because she knew and trusted God’s Word! She believed first, acted in faith, then received her healing. Believing for healing from autism takes radical faith, but take heart; we have a radical God! Be encouraged by the knowledge that God is pleased with your faith! Keep spending time in His presence, keep claiming His promises and speaking out in faith – Our God is faithful! Be assured that your best days are ahead – don’t give up on your miracle! Don’t worry about what the world says – focus on what God says! Jesus told us “It is finished!” (John 19:30) He did it all; all we need to do is keep believing."

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BLOG.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Yesterday Was A Great Day


Linky, Maddi and Lucas.

Yesterday was a great day.

We went to the park. Behind the park was a big pond and walking path. As soon as we stepped out of the car, Lincoln decided he had no interest in the playground, he wanted to walk around the pond. He grabbed my hand and off we went with the other 2 in tow. They grabbed sticks, had races, and Linky talked about all the sharks that were in that pond. So, Lucas set him straight that sharks don't live in ponds. He said, "OH, ok Lucas!" He loves his brother and all things that Lucas guides him in. I truly believe he understands and takes it in too. I love watching these 3 babies (they're not babies) blossom and grow together. I love watching them teach each other and play together. I truly believe that Lincoln having sibling pulls him along and helps him in so many ways.

When we took the above picture, I said, "C'mon guys please sit down with your sticks and let Mommy take your picture!" They were resistant and then Linky sat down first and said, "Aw Ok Mom!" Then they all sat, "Yelled high yah" (sp?) and smiled for the camera. I remember when Linky would not ever set still for a picture, let alone initiate it!

My night ended last night laying down with Lincoln. He said, "Oh, I'm scared!" I asked, "What are you scared of Linky?" He replied, "Big scary Monster!" So, I said, "Okay Linky, let's pray!" I said the following and he repeated EVERY word with great enthusiasm.

"God, you did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Thank you that I don't have to be afraid. I thank you that your Word says that the angel of the Lord encamps around me and delivers me from every evil work. I thank you that I have the mind of Christ, I'm set free, I'm delivered, I'm healed, thank you Jesus for healing me. I love you!"

When we were done, he hugged me and said, "Oh, I LOVE YOU, I not scared Mommy!"

How awesome is that!? My son is becoming more and more free from autism every single day and I can't even explain how happy that makes me. God is good.

Yesterday was really a great day.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Superheroes


“Sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”
 

This describes many kiddos I know fighting the autism battle. However, I think the kids that are often overlooked are the brothers and sisters. They are superheroes too.

It was 4am probably a year ago. 2 of our kiddos were sick and in bed with me and I hadn’t slept a wink.  Dad had just left to work his second job supporting our family. Right as they started to doze off, the door opened and in popped my 6 year old. Everyone stirred and he asked to lay with us. Being tired, I was very short with him and told him yes but to hurry up so everyone didn’t wake up.

Lucas having his own set of struggles to deal with aside from his brother who falls on the opposite end of the spectrum, tonight was one of the nights where I just didn’t have it in me to respond the appropriate organized way that he needed.  I didn’t answer him the right way and it hurt his feelings and he started to leave. Not wanting him to wake them, I harshly told him to just get in bed. He climbed into bed angry and mentally stuck on my response.

He then started fidgeting and getting increasingly agitated at his sister for being in his way almost waking her again. After I had about all I could handle, I impatiently said, “Lucas just go to bed, there’s no room in here for you!” My words pierced through the air even as I had just said them, I wished I could take them back. I knew that what I said, was more indicative of how Lucas had to feel as a whole compared to just the moment.  I immediately apologized to him and made room for him, hugging him for the next while telling him how awesome and important he was.  

I admit, it’s easy to overlook the one that is (much) higher functioning because you see so many severe needs that need taken care of with your other child. These other kiddos miss out on so much.  It has been a balancing act and one that I have to consciously work on and make an effort in. I truly have to think differently for each child and some days I feel like I fail miserably.

Yet, today even as my heart is aching and I am writing this, I can’t help but be reminded what a superhero Lucas is despite his own challenges. Somewhere outside the realm of normal sibling rivalry and family struggles, I hope we must be doing something right.   

-I hear him in the room with Lincoln playing the Wii. Lincoln yells, “Help Lucas!” Lucas carefully helps him and tells him what buttons to push to navigate through the game.” Then they begin giggling and cheering each other on.  20 months apart in age, different ends of the spectrum but so close in heart.

-I think how Lincoln sings his favorite nursery rhymes repeatedly all day. Lucas never missing a beat, joins in to “5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” singing and jumping on the bed right next to Lincoln. Lincoln notices and smiles welcoming Lucas. He tries so hard to be a part of Lincoln’s interests.

- I think of how Lucas and I sometimes join in on Lincoln’s movie scripts repeating the lines that we have heard hundreds of times. We catch each other doing it and smile.

-I think of his own rigidness, love of structure and schedules and aversion to certain noises and smells that I struggle to always understand especially in the midst of Lincoln having a bigger fit.

-I think how many times we have had to cut an event short because Lincoln isn’t handling it so well. From store trips to birthday parties and so many other things, I picture Lucas’ little heartbroken face in the rearview mirror trying to understand.

-I think of him when he reminds me, “Remember when Lincoln didn’t talk Mom and how God has healed him.” So confident and true child-like faith.

-I think of him praying for his brother on his own that “God would make his brain whole and help Lincoln.” I think of him confessing scripture over himself and Lincoln and not afraid to tell anyone that the Bible says God is our healer.

-I think that even though he has missed out on so much, the strong belief and Faith in God that we have instilled into him will carry him through this life and set him on a solid foundation to face any of life’s battles and challenges.

I think of so many things and I am gratefully reminded, that despite all of my shortcomings, despite his own struggles; “Sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”
----------------------------------------Me, Lincoln (age 5), Lucas (age 6)-------------------------------------------------

Saturday, July 19, 2014

The Fight of your Life

It's the fight of your life
Every. Single. Day.
You've tasted victory
It tastes so good
Just when you think it's over
It's not
Not YET
This is the hardest part
Pressure everywhere
You want to turn to where it's easy
To the people that have it easy
Appearances are deceiving
Satan is deceiving
He's sneaky like that
Well laid plans and such
Easy won't get you the victory you want
Keep hanging on
Hope isn't hard until it's hard
It's easier to accept
To embody the movement
To have community
To quit fighting
But then you never really quit fighting
You just start fighting the wrong battle
It's a distraction
It's tempting
You know, well laid plans and such
Keep fighting
Keep focused
Keep your mind clear
Thoughts come in
Telling you nobody understands
Who cares
God gets it
You'll taste the victory
You've got someone counting on you
No, Depending on you
Keep fighting


Sunday, February 23, 2014

Dress Up And Pictures



We spent the morning playing dress up. Maddi was in an Easter dress with a matching purse and a lot of pink eye shadow; her request. When Lincoln saw her, he began addressing her as “Princess” or “Princess Maddi.” He was pretty smitten with his sister as she twirled around in her dress. “Oh Princess, you dropped your purse,” he said and would pick it up for her.

Seeing his delight in his sister dressing up, I quickly grabbed a few things for him to put on; a dress shirt and pants, his sister’s Hello Kitty tie and his beloved Fedora hat. Then I asked them to take a picture for me. To my amazement….HE DID! He stood at the door with Maddi doing everything I asked. “Hug Sissy” or “Give Sissy a kiss,” I would say. He would immediately do it and then wait for my next instruction. When finished he would ask to see the photos and he would smile looking at them.

I remember right before he turned 2, we wanted to take a quick family photo while family was all in town. All of the other kids present followed instructions and would smile and say, “Cheese” at the appropriate time. Not Lincoln. He just wanted to play in the rocks counting them. We actually had to move rocks to where he was sitting so he would stay in the picture. That was our “Thinking Differently” at that time. I have a copy of that picture and every time I have looked at it, it makes me sad. He was there but he wasn’t really there. He was more like a prop that had been placed in the photo. He was trapped in his own little rock counting world and that was where he wanted to stay.

So today, I have been elated to see his love for dress up and pictures. I am not holding him down on my lap or trying to distract him with a lollipop or an iPad to get him to pose appropriately in these pictures. I am just taking his lead and loving every minute of it. So thankful for his growth, awareness and interest in being a part of our world.

As if the moment couldn’t have been any better. Lincoln held out his hand and said, “Can I take a picture please?” I told him of course and handed him my phone. He told Maddi, “Hug your Mommy Maddi, say cheese!” We did as he instructed and he smiled as he looked at his photography skills. This will forever be one of my favorite pictures. I am so thankful for the little surprises Lincoln is full of everyday as he blossoms.
 
 

 

Random Updates

I am GREAT at posting updates of Lincoln's progress on my FB. However, I forget to do it here. So I am simply going to copy some things and post them here. They are just too awesome not to share.

January 21, 2014
Just spent 15 minutes in the bathroom with Lincoln. His request; pottying, fixing hair, meticulously brushing his teeth. My favorite part, when he asked me to hold him up in front of the mirror, he checks his teeth and hair and smiles at himself. So proud of his self-care skills. I remember not too long ago thinking I might need to get him occupational therapy if he didn't progress. He did though, literally out of no where and in abundance. Incredibly thankful on this Journey. More progress to come. Loving this season! #kickinautismbooty
James1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.



January 24, 2014
Big deal today for Linky! Did some work for Daniel today in Wellston America and I had Linky and Maddi with me. My phone was dying and I didn't have a charger and Maddi had just fallen asleep. So I spotted a Dollar General store to buy a charger. I had no stroller and there were no carts once I got in there. Lincoln used to run off, not listen and be distracted by odd things...so carts or strolle...rs have been a MUST in the past. So, I just rolled with it, carried Maddi and let Linky walk. He walked all the way through the store with me while I looked and did great even while having to wait in line. He said hello to everyone in the store. He picked out lollipops for Maddi and himself and was so well behaved. Then we walked to the car and he got in his seat on his own! Did I mention that we were in the car for 4+ hours and he had no potty accidents. 5 minutes before we got home, he told me he needed to go. SUPER DAY! He was like a NORMAL little 4 year old and I am so proud of him. He has came so far and is a completely different kid. Thank you Jesus! #kickinautismbooty #healed #hismindisfree
 
January 16, 2014
Well, we had Lincoln's re - evaluation today. We still have to go back to finish some testing. However, He commented that Lincoln is a "completely different kid" from 2 years ago when he diagnosed him. He indicated three different times that Lincoln was "high - functioning!" High functioning autism is HUGE compared to where we were 2 years ago with Lincoln being severely impacted by autism. This ...is such good news. Things can only go up from here. I am so thankful for the progress Lincoln has made. I still hold on to my faith and believing Linky will lose his diagnosis in the future. For now this is amazing and even with Linky still having some areas needing help, I am even more assured that we are on the right path. Thank you Jesus! Feeling very blessed!
We actually have gotten his results for his evaluation. See Here.
 
February 20. 2014
Maddi and Linky were asleep in the same bed at opposite ends. I heard talking and laughing and went in there and they were snuggled up next to each other laughing and talking about who knows what. They both said, "Good Morning Mom!" Maddi hugged Linky and told him, "Love you Bu." Then Linky kissed me. LOVE these kiddos. So happy about how well linky is doing. Sweetest way to start out the morning. Now Linky is pulling on my arm saying, "let's go to sleep mom." So lying here as he reads me "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom." #lovethatlittleguy #kickinautismbooty
 

Update from the Dr. who diagnosed lincoln 2 1/2 years ago.

This is an update I posted on my FB February 4th after we had Lincoln re-evaluated with the NeuroPsychologist that diagnosed him with Classic Autism just 6 days before he turned 2. He is now 4 1/2.
 
"Want to hear some awesome Lincoln news?? Over the past month we have had Lincoln re-evaluated for his autism diagnosis. I told y'all last time, that his NeuroPsychologist who originally diagnosed him with Classic Autism and considered him to be "severe" in level of functionality, now believes Lincoln has "high functioning autism." Well today, Daniel and I sat down with the Dr. and went over all of... Lincoln's testing and talked about it. The first thing he said was , "Well I know you will be excited to learn of Lincoln's IQ score so let's get straight to that."

To give you a little bit of background in regards to Autism I will quote a source as to not offend with my own words. "About 40 percent who have autism have an intellectual disability (IQ less than 70) By diagnosing standards, a score of less than 70 is equal to a diagnosis of mental retardation." (Now I have never hung my hat on a score and if my child or anyone else's had that score, I still believe in hope. This is simply a story of Lincoln's progress and I mean no offense to anyone dealing with intellectual disabilities.)

However, it has always been in the back of my mind since I learned of the associations of MR and Autism. Frankly, I didn't know he could even perform IQ testing on Lincoln. When he told me he was going to perform IQ testing, I was quite nervous about what he would find.

DRUMROLL......

Our Dr. proudly informed us that Lincoln has an IQ of 99 in (one) of the areas on the IQ test. The others are pretty close to that range also. Scoring guidelines for the Stanford-Binet IQ test state the AVERAGE IQ is 90-110.

Please know this isn't like an internet test that anyone takes, it is administered by a licensed Professional who is familiar with IQ testing and diagnosing standards.

How crazy is that?! My little guy who was on the severe end of the spectrum of autism is now considered to have High Functioning Autism and has an IQ typical with his peers.

THANK YOU JESUS!

On some other tests, he determined that Lincoln's abstract reasoning in dealing with puzzles, patterns, numbers etc...he is in the 96th percentile.

If this sounds like bragging....it absolutely is. Bragging on Linky and bragging on the awesome healing God we serve! Daniel and I have stood and believed that Lincoln is whole, healed, healthy and normal. He has the mind of Christ and that is something I confess and stand in faith believing for him. In the same way that Jesus died on the cross for our salvation, healing was also covered on the cross.

Side note, Under the new diagnosing standards for autism, Lincoln's official diagnosis is "Autism Spectrum Disorder-MILD."

Still have work to do and more ground to cover, but I am amazed at my little guy's progress. Overjoyed, overwhelmed with happiness and a sincerely grateful heart to God."

Linky's Reaction at Christmas

This is Linky this past Christmas. This was the first year he experienced it like this. He understood Christmas (for the most part) and looked forward to it. I LOVE his reaction at the end.  :)
 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Harvest Festival

I couldn’t help but think how cute Maddi looked in her tutu skirt.  It was black with ruffles and mock spider webs, perfect for the Saturday before Halloween.  I smiled as I drove past places with their fall decorations out. I love this time of year. I could hear Lincoln and Lucas in the backseat singing along to Jesus Culture’s song, “You make all things work together for my good.”  It literally felt like that too especially on that morning as we drove to the Harvest Festival. I was on a super mom high, somewhat because of the coffee but mostly because Lincoln had been doing so well lately. I was celebrating by taking all three kids by myself to what I knew would be a great time to be had by all.

 I slowed to turn left into the church where the Harvest Festival was being held. As I noticed all of the people and the lines, my heart sank and my stomach turned to knots. I knew waiting in line for Lincoln was still a huge struggle. I thought about turning around, but remembered Lucas’ face at previous events when I’d changed my mind. He would be heartbroken, especially after we had talked about it all morning.  I reminded myself that Lincoln had come so far, I was just being negative and too presumptuous. I reminded myself of scripture and began praying over him that he would be calm, that he had the mind of Christ and we could do anything we set our minds to. Nothing was impossible, not even a simple trip to a fun event.

I got out of the car, fixed Maddi’s hair that she had taken out and put her boots back on. I went around to the back of the car to get the stroller.  As I opened the hatch, I realized I only had the single stroller and it was a 2-year-old’s size, not Lincoln’s size at age 4.  My heart sank again. I strapped Lincoln in the pink stroller with his feet hanging very close to the ground.  I looked at him and said, “Lincoln say, ‘I have the Mind of Christ.’” In his adorable little voice, he said, “I have the mind of Christ Mom.”  I continued with, “I can do anything I set my mind to, I am peaceful and I am calm.  I know how to listen, I know how to wait.” I went through the whole list adding in all of the scriptural-faith-confessions I could think of.  He repeated everyone. I felt better when he loudly exclaimed, “Let’s go Mom!”

We made our way through the parking lot.  I met my friends and we walked to the area where the event was. Lincoln started pointing and saying, “This way, Mom” as soon as he saw the moon bounces.  We were quickly approached by a volunteer asking us to register first. We made our way to the first of many lines. As we waited, Lincoln grew impatient and practically stood up in the stroller, dragging it with him. I decided to let him out so Maddi sat in it instead. I tried to hurry filling out the form.  It asked for everything from the kid’s ages to our address and if we needed prayer.

Lincoln went running across the lawn and I dashed after him calling out to my friends to please watch my other 2 kids for a minute. By the time I caught up with Lincoln he had cut in front of twenty kids and was making his way across the obstacle course moon bounce. A lady started yelling at him that he needed to listen and there were rules. I thought to myself, “Yeah we will see how far that gets you.” I finally caught up with her and grabbed her arm long enough to interrupt her yelling and I said, “Ma’am, he has autism….he’s not going to listen to you.” 

I cringed as the words came out because I hate confessing that over him as I am a faith believing, super positive, get results kind of girl. I don’t want people to define him by that or use it as an excuse.  But sometimes, like this time…it just is what it is.  I couldn’t help but think how fired up she was to be monitoring a kid’s moon bounce. It was very obvious that she was a stickler for the rules. Her demeanor softened as she helped me get him out of there.  Lincoln greeted me with a huge smile.  He was obviously not worried about the rules.

I grabbed Lincoln and when he realized we were done with the moon bounce, he began to flail and kick. I met my friends and fought Lincoln to put him back in the stroller. My friends offered to take Lucas and let me handle Maddi and Lincoln. I was relieved. I decided to let Lincoln have a clown make him a balloon.  I thought for sure that would be easier. The girl in front of us had FIVE balloons made. I couldn’t help but notice that this volunteer wasn’t a stickler for the rules like the other lady. Lincoln was quickly losing the little bit of patience he had found. By the time she finished his balloon, he had already noticed the rubber duckies next to us that I had been trying to shield from his vision. He went ballistic, screaming, “I want duckies, I want duckies.” He threw his balloon on the ground. I tried to talk him down, all while smiling as I pushed him and trying to ignore the people that stared. Looking back, I’m sure we were a sight to see; Maddi dancing like a ballerina in her tutu and pigtails oblivious to her brother’s tantrum and me in my heeled boots fighting my 4 year old son into the pink stroller. I felt like we reeked chaos.

I let my friends know that I needed to go to the car, that Lincoln was done. They kept Lucas and said they would catch up with me in a few. Maddi began running across the parking lot so I had to chase her, then carry her while I pushed Lincoln. He screamed the whole way back to the car. Once I got the stroller and Maddi loaded, I just put him in the front seat as he continued to scream, “I want duckies!” I loudly put on some praise and worship music and cried my eyes out.

I cried because that day I was tired of the struggle. I cried for all of the times I hadn’t been able to cry before. My heart hurt for me and it hurt for my kids, all three of them. I just wanted to have a normal day of fun watching all of my children play. I wanted Lincoln to conquer this day. Yet here I was, missing Lucas ride a pony and not getting to have Maddi’s sweet little face painted, all because Lincoln couldn’t handle it.

As I continued to cry, I noticed Lincoln was completely calm. We exchanged eye gaze for a moment and then he got right in my face and said, “I sorry Mom” and he wrapped his arms around me. There was no denying that he understood what was going on.  I felt like I was seeing him in a totally different light free from the barriers of autism.  I told him I was sorry too. Then I cried for a new reason. He may have not conquered waiting in line that day, but I had just watched him conquer something entirely new, empathy and emotions.  That made the entire, hard day totally worth it.
 
 
 
**This was a writing assignment for the "Autism Oklahoma Writers' Club."