[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

My heart is incredibly heavy as I read through these posts. I am praying for direction and an understanding of why God has led me to this forum. I don't believe that I have ever experienced this much hate. Is this what God intended for us? How is judgment and hate allowing us to reach out into the world and spread God's word? I choose to believe that all judgment is reserved for my God - everything in this world is by His will - I will not claim any right to criticize His plan. I know that there are things and people in this world that act directly against His word - and this makes me sad - but my Lord is all powerful and could put an end to it if He chose. He has not. I believe that my role as a Christian is to bring as many people to God as I can, not to spit on those who sin and wish hell upon them. I am, after all, a sinner myself. We are all God's children.

I leave this post with great hesitation, and am wondering what focus of hate I may be bringing upon myself - but I feel called to go out of my comfort zone and speak to God's love.

-This life is not my own, but belongs to God.

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I choose to believe that all judgment is reserved for my God

A noble choice!

I know that there are things and people in this world that act directly against His word - and this makes me sad

Me too.

I sometimes wish God would simply smite all atheists and autistics right now and preserve His divine dignity! I KNOW He can do it! But alas, it is not in His plan at this time. All I can say is, O Come LORD Jesus. Come soon.

-This life is not my own, but belongs to God.

AMEN! I feel the same way! EVERYTHING I do, I do because the LORD directs my steps! He directs my words when I speak. He directs my song when I praise. He directs my hands when I move. There is nothing I do that does not honor Him, because it is not I who live but Christ lives in me! (Galatians 2:20)

\o/

You and I are a lot alike, I can tell!

[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

You and I are a lot alike, I can tell!

I do not mean disrespect, but I have read many of your posts on this site need to be clear that I disagree.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I do not mean disrespect, but I have read many of your posts on this site need to be clear that I disagree.

Everything we have posted can be backed up 100% with the Holy Word of God.

Please make a thread of your own in the "Introductions" section of the forum, so that we can properly greet you. Tell us about yourself, your church, and how you came to find Jesus.

And if you're here to flame us, better take a look at THIS before making an even bigger ass out of yourself.

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I do not mean disrespect, but I have read many of your posts on this site need to be clear that I disagree.

I didn't mean to upset you (you sound upset ) Can you explain why you disagree? We both choose to believe all judgment is reserved for God, we are both sad to know that there are things and people in this world that act directly against His Word, and we both recognize our lives are not our own, but belongs to God.

[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I wanted to be clear that I did not agree with Mary's statement, 'You and I are a lot alike'. I do not think that we have similar views or perspective on how to live and act in God's word. I stand firm in my faith in what God puts into my heart - but I am not here to attack or force anyone to agree. I am only interested in participating in a forum that seems to be meant for the sharing of information and opinions.

I am surprised to hear that you believe that '...We know autism is related to atheism...' is backed up 100% with the Holy Word of God. Again, I do not wish to attack, but to share my thought process.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I wanted to be clear that I did not agree with Mary's statement, 'You and I are a lot alike'. I do not think that we have similar views or perspective on how to live and act in God's word. I stand firm in my faith in what God puts into my heart - but I am not here to attack or force anyone to agree. I am only interested in participating in a forum that seems to be meant for the sharing of information and opinions.

I am surprised to hear that you believe that '...We know autism is related to atheism...' is backed up 100% with the Holy Word of God. Again, I do not wish to attack, but to share my thought process.

We aren't really interested in your unsaved opinions. Please make a thread of your own in the "Introductions" section of the forum, so that we can properly greet you. Tell us about yourself, your church, and how you came to find Jesus.

And if you're here to flame us, better take a look at THIS before making an even bigger ass out of yourself.

[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

Mary - it looks like God has placed some of the same messages in our hearts, but we bring those messages to the world in differing ways.

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

Mary - it looks like God has placed some of the same messages in our hearts, but we bring those messages to the world in differing ways.

God places the knowledge in my heart to read and follow His Word without reservation, without condition. It sounds like you stop short where your comfort zone runs out. Why would you do that? Do you not trust the LORD to be truly sovereign?

[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I am learning and growing in my life with God - and I will be for the rest of my days on this earth - you'll never hear me say that I've got it completely right, I will always be burdened with sin. But I am working towards giving God my best, and giving myself fully to Him. God's work in me has me moving to replace my own anger and disrespect towards others with love and patience - especially when I am being persecuted. (identifying with you having to see the inappropriate messages that those who disagree with you have left on these boards) I have never experienced a more difficult transition in how I live - and I mess up regularly. For me, in my mind, stopping short would have been reacting to this tread with disrespect or deciding not to have faith and shy away from sharing the message that He had placed in my heart.

In full disclosure I should share that I was pulled to this post because of the content. I have changed the professional direction of my life in the last 5 years to dedicate myself to participating in the treatment of children with autism. Seeing the pain that these children go through and what they can overcome has never stopped amazing me. I have now seen multiple children work to the point of being indistinguishable from their peers in a typical classroom. This is not possible for every child, but the only researched intervention to produce these results is an intensive (30-40 hrs/wk) behavioral therapy called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that is implemented as early in development as possible. Two research studies have shown 50% of participants to reach normal IQ scores and as stated above, participate in a typical classroom without any special aid. (Lovaas, Sallows) We teach communication, social skills, cognitive skills, and give tools on how to overcome uncontrollable behaviors such as painful head banging (head banging is many times the result of severe sensory over stimulation, or the emotional pain of severe anxiety). I have even implemented programs with several families who desperately wanted their child to be able to attend church service - our therapists attend service with the family. I only wish to share my experience here. You would be amazed at the thirst for knowledge and growth that these children have once we just realize that they do not learn like the rest of us - and we teach them in a way that they understand.

I am hoping that you do not feel mislead that I did not share this immediately. I did not want my original message to get lost in the debate about autism.

I am a 27 year old who grew up Christian and have always attended church regularly, but didn’t realize that I was only going through the motions until I was in college and found myself wrapped up in a secular lifestyle. I now have a deep love for God and strive to make Him central in my life every day – but still working on getting past the distractions, every day.

Mary, I want to thank you for your conversation with me. I appreciate that you did not make me feel uncomfortable or be-littled for what I shared.

Very best.

[GodsLOVE]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I should also clarify that our programing includes training parents and requiring them to carry out therapy methods. I have seen amazing parents come into our program, and I have seen lacking parents come into our program. Some step up, some do not. From my experience many of our families do have proper discipline for their children - but definitely not all. There are usually siblings in the family who have no developmental delays, and I have usually had great experiences including these siblings in therapy - to help develop social and play skills - as they love their affected sibling and are interested in giving of themselves to help their loved one.

[Zechariah Smyth]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I pray that this 30 to 40 hours per week of retard intervention includes plenty of "Jesus time" if you know what I mean.

YiC,

Zech

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

I am learning and growing in my life with God - and I will be for the rest of my days on this earth - you'll never hear me say that I've got it completely right, I will always be burdened with sin. But I am working towards giving God my best, and giving myself fully to Him. God's work in me has me moving to replace my own anger and disrespect towards others with love and patience - especially when I am being persecuted. (identifying with you having to see the inappropriate messages that those who disagree with you have left on these boards) I have never experienced a more difficult transition in how I live - and I mess up regularly. For me, in my mind, stopping short would have been reacting to this tread with disrespect or deciding not to have faith and shy away from sharing the message that He had placed in my heart.

Well now, I find that a bit sad that you would be satisfied with this. Jesus promises He will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) so clearly it is you who forsakes Him. Why do you do this? Why do you lack this trust in His promise to release you from sin should you allow Him to abide within you? (1st John 3:6-9) You are holding Him back and that means you do not have faith in Him, but reserve faith in yourself. That pride will bring you straight to Hell.

In full disclosure I should share that I was pulled to this post because of the content. I have changed the professional direction of my life in the last 5 years to dedicate myself to participating in the treatment of children with autism. Seeing the pain that these children go through and what they can overcome has never stopped amazing me. I have now seen multiple children work to the point of being indistinguishable from their peers in a typical classroom. This is not possible for every child, but the only researched intervention to produce these results is an intensive (30-40 hrs/wk) behavioral therapy called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that is implemented as early in development as possible. Two research studies have shown 50% of participants to reach normal IQ scores and as stated above, participate in a typical classroom without any special aid. (Lovaas, Sallows) We teach communication, social skills, cognitive skills, and give tools on how to overcome uncontrollable behaviors such as painful head banging (head banging is many times the result of severe sensory over stimulation, or the emotional pain of severe anxiety). I have even implemented programs with several families who desperately wanted their child to be able to attend church service - our therapists attend service with the family. I only wish to share my experience here. You would be amazed at the thirst for knowledge and growth that these children have once we just realize that they do not learn like the rest of us - and we teach them in a way that they understand.

If they are not taught to have faith in Christ for the redemption of their sins, then all this work will have been for naught. What good does ABA therapy do in Hell?

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one
Romans 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

I now have a deep love for God and strive to make Him central in my life every day – but still working on getting past the distractions, every day.

Clearly not. You're holding back. You don't trust the God to be faithful to His Word.

Mary, I want to thank you for your conversation with me. I appreciate that you did not make me feel uncomfortable or be-littled for what I shared.

Very best.

All questions and opinions are welcomed here!

[Zachariah4Christ]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

My brother is autistic and was born to Christian parents who follow the bible. He was autistic before he could comprehend what right and wrong were. He never stood a chance. In this respect, I'm not sure autism is related to atheism.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Autism - the New Gay

My brother is autistic and was born to Christian parents who follow the bible. He was autistic before he could comprehend what right and wrong were. He never stood a chance. In this respect, I'm not sure autism is related to atheism.

Some babies are born wicked.

Psalm 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies

Please make a thread of your own in the "Introductions" section of the forum, so that we can properly greet you. Tell us about yourself, your church, and how you came to find Jesus.

And if you're here to flame us, better take a look at THIS before making an even bigger ass out of yourself.