Day 21: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Happy Sunday Morning to you all. I'll make this one quick. We are busy getting everyone ready for church. It gets a little crazy around here.

Day 21's verse is found in Proverbs 23: 12

"Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge."

My prayer for today is...

Dear Lord,

When I'm having a heard time getting my kids attention and we are struggling to get through the days lessons, help me to remember this verse for my kids. This is such great wisdom. They have so much to learn and to experience. Help their hearts be pliable for instruction.

In Jesus Name. Amen.


See you all tomorrow for day 22. Don't be late for church.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 20: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Good Morning! I hope you all have great plans for your weekend. I know that I do. I'm enjoying some time with my husband. He has been out of state working and we are missing him like crazy.
Let's get started with our day 20 in the prayer journey that we are taking together.

Today's verse is Psalms 34:17
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

I want my kids to know that in any situation that they go through that they can turn to God and God will be there for them.

Dear Lord,

In this year help me to teach my kids to trust in you. They can bring everything to you in prayer. They are never alone. They have you. They can count on you.

In Jesus name. Amen.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 19: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Hey! Good Morning! It's Friday! I'm looking forward to the weekend. Today is day 19 and we are nearing the end of our prayer journey for our new school year. Hang in there.

Today's bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 This is a good one. We all could probably be better at showing love.

"1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal.
2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3.And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh not evil;
6. Rejoiceth not iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8. Charity is never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10.But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. "

Today I'm going to really think on this passage of scripture. I may print it and post it around the house as I work. Charity (love) is something that we can pass on to our children by our example.

My Prayer for today.

Dear Lord,

Not just in my school life, but in my everyday life I desire to be charitable. I want to show my kids your perfect love through example. I could talk all day about how to love, but if I don't example love in everyday life I will fall short.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM.

Day 18: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Welcome back to day 18!! Do you have your coffee in hand? Let's get started!

Our verse for today is Romans 12:2.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

It is so easy for our kids to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. They forget that they were created for a specific purpose that only they can fulfill. They are perfect just the way that they are. God wants to transform them daily to fulfill His perfect will for their lives.

Dear God,

Each and everyday help me as I guide my children to be what you want them to be. Help me to be a voice of reason for them when they feel like they might not be good enough or if they are persuaded to do things that are not your will. I pray that you will lead each of our hearts to be all that you want us to be for you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.


See you all back here tomorrow for Day 19 of our Back to School prayer journey.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 17: Prayer Journey for the new school year

Good Morning. I hope that you are being able to keep up. If not you can certainly start where ever you are and go from there. Prayer is such a great and powerful tool to put into use for everyday life. We are praying over every day of the future school year for our children. I hope that you make this your own. Prayer your own personal prayers and apply these verses in a way that is meaningful to you.

Today's verse is from Exodus 20: 1-15 (Quotes are taken from the KJV bible.)

1. "And God spake these words, saying,
2. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage;
3. Thou shalt have not other gods before me.
4.  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, not serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8. Remember the sabbath day, and to keep it holy.
9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, not thy son, not thy daughter, they manservant, nor thy maidservant, not thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallow it.
12. Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
13. Thou shalt not kill.
14. Thou shalt not committ adultery.
15. Thou shalt not steal.
16. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour's house , thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, not his maidservants, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
The 10 Commandments. I have the 10 Commandments printed out and posted throughout the house. I like to just quote them to my kids from time to time along with Deuteronomy 6:4 These were the laws that God gave to the children of Israel to follow. This is one of those land marks that I want to pass on to my kids.

My prayer for today:

Dear Lord,
I want my children to learn to follow your laws. It is my desire to  teach them what is right from what is wrong. I daily try to teach them about obedience. I want them to know how to love people the way that you love people. I want them to know how to live out their live in a way that is pleasing to you.
IN Jesus name.
Amen.

Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow we will meet back here for Day 17 in our prayer journey for the new school year.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom.

Day 16: Prayer Journey for the new school Year

Good Morning!! It is Day 16 of our Prayer journey. Thank you for joining us. If you are just joining us and would like to start with day 1, then I encourage you to do so. You can find each day by going to http://thatautismmom.blogspot.com/2016/07/day12-prayer-journey.html.This is a prayer journey to help us get ready for the new school year. I like to pray a blanket of prayer over my entire school year before it gets started. It is something that I do every year to get me organized and prepared for the year challenges and for its successes. I have paved the path of success before we even get started. You don't have to be homeschooling to make this journey work for you. Just tailor it to fit your needs. So Let's get started with Day 16.

Today's Verse is Psalms 40:9-10

" I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
10. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy loveingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. "

The NIV says it like this, which may be easier to understand for most.
" I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I do not hid your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal you love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. "

We must never be ashamed to stand up for what we believe as Christians. We must speak truth from the word of God. We must teach our children to do the same. To hide the word of God in their hearts and live it out in their everyday lives. We practice this in our homes so that we they leave our homes they are able to stand up on their own two feet.

Today I pray...
Lord,

Help me to teach my children to not be ashamed of your loving grace in their lives. We must be able to talk about grace throughout all generation. Lord you are the hope that this world needs. Your love is what we need to share with our world. Help me Lord to daily teach this to my children.

In Jesus Name.
Amen

I'll see you again tomorrow for day 17!!

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom,
















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Day 15: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

It's MONDAY!! We are on Day 15!! 16 Days to go!! I'm getting really excited about the new school year starting. My kids are looking forward to being back on their school schedule. They get more one on one time with me.

Our Verse for today is Matthew 6:19

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through nor steal."

Dear Lord,
I pray that you bless this day. Help us Lord to invest in things that are going to bless you. Lord teaching my kids from day to day is not an earthly investment it's a kingdom investment. The day to day of putting my kids education is important to you. I pray Lord that through this process I can help find interest that will be an investment in your kingdom as well.

In Jesus Name AMEN,
Shelli Allen

Day 14: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Good Morning!! Welcome to day 14 of our prayer journey for the new school year. This is a journey that I try and take once a year to prepare me for the new school year. If you are just starting and you would like to start with Day 1 feel free to go to my web site http://www.thatautismmom.com/31-day-prayer-journey-2016.html. Each day is tagged with a button that will take you right to the day of your choice. So lets get started with Day 14!

Our verse for today is Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding."

It's not easy trusting in God. It's easy to just take off in our own direction going 100 miles per hour. When we finally slow down we see that we could have done better if we had just slowed down and trusted in God for our understanding.

Dear Lord,

My prayer for today is very simple. Help me Lord to put my trust in you. Help me understand my children better. Help me to know what they can handle and what I need to do to push them more to grow them. I trust you Lord. Help me to trust you daily.

In Jesus Name. Amen

See you tomorrow!!

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom.

Day 13: Prayer Journey For the New School Year

Good Morning Ladies! I am on my second cup of coffee. I'm recovering from a long night. Both my kids enjoy waking up at ungodly hours of the night. I am looking forward to joining you for day 13 on the Saturday morning.

Our verse for today is Proverbs 3:6

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths." This was a verse that I learned as a kid. So this morning I'm reciting this from memory. I did however double check to make sure that I quoted the verse verbatim. I got one word wrong. Instead of saying, "he shall direct thy paths." I said, "he will direct thy paths." Not bad!
I like how the NIV translates this verse"in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

My prayer for today is: 

Dear Lord, 
Help me to always be mindful of you and your plan for each day. It is easy to get distracted by the days responsibilities. My prayer for today is for you to simply take my hand and lead us through each day. 
In Jesus Name. AMEN

See you all back here tomorrow for day 14. 

Day 12: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Morning!! From the Allen Home! It's Friday!! Yesss! Today is Day 12 on our prayer journey. The verse for today is Matthew 11:28-29.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Dear Lord,

For every challenge and every challenging day that we face in our home and in this school year, help us to find rest in you. Help us find your purpose and plan for everyday in every situation.
In Jesus Name. Amen.

Looking forward to seeing you all back here tomorrow. You're doing great! We are almost half way through our prayer journey.

Until tomorrow!

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 11: Prayer Journey for the New School Year!

Good Morning!! We are on Day 11! I feel like we have really accomplished something around here. 11 days that we have prayed over our school year. I hope that you have made this process fit your own home and family. If you are just starting with us and would like to start with day 1 feel free to go to the website and click on the day that you are on. http://www.thatautismmom.com/31-day-prayer-journey-2016.html

Day 11's verse is Colossians 3:23
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

This verse makes me smile. I have felt the pressure from others as I seek to do what I feel is right for my family. It is so easy to be swayed by others opinions and thoughts. Even other homeschooling mothers, will guilt you into do more than you have wanted to do. I have anyway. I refuse to be swayed. Less is more when it comes to my calendar.  I am grateful that I have so many choices to choose from, but I have to be careful not to over do things. Its really easy to do. So in whatever you decide do it heartily as unto the Lord and not to please other "men" (other moms):)

Dear Lord,
I know that I am a people please-er. I have felt guilt about not doing just one more thing, when I have felt it best to do less. Help me chose what our family does and give it my all. Help me to be courageous  to stand my ground about the decisions that I make for my family.
In Jesus Name. Amen.

Keep your wits about you moms. You are da'MOM!

See you back here tomorrow!!

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Your home Might Be an Autism Home If...???

Let's get one thing straight- autism doesn't define my kids. My kids are unique and special; distinctly different in personality and characteristics. Our house is undeniably an autism home. Over the years I have got frustrated and fought for a typical home, but our home is far from typical. We do some uniquely different and out of the ordinary things that make our home autism friendly.  #autismfriendly (for all you hash taggers) Most of these things are put into place for the safety and well being of my kids and to help us with overwhelming our budget from waste. Maybe you can add somethings to my list.

1. You may be in a autism home if every door in the house has and outer lock with key or code entry.

2. If the soaps and shampoo are under lock and key.

3. If you find random things lined up perfectly that makes no sense to you, but If touched watch out.

4. If picture schedules and picture list hang on walls throughout the house.

5. Toy bins are organized with pictures and labeled

6.  You may be in an autism home if you have an occasional streaker

7. You have be in an autism home if power cords go missing

8. You may be in an autism home if mom and dad have dark circles under their eyes and offer coffee more than once.

9. You maybe in an autism home if  the play room looks like a therapy grade sensory room.

10. You may be at an autism home if a blue light bulb lights the front porch.

What are some things that you do that makes your house #autismfriendly??

Day 10: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Good Morning! Welcome back here for Day 10 of our prayer journey. We are bringing in the school year by praying for 31 days. If you are following along with us on this journey, I hope that you are making it your own. If you are just starting here with us feel free to start out with day one and go through all thirty-one from the beginning. Each day can be easily accessed on the website at  http://www.thatautismmom.com/31-day-prayer-journey-2016.html. 

So let's get started with today. Day 10's verse is Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it."

Some days I really wonder if what I am trying to teach my kids is getting through to them. The struggle in our home is real folks! :) I like that this is a verse that comes with a promise. Our kids still have their own choice to serve God, but they will never forget what they have been taught.

Dear Lord,
Help me to train up my kids in a way that is pleasing to you. Give me direction with each passing day.
In Jesus Name.
Amen

Looking forward to seeing you back here tomorrow.
Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 9: Prayer Journey for the new school year

Good Morning! I am up early this morning taking care of the kids and doing our thing from Bentonville, Arkansas. Even when we are away from home we try to keep with a schedule to help with behaviors and autism "stuff". Our morning devotions are a must.

I have a more difficult time keeping up with posts while we are traveling, but I'm giving it my best shot. Today is day 9 on our prayer journey for the new school year.

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:15-17. I find this verse very appropriate for me this morning, well every morning really. I have to admit, we are not morning people. We deal with sleep issues throughout the night so when morning comes we are catching up on sleep that we didn't get throughout the night. I have many times went to bed tired and woke up more tired than I was before I went to bed. Sleep is a commodity in our home.

"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16. She considereth a field and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17. She girdeth her loins with strenghth, and strengtheneth her arms."

Dear Lord,

I'd really like to be the virtuous women in this scripture. I'd love to be the mom that gets up before her husband goes to work and make him breakfast before he leaves for work. I desire to be more organized with my responsibilities and be a kind and patient mother at all times. Lord you know where my heart is with this stuff and the struggle I have to be consistent with these things. I pray that daily as I make my endeavors to be what my family needs for me to be for them that I also can strive to be more pleasing to you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Have a great day moms! May the Lord bless your endeavors as well to be the best mom you can be for yourself, your family, and your children.

See you back here tomorrow!
Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 8: Prayer Journal for new school year

Good Morning! Let's get started on Day 8 with our verse for today.

Joshuah 24: 15

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Dear Lord,

Everyday is another choice to choose to serve you. Lord, as for me and my house I choose to serve you. Lord, give me wisdom for each day to teach my kids to serve you. As they do their chores around the house and as go about our days, help me to show my kids what it means to chose to serve the Lord.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Blessing for your day. See you back here for tomorrow.

Shelli Allen,
that autism mom.

Each one of our days are tagged on the website www.thatautismmom.com by day. If you get lost or want to go back to a previous day feel free to check it out.

Day 7: Prayer Journey for new School year

Good Morning!! How is everyone doing? I'm excited to get started this morning. This is Day 7 of our prayer journey. One whole week under our belt. This doesn't take too long to do. It really feels good. I have faith that we are going to see some amazing things happen in our school year since we have taken the time to put a prayer covering over our school year.

This is day 7 and today's verse is Hebrews 2:13

"And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me."

Trusting God is really an import part of getting through our school year. I know have had some really rough days throughout this process and I am sure that there will be many more before it is over. And again I will put my trust in God. I should put this verse on my refrigerator as a reminder when I face tough, crazy days. And again I will trust God.

My Prayer for the day:

Dear Lord,

And again, I will put my trust in you. I appreciate your word. The reminders that I need from day to day being your child. I need the reminder to put my trust in you. I need you everyday of my life. When life gets hard and I feeling like I need to hide in the closet so I can regroup and face my world again, remind me over and over that I can trust you for every thing. The good times and the bad times. You are my friend and comfort in all times. Thank you Lord.

In Jesus Name.
Amen

Blessings! I hope to see you back here on Day 8.

Shelli Allen, That autism mom.

Day 6: Prayer Journey for the New School year.

Good Morning! Thank you for joining me on Day 6 of our prayer journey for our children's school year. I'm enjoying this time with the Lord. This is great. So I have a new flavor of coffee that I am enjoying this morning. I'm savoring every drop.

Get your journal out, pen, bible and grab your cup of coffee and find your spot with God for this special time of prayer.

Today's verse is Proverbs 8:17.

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

This is another on of those verses with a promise. "...those that seek me early shall find me."
That is my favorite part of this verse. I like the the first part of this verse as well. I want to teach my children to love the Lord. I want my kids to fall in love with the Lord. Life is going to throw some curves their way. I want them to know that Jesus loves them and when they need something from the Lord they can find him. So here is my prayer for today...

Dear Lord,
Thank you for another beautiful day. Lord in this school year I want to teach my kids to love you and to seek after you for all things in their life. I want them to know who you are and that you love them. I know that you have a purpose and a plan for their lives. I want them to learn to seek you in prayer. Help us Lord as we go about our school year to daily model and teach our children to pray.

In Jesus Name,
Amen


Blessing to you and yours from my home to yours,
Shelli Allen, That autism mom

Organizing the Homeschooling Year

Hey! How is everyone doing this week? I have been working on organizing our families homeschool year. I have been at it all week long.

I love having a great planner to plan the year. I like to be able to glance at the day and know exactly what is planned  and just do it!!

I get stuck at looking at all the great big flashy planners and I sometimes get very overwhelmed. Last year I went with a fancy Erin Condrin planner, which I loved, loved, loved!!! I am looking at getting the same thing this year, but...

I was scrolling through Facebook and noticed another flashy planner. I really liked it. It cost even more than my Erin planner cost and I realized that I have a real problem on my hands here. Here is what I liked about it that was different from my Erin Condrin planner...

1. It was a binder that snapped open so that I could add printable pages in as I needed them. Like lists and such.
2. I could still customized it the way that I wanted to.  I like putting stickers and dressing up the pages to add my own personal touch. It seems to make my life look, on paper, more interesting when I add stickers and pretties in my planner. lol
3. I like how it had places to organize my health tracking things. Like how much water I drank and how many calories I ingest right and the daily planning sheets.
4. For extra money (this is not the point that I like, but I wish was just included in the original price of the planner) I could add in a teacher specific packet of planning sheets.
5. I liked that I could plan out my day by the hour, which is super helpful for me

I started thinking about how I could create all of this right from my computer all on my own for nothing, but then I quickly changed my mind. I wanted this to be something that I didn't have to put any of my own thought and printer ink into. So I am okay with paying money for a new planner.


So do you have a favorite planner? How many of you enjoy shopping for new planners??

ME! ME! ME!!

So let me know if you have a favorite planner and tell me about it. What do you like about it? I want to know details. :)

Have a great weekend! Enjoy your families!!

Shelli Allen,

That Autism Mom

Day 5: Back to School Prayer Journey

Good Morning!! Rise and shine! It is day 5 of our Prayer Journey. We are praying 31 days for every day of the month for our kids school year. If you are just starting with us, I recommend joining our journey at day 1 and move forward each day. This was intended for homeschoolers, and that is what I focus on, but if you are joining us and your kids are in public schools, It would not hurt tailoring your prayer journey to fit that need.

So Let's get started! Grab your journal, pen, and bible and let's get started!! Ok I almost forgot the coffee, I must never for get that!

Today's verse is another favorite of mine. 3rd John 1:4 - I pull all my verses from the King James Version, but feel free to use whatever version you are comfortable with.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

My Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I love you and today I just simply ask for your wisdom for these two beautiful children that you have blessed me with. Let me everyday be an example to them of your love and grace that you have exampled to me in my own life.

In Jesus Name.

AMEM

Thank you all for joining in with me today. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we walk into day 6 of our prayer journey.

Blessings for your day,

Shelli Allen,

That Autism MOM

Day 4: School Year Prayer Journey

We are back for Day 4 of our Prayer Journey. We are praying over the new school year. I am really getting excited about the benefits that we will  have by starting our school year off right before we ever begin.  If you are just seeing this post I would like to recommend that you start with Day one and work your way this direction. We are praying 31 days to cover every day of each month that our kids are in school. This journey is focused towards homeschoolers, but feel free to jump in and make this unique for your public schoolers if that situation fits your children.

So Let's get started. Do you have your coffee yet? Get your bible, pen, and Journal (coffee too if you need it) :) I do. Ha! HA!

Day 4's verse is: Isaiah 54:13 This verse sounds like a promise to me. I love it!

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

The way I understand this verse is, if I teach my children about the Lord they shall have great peace. I know that when I put my trust in the Lord, I find my peace. I definitely want my kids to know that where ever they are and whatever situation they are in, that they can put their faith and trust in the Lord. This verse, more or less, promises that they will find peace. Which is great in the world we live in today.

My Prayer for today:

Dear Lord,

I love your word. It is my hope that I can transfer this love into my children. I want them to know that they can always count on you no matter how small or big the situation that they are facing in their life may be. God help me to daily be an example to my children. Help me to teach them about you so that they will know where to turn to find their peace.

In Jesus Name. AMEN.

Have a great day everyone and see you back here tomorrow.
Blessings,
Shelli Allen,
That Autism MOM

Day 3: Back to School Prayer Journey

Good Morning!!! I am excited to get started this morning. I have my journal here with my pen and coffee just waiting for me to pick them up to begin. This is Day 3 of our 31 day Prayer Journey. I have to admit this is one of my most favorite verses.

Day 3: Verse is- Deuteronomy 6: 4-8 I sure most of us could quote this verse from memory.

"4. Hear, O Isreal: The Lord our God is one Lord:

 5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them wen thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.



Today's Prayer:

Dear Lord,

 Thank you for another day. Thank you for the opportunity to raise my children and to spend my days here at home teaching them the to live in a way that is pleasing to you. Help me Lord to teach them to trust in you and to follow you in all life situations.

In Jesus Name. AMEN.


Just a little note: Feel free to make your prayer your own. You can journal it as you pray for your children and your home.

I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow. :)

Blessings to you all.

Shelli Allen,
That Autism MOM

Day 2: Prayer for School Year

Good Morning everyone! This is day two! I have my cup of coffee in hand as I set down with my bible and start this morning's prayer journey. Are you ready to begin today.

Today's verse is: Philippians 4:8

"Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever that are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Here is my prayer for today:

Dear Lord,

I thank you for another day that I get to walk with you. I thank you for your word and the amazing gift that I have to walk with you. Lord, as each day goes by, in this school year, I know and understand that everyday is not going to be roses. Things are going to come up and life is going to overwhelm me. Help me to remember to keep this verse at the forefront of my thoughts. Emotions that come up sometimes gets the best of us. Things that others might say to us that we might take negatively and  overwhelm us. God I pray that I remember to think on these things. Lord as I practice this in my own life help me Lord, to teach my children these things as well. I want them to know what honesty is and what a commodity it is to be honest. Help me to show my children what things you find to be lovely, and of good report-Help me Lord to teach them these things.

In Jesus Name. AMEN.

Understanding nonverbal communication in individuals with Autism

One of the hardest things for me as a parent is to see these two kids be misunderstood because they are nonverbal. I am fascinated by nonverbal communication in general. In a high tech world where the majority of communication is done behind a screen, we might be struggling a bit with this skill.

Both of my kiddos are nonverbal. My daughter seems to be developing some low functioning echoic language skills, but none the less is mostly nonverbal. Research is now showing us that girls on the spectrum do tend to have higher developing social skills than boys on the spectrum.

I look at this picture and not knowing anything about these two you would never know they are nonverbal or even affected by autism. They look like two very typical kids enjoying ice cream and honestly this is true.

Without ones ability to communicate thoughts, ones needs, and ones desires it creates frustrating moments. We experience  melt downs where there is a lack of understanding happening. As my children get older and their desire for more independence grows, my ability to effectively communicate to them is a necessity.  So today, I was looking into some information about nonverbal communication to share with you all. As I keep looking more into this to help develop my own training method for those that work closely with my children I will continue to pass on that information to you.

Today I found this on a website about nonverbal thinking. They give us some points to keep in mind.
More to this article can be found at: http://teacch.com/communication-approaches-2/nonverbal-thinking-communication-imitation-and-play-skills-with-some-things-to-remember

Things To Remember

1. The most difficult aspect of learning play, to imitate, and to communicate is learning the concept or "why" of these areas of development. Children with autism do not inherently understand the meaning or importance of any of these skills. This is why it is important to start at a level where your child can experience as much success as possible. If your child is not successful at the activities that you try, or is not able to complete them independently, it may be necessary to try a simpler activity. This should not be considered a set back. Children with autism can be inconsistent in their ability to use their skills. Your child may be able to communicate with single words on his or her best days but may need to use pictures on other days. Or your child may be able to build towers with his or her sibling some of the time but at other times can only be successful when playing alone. Making sure that your child masters skills at each level may mean that progress will be slow, but this approach will ensure that what your child learns is meaningful and useful.

2.There are actually many types of development that could be reviewed in this step by step manner. For example, social development, like nonverbal thinking, imitation, communication, and play skills, emerges in a sequence of developmental steps. At early stages of development, however, many types of skills are related. Improvement in play skills and communication will promote social development. Improvement in nonverbal thinking will help your child understand toys. Remembering to emphasize your child's strengths and interests in all areas is important because the development of his or her stronger areas will promote development in weaker areas.

3. As your child passes through each stage of development and takes on more complicated activities, remember to make each advancing step a small one. Change each activity a little bit at a time. For example, if your child can successfully communicate about food using pictures, you may want your child to start using words and start communicating about other topics. This will probably be too many changes at one time and will lead to frustration. Choose only one thing to teach at a time. For example, introduce a wider variety of pictures for your child to communicate about but wait to teach a new type of communication such as talking.

4. Remember that visual skills are usually a strength for children with autism. It may take some extra work or creativity to teach using visual techniques. Emphasizing this type of learning, however, is likely to increase your child's ability to learn and understand at all levels of development.

Day 1: Homeschool Prayer

Good morning homeschooling mom's. I am really excited to be joining you on this pray journey. Before our school year ever gets started we are giving it to the Lord to help us navigate the ends and outs of every day. We will pray 31 days to cover the months that have thirty-one days in them.

I love that we get to set the pace like this. God is so awesome and I am trusting him for great victories in this school year. I want to say that you don't have to be an autism mom to join in on this journey with us. I will go as far to say that you don't really even have to be homeschooling to go on this prayer journey, but all of my post will be mostly geared to the homeschooling

community. If you are not a homeschooling family, I think that doing a 31 day prayer journey for your kids is super important as well. So you can make this your own in that way.

So, Let's get started. Today is Day: One. Our bible verse for today is found in Matthew 6:33. If you read my introduction, you will already know that I mostly read from the King James Version of the bible. It's just what I am used to reading from.
Bible verse for Day One: Is Matthew 6:33-
"But Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Here is my prayer for day one:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the opportunity to be at home with my kids and to teach them in a way that not only educates them, but hopefully leads them closer to you. Lord, help me to seek your will each day first thing. Before I start the day, help me turn my mind to you and order my steps so that not one minute of my day is out of focus from your plan.

I know Lord, that not everyday is going to go exactly as I planned it to be, but that with my heart and mind focused on you everything that does happen is perfectly within your plan. Lord I welcome you to join me this year as we start yet another year homeschooling our kids. Fill our home with your presence this day and everyday I pray. In Jesus Name. AMEN

Praying for the new School Year.

Hello! I wanted to share with you all one of the most important parts of my planning process of a new school year. The title kind of gives it away.

I pray. I did this for the first time a couple of years ago and it made such an impact on the year that I decided to make it an ongoing tradition for me and our home. Man! God can really step in and make all the difference when we strive daily to put him first.

I want to be successful at teaching and training up my kids to serve the Lord. I don't take this lightly. So, why did I not think of this sooner?? Who knows.

I'd love to take you on this prayer journey with me. So if you would like please feel free to just jump in and start with the day that we are on or you can start with day one. It is a month long journey. So for thirty days I set aside a time that is just with me and the Lord and we focus on God and his plan for our school year. Cool huh?! I think so. I think God likes this time with me as well.

So let's take today to get ready for our Homeschool prayer journey. This is 31 days. What I like to do is get a prayer journal. As I pray and read the word of God, I like to jot down what I feel God has laid on my heart for that day. I go back through this prayer journal often and even make notes in it through the school year. For instance, If I am struggling with something that I feel like God has already promised me, I remind God. I'll read it and say, "See God. You told you would do this and here I am struggling with the very thing you promised me." I like to hold God accountable to those promises. HA! HA! If I write it down then I wont forget. God also gives me encouragement that I can go back to and get me through the challenging days. So having a journal to keep this in is really a great asset.

Here is a sample of Day 1: The verse that we will use is Matthew 6:33(KJV)
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

What does this verse mean to you as you are thinking about your homeschool year? I will talk about what it means to me and share with you about my thoughts as it pertains to me and my family. Are you ready?? We will get started tomorrow and see where this takes you and all of us as we go on this prayer journey together.

See you back here tomorrow to get started.

Blessings to you and yours,
Shelli Allen,
That Autism MOM

My first blog post as 'That Autism MOM'

I've been "That autism mom" for a while now. Almost four or five years I believe. I would like to invite you to check out my website thatautismmom.com. This is where it all started. Iwill post more information about myself as time goes by. I was ready for a fresh new start on my blog and this is where I landed.

A little bit about me...

I'm in love with my husband, Patrick Allen. He is my hero. Really. We have been married for ten years this June. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I write about his awesomeness often.

We were young and in love when our first was born in 2007

I look at this picture and think, "MAN! We look so rested in this picture."  And it's true we did sleep a lot more then than we do now. Coffee has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I talk about my coffee addiction too. A Lot!! Sorry up front. It is my second love.

I have two amazing, beautiful kids. Josh is 9 years old and I have a daughter who is 7 years old named Izzy. My children are both significantly effected by autism. Their exact diagnosis is "Classic Autism". We deal with lots of sensory issues, which I am now super into understanding just so I can make sense my kids needs.

I am an author. I enjoy writing and telling stories. I will tell you that I'm not really good at it. I am striving to get better. Blogging is my practice session. Sorry. :) I have been a contributing author in a book called "Stars In Her Eyes, Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism". It was Authored by two very special friends of mine, Elizabeth Obrey and Dr. Linda Barboa. Tate publishing company published the book a couple years back. There are a few stories in there about our family and our journey with autism. I Co-authored "Steps, Forming Disability Ministry" with Dr. Linda Barboa and most recently I authored a book called "That Autism Mom's guide to Homeschooling. " It is a short little book about homeschooling with autism. What homeschooling mom has time to write let alone read anything super long. Not me.

Well the cat is out of the bag. I am a homeschooling mom. I have been homeschooling for about 4 years now. Both my kids are quite literally my life. I enjoy writing about this homeschool journey as it is translated for my kids. Autism has changed things including how I look at learning. I love to learn. I love watching my kids learn. It's not at a table with paper and writing utensil typically. It's in our everyday living activities. My children are Montessori students. We use various muli- sensory approaches to learning. We have fun. I might tell you about it sometime.

I am what some may call a religious person. I am an Apostolic Pentecostal (UPCI). I am a fourth generation UPC (United Pentecostal Church). I attend an amazing growing church that is known as Calvary United Pentecostal Church. I have a great pastor, Pastor Carlton Coon Sr. Feel free to check out our church website http://springfieldcalvary.church. There is a sound cloud link where you can hear our pastor preach. I tell you this because I just might write some about my experiences as it pertains to my spiritual life. So you have been warned in advance. ;O)

Church is really important to me. I do my best to live out what I believe on a daily basis. I rely on the bible to direct the decisions that I make as it pertains to every area of my life. I will typically quote King James Version translations of the bible. I may compare looking at other translations, but I grew up reading from the KJV and that is what I am most comfortable reading from. Growing up in the UPC, I consider a great heritage. I knew that I would raise my own kiddos on the pews of a Pentecostal church as well. Autism has presented a few challenges in my "ideals" on what raising my kids on a Pentecostal pew would look like. We have struggled more with church and finding our place than a lot of the other challenges that autism has presented us with. This past year my husband and I started a nonprofit that would be responsible for training churches how to include individuals with special needs in their communities. The organization is called STEPS care Inc. You can find us at stepscare.org We are excited to see God working through this organization.

Well, I think this is all I am going to include in this first post. Please stop by and introduce yourself in the comment section of the blog. I can't wait to meet you.

I hope that you all enjoy your weekend.

I'm Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom