Live, learn, be free

Asperger's Syndrome: An Inside Look

Our family has dealt with Asperger's Syndrome for over 8 years now.  You would think we know it all by now, but we don't.  Just when we think we completely understand something, we realize we don't.  We continue to learn each and everyday about this syndrome.

God has opened the door for us to talk to others about what it is like for us as a family to deal with this.  We have been blessed beyond measure through this experience.  Asperger's Syndrome is not just hard for the person but it is hard for those who love them.

As the insiders it can be devastating until you realize that God is in control.  God created them this way for a reason.  We fully trust God, we know He has a plan that will glorify Him.  There are still times we question and we do still mourn losses at times. 

It all comes back to the fact that God has always been faithful to us, we must be faithful to Him.  In due time this will all make sense either in this life or the next.  God will not hang us out to dry.  He has always provided for us and He will continue to do so.

Asperger's Syndrome is not a sprint it's a marathon.  We are in a for a long haul but we continue to pray for ways to glorify God through our troubles.  Asperger's Syndrome is welcome to be a part of our family but it can not take control of it. 

Elijah is doing so well right.  We can really see God working in Him.  The progress he is making right now is immeasurable.  It is so cool to be a part of this and we thank God for making us "flies on the wall" of His work.

Dueling with the Devil

I know I am going to step on some toes with this blog post but I will not apologize.  I think this topic is so important right now that I want to share this information and I pray God helps you make the right decision for you and your children.  I have noticed a frightening trend in television programming for children.  Harry Potter, Wizards of Waverly Place, Fanboy and Chum Chum and many more have become commonplace.  Magic, witches and wizards are a regular part of many programs on Nickelodeon and Disney.

I want to alert you to the danger of just letting our children watch these programs and movies and read these books.  I have always understood the danger and kept my children away from these programs, movies and books.  Recently I have renewed my resolve to help not just my children but children everywhere. 

We are opening the door to the enemy through our children.  I want to make you aware of the fact that magic, witches and wizards are real.  Satan is in all his glory right now over the fact that so many parents are allowing their children to learn all about him and his powers through seemingly friendly programs.  We can no longer just let our children participate in these things.

Here is the danger: when we let our children watch these programs and read these books we are opening the door to spiritual warfare for them.  You may tell them it's not real, it's just pretend.  Your children talk about it with friends at school who assure them otherwise and they began to change their thinking.  Satan is happy because you have given him an in to your child's heart. 

This is a serious matter.  Our children need to understand that Satan is real and he is the source behind the power to do magic and cast spells.  Most people think it's not a big deal to let them watch this stuff and read these books.  You just tell them it's not real, it's just pretend.  Let me ask you this, if your child came to you and said they wanted to have pretend sex, would you agree to let them?  No, you would be outraged. 

By allowing them to watch these programs and read the books you are allowing them to "pretend" dabble in the occult, pretend leads to real.  Don't be fooled, your child will not be missing out.  My children understand and are alright with "missing out" on these things. 

Please understand this post is done only to alert you to this very important situation.  If you would like more information and details on the specific problems please leave your questions as comments.  You can also visit this website which has more in depth information.  Ben Alexander is a very credible man who started in the occult in a very benign way.  Let's wage war in this battle for our children, we will win and we will be victorious, because with God all things are possible.  He is stronger than the enemy.

Asperger's in Not a Joke

I like to download the free television programs on itunes for when I travel.  Recently I downloaded a program called Community.  It was a highly anticipated program that has received much acclaim.  I had not had the opportunity to watch it so I downloaded it on itunes.

I started to watch the series premiere.  The show was not really as advertised but I thought I would give it a chance and at least watch until the end, that is however until a particular scene on the show.  One of the main character's tells one of the other character's he thinks he has Asperger's. 

The other character's in the scene, including actor Chevy Chase, sit around making fun of Asperger's Syndrome.  The laugh and have a good time at the expense of those who suffer with this disorder.  Needless to say I was beyond disgusted.  I could not believe they were openly making fun of people with Asperger's like this.

This was all amazing to me since the former CEO of NBC Universal's grandson has autism.  Is Bob Wright aware that his former network is making fun of not just his grandson but others like him?  It is really amazing to me that something like this is ok. 

Just because someone is different from us does not give us the right to make fun of them or the problems they struggle with.  Please keep this in mind when choosing what programs to watch and support.  Asperger's Syndrome is not a joke, it is a serious problem that requires understanding from us all.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

I am sure of you have heard of the following saying, when life give you lemons use them to make lemonade.  This saying is in reference to using the bad things in our lives to make something good.  When you are experiencing difficulties in your life we can use them to glorify God.

Many of us have examples from our own life or we know people around us who are examples of this saying.  I was watching a Monday Night Football game recently.  If you are familiar with the recent trials and tribulations of the Washington Redskins then you may be familiar with their coach Jim Zorn.

Jim Zorn has been stripped of his offensive play calling duties.  In other words he been reduced to a cheerleader of sorts for his players.  It was interesting to see how he has dealt this predicament, not just in the media but on the sidelines. 

You would think Jim Zorn would not care about the team or even bother to get into the game.  Instead Jim Zorn stood tall on the sidelines and cheered on his players.  He ran up to players and would pump them up and encourage them to do well.

In life we can only control what we are choosing to do, how we deal with the troubles that come our way.  We can not control what others will do.  As Christians we can be an example to others of the hope we have in this life.  Jim Zorn is a Christian and he knows he can only control what he does, not what the owners and managers do. 

We need to realize that if we believe God and trust in Him then He will make good on His promises.  God has told us His word, that He wants good for us.  Pray and ask God to help you turn those lemons into lemonade because even if you don't like lemonade someone else will.  Others can learn from our difficulties.  Would you be willing to help others in this way?

The Upside of Asperger's

I think I will try something new with my blog.  I would like to help educate people about Asperger's Syndrome, so every Wednesday I will try to give some insight into what it is like for our son and what you can do help those who struggle with Asperger's Syndrome, like my son.  I hope this raises awareness as well as sensitivity for those who are different from us.

A few years ago a friend asked me, "if they invented a cure for Autism would you give it to Elijah", I thought for a moment and answered, "No".  That may sound strange to think I would not want my son to be healed from this disorder that torments him at times.

Let me explain myself.  Elijah is a wonderful child, he has setbacks and struggles.  He is a very loving and caring child.  This is not a typical trait of Asperger's Syndrome, usually they are not very emotional or empathetic people.  Elijah on the other hand has always accepted hugs and affection from us. 

I am thankful Elijah was diagnosed at such a young age.  We have had privilege of early intervention.  I think what we have been through with him has made us better people.  Elijah has learned so much in the last 8 years.  He really has come a long way. 

I love him just the way God created him and I would not want to jeopardize what we have right now with the possibility of a "cure".  I think as Elijah gets older we continue to trust God with his life, we pray and we need to continuing putting his life in God's hands. 

We must trust God, because there is an upside to Asperger's and God is showing it to us.  We get the opportunity to help our son through life's struggles with a different set of eyes.  I do believe God has a plan for our son and we trust Him to continue to guide us through this maze of Asperger's.