Autism Hangout Interview about God, Faith and Autism

Hello to all:

I’d like to thank Craig Evans of the Autism Hangout for interviewing me about my book, Autism’s Hidden Blessings. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“As she points out, ‘God's biggest blessings can be behind the biggest giants.’ Hear her talk about getting past the trials of discouragement and helplessness to living the extraordinary adventure. Kelly knows ‘God has a unique and marvelous purpose for children with autism.’ She has filled her book with scriptural promises for your child's worth, future and your own wisdom in understanding God's greater plan. ‘How great the power of His love!’"

Listen to the complete interview at: http://autismhangout.com

Learn more about Autism’s Hidden Blessings here, and sign up to be notified when the book is released: www.autismshiddenblessings.com

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The Economy and Hot Turkey

The economy has hit us hard, but the turkey seemed to be more juicy and delicious than usual. I think I am going to savor each little blessing of this holiday. I'm hoping for the best Christmas ever, even without an abundance of cash this year!

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Twitter Me!

Okay, I'm starting to get it.

Twitter is the way to plug into the discussion around us. I am not sure what this means, but I've signed on and started two Twitter accounts. So, if you are more Twitter-savvy than I am, "follow me," as the lingo goes and fill me in!

My personal Twitter account:

http://twitter.com/Kelly_Langston

and the one specific to Faith and Autism:

http://twitter.com/AutismBlessings

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Send Billy Graham A Birthday Gift

I can't imagine a world without Billy Graham! He has been the picture of what it means to walk in miraculous faith; a picture I have known for my entire life. It's amazing to me that on November 7th, Rev. Graham will turn 90. His ministry is marked with sincerity, as evidenced by his life and in his actions.

So many other evangelists have risen and fallen. I am sure it is extremely difficult not to be swayed by fame and power. Yet, the Rev. Graham has chosen to lead a life that has truly glorified God. He has kept his eyes on the prize, and so God has been able to use his life to reach millions.

Join me in leaving a birthday gift to Rev. Billy Graham by leaving your story or message at the following site:


https://www.billygraham.org/bgbirthday.asp

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Fear: You've Got to Face it to Defeat It!

I remember a time with I was afraid of nothing. Like most adolescents, I thought that I could do anything and everything. Death was merely a rumored stranger, someone I did not expect to encounter for many years.

But the years did pass and I am now in my early forties (yep, I have to throw in the word “early”), with three sets of baby blues looking to me for love and support, I realize that I have a lot to live for and I don’t really have a desire to move on just yet. When you are a mother with a lot of responsibility, your mind can play tricks on you, reminding you often that each day brings a myriad of ways to hurt yourself:

Don’t drive to the beach at night alone! WHAT IF you meet a thief? Don’t swim out too far in the ocean! WHAT IF a shark bites you? Don’t eat the cilantro, WHAT IF it’s tainted? And this weekend: Don’t venture out onto those cliffs! WHAT IF you fall?

The picture above shows my daughter, Elise, on top of Grandfather Mountain. It’s a stunningly rugged mountain with a swinging bridge on top offering a mile-high view. In the picture above, you see my daughter pointing to another family who has ventured past the bridge to take in the view from the cliffs beyond it. As you can see, there isn’t a guard rail to protect you if you walk out there. But if you do, a spectacular view awaits you.

I wanted a taste of that view! There were many people walking out onto the rocks, including children and pets. I am not advocating taking a child onto the cliffs, but I wanted to do it myself. But fear began to rise inside of my chest. Don’t do it. It’s too far down! WHAT IF you slip?

I had a choice to make. I could return to our car and know that I had missed something special, a glimpse of the majesty of God’s creation. Or I could say a simple prayer and face my fear of falling. I could remain the Safety Mom or be the Adventure Girl I used to be, before I learned to hold on too tightly to the gifts God has given me.

I chose adventure! I climbed out to the highest rock and gazed down. A turkey vulture circled far below me, soaring above the trees in search of prey. I could see for miles in every direction and at once felt enormous, so high above everything else, and yet miniscule in comparison to the expanse of beauty surrounding me.

For one moment, I was a part of that mountain. And it was amazing.

Now I’m back to dishes and laundry and all of the mundane duties of being a mother. But that view is forever etched in my memory, and I thank God for it.

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Dancing with the Universe

It's hard to watch this whimsical YouTube video by Matt Harding and not be touched in some way by it. When I watch it, I see that all of us - people from every continent on the face of this earth - are really children at heart. I see a chance to put aside war, social differences, greed and injustice, and, if only for one moment, be united by a simple dance.

Just a dance. A simple dance that says so little, but says so much.

What do you see?


Thanks Matt, for allowing us to drop our defenses and just be kids again.

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The LURE of Nature! THE LANGSTON CAMPIN' TRIP

The Langstons took some off this past weekend, a special time to rediscover the JOY in life! God blesses us in so many ways, so get out and enjoy nature!

Nineteen of my neighbors went camping this weekend. Alec was a little overwhelmed at times and retreated to the solitude of his tent, but he did get out and have some fun with all of us.

Take a moment today and breathe in the air! Slow down and look around you! Life is passing by, don’t miss it!

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Today is World Autism Awareness Day

I have an autistic son, Alec. He is the joy of my life, but it took a long time to find joy again once Alec was diagnosed. But this much I know: God has a special and unique purpose for autistic children no less than that of any other child!

FACTS ABOUT AUTISM (from www.autismspeaks.org):

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Incidence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding: $15 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

• Total 2005 NIH budget: $29 billion
• Of this, only $100 million goes towards autism research. This represents 0.3% of total NIH funding.

CNN is providing a day of coverage for World Autism Awareness Day today. For more information, see my blog http://www.walkingwithalec.com, which details our faith-based approach to overcoming autism, and the following online informational sources and resources:

Current News Stories:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/24/autism.vaccines/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/31/autism.main/index.html

Autism Informational Resources:

http://www.autism.com/ (Defeat Autism Now!)
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://www.autism-society.org

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A Moment for Mary

This week I've been thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus.

When Jesus was just a small boy, did she feel the same ballooning of the heart that I do whenever I pick up Alec? Did she wrap her arms around him, like I do Alec, gauging the increasing strength of his return embrace ?

Did she watch with pride as he played with the other boys in the town? Did they have long discussions just before slipping into sleep about everything: games, bugs, trees, food and maybe the way the sky turns violet just before the sun slides past the horizon? Did he tell her what was to come?

I've been thinking of Mary this week as I've comforted my own son, wary of a visit to the doctor, and again when I watched him be led away by the dental hygienist going for a check up. What a big boy, I marveled to myself. So brave and fearless!

Today is Maundy Thursday, and I can't help thinking of Mary, as her beloved son was being led away by the Roman soldiers, beaten and abused and taking it all in grace. Did she marvel at his strength? So brave and fearless!

What thoughts were running through her mind as she watched the trial from a distance? Could she see the governor Pilate wash his hands of her son, knowing he was innocent but afraid to stand against the outcries of his public? Did she cringe to the cries "Crucify Him!" ? How did she bear seeing her precious son walk the long and lonely road to Golgotha, the "Place of the Skull"?

Did she recall the words of Simon who, years before had held the child Jesus in his arms, blessing God and thanking him that his eyes were finally beholding the great salvation of the world, and then speaking sobering words to Mary:

"Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel .... and a sword will pierce your own soul - that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:35-35)

Even in a state of agony and distress that defies our imaginations, Jesus looks down from His suffering and sees her there, his mama, and directs his beloved disciple John to attend to her saying:

"Dear woman, here is your son." (John 19:26)

I can only imagine the suffering on Mary's part, loving her son and unable to attend to him, or of Jesus, loving his mother and unable to hold her!

Thank God that the story does not end there!

"He is alive! He is alive!" Did these words rumble through her mind without end when she heard the news? Did her knees fail her? Did she cry out in joy?

The last we hear of Mary, just after the ascension of Christ into the clouds, she is included in a list of brethren - the very first Christians - in Jerusalem's upper room praying and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit.

"All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women,

including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers." (Acts 1:14)

It must have been difficult to be the mother of Jesus, but oh, how thankful I am the she opened her arms wide and allow us to take him for ourselves, the lamb of the world sent for us.

Thank you, Jesus, I think as I look to the heavens, again thinking again of Mary, now with her son in His kingdom, the earthly carpenter and heavenly king, building a place for us there.

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Tied Up in Knots and Searching for Laughter

How does everyone else do it?  

How do other people keep up with the responsibilities and tasks of each day and still find time to write?  Am I the only one who often feels a huge lump in my throat as the day goes on and I'm trying to get everything done?

Does anyone have any ideas to STAY CALM when the world seems to be moving an a Warp 8 speed and I am stuck in Warp 3?  

LAUGHTER...I need some!  I think I'll go peruse Youtube for some funny clips before I get started writing for today.  Sometimes, I just need a laugh!

PS: Got a YOUTUBE favorite (nice and clean!) for a chuckle or two? SEND IT ON in a comment!

Okay, Here is a clip I made for you.  A bit slapstick, a bit documentary....

The Moon Monster

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What to Cook in a Flash: Olive Gardenish Salad & Breadsticks

Here's my quick and easy (I mean QUICK and easy) recipe when you only have a few minutes to cook for the family or for a get-together with friends:

Ingredients:

1 premade package of mixed greens
1 bottle of Ken's Light Caesar dressing
1 cup of kalamata olives
1 cup of pepperoncini peppers
1 cup of Italian croutons
1 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese
2 cups of precooked chicken breasts
pepper, salt, poultry seasoning

1 package of bread sticks
garlic

Heat a skillet with Pam or a bit of oil and warm the chicken for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with poultry seasoning such as "Magic Chef" brand.

Fill a big salad bowl with mixed greens
Add olives, peppers, croûtons, Parmesan cheese and heated chicken
Toss with salad dressing to taste.

Sprinkle bread sticks and garlic and warm in oven.

This recipe is a no-brainer, but it really tastes as good as the Olive Garden salad. Add the chicken for protein and you have your meal.

Thanks, Lysa Terkeurst for the great recipe exchange idea!

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God is Faithful in All Things .... Except....

So many times I tell people that God is faithful, every day. Not sometimes. Not once in a while.  Always.

He is faithful in scripture, saving His children in countless ways throughout the stories of the Bible.  He is faithful to those I see around me who trust Him.  There is nothing that sends my heart soaring more than hearing about God doing something great, something supernatural, in the life of someone around me.  Even through the most difficult of trials, He is faithful, and I know He turns all tears into wine in His sweet time.

There is not much that I would hold back from God. I mean, why would I? Except....

Except that now, as I am a few months from the contracted completion date for my first book (the one I know for sure that God called me to and evidenced by the doors He opened for me, doors so heavy I couldn't open them with a crowbar), I am now having some health issues that are, to be honest, a bit unnerving.

I have made some appointments to check up on these things, but I feel like arrows of worry are flying around my head.  I'm trying to run on past them, run towards the finish line, but it's hard. Sometimes I want a friend to just tell me, "Hey, it's going to be okay," but everyone in my life right now is pretty preoccupied with things that I have to say are very important.  It's like I'm left here, alone, to figure these issues out. Maybe that's the plan.

So, here I am writing a book about giving everything we are to God, trusting Him in the worst of trials, and I find myself challenged to do that same thing: Trust Him. 

Not with a career decision. Not with decisions about schools, sports, finances, etc.  No, with my very life.

There are no exceptions. No problem exists that God cannot handle. Is anything impossible for Him?  No.

I trust and know that HE is faithful to complete the work that He has called me to do.  This is yet another chance to trust Him, to see His glory brush my life.  

So, I'm going to keep on running.  Keep on reaching for that prize, to be all that He saved me for, every bit, every ounce of the person He sees in me. I'm going to envision the completed work instead of allowing the "what if's?" to consume me.

And I'm going to shut out my fear, because I know that perfect love (and perfect trust) casts out fear. 

So that said, it's time to write. 

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, 

that He Who began a good work in you will continue 

until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], 

developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."

(Philippians 1:6 AMP)

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, 

because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 

(1John 4:18 NIV)

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What if you could sit on the porch with Jesus?

Imagine this: For one afternoon you get to sit in the sunlight on a warm southern porch with Jesus, asking anything you want, talking just as you would with your best friend. Coffee in hand, sunlight on your bare feet, and easy conversation between the two of you.

Think about it: Just you and Jesus on the porch on a warm afternoon. What would you talk about? What would you ask Him? Or, would you just be silent and enjoy the moment together?

This is how we can, in fact, spend time with Jesus. Just like the conversations you have had with a friend so close to you that she knows your deepest secrets: and loves you still. That's exactly how Jesus wants us to come to Him. Just as we are, without fancy language or pretenses, bringing our secrets and deepest longings of our hearts to share with Him.

Did you know that the Savior of the world also longs for that kind of time with you? So, let's do it! I've started this blog as a place to share stories of faith and evidences of God's hand in the simplest of things.

Make no mistake: Jesus longs for us to get to know Him, and He wants to spent time with you. He longs to share not only the biggest details of our lives, but also the simple musings as we go along our day, driving to appointments, children's activities, work and grocery shopping. He longs to share our life, even the tiny, humdrum, minuscule aspects of it.

So, grab a cup of coffee and share some time with Jesus. He's sitting there on the porch waiting to hear from you.

WELCOME PROVERBS 31 READERS!

In case you haven't guessed, I am still in creation mode for this personal blog! I'll be posting on a regular basis from now on, so please come back and share your own stories with me!

In the meantime, please visit my blog http://www.walkingwithalec.com/. I've been keeping this one since 2004. It's a journal of how God has intimately walked with our family during our journey with autism.

A bit more about me: I'm currently working on a faith-based book for Kregel Publications about autism to be completed this year. More to come!

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