Ethan's 1st Church Service

Once a month, our church does a "Family Service" on Sunday nights. Ethan has always preferred to play in the nursery instead of being in "big church"......he usually won't even step foot in the sanctuary because he is afraid of it. Every time he has been in the sanctuary, it has been too loud or too overwhelming or too new. And we always take advantage of the nursery instead of trying to keep him calm & quiet during a church service. That time will come soon enough since he is getting close to the age limit for the nursery.

However, this past Sunday night, our Pastor asked my husband's side of the family to participate in an activity which would include not only Corey & I but Ethan as well. I told him we would try, but in the back of my mind I never thought it would happen. Ethan is just too terrified of the sanctuary. BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!

The whole gang got to church a little early in order to meet with Pastor & go over what he wanted us to do. Ethan walked right into the sanctuary as if he had done it 100 times.....no biggie. I was so thankful for this small miracle! Then he saw some of his cousins, and immediately left the comfort of my side in order to go play with them. He keep looking at me while he was creeping over to them, and I enthusiastically shook my head 'yes'. Ethan was so comfortable that he felt he could wander away from Corey & I?! AMAZING! Then, after we got our orders, the whole family moved up to the front 3 pews. Corey & I thought it would be best for Ethan if we stayed where we were....in the very last pew. However, Ethan followed the rest of the family, and went right on up to the front! And we followed....

He was Mr. Social! He was walking around the 3 pews of family, talking to everyone, playing with the kids....it was so awesome! Then the service started. Now, the family services are very different from a typical service. It is focused more on families.....thus focused more on kids......and it's not a very traditional service.  So Ethan didn't have to be super quiet, but he did have to sit down because it was still a church service. When we told him to come & sit by us, he kept saying, "Owen? Owen? Owen? Owen? Owen? Owen?" over & over again.....he wanted to sit by his cousin......LOVE!!!! The theme for the evening was "Let Your Light Shine," so they darkened the sanctuary & only lit the platform. Ethan immediately began to tense up, so we offered him his sound-softening headphones. He put them on just as they started a video clip on the screen, and Ethan said, "Oooooooo! Look! A movie!!!!" And the video was entirely a light bright whose picture was constantly moving to show a story. And Ethan has a light bright so he was very interested in this "movie." Then, they started the music portion. I felt myself prepare for the meltdown that was surely going to come....because this is why he doesn't like the sanctuary.....and no meltdown ever came! We sang about 4 songs, including This Little Light Of Mine.....to which he held up his finger & had the biggest smile ever! My heart just melted! Then, another video, and he enjoyed that too. So far, the whole service has mesmerized him.

Then our Children's Pastor when on stage for a "science experiment," and she invited all the kids to come up and join her. Before Corey & I could even look at each other to communicate how we should handle this with Ethan, Ethan was walking up to the platform with the rest of the kids.....no fear! SERIOUSLY!!??? WHO IS THIS KID???!!!!! Corey went up & sat in the front pew, but Ethan was on his own on the stage with the other kiddos. All the kids sat down around the demonstration table, but Ethan was ready to put on a show. Remember, the lights were down in the sanctuary, so.....as my friend pointed out.....the only people he could see in the audience were the first 3 pews.......which was his family. He was so excited & happy! He was talking about how much he loved the apples, counting the apples (they were actually lemons), jumping up & down, climbing on & off the alter....it was so amazing to see him without fear. After awhile, I went on stage to aid him in being a part of the group & listening to the demonstration. This was a new experience for Corey & I....we were prepared to handle anxiety-filled Ethan, but not ham-it-up on stage Ethan!!!! It was great!!!! Then, the Children's Pastor passed out glow sticks. She snapped one & handed it to Ethan. She was telling the kids to shake it after they snapped it in order for it to glow. Ethan says, in his non-inside voice, "Everybody shake 'em!!!" It was hilarious! Then, they turned the lights on the stage down, so we could see the glow sticks really glow. When that happened, Ethan says, "It is SO beautiful!" I was over the moon!!!

Then, they dismissed us back to our seats, and I took Ethan out for a diaper change. As we were in the bathroom, Ethan begins to sing......."This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine"........(pause for tears).................and I thought to myself how Ethan already is letting his light shine. I was so thankful when I heard the door open because it stopped me from bawling right then & there. I was just so happy for Ethan. Well, it was our Minister of Music, and she started singing along with Ethan. He got the biggest grin on his face. He thought that was so cool! As we made our way back inside the service, the lights were still off as our Youth Pastor was giving the sermon. He had a bunch of lights lit on stage include a large revolving multicolored light that was bouncing off the walls of the sanctuary. Ethan loved it. Then, it was time for our family's activity. It's a bit difficult to explain this,but I'm going to try. My husband's older brother is married to a friend of mine. Her family has been members of our church for years & years. Pastor brought HER grandpa up on the platform, lit the candle grandpa was holding & interviewed him. The point was that him shining his light made a difference in his family. Then, Pastor brought up the grandpa's kids.....all of whom attend church....and 3 out of the 4 attend our church. Grandpa lit his kids candles, and they lit their spouses candles. Now there are 5 family members on the platform. Pastor interviewed them. Then he brought up THEIR kids....one of which is my friend & sister-in-law. The pattern continued, and then it branched over to my husband's family.......Corey's mom & dad.....then Corey & I with his other siblings.....and then finally the great-grand kids....including Ethan. Ethan did amazing. He sat with our Children's Pastor while Corey & I were on stage, and he did very well when he was called to the stage. That was the last thing of the service....and Ethan did AMAZING! It was all Corey & I could talk about that night & the next day. It was such a blessing.

When Pastor asked my husband how being raised in a Christian home has effected how we want to raise Ethan, Corey got very choked up. We always knew that we would raise our kids in church. That's how he & I were both raised, and we both found Jesus at a very early age. And this is what we want for Ethan. So, we want to do what our parents did for us. But, with Ethan having autism, this has become a challenge. He can't participate in a lot of church activities due to his anxiety & sensory sensitivity. So, our biggest desire for Ethan has become even more of a challenge to teach & model. But, I continue to pray everyday for Ethan. I pray every day that he would come to know Jesus at an early age, and that he will love Him & serve Him every day of his life.....like Corey & I have. It has been life-changing for us, and we want Ethan to have this peace in Jesus as well. And I don't know what Ethan understands or what he will be able to understand in the future, but I do know that God has big plans for Ethan. And Ethan showed us all during that evening church service that he is already letting his light shine. He is such a gift.

Autism Family Orientation Clinic

My goal for the next couple of postings it to type up all of my notes in my ever growing pile of papers. I need to clear it out & file some of the older things. So, today I will be noting what I learned from a Easter Seals clinic that my husband & I attended in July 2011. I'm a bit behind........

This one-day clinic was specifically designed for New Diagnosis Families. The class was divided into 5 parts: What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder? What causes Autism? What happens now? What can I do to help? and What can I expect for the future?

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
*Autism is a complex, brain-based developmental disability that typically appears during the first 3 years of life.

*Impacts the typical development of the brain processes related to social interaction and communication skills.

*People with autism typically have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and leisure or play activities.

*Autism is a life-long disability.

*Currently, there are a lot of studies being done on the brain of people with autism. Some early results are showing that sizes of parts of the brain are different than the average brain.

*High-functioning means the person has a high IQ.....not that they can cope well.

*There are several autism diagnosis: Classic Autism (this is Ethan's category), Asperger's Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Easter Seals told us that in the year 2014, there will no longer be categories. All will receive a Autism Spectrum Disorder.....no longer separate categories.

*Sensory sensitivities are actually painful to the individual.

What Causes Autism?

*We don't know!

*Many studies are being done to discover the origin. They do know that it is strongly genetic. It is generally regarded to be of neuro-biological origin. Researchers suspect that there are a number of different genes that, when combined together, increase the risk of autism.

*In 1998, a very small study (only 12 subjects) was published that suggested a causative relationship between the MMR vaccine & autism.  This caused many families to choose NOT to vaccinate their children.

*However, this study was retracted in 2010 by the same authors of that study as well as the medical journal that printed it. "We wish to make it clear that in this paper no causal link was established between MMR vaccine and autism as the data were insufficient."

*The Immunization Safety Review Committee on MMR Vaccine concluded that there is NO association between autism & the MMR vaccine.

*Another theory has been tested & tried is the Gluten-free, Casein-free diet. However, Dr. Susan Syman of the University of Rochester reported on her study that shows this diet does not appear beneficial for children with autism. "The removal of gluten and casein from the diet of a controlled group of young children with autism did not demonstrate a change in sleep habits, bowel habits, activity or core symptoms of autism," Hyman said.

*However, on a personal note, more the half of the people in our class told us that this diet has helped their children TREMENDOUSLY. So, I say...if it works, great. If not (as in Ethan's case), great.

*There are several theories being tested: gastrointestinal abnormalities, immune dysfunction, impaired detoxification, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, and so on. However, overall, at this time, there is little solid, scientific evidence to support these proposed biomedical causes.

What Happens Now?
*Research has show that early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism.

*In fact, with appropriate early intervention services, from ages 3-5, between 20% and 50% of children diagnosed with autism will be able to attend mainstream kindergarten. (This is why I am so passionate about Ethan's early intervention.)

*Our instructor told us this....If the child has spoken words by kindergarten & there is a high cognitive development, studies are showing that that child has a high likelihood of typically functioning in the adult world.

*There are several types of therapies to consider: Applied Behavior Analysis, DIR Model Floortime, TEACCH Structured Teachin, Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Social Stories, PECS, Relationship Development Interventions, Music Therapy/Auditory Integration Training, Assistive Technology, Special Diets, Vitamin Mineral Therapy, Chelation Therapy, and Medication Therapy.

*When choosing your intervention strategy, remember that each child is unique & have different needs. Base interventions upon the particular strengths and weaknesses of the individual child. Usually, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended.

*Best Practice Guidelines: Starting early is very important, More intensive treatment leads to better outcome, Family involvement is crucial, and Intervention should be individualized to best meet the needs of the child and family.

What Can I Do To Help?
*Parent Tool #1 - Increase Environmental Stucture - We all use visual aids & schedules, but it is critical & effective way to support your child.

*Parent Tool #2 - Have Fun with Your Child! - Don't let them withdraw into their own world....lure them out gently & creatively.

What Can I Expect For The Future?
*We don't know. However, we can promise that your child will continue to grow, to change & to learn! It's up to all of us to help them to reach their maximum potential!

*With appropriate services & guidance, all people with ASD can learn to be part of the world around them, and live a meaningful and productive life.

*If you're willing to learn from your child and love him/her unconditionally, you will find your life enriched by the experience. It happens all the time. Parents and family members the world over become more compassionate, learn the power of love, and discover reserves of courage, determination, creativity, and fortitude they never knew they possessed. And you will too!

Ethan's Sensory Diet - Smell, Sound & Sight

Across this blog, I have been talking about Ethan's "sensory diet." Here is a reminder of what this is.....

"A sensory diet is based on the concept that each child requires a certain amount of sensory input & activity to be the most alert, adaptable, and skillful. The primary goal of a sensory diet is to find sensory-based activities to help a child feel more alert, calm and organized. Our senses give us information about our body & also about the environment around us. We use the information to successfully interact in the world. Sensory integration is the ability to block our irrelevant sensory input while paying attention to relevant input." ~Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Each child has their own unique sensory diet. Some kids crave loud noise while for others that may be a trigger to setting off a meltdown. Another kiddo may enjoy bright, fast moving lights while another child may prefer a dimly lit room. So, when Ethan began Occupational Therapy, the first thing we did was investigate his senses in order to see what input his body needed & what would send him into a state of meltdown......we were finding his specific Sensory Diet.

Growing up, we were taught the 5 senses......sight, smell, sound, taste & touch. Going through this OT process with Ethan, I also learned about the Proprioceptive system (body awareness) & the Vestibular system (movement & balance). I have already touched on these last 2 systems as well as taste & touch. I want to finish up my notes on this topic in today's posting.

First, closely related to taste, is the sense of smell or the Olfactory system. Certain smells can awaken or calm ourselves. I relate this to candle shopping. Have you ever stood in the candle section of a store "testing" all of the different smells in order to find the candle you want to purchase? Why did you pick that particular scent? Or have you said or ever heard anyone say, "I LOVE the smell of_________!" Well, there is a reason that you are drawn to particular smells. More than likely, it is causing your body's senses to either relax or energize. Same thing for people with autism....the only difference is they tend to react stronger than a typical person. Typically, "scents (and tastes) that are generally calming & easier to process include: almond extract, butter, banana, cinnamon, lavender, pine, soap, vanilla, chamomile, rose & sweet foods. Scents (and tastes) that are generally invigorating & harder to process include peppermint, lemon, garlic, mothballs, vinegar, fish, burnt material, coffee, dirt, chocolate, onion, basil, salty or sour foods." (ipmr)

We tested Ethan and found that he was MOSTLY indifferent to smells. However, we did notice that he has a difficult time eating at the table when dinner smells are still high. As I am typing up these notes, I am remembering last night's dinner. I made salad, spaghetti & garlic bread......GARLIC bread. If you see in the notes up above, that is a energizing smell. Spaghetti is one of his favorite foods, but last night, he wouldn't hardly step foot into the kitchen/dining room. We coaxed him into taking 3 bites, and then he was outta there! After awhile, he came back in & asked for waffles.....which would include syrup.....a sweet (calming) food. And, by that time, dinner has turned cold......and cold food has less smell than hot food. This is one of the reasons that Ethan & I can't cook/bake together....the smell is too much for him. Honestly, I often forget about smell because it isn't a BIG trigger for Ethan. But if our kitchen has a strong smell of any kind, he won't come in....too much for him. So, we do have to be careful about buying scented bubble bath, burning candles, wearing perfume, air fresheners, etc. In fact, when I brew my coffee, I immediately pour the whole pot into a large thermos in order to keep the smell to a minimum. So, our conclusion is that Ethan doesn't have a strong response to specific smells.....only overwhelming smells.

Second, is the sense of sound or the Auditory system. This is a MAJOR one for our Ethan. "Individuals can be defensive towards loud noises, have difficulty attending & focusing in noisy environments, &/or be calmed by music. Many children do well with verbal warning of noises. Rhythmical beats, decreased unexpected noises, use of headphones or ear plugs can be calming. Loud irregular beats and unexpected noises (such as toilet flushing or fire alarm) are alerting." ~(ipmr)

We did not need to test Ethan in this area.....this is the reason we knew Ethan needed OT. We already knew what he could & couldn't handle. When he was an infant, he would instantly calm when we would turn on our range hood in the kitchen, but he would cry when I would vacuum. He would fall asleep in his crib to a CD of white noise, but he would cry when I would use the blow dryer. We already knew these things from his infancy. Loud noise, commotion, and transitions are Ethan's BIG triggers....he is easily set off with these things. His big triggers are high frequency noise (electronics, appliances, etc.....another reason he won't cook with me in the kitchen....I think the one time I foolishly used the blender did him in for life.), but he craves the low frequency (car motors, white noise, etc.) In order to help him cope &/or calm himself, we use several things. Ear plugs/Headphones, verbal warnings/cover our ears, social stories or practice prior to an event, white noise machine which includes rainfall, ocean waves & a lullaby song....that is in 4/4 time (calming), quiet time, transition phrases, and quiet silly songs. This is Ethan's most difficult sensory system to overcome, but he is getting better the older he gets......and we are getting better at helping him as well.

Lastly, is the sense of sight or the Visual System. "We use our visual information to alert and calm ourselves and to help with focus and attention. Some children become over-stimulated by visual input such as fast paced TV or watching a ceiling fan. Decreased clutter, dimmer lighting, small enclosed space or slow moving visual stimuli tends to be calming. Fast paced visual input, highly decorated room, fast moving toys/lights tends to be alerting."(ipmr)

This is an area that affects Ethan very little. We experimented with several types of visually calming & alerting activities, and he had no response either way. However, we did find out that Ethan loves watching a fire as well as a fish tank, he enjoys visual cues such as a picture schedule, and he loves visual games like match games or dot-to-dots. However, let me say this......although certain sensory systems do not seem to seem to cause a reaction from Ethan, combined together they can be triggers for a meltdown. For example, in out-of-routine situations, I am always aware of any extra sensory overload. We are already tapping into a trigger due to being out of the ordinary. So, that mixed with a lot of visual stimulation could cause a meltdown. If we go to a new environment, I am trying to be aware of new stimuli......fans, appliances, commotion, etc.....in order to prepare for a possible meltdown. Usually, I can see that Ethan has tolerated all he can, and we remove him from the situation before the meltdown occurs. Lately, he has been doing VERY well at handling new things & tolerating unfamiliar stimuli for longer periods of time. YAHOO!!!!!!!!!

I know this is a long entry, but I wanted to finish up Ethan's Sensory Diet. Now, I can file this paperwork away.......but not too far out of reach. I like to refer to it time & time again in order to refresh my memory as well try new recommended activities with Ethan. And, maybe, someday Ethan will want to cook with me in the kitchen......just maybe without the blender.....maybe rice crispy treats!?

Ethan's Rice Box. Tactile System=Calming. He will bury the toys & dig them out. Nice way to use happy meal toys!

Similar to a sandbox, he can dig in this rice bin. It's messy, but it's worth the 10 min clean up for the 30 min of playtime.

I had looked all over for these, and finally found them at a toy store in St. Louis. These are great to work his "shoulder" muscles....which help with his proprioceptive system.....and will help him with his HANDWRITING!

These are most of Ethan's tactile system toys....or fidget toys. They are great for the car & the dinner table.

Ethan's headphones & ear plugs....great for making loud sounds quieter.

 

Ethan's sound machine. I think I've posted this before, but we use this all night long. This helps him sleep soundly & block out noises that could wake him up. He has started requesting what he wants to listen to...I love it!

This is Ethan in a BOUNCE HOUSE! Less than a year ago, he wouldn't go near one because the air-blowing motor sound was too loud. Late this summer, he played in this bounce house (that was surrounded by 2 other bounce houses) for more than an hour! He started with ear plugs, but they didn't stay in too long before HE took them out! YEA!!!!

Here is Ethan at his school's Halloween parade. He handled it just fine...with a little ear covering action.

Here are a few visually organizing toys that help Ethan in high anxiety situations. We use these when we run errands. Stickers & flashcards that he can organize/line up.

Again, I think I put this on here before, but this lamp includes cars that go around & around. We bought it to help soothe Ethan, but he doesn't seem to be interested in it anymore....but it sure is cool!!!

Here is an example of a visual schedule. These help Ethan know what to do next, and he really likes them. However, once he knows the schedule, he doesn't use/isn't interested in them anymore.

OK! That's the end! This is Ethan's Sensory Diet!

"If, Then"

Awhile back, my mom, my husband & I attended a Dr. Temple Grandin conference. During that amazing time of learning, we sat next to a wonderful lady. She's the type of woman you could hear talk for days & never tire of what she has to say. She was fun, upbeat, and extremely knowledgeable in her field. She was a speech therapist! In fact, she retired last year, but came back for 6 weeks in order to fill in for a friend......and, I think, to influence my world.

During our many conversations, she told us about a "trick" she uses with her students. Although autism looks very different among the spectrum, there seem to be a few common characteristics. One of them is the obsessive nature. For example, if Ethan wants to listen to a particular song in the car, he will ask for it repeatedly until we oblige him. The longer we put off put him off or the longer it takes for us to find that particular song, the more intense his urgency.....and ultimately ending in a meltdown. My example is a very minor example, but it does become a real issue when it comes to eating, toilet training, social etiquette, and so on......situations that he MUST learn in order to be able to function in the world.

As I said before, we started using Disney's Special Agent OSO's "Step One, Two & Three" strategy. Well......that worked for Daddy, but not for me. All I would do is say, "Step One,"....and he already knew that I was going to make him do something other than what HE wanted to do.....and a meltdown would occur. So, when our new conference friend started telling me about "IF, THEN," I was all ears.

When a kiddo wants to do nothing other than what THEY want to do....whether that be a toy, a game, a particular food, an activity, etc........you use the IF, THEN format. So, using the requested song example, I would say, "Ethan, IF you listen to If Your Happy, then you can listen to Itsy Bitsy Spider." This has been a miracle at our house. I use it for EVERYTHING!!!!!!

*If you eat one bite of dinner, then you get one fruit snack - this is how I get him to eat stuff he doesn't want to eat

*If you pick up your books, then we can play with puzzles.

*If we change your diaper, then you can play with the Lite Brite.

This is how we started, and now we are able to....as I'm reminded by Temple Grandin....we are able to "stretch him." I can now have Ethan do 2 things before the reward. Sometimes Ethan will pick up his own toys without me prompting him. Then, he will come to me & say, "If you pick up your toys, NOW we can play iPad." Sounds good to me kiddo!!!!

I will be honest....it is easier just to put his favorite song on repeat, but, in my opinion, that does Ethan a HUGE disservice. He can't always have his own way. But sometimes, using my discernment, I realize that he is only 3 years old, and most 3 year olds want to hear the same song over & over again or watch the same movie over & over again. And sometimes I will allow him to hear a song over & over again during a trip to run errands.....but that is mostly so he will be calm for the errand part. It really is all about discernment, and thinking about what will be best for Ethan....either in that situation or in the future. But I'm so glad that we have found this tool that is currently helping Ethan to "stretch".

A Cute Story

I just "woke" Ethan up from his nap. Why the quotes? Because he wasn't sleeping....he was singing "I Wish You Well" song from school....super cute. So, when I went into his room, I "crashed" on his bed next to him. Here is the conversation that followed......

Me: Ethan, what are you doing?
Ethan: Up or Down (while pointing up & down)? UP!
Me: You want to get up?
Ethan: Yes!
Me: Noooooo.....you want to snuggle with Mommy!

Then, Ethan gets a big smile on his face as he lays back down. Then, I wrap my arm around his legs & hug them while saying, "snuggle, snuggle, snuggle...."

Then I hear this.....

Ethan: Step One.....Snuggle with Mommy. Step One COMPLETE! Now, step two. Get up.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh that kid cracks me up!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Extra Note: My husband started using "Step One, Step Two, Step Three..." from the Disney cartoon Special Agent OSO. Ethan loves the show & has started having less anxiety about doing things he doesn't want to do when we use this format. And, now, Ethan is creating his own steps....it's so funny!

FREE Inclusion Fusion

I have always been very involved at my church. In high school, God showed me the need for a worship service during our youth group's mid-week service.....so I led it. In college, God showed me the need for a college Sunday school class....so I taught it. When I became a stay-at-home mom, God showed me the need for frequent "girls-only" fellowship opportunities.....so I organized them. Throughout the years, God has helped me lead Bible studies, participate in plays (onstage & backstage), sing in the choir & praise teams, served in the children's department and many other random areas of ministry. During the last couple of years, God led me to teach a new adult Sunday school class. Recently, however, God has been taking me in a new direction.

As I look back over my years of volunteer ministry, I have noticed a pattern.....God seems to use me as a "starter". God places a ministry on my heart & helps me start it.....and then releases me from it.....and someone else takes it. For example, when we started doing our youth group's Wednesday night service more like a church service, I led worship by using a CD of music, a projector to shine the words on the wall, and my loud voice. NOW! Our youth group has their own worship TEAM!!!! They have their own band, a group of singers, a computer to show the words on a mounted screen, a sound system, and so on. They are amazing! More recently, I organized a summer playgroup for moms & their little ones at our church. NOW, one of my best friends runs it, and they meet every week!!!!

A couple of months ago, I was very comfortable with my volunteer ministries. I attended our church's 1st service, then I would co-teach an adult Sunday school class. Then, on either Sunday night or Wednesday night, I would volunteer in our church's nursery. It was perfect, and I loved every minute of it! I finally felt like I had found my niche, and God was going to use me in these places of ministry for YEARS & YEARS!

And then, early this summer, God started stirring my heart. You know.....you are going about your everyday life, and then God starts pulling at your heartstrings. He starts showing you a need EVERYWHERE you go. It seems like everything you see/hear/read/etc. is about what God is speaking into you. At the grocery store, on the radio, in your circle of friends, in your devotions, at work, etc. For me it really started when, my husband & I went to an Easter Seals presentation specifically about autism. We were going to help better understand our beautiful Ethan. However, during the presentation, God was talking to me loud & clear. These things I was learning to do for my own son, God wanted me to do for other people at my church. I, naturally, started coming up with excuses......I'm not experienced in this field as others, I don't have any more time to give, I have already committed to my adult Sunday school class, etc, etc, etc....

But God kept placing this on my heart until I was so filled with love/passion/burden/joy for this new ministry that I could think of nothing else. Now, I realize that some people will think that I am only doing this for my own son, but, honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. God has given me a wider vision than my own personal needs....I feel a strong need to help other families with special needs. So, late this summer, I approached our pastoral staff with the idea of starting a special needs ministry. Our lead pastor told me that God had been showing him the need for this as well. As I told my Sunday school class one day, "It creeps me out when God does stuff like that!!!!" I love it!

So, extremely long story short, our church currently has an advisory board in place. A group of us with a passion to see families with special needs, not only attending church, but ministering, learning & worshiping about our awesome God. We are praying & planning for what this ministry will look like at our specific church. This is why I am so passionate about this on-line conference. Not only is it free, but you can watch the videos when you have time during the next 2 days. I am so excited to soak up what these speakers have to say & use it at my church.

Jason McElwain

A friend of mine posted this link on her facebook account. When I watched it, I was a crying mess. It is a beautiful story. Check out this short story but be sure to have the tissues handy!!!!