Autism’s Hidden Blessings: Faith, Hope and Promises for Autism



To Be Released by Kregel Publications in March 2009:

Autism’s Hidden Blessings: Discovering God’s Promises for Autistic Children and Their Families

God has a unique and marvelous purpose for your child with autism, and a purpose no less than that of any neurotypical child. Read the book that gets real with parents weary from the battle to care for their special needs child. In the brutally honest story of a challenging walk with her autistic son, Kelly Langston explores scriptural promises that enabled her son to soar above autism and become the child God intended him to be.

This book shares God’s blueprint for children to lead lives full of joy and potential despite autism. It’s the story of God reaching down into the darkness of our lowest moment and pulling us back into the light of His love to soar again.

Autism’s Hidden Blessings will forever change your family walk with autism, allowing you to see your child not through the haze of autism, but through the eyes of an Almighty God Who has provided powerful promises to teach your family to soar above it to an adventurous life of joy and potential.

Want to know more?

Click here to listen to a Podcast Interview for Autism Hangout’s “Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders” series with Craig Evans.

or visit:

www.autismhangout.com/news-reports/feature-programs.asp?id2=84

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Win a copy of Autism’s Hidden Blessings Today



Want to win a copy of Autism’s Hidden Blessings: Discovering God’s Promises for Autistic Children and Their Families? Enter the “Promises for Autism” giveaway!

Just go to my Facebook page and comment with your favorite scriptural promise that has helped you & your family deal with autism (or another difficult journey in life). Include the scripture text, Bible book & verse.

You can go to the  Biblegateway.com to search for promises. At the end of the day, I’ll draw two names from the list and each will win a book. Have fun!

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A Recipe for Aging Well



Today is my brother-in-law’s fortieth birthday.  I was the first in my family of my generation to pass this sometimes terrifying milestone, and now  — with an guilty sense of comfort in knowing I am no longer the only one standing at the top of the hill — I get to cheer on each of my siblings and their spouses as they, too, reach the big 4-0.

So today, I’m thinking about aging and what it means to do it with power, grace and dignity.  At 40, we all need to make sure that every moment of our lives counts for something greater than ourselves. When we do that, we leave our best legacy for our children and loved ones… and in the process learn what it means to truly live! So, Mike, here is my “Recipe for Aging Well,” my birthday gift to you:

1. At least once in your life, stand up tall for something you truly believe in, especially when you know that you will face immense opposition for choosing to stand against popular opinion. Refuse to be silenced by the majority whenever you see an injustice.
2. Realize the power and strength in your own voice by speaking out for someone who can’t do so for himself.
3. Change the world by choosing to love a child. Teach them what it means to be loved… regardless the cost. You will only find the meaning of life when you learn what it means to love sacrificially.
4. Seek the wisdom of the aged, those whom society so often overlooks.  The wisdom they can share can spare you of many wrong choices in life.  Don’t let our culture’s passion for youth deceive you.  Those who have lived many days have so much to give if only you will listen.
5. Slow down!  Life seems to pass by at a quicker pace than when you were younger.  Don’t let anything rob you of the joys of living in the moment.  Every day has a treasure meant to be enjoyed by you. Claim each and every one!
6. Dream a new dream, one bolder and more extravagant than ever before!  God often waits for the years to mature us before He calls us for His most prized tasks.  So often, we fail to realize that the best is yet to come!
7. Step out of the familiar and do something you have never done before.  Adventure awaits all of us.  Dare to take a few risks, trusting God to lead the way.  When we learn to truly trust Him, our lives become extraordinary.
8. Look around and count your blessings. Laugh a little every day.  Yes, you learned to do this as a child, but we forget!  Life gets in the way and then gratitude slips away.  And with it goes our joy. Refuse to let that go!
9. Never miss an opportunity to tell a loved one how much they mean to you, regardless of whether or not they “deserve” to be told.  There is a comfort in knowing that our loved ones know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved and valued, and that nothing remains to be said.  You may feel silly and vulnerable in doing so, but do it anyway.  You will never regret doing it, and you’ll sleep well at night.
10. Dare to put your hand in God’s and ask Him to take you anywhere He wants.  There is so much more He wants to show you, but so often we don’t let go of the reins of our lives to become all that He intended us to be.  Don’t miss out on the grand plan that awaits you!

Life is good.  In the hard times, in the bad, each breath is a gift.  And every day has a purpose of its own for us to find…if only we will look for it.

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Ready for Radical Living?



I’m ready for a radical kind of life.  But am I really?

The economy has been pressing down on our family for months now, and I feel as if I had been climbing a great mountain on my way to a spectacular view — only to hit an unexpected rockslide.  I cling to the shaky surface of the mountain, intent on reaching the summit as planned, but now I’m forced to dodge a slew of crushing, terrorizing boulders rolling past with an intent on bringing me down with them.  With so much going on around me, I have lost sight of the beautiful summit. Now I am focusing on the dangers of the climb instead of my destination.

I’m wondering… why?  Why have I lost sight of my destination: living a no-holds-barred, adventurous life full of the presence of God and ready to go anywhere He leads?  Why lose that vision for my life? Well, it’s because of fear….and distractions…. and more trouble than I ever expected.

But what if I let go?

What if I choose to let go of the rocks of my life, the supports that have carried me for years? These are the very things that I have been counting on to hold me safely in place for my entire life.  What if I release my hold on them – pushing them away even -  and truly, finally let go? What if I entirely trust in God to bear the weight of my existance, just as a rock climber trusts the ropes that mean life or death during a dangerous adventure?

I’m tired of counting on material things to carry me.  Those things shift and change.  They roll away from my hold like a slipping rock, tumbling to the ground below and far from my reach.  I can’t count on things that shift and move any longer.

But I can count on God. He will never lose His grip on me.  He has prepared the most breathtaking view just ahead, and its beauty is only sweetened in overcoming the obstacles that stand in my way of finding it.  The promised land exists, but the road to it is often long and difficult. How many of us truly get to that promised land?

So the question is: should we settle for a safe walk? If we do, we will not see such an incredible view at the end of our journey, nor catch our breath in wonder and amazement when we have reached the place of promise.  We will never know if the ropes that hold us from above, God’s lifeline, will truly support us… or not.  We will only exist.

But I want more!  I want to trust God with every ounce of my being.  I want to lift my gaze to the summit again, and refuse to give up to a simpler, safe kind of life. I want to see the expansion of creation after I reach the top and to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is very real, and He is holding my lifeline securely forevermore.

Yes, I want this radical kind of living starting today.  You know what?  I’m letting go. Why don’t you, too?

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Adventure awaits you…



Do you know that God is an adventurous God? When we walk with Him – and I mean drawing close to Him each day – He leads us to new paths that are filled with promise, purpose and adventure.

Today, I’m wondering: Where is He leading me today? Will I find myself in waters I have never swum before?  Will He take me to some new height and, like an eagle, nudge me from the nest of my own comfort to soar on warm winds high above the earth?  Will I cross paths with someone who needs a word of encouragement and when I am feeling down, who will He send my way with a word for me?

I am convinced that if we will only allow Him, He will take us on the adventure of our lives! I believe that there is something special for us each and every day we live on this earth, whether we are one day old or 99 years old or more.  Every day we take a breathe of air, there is a purpose for us and there is a plan for us. If we will only let go to those things that weigh us down, we will soar to new places … today.

Yes, adventure awaits!  Are you ready? Let’s go!

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Age of Autism Giveaway Today!



The Age of Autism is giving away a copy of Autism’s Hidden Blessings TODAY. Just go to http://www.ageofautism.com & leave a comment. Good luck, and thank you Age of Autism!

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What the Resurrection Means…



On this Easter day, I am thinking that if Christ is stronger than death, isn’t he so much stronger than autism? If death cannot contain Him, does autism stand a chance of standing in the way of God’s will for our children? We have nothing to fear…Christ has already overcome the world.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”
(John 16:33 AMP)

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A Link for Parents Who Want to Research the Vaccine-Autism Connection



A closer look into the 14 studies often cited by the Am. Academy of Pediatrics and other sources as their basis for stating that vaccines do not cause autism. This website allows parent to review the studies themselves.

This website was compiled by the founders of Generation Rescue, Jenny McCarthy’s autism organization. Generation Rescue is a parent-founded and parent-led non-profit organization with more than 1,000 parent volunteers all over the world.

http://www.fourteenstudies.org

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World Autism Awareness Day



The world, today, lifts up it’s voice in support of those who live with autism.

But it’s so much more than awareness. On this day, parents and loved ones are uniting across the world to speak out for children, teenagers and adults who live with autism on a daily basis.  When those voices unite, the sound waves reach around the world.

Somewhere today, a parent has just learned that their child is autistic. Somewhere today, someone is wondering how they will pay for another doctor’s visit, when autism is not covered by their insurance plan.  Today, a mother yearns to hear her boy say “Mama,” and a father wants to hear his name… “Daddy.”  Today, a child is bullied in a classroom by someone who does not understand autism.  And today, a family is searching for hope.

But I am here to tell you that hope exists!  That our children have a future and a purpose no less than than of any other child. That each and every victory made by our ASD son or daughter should be celebrated just as much — and possibly more — than a touchdown or soccer goal.  That God loves our autistic children with a love that is wide and long and deep. A love that has no limit.  A God Who hears their little voices when they can speak, and if they cannot, He understands their movements, their expressions and cries.  A God who hears their call and sees their every need.

There is no greater love than that of laying down one’s life for another. Parents of children with autism do this on a daily basis.  And because of that, they are blessed with knowing the greatest love that exists.

I would not trade those victories– the hugs, the smiles, the laughter and each expression of love — for one moment. Not one.

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An Inheritance Waiting for YOU



Imagine this scene for a moment, and trust me, it will not be hard:

You are living the American dream, a beautiful family, a four bedroom home, great community, two cars and a recently renovated home.  You have a great circle of friends, and you are plugged into some notable clubs and organizations. Your kids attend great schools, and your closet is far from bare. You cut your hair at the best salons and don’t feel the need to clip coupons.

Your nest egg is safe within the vaults of Wall Street, and your future looks exceedingly bright.  Sure, you’ve got a few credit accounts that are a bit too high, but who doesn’t these days?  After all, you’ve gotten a heads-up from the boss that you are in line for a future promotion.

Then one night you are sitting with your family and a CNN report mentions something about a government bailout of Fannie Mae.  This shouldn’t affect me, you think. But two months later, you are sitting at your desk when you get the news…you are being laid off due to an economic slump.  Here you are, overqualified for every available job in your field, and in a circumstances spinning out of your control.  How could this happen to you?

Suddenly, your monthly household income is hundreds of dollars short of your monthly obligations. You clip coupons and shop at discount stores and consignment sales. You try to cut back on spending, but your daughter needs braces, you get a speeding ticket, and your insurance rates go up. The bills pile up as your nest egg dwindles away to nothing. Then the calls for payment begin coming in.  Before you know it, you have hit rock bottom.

Imagine, now, that you get a call from an attorney who asks you to come to his office immediately. He won’t say why, but tells you that the meeting is of utmost importance. With great fear, you grab your coat and board the bus and head downtown.

Nervously, you enter the formal, stark law offices and meet the attorney, a stately man who ushers you into a large conference room and bids you to sit down at a long mahogany conference table. Your heart beats as you wonder what bombshell he will drop on your life next. Is a creditor suing you? Inside your head, a finger pushes a button and a nasty string of “what if’s” begins to play.

The attorney sits down adjacent to you and pulls from a slick leather briefcase a strangely thick file. He places the file on the table and opens the manila folder to page one, and looks at you. The blood drains from your face as you wait for his words, fearing a new, unexpected disaster.

The attorney clears his throat, puts on a pair of reading glasses and begins. “It seems my client, a vastly notable gentleman who happens to be a patriarch of yours, has included you in his will.”

“That can’t be!” you exclaim. “I don’t know of any patriarch who would leave me a dime!”

“Oh, yes,” the attorney continues, flipping through the documents in the folder. “I have it all listed here. Many items of incredible value have been given to you.”

“I don’t believe it.” You are skeptical. How can this be?

“Well,” the attorney looks up from the thick folder and adjusts his spectacles, “You can believe it. Everything is signed and verified. It’s all here in writing. I have here a list of hundreds of items for you. All you have to do is accept them.”

You stare at the attorney in disbelief. You are speechless. The attorney pulls out a contract with your name written across the top with the word “BENEFICIARY” beside it.

“This is you, correct?”

“Yes,” you say, staring at your name on the white sheet. “That’s correct. That’s me.”

The attorney begins to read the list. Each gift is priceless. Page by page, gift by gift, he details items of great worth, all bequeathed to you.

Unbelievable. A strange peace falls over you as you realize that your benefactor answered your every need. Nothing is left for you to do but accept the gifts. Accept them and put them to good use.

Does this sound like an implausible story?

You need to know that you do have a benefactor who loves you so much that he has left you a treasure of great worth. That benefactor is God, the great I AM, and those treasures are His promises for His children, written in Scripture and signed by Christ. These promises are included in His sacred Word penned throughout the course of history and divinely inspired by God. For every need you will ever have, God has graciously given a promise.

Here’s something else to know: Jesus guarantees each promise. All we have to do is believe in His authority, accept the promises, and act on them in faith. I am so excited about the incredible power of living within  God’s promises that I wrote Autism’s Hidden Blessings, a book that teaches parents how to apply scriptural promises to autism so that they can soar above it to the place God intends for His children.

As Christians, we have an inheritance that we need to know about and depend on, especially in difficult times such as these.  We do not have to react to the problems in the world around us when there is a better way. God has given us a treasure of hope to help us right now, right where we are, and no matter how desperate our situation.

In the coming weeks I am going to write follow-up posts about specific promises that we, as children of God, can count on and let you know why it is that we can trust the Great Promise Maker.

Portions of this post are taken from Autism’s Hidden Blessings, Discovering God’s Promises for Autistic Children and Their Families (C) 2009 by Kelly Langston.

Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

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An Inheritance That You May Not Know About



Have you ever received an inheritance?  Would you like to?  What if I told you that there is an inheritance at this moment, prepared for all of God’s children?  Would you like to know what it is?

I’m not talking about an inheritance for some distant day. I’m talking about an inheritance that God intends for His children to use right now.

Check back in tomorrow for exciting details that all of God’s children need to know!

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