Basketball

I finally have a moment to write. It is 12:22 a.m. on an early Tuesday morning and the house is quiet.

My son and I went to a basketball game last Tuesday night. We were given two tickets to go. Unfortunately that meant my husband had to stay home. It worked out though because he was gone all day at conferences and wasn't home in time anyway. We missed him at the game though!

The game was so much fun. This was the 1st time my son ever got 100% into a basketball game. He cheered, he yelled, he laughed and had way too much fun. He wanted to eat right when we got there. He had just finished supper before we left, but to him you had to buy a slice of pizza to start the night off right.

We sat next to a fella who was a chef. We found that interesting since he just finished his dream speech about becoming a chef.

I was so proud of him because he made it through the big loud introduction of the teams and the big flames they shoot out high in the air when the team is introduced. With his Aspergers his sense of fear is greatly heightened and he remembered that he was surprised/frightened by the noise and unexpectedness of it all from the 1st game he was at. I helped him get into a safe zone. We talked about all the things that were to come, he wore his hood over his head (ears), and sat down as I held him close and talked him through it all. He was so proud of himself when it was all done because he knew he conquered his fear of the big noise and big flame. I was so proud of him!

It was so foggy out on our way home that we could barely see a foot in front of us. It was kind of funny because the lights on the on ramp glowed like a space ship. All the cars slowed way down to look. It was wild to see.

I just loved every moment of sharing the basketball game with my son. What a great memory!

The World's Best Friend

I have had the honor to work with a fine young man, Brian, for 11 years today. He has Autism. I remember his mother speaking to me about the word Autism and really, at the time, everyone was trying to figure out what the word meant. The world was on the verge of bringing it to light. There were all kind of theories and a few books written at the time. I am so grateful that the word Autism is now spoken to the world and is being studied further. I have learned with Brian that there is no way to place each individual Autistic child into one group, each child is so unique.

I have been honored to see how Brian sees the world. He is by far the most honest and loving child. He brings joy when you have had an awful day. He brings peace because his heart loves unconditionally and he fervently prays for you. He is as close to innocent as I could describe someone. I am a better person having him as a part of my life. I find joy in far more moments than I would have if I never knew him. He lights up life because God has surely favored him. He was a gift, a blessing, that God sent my way.

I believe God knew I was going to need Brian as I was becoming a mother. I applied so many of the teachings I learned working with him to my own son. I believe it is because of my time with him that helped my son succeed as well as he has. My son has a form of Autism called Aspergers Syndrome. I am sure God blessed me with Brian, so I could help my son as well.

Dear sweet Brian is the world's best friend and we are so lucky to be blessed by one exceptional boy!

Nothing Like Friends and James Taylor

I know, I know, you will be completely surprised to hear, but we are expecting up to possibly 10 inches of snow this Friday night/Saturday. At least it should lend itself to a lot of beautiful pictures!

A dear friend called me today. I was thrilled to hear her voice. Sadly she lost her husband at Christmas time. God has wrapped His arms around her and her son. I am longing to see her again. Many years ago we introduced her and her twin sister to James Taylor. They have grown to truly appreciate his music! My husband and I took them to see him in concert and we loved every minute of it, even sitting in the rain. Great memory! My friend called to invite us, on behalf of her and her sister, to a concert he is giving soon. We were so excited! What a blessing it will be to spend time with them again and enjoy James Taylor's music! They are such amazing and Godly women. We have been blessed beyond measure knowing them!

Results of speech

Photo by Tamera We couldn't be prouder of or son. There was stiff competition in the Dream Speech competition. Another child took 1st place, but I'll tell ya, a lot of adults could not of gotten up and given better speeches! It was such a joy watching our son give his all. We went out to eat this evening and celebrated him trying his best and wowing us!

We are expecting up to a possibly 8 inches of snow this evening. This means the tree branches will lay heavy with snow. This winter does seem just a bit too long, but I have to admit the snow on the trees has mesmerised me. We have many large and very old pine trees. When they are full its like heaven, just beautiful, almost enchanting.

I am loving my new car! My husband laughs at how giddy I get about it. It was odd seeing the New Yorker being towed away (gave it to charity). That car blessed us and took care of us for a long time! She deserves a bit of a rest.

They came to get the New Yorker right before my son got home from school. I was glad they were here and gone before my son saw it. I don't know if I've mentioned that he has Aspergers Syndrome. Due to this, he has a very hard time letting things go. When he was in Kindergarten a boy named Joey moved away, he still thinks on it today. Where we used to live, they cut down two amazingly beautiful pine trees and he sobbed. When his emotions are too big, he is truly sad and relates all sad moments to the current sadness he feels at that moment. He would not of let the New Yorker go as well as he did if he saw it leave. Thank goodness he LOVES the new car!

I know God blessed me with everything about my son. He teaches me all the time to see things from multiple angles and there are many ways in coming up with an answer. He has taught me a gentle way of being and to look at a situation from his eyes. My husband and I are better people because of him.

My dad turned 72 today! He is a wonderful Christan man. He came to the Lord through dating and then marrying my mother over 50 years ago. I saw him every morning of my life, at his desk in his den, studying the Lord's word from his bible. I know the Lord blessed me with seeing my dad grow daily in His word.

So Happy 72nd Birthday Dad!

I must go and finish up homework with my son.

May you find joy in the smallest moments today!

Being the Face of God to Others

Photo by Patrick Mead

Today is about cooking. We are making stuffing and bread for the homeless. It is an honor to do this. Our church has taken scripture and put action behind it. I am grateful that many saw and fulfilled the need to feed the homeless.

I am glad that the church asked the children to get involved. They bring items to help the other needs of the homeless. They bring everything from gloves, ear muffs, scarves, tooth paste, deodorant, soap, etc… I take my son to buy the items and we talk about helping others, following what God has asked us to do, and so much more. He also helps me cook the food too. I want him to always have the heart of a servant and serving others in the name of the Lord.

Lately the sermons at church have been on the face of God. We go to serve the homeless and we are like the face of God by helping take care of a few of their needs. Then, as many have testified to, you arrive and the homeless are really the ones with the face of God. They teach you lessons only they can teach. They are far less inhibited and extremely forth coming. Those who have nothing material to lose tend to talk from their hearts uninhibitedly.

I remember growing up and having VBS at church. They’d encourage you to bring as many people as you could each night. I always found it interesting that the newest church members always brought the most people. They were on fire for God. They did not sensor themselves like we tend to do as we get more settled in our faith.

Be like the photo of the tree and do the impossible, grow and survive through the rock. Be the face of God in this troubled world.

New Car

I am so excited! We bought a car Thursday. Let’s just say we get our moneys worth out of a car. My husband said the last car was his so the next car was for me. Ever since the PT Cruiser came out I have loved them. I guess it is the type of car either you love or it does nothing for you. My son keeps saying, “I love this car! I mean it’s just perfect! It’s all thumbs up! Can you believe we own this blessing?” To anyone else it probably isn’t as thrilling, but to our family, we are smiling from ear to ear!