My apologies for the long delay in blogging! I have only had one counseling session in the past three weeks due to the holiday weekend and counselor being on vacation. My last session was two weeks ago and was spent talking with Jerry’s wife, Rita.
Rita has been a Special Ed Teacher for the past umpteen years and is considered an expert in her field. We spent the hour talking about Keaton and his special needs. Rita gave me tips on how to handle different situations at home and at school. Both Jerry and Rita are truly blessings sent from above.
Rita suggested I get the book titled, “Finding your child’s way on the Autism Spectrum.” It is a book written by Dr. Laura Hendrickson who is a biblical counselor, former psychiatrist, and mother of an adult son with Autism.
I read the book in two days and was sooo encouraged. I think that ANYONE with a child on the spectrum should read this book! I will blog soon on the book. I should probably blog about Asperger's too... Hmm...
Kyla had her endoscopy a couple of weeks ago. Everything went well. I still haven’t heard back from the GI Specialist. I should be hearing something any day now…
I decided to try out a new church last week, Faith Baptist. I was a little apprehensive because of how big it is!! I actually made a list of the pros and cons and decided to give it a try. Because they are so big, they have a lot of resources available. The one huge thing that was a “pro” on my list was the big children’s ministry they have for all three of my children.
It was just me and my oldest daughter Kyla that went last week. I loved the music and the message was great as well.
I decided to go back again this week and take all three kiddo’s. Kelsie, my 7 year old, LOVED it and Keaton had some issues at first and then was “okay”.
I talked to one of the children’s ministry leaders and he said that when Keaton comes back (in 2 weeks) he can be in a small group setting for class, only three children. I believe this would be so good for him considering his social issues. When talking to Keaton about it, he wants nothing to do with it. Change is very difficult for him. When he is out of “routine” he goes crazy-psychotic. I would appreciate all the prayers I can get!! =D
What else has happened in the past three weeks…
OH!!! Kyla’s dad got married! YAY!!!! Congrats David and Kim!!! David, you are AWESOME and Kim, I am proud to have you as Kyla’s step-mommy!!!! I love you guys!!
Anyway, I have counseling tomorrow night then not again for 2 weeks. Crazy summer schedules!
I will end with something Jerry said about a month ago in counseling.
Biblical LOVE- Self-sacrificing for the good of another without demanding anything in return, or that the person being loved is deserving
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Counseling/Prayer Request
At the end of December I had taken Kyla to the doctor because she had been complaining of chest pain. At that time, we were told it was inflammation and told to take aleve for the pain. After trying that for about 3 months with no improvement, I decided to take her back a second time. At this point the doctor was baffled and decided to ‘try’ prilosec for a month. After two weeks of prilosec, the pain intensified and was more frequent. Daily headaches also started, so I called the doctor…again. This time we were referred to a GI specialist at Riley Hospital.
We went this past Monday to Riley and saw Dr. Croffie. He examined her and said he doesn’t think it’s her esophagus, he thinks it’s her heart. He went ahead and took an x-ray and scheduled Kyla for an endoscopy next Thursday. If the results come back okay then he is referring her over to pulmonary to see the heart specialist.
As I have shared before, Satan is attacking in big ways. In my mind I can hear my counselor saying things like “you will not be given more than you can handle” or “you go through these tough times because God is teaching you how to become like Jesus”.
Going to counseling is really helping me put things in perspective. I am reminded every week I’m there that GOD IS IN CONTROL!
"You Never Let Go"- Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew6y6COVm6A
We went this past Monday to Riley and saw Dr. Croffie. He examined her and said he doesn’t think it’s her esophagus, he thinks it’s her heart. He went ahead and took an x-ray and scheduled Kyla for an endoscopy next Thursday. If the results come back okay then he is referring her over to pulmonary to see the heart specialist.
As I have shared before, Satan is attacking in big ways. In my mind I can hear my counselor saying things like “you will not be given more than you can handle” or “you go through these tough times because God is teaching you how to become like Jesus”.
Going to counseling is really helping me put things in perspective. I am reminded every week I’m there that GOD IS IN CONTROL!
"You Never Let Go"- Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew6y6COVm6A
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Counseling review
This week’s counseling session seemed to be a “review” of the past two weeks. We kind of jumped around, which is fine with me… that’s the story of my life. Ha. One of my homework assignments is to write a summary of what Jerry discussed in our session, so here it goes:
1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’
There is no struggle or trial that we go through that has never been gone through before. We may think that our situation is unique and is the worst possible situation anybody could be in, but God tells us in His word that is not the case. He also tells us that He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. We often snap, break, give up and think it’s too much to handle. We know from His word that He will NEVER push us too far. The truth of the matter is that it is US throwing in the towel and not God pushing us beyond our limits.
James 1:2-4 says to ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’
Not lacking anything means to be like Christ.
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to be like Jesus. We go through our struggles, battles, and trials because God wants to change our heart, our mind, and transform us into His likeness. During these difficult times, God is teaching us how to become like Jesus in true righteousness and holiness. Jesus went through many troubles and trials in his life.. We will grow in Christ if we view troubles as opportunities to learn to trust God. If we are going to become like Jesus, the first lesson we need to learn is to trust in God.
It is alright to say, "God I don't like this! Take it away!" But we also need to
be like Christ when He said, "Your will be done.” We need to say to God, “I want whatever
fulfills Your purpose in my life."
Satan has really been attacking this week in all areas of my life. This has probably been one of the hardest weeks I’ve had in a long time. Prayer is definitely welcome! God is good and I will lift up His name! =)
1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’
There is no struggle or trial that we go through that has never been gone through before. We may think that our situation is unique and is the worst possible situation anybody could be in, but God tells us in His word that is not the case. He also tells us that He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. We often snap, break, give up and think it’s too much to handle. We know from His word that He will NEVER push us too far. The truth of the matter is that it is US throwing in the towel and not God pushing us beyond our limits.
James 1:2-4 says to ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’
Not lacking anything means to be like Christ.
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to be like Jesus. We go through our struggles, battles, and trials because God wants to change our heart, our mind, and transform us into His likeness. During these difficult times, God is teaching us how to become like Jesus in true righteousness and holiness. Jesus went through many troubles and trials in his life.. We will grow in Christ if we view troubles as opportunities to learn to trust God. If we are going to become like Jesus, the first lesson we need to learn is to trust in God.
It is alright to say, "God I don't like this! Take it away!" But we also need to
be like Christ when He said, "Your will be done.” We need to say to God, “I want whatever
fulfills Your purpose in my life."
Satan has really been attacking this week in all areas of my life. This has probably been one of the hardest weeks I’ve had in a long time. Prayer is definitely welcome! God is good and I will lift up His name! =)
Friday, May 8, 2009
mid-week, brain in overdrive...
Let me tell you about another side of me. =)
Okay, so… I have sensory issues. (Yes, Keaton probably got that from me.) Anyway, I have issues with the way certain things “feel”. I do not like the way sand or anything of that texture feels, especially on my hands. I do not like the way ‘rough’ textures feel, such as dry skin. It makes me cringe. I wash my hands more than the normal person each day because of this. I do not like certain textures in my mouth. I do not like smooth foods, such as pudding and applesauce. ACK! Anything I can put in my mouth and squeeze through my teeth really needs to stay as far away from me as possible. Another food texture I do not like is watermelon…AGH! Biting down on watermelon is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Another food I despise because of the texture (and the taste) is tomatoes, it’s just nasty. Blah!
I get over-stimulated very easy, just as my son. The difference though is that I’m an adult and can control it in an appropriate way. I do believe this is the reason that it is often times hard for me to sit and watch tv for an extended period of time. Way too stimulating. The tv show, or movie, really needs to capture my attention within the first few minutes or forget it, my brain goes crazy.
Now let’s talk about the sensory issues I have based on noise and sounds. This is where Keaton and I clash. He seeks repetitiveness, if that’s a word, ha. He bangs his hands repetitively when he’s listening to music, as if he’s playing the drums. He bangs his hands repetitively when he’s in trouble, such as bang bang bang on the wall. He loves to “shoot hoops” as he calls it. I believe this is primarily due to the fact he can repetitively bounce the ball, dribbling. Here is where he and I clash: When he is over-stimulated, I hear the repetitiveness, banging on the wall or floor, along with the screaming, which then over-stimulates me… and I can’t stand it! The sound of the repetitive banging REALLY gets to me.
What I have just described has gotten me labeled as “ADD” and “OCD” and just plain anal.
To me, it’s just sensory, all in the mind, and can be worked through. I have actually come a long way, ha. That’s another story.
Okay, so… I have sensory issues. (Yes, Keaton probably got that from me.) Anyway, I have issues with the way certain things “feel”. I do not like the way sand or anything of that texture feels, especially on my hands. I do not like the way ‘rough’ textures feel, such as dry skin. It makes me cringe. I wash my hands more than the normal person each day because of this. I do not like certain textures in my mouth. I do not like smooth foods, such as pudding and applesauce. ACK! Anything I can put in my mouth and squeeze through my teeth really needs to stay as far away from me as possible. Another food texture I do not like is watermelon…AGH! Biting down on watermelon is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Another food I despise because of the texture (and the taste) is tomatoes, it’s just nasty. Blah!
I get over-stimulated very easy, just as my son. The difference though is that I’m an adult and can control it in an appropriate way. I do believe this is the reason that it is often times hard for me to sit and watch tv for an extended period of time. Way too stimulating. The tv show, or movie, really needs to capture my attention within the first few minutes or forget it, my brain goes crazy.
Now let’s talk about the sensory issues I have based on noise and sounds. This is where Keaton and I clash. He seeks repetitiveness, if that’s a word, ha. He bangs his hands repetitively when he’s listening to music, as if he’s playing the drums. He bangs his hands repetitively when he’s in trouble, such as bang bang bang on the wall. He loves to “shoot hoops” as he calls it. I believe this is primarily due to the fact he can repetitively bounce the ball, dribbling. Here is where he and I clash: When he is over-stimulated, I hear the repetitiveness, banging on the wall or floor, along with the screaming, which then over-stimulates me… and I can’t stand it! The sound of the repetitive banging REALLY gets to me.
What I have just described has gotten me labeled as “ADD” and “OCD” and just plain anal.
To me, it’s just sensory, all in the mind, and can be worked through. I have actually come a long way, ha. That’s another story.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Counseling session #2
Let me first start off by saying how distracted I was during this weeks counseling session. Because I was the only woman in the room, the two doors were left open. Needless to say, it was hard to focus. People would walk by the front door, and I could hear the Faith team rehearsing music out the back door. They were practicing songs that I know and I was trying so hard not to secretly sing them in my head. Ack! I tried to stay focused…really. Ha.
Our discussion this week revolved around Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.”
In our lifetime, we go through various trials, temptations, suffering. God allows this to happen so we can learn to trust Him, to call on Him, and to make us stronger in our faith. When we are at the end of our rope, we often times “question” God. Where are you? Why can’t I hear you? Why am I going through this? In the book of Job, we learn from Job that suffering is not a result of sin, rather suffering can test one’s faith. Job’s faith was tested over and over again, he lost it all, and in all this, Job never sinned. When Job “questioned” God, he was not answered as he saw fit. The only answer he got was, “I am God…”
There is power in those three words, I AM GOD. That’s all Job needed to hear and that’s all we should need to hear. We know that God is all-powerful, and all-knowing. In the end, it is for us to remember that God is God, and we are not. He has a plan for our lives and He controls it all. Our job is to simply obey and follow His leading.
Back to Romans 8:28. “And we know that ALL things work together…” all things including the good AND the bad.
Some verses we discussed on suffering: 1Peter 2:21-24 and 1 Peter 3:13-17.
In 1Peter 2:21, it tells us that ‘because Christ suffered for us…we should follow His steps.”
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” When we are going through trials and sufferings, wouldn’t it be great if our example, how we handle the situation(s), would back up our word, what we tell people? There is no better witness!
We ended with an encouraging verse, one that I am to memorize by next Monday =D
1 Cor 10:13 “ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
One last thing, I found this to be the most God-orchestrated thing yet…
Jerry, the counselor, informed me that in about 3-4 weeks, when school let out, his wife was going to tag along to sessions. She is a special ed teacher at an elementary school across town and an expert on special needs children. She knows all about my sons “issues” and is going to help me better understand how I can manage/deal with him at home. I am so excited for this!! Considering he is the major stress supplier in my life, I am very hopeful and thankful for Jerry and his wife. God is good!!
Our discussion this week revolved around Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.”
In our lifetime, we go through various trials, temptations, suffering. God allows this to happen so we can learn to trust Him, to call on Him, and to make us stronger in our faith. When we are at the end of our rope, we often times “question” God. Where are you? Why can’t I hear you? Why am I going through this? In the book of Job, we learn from Job that suffering is not a result of sin, rather suffering can test one’s faith. Job’s faith was tested over and over again, he lost it all, and in all this, Job never sinned. When Job “questioned” God, he was not answered as he saw fit. The only answer he got was, “I am God…”
There is power in those three words, I AM GOD. That’s all Job needed to hear and that’s all we should need to hear. We know that God is all-powerful, and all-knowing. In the end, it is for us to remember that God is God, and we are not. He has a plan for our lives and He controls it all. Our job is to simply obey and follow His leading.
Back to Romans 8:28. “And we know that ALL things work together…” all things including the good AND the bad.
Some verses we discussed on suffering: 1Peter 2:21-24 and 1 Peter 3:13-17.
In 1Peter 2:21, it tells us that ‘because Christ suffered for us…we should follow His steps.”
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” When we are going through trials and sufferings, wouldn’t it be great if our example, how we handle the situation(s), would back up our word, what we tell people? There is no better witness!
We ended with an encouraging verse, one that I am to memorize by next Monday =D
1 Cor 10:13 “ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
One last thing, I found this to be the most God-orchestrated thing yet…
Jerry, the counselor, informed me that in about 3-4 weeks, when school let out, his wife was going to tag along to sessions. She is a special ed teacher at an elementary school across town and an expert on special needs children. She knows all about my sons “issues” and is going to help me better understand how I can manage/deal with him at home. I am so excited for this!! Considering he is the major stress supplier in my life, I am very hopeful and thankful for Jerry and his wife. God is good!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
My counseling Experience
I started counseling last night at Faith Baptist and I wanted to share the experience I had.
As some of you know, I have ‘huge’ anxiety issues and an overwhelming amount of stress in my life. Being a single mom (for 2 yrs now) of three kiddo’s has taken its toll on me physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of the main sources for my stress is my son Keaton. He is a 9 year old with sensory processing disorder, ADD, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar, and autistic spectrum disorder. Along with these “labels” come extreme irritability causing screaming, hitting, punching, crying, blah blah blah. Keaton, as the OT describes, “seeks out jumping, tumbling, and wrestling activities. He also seeks opportunities to bump and crash.” This may sound typical to “normal” boy/child behavior, but with Keaton it is extreme. He is very easily over-stimulated which causes the insaneness in my home, and the stress levels in me to rise drastically.
After discussing these issues with the counselor, telling him how “I” was always at my wits end, how “I” felt like giving up at times, how “I” felt like a bad mom because I would yell at the kids because of the stress I was under, how “I” was completely exhausted, and the list went on…
What came out of his mouth next was a huge slap in the face. He told me “It’s not about you. It doesn’t matter how bad “you” feel, it doesn’t matter how “you” handle the situation, it doesn’t matter that “you” sometimes feel like giving up. What matters is your relationship with Jesus.
It’s not about you, it’s about Him.” How true is that! With all the crap going on in my life, I have lost focus on what is most important!
The counselor, Jerry, had me read 2 Peter 1:3. It says ‘as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.’
When you become a believer, you gain instant possession of all things that pertain to life and godliness. We have God’s word that is full of promises, full of answers to any of life’s battles, obstacles, and struggles. I was assured that I can overcome anything…with Christ ALL things are possible.
Jerry also explained that there is a purpose as to why we go through what we do. It builds us up and makes us stronger. Our ultimate purpose in life is found in 1 Peter 2:9-11. ‘But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.’ Our purpose is to be God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for us- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. Because God is invisible, our job is to be the “visible” God for others to see.
I am glad I came to the realization that I needed counseling, an extra boost. I am also glad that I decided to go with biblical counseling at Faith. Just from one visit, I feel there’s hope and am encouraged more than ever. I am excited to see what God has in store for me and am willing to do whatever it takes to become the woman of God that He would have me be.
As some of you know, I have ‘huge’ anxiety issues and an overwhelming amount of stress in my life. Being a single mom (for 2 yrs now) of three kiddo’s has taken its toll on me physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of the main sources for my stress is my son Keaton. He is a 9 year old with sensory processing disorder, ADD, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar, and autistic spectrum disorder. Along with these “labels” come extreme irritability causing screaming, hitting, punching, crying, blah blah blah. Keaton, as the OT describes, “seeks out jumping, tumbling, and wrestling activities. He also seeks opportunities to bump and crash.” This may sound typical to “normal” boy/child behavior, but with Keaton it is extreme. He is very easily over-stimulated which causes the insaneness in my home, and the stress levels in me to rise drastically.
After discussing these issues with the counselor, telling him how “I” was always at my wits end, how “I” felt like giving up at times, how “I” felt like a bad mom because I would yell at the kids because of the stress I was under, how “I” was completely exhausted, and the list went on…
What came out of his mouth next was a huge slap in the face. He told me “It’s not about you. It doesn’t matter how bad “you” feel, it doesn’t matter how “you” handle the situation, it doesn’t matter that “you” sometimes feel like giving up. What matters is your relationship with Jesus.
It’s not about you, it’s about Him.” How true is that! With all the crap going on in my life, I have lost focus on what is most important!
The counselor, Jerry, had me read 2 Peter 1:3. It says ‘as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.’
When you become a believer, you gain instant possession of all things that pertain to life and godliness. We have God’s word that is full of promises, full of answers to any of life’s battles, obstacles, and struggles. I was assured that I can overcome anything…with Christ ALL things are possible.
Jerry also explained that there is a purpose as to why we go through what we do. It builds us up and makes us stronger. Our ultimate purpose in life is found in 1 Peter 2:9-11. ‘But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.’ Our purpose is to be God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for us- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. Because God is invisible, our job is to be the “visible” God for others to see.
I am glad I came to the realization that I needed counseling, an extra boost. I am also glad that I decided to go with biblical counseling at Faith. Just from one visit, I feel there’s hope and am encouraged more than ever. I am excited to see what God has in store for me and am willing to do whatever it takes to become the woman of God that He would have me be.
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