Thursday, April 2, 2009

When times are tough, we all need a little hope....

Do you find yourself constantly searching for hope? Do you wonder why bad things happen? Are you searching for answers but don't know where to turn?

We all need God in our lives. We need Him for support, answers and motivation. Above all, we need Him as our friend. The one we turn to first with questions, concerns and prayers.

As mothers of children with autism, we know it's tough to stay spirtually connected. We pray. We go to church. But beyond that, it's tough. We barely have time to fit in all the different therapies, grocery shopping, cleaning, working, spending time with our husbands, coupon clipping, feeding the dogs, remembering to give supplements, toilet training and oh yeah, showering. To fit in a Bible Study into our crazy schedule is almost impossible.

That's why we've created Spectrum Spirit. We decided to start an online Bible Study to support each other and lift each other up when we need it the most.

Here's the plan....we'll choose a book to read and assign weekly readings. We'll meet back here every Wednesday night to discuss what we've read, give our thoughts and what we've gotten out of our readings. Then, under the comments section, we ask for you all to share anything you'd like. How the weekly reading touched you...How you were able to take what you've learned from the reading and apply to your life....most importantly how it helped you as a mom of a child with autism.

We believe that through this blog and by covering each other in prayers, God is going to do some amazing things.

Our first reading is Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On by Stormie Omartian. Spend the next week reading the first chapter. Write down any thoughts, questions or comments. We'll "meet" back here on Wednesday April 8th to share.

We look forward to getting to know every one!

Chrissy, Jessica & Nicole

13 comments:

Chrissy said...

Hi everyone! Please feel free to leave a comment. We'd love to 'meet' you before our first study starts next week!

Sherri said...

Hi,

My name is Sherri I have an almost 4 year old son Joshua who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I have a typical 2 year old little girl named Emily. I was excited to hear about this site on WCAS list. I have been searching for a support group and I am very active in my church, I am trying to get my Stampin' Up! business going, I stay at home with both kids and needless to say I have my hands full but always put myself last. I really need to focus on my spiritual walk and be committed to a bible study. Not having to actually be somewhere makes it so much more manageable.

What time on Wednesday nights? How exactly will it work. I don't get home on Wednesday nights until around 9:30. That is my busy church night. Anyways, I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and once I figure out how to fix my picture I'll post an avatar.

Sherri

Nicole Collins said...

Sherri,
So glad to have you join us! I think we'll have so much fun getting to know each other and supporting each other.
As far as time on Wednesday nights, here's how it'll work....between now and Wednesday April 8th, spend some time reading the introduction and Chapter 1 of Just Enough Light For the Step I'm On. Then, be sure to come back to the blog sometime on Wednesday. It can be in the morning, afternoon, or evening. We'll have our newest blog entry posted that morning. In our entry we will review the reading of the prior week and share with our readers what we got out it. Then, in the comments section, we encourage you all to share with us what you got out of it as well. So there won't be a specified time as to when you log on to read. It's whenever you can get to it and share.
Let us know if you have any more questions!
Nicole

A little boy just 3 years old said...

Just LAST NIGHT I was talking to my husband AGAIN about how I just need someone to walk with. It doesn't suffice to chat or read in the online community - I NEED that connection with some really good Christian girls who know what this is like. I am just down TOO MUCH, TOO MANY days I get wiped out and say 'forget it I'm done, I'm spent'. I know in my mind that God provides everything I need - and to be Joyful in everything - but I'm just not feeling it right now.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jessica said...

Welcome Sherri and A little boy just 2 years old (sweet name!)! We are thrilled to have you both aboard! We ALL need to know we're not alone in this and look forward to getting to know eachother better! Welcome aboard!

Jessica

Nianya said...

Nianya here. . .I am the mother of two autistic children; 13yo dd Jesse and 6yo Taz. I love this idea since we son't even have an special needs support group in church much less a bible study; please keep me posted.

Chrissy said...

Welcome Nianya! We're glad to have you with us.

Heather Vitella said...

Hi,

What a good idea. I am part of another online bible study that has worked out wonderfully. (Just encouragement for those that wonder about getting support in this way. It works!) Thanks for kicking this off. What led you to pick the book you did?

I am a mom of two boys, one of whom has PDD-NOS. At the worst part of the illness, it was impossible to attend church. Things are better now but I still give thought to how to share truths about God with someone who thinks about the world so differently and linearly. Looking forward to the thoughts on this.

Nicole Collins said...

We were trying to decide on what book to start with. We actually had several to choose from. Then I remembered Just Enough Light For the Step I'm On. I read it during one of our roughest times in autism. I had so many unanswered questions for God. So much anger and confusion. Uncertainty. Fear. I was searching hard. This book is incredible. It really helped me. Motivated me. Showed me my life in a totally different way. It is an incredible book to read. I really believe that God is already working through this site and we haven't even begun to discuss the book.
I'm so happy to see so many of you on here with us.

Sherri said...

I just got the book today and read the first chapter. I have the edition with the weekly study in the back of the book. I haven't done that part but am looking forward to it. All I can say is the first chapter alone has really spoken to me and I can relate so much with the author and her trials. This bible study and book came along at the right time in my life. Good choice.

Sherri

Nianya said...

That book sounds awesome, will order from Amazon so I'm ready to go.

Nianya said...

Just realized you're starting tomorrow and I won't have the book until Friday. Is there an e-book addition?

Nicole Collins said...

Hi Nianya,
I don't know if there is an e-book addition but I can tell you that the book is a pretty easy read and I think once you get the book, you'll catch up quickly. Right now, we're only doing one chapter a week. So, I think you'll be able to catch up.
Welcome!
Nicole