Growing up with ADD- A personal post

First of all, it is true that more Americans have this diagnosis than in any other country and it is true that more white boys carry this diagnosis than any other race. Therefor it is fair to say we may very well be over diagnosing today's youth and therefore over medicating in hopes that overwhelmed parents can have some peace of mind. My dad would never allow me to be seen by a medical doctor for this diagnosis due to the negative stigma that is attached. This meant I had to learn how to get my school work done while not getting in trouble own my own. Therefore I pretty much hated school, except of course for the social aspect:) I remember being the very last student to finish my homework every single day at daycare when I was younger. This was because I could not focus through a single math problem little lone an entire assignment. This is probably one reason I have never finished a book to this day. The ending is usually a let down to me anyways. I could come up with a better ending, faster with out reading the story. People with true ADD are very creative, their mind is constantly going and coming up with alternative ideas. This is why we are actually quit successful in business and art. We also deal well with change in the work environment. Are mind is constantly changing, so a complete shift in the plan does not devastate us. We constantly learn new ways to do things. How ironic, I spent many years in grade school leaning how to think "inside the box" so I would not get in trouble and then while I was in college, I realized most people who are successful have made a living "thinking outside the box." On that note, what was I doing all those years in school learning how to be just like everyone else? I am just kidding, I do not resent my teachers, on the contrary I am thankful for many of them. However it is a little confusing that in grade school, the teacher wants you to do something the way she does it(step by step) and in the real world, the ultimate test is, can you figure this out by yourself with no one showing you how to do it. I have heard it said, that if ADD is real, then where were all these kids 50-100 years ago? Why are so many people diagnosed only now? Well, those kids have always been there, they were the class clowns and the drop outs. They always could make you laugh but wanted to copy your homework. They were not dumb, they just thought differently and if you march to the beat of your own drum in school, you are labeled "a bad student". If you have child who is ADD, do not feel sorry for them, do not go easy on them, but do listen to them. They are capable of more than you realize. It takes a smart person to get through school with out reading. As far as medicine goes. I tryed ADD medication for the first time in high school, once I was old enough to go to the doctor by myself. The medication was very helpful, and I realized I was capable of completing tasks I did not know I could. BUT, you sell a piece of your soul when you take it because it alters your personality. I noticed I started becoming reliant on taking it, which I was not comfortable with because everyone in my family has "an excessive personality" and I could see that prescription drugs were gaining to much control in my life. The Lord is good and he is in control of your life if you allow him to step in and take over. He had to do a little house cleaning and honestly I feel the Lord has given me clarity with my thoughts. He created my mind and so it made sense that only he could bring ultimate healing to my brain.

Michelle Duggars baby did not survive. Jubilee would have been number 20.

There is a wide range of views about Michelle Duggar and why she chooses to continue having children after her last child was born with many medical problems at 25 weeks gestation. I do not know what it is like to lose a child  but I will say, many people lose a child and try again doing everything in their power to have a healthy child. If you almost die in a car accident, do you never get in a car again?   I think people are acting so hateful towards her because they cannot understand her desire to have as many children as she can. Please note, I do not desire to have as many children as her. Not only could I not afford it, but physically I know I could not keep up with the demand; however what I do not understand is why people are so harsh with her when 1.they are not using government assistance 2.they have a proven track record raising exceptional children  3.you know those parents love each other and are not getting a divorce like half of Americans today (which I am sure has a greater negative impact than being one of many kids). I am much more concerned about the alcoholic mom, the abusive mom, the unwed teenage mom, the mom with no education and no support or the siblings that are raised in foster care. So the older kids help out a lot, they are children. My husband was raised on a farm in south Africa. He cleaned pig sties every morning (including Christmas). big deal. It was practice for when he put himself through college and worked while being married. Those kids are fine. Also my husband, who was 1 of 4 kids has a much better work ethic than myself who is the only child in my family. I am tired of people getting so angry over the way the Duggars are choosing to live. People say “She needs to keep her legs closed.” Get real.  This debate is not about "having too much sex" with OMG her husband! (That is called a good marriage). This is about Michelle Duggar having the right to choose. Everyone is pro choice, until the woman CHOOSES to have as many kids as she can and then sound the alarm - A married woman is having a child! Some people say "what a shame the older kids help out so much." Would it be better if they got to be selfish like most kids these days and sit around on their lazy butts playing video games, not respecting their parents, doing drugs and getting to spend their time doing what they want? Which way is a better way to teach kids about the real world? Overall, I think our society could learn a lesson from the Duggars, and be more considerate while they are going through such a hard time. Walk in freedom - have no kids if you like, or have as many kids as you want, and let her do the same.

Knoxville TN torture, rape, and murders

I will start off by saying I usually will watch many videos and read many articles on a topic before I choose to write about it. However this time is different, I could not watch more than a few minutes of this recorded trial because I litterly became sick to my stomach and thought I might vomit. My chest began to hurt and I was overwhelmed with sadness for the victims and their families. As I laid in bed upset, I asked God to help me look to him and not dwell on these tragic murders. I asked for no dreams last night because I was afraid of what they might contain after hearing this story. When I woke up this morning I was more aware than ever that there is a God and there is a Satan. I am angry that are society downplays both or even worse says this terrible story is somehow part of God's plan. NO! God came to give us life and life more abundantly, Satan comes like a thief in the night to steal, kill, and destroy. John 10:10. I think it is clear whose plan this was. I have not heard of a more concrete and modern example of  Satan stealing, killing, and destroying.  I do not know the life story of  those who committed this crime - who tortured, raped, and murder Channon Christian and Chistopher Newson, but I would dare to think that the hate in each of their lives began long before that day on January 7, 2007.  He tells us to love one another and this is what people are doing to each other? Seeing the evil that humans are capable of, it is no surprise that once God destroyed the world by flood . We can absolutely not sit back and let Satan run ramped over our lives while we just hand over our schools, our government, and our children. I have great compassion for these victims which is why I have no problem saying go ahead and give the guilty criminals the death penalty. In fact I believe doing so is extremely compassionate because if someone did this to me and my earthly dad got to sort them out, you could bet they would pray to have a needle in their arm. My heavenly father is even more just. He knows exactly what to do even when we do not. He is not just a lamb but a lion too and I am thankful he deals with us accordingly. I have posted a link to the article for reference, but I would caution you that is it extremely upsetting to read. Don't feel obligated to read it. If you are interested, there is a petition to sign to keep this case from being retried. Please pray for the people affected and ask God to help us, we undoubtedly need it.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.change.org%2Fpetitions%2Fgovernor-of-tennessee-stop-the-retrial-for-murderers-of-channon-christian-and-chris-newsom&h=sAQGErcboAQETVAykyr88oDznTiD1sRh3FIwCKtB1q3G5-Q

Letter to Madalyn

The day I found out I was pregnant with you was December 20, 2009. I remember it so clearly. It was the Sunday before Christmas and there was snow on the ground. We were staying in Durham and getting ready to fly to South Africa to go see family. Within one second, my life changed and the most exciting thing became I was going to be a mom. As long as I can remember, that is what "I wanted to be when I grew up" and now it was happening! The cold turned to spring and then came the day we were able to tell your gender. You're dad and I went to the appointment and we were both filled with excitement and anticipation that we were going to find out what we were having. Within 10 seconds of starting the scan, the lady looked at me and said "it's a girl." I could not believe it, I asked her 3 times if she was sure. She said with out a doubt and that  you were not shy. I felt as if I had won the lottery. A little girl!! Spring turned to summer and my tummy grew very large. I would always feel you move around when music was playing, and I knew you would love to worship the Lord and that you would be a peacemaker. As I approached my due date, August 26, 2010, it became increasing hot outside. We all wondered when you would come and then, no surprise, on August 26 I went into labor. The following day, you graced us with your presence. Even with the pain and exhaustion, I can honestly say, it was the most amazing thing to watch you come into the world. The doctor laid you on my chest, with your head on my right side and all I could say was "oh my God". No lamaz class can prepare you to see such a miracle. At this point I realized you were ours and then the real fun began. Although there have been many sleepless nights and trips across uncharted territory, I am doing what I love. I have been to four universities and officially changed my major 5 times and will finally graduate in May with a "generic degree" because I can honestly say there is no topic I could choose to get a degree in that would measure up to getting to be a mom. Madalyn Joelle, since having you, my heart has softened and I realized how it is possible to love someone so much for no other reason except, you are my child.  This gives me a glimmer into God the father's heart who is the Creator and Perfecter of love. My heart for you Madalyn is that you will know you are made for such a time as this and will live the life you were made for and never be held back with fear. I love you to bits! You're mom.

Are you really pro-life?

Christians. Are you really pro-life? What have you done about it? I am not talking about making a poster and marching around chanting. Being that I am not so sure how much good that does on an issue where people are so strongly divided with their opinions set in stone. Donovan and I are hoping to adopt our next child and therefore have been doing a lot of research. I came across a blog with some really good points that I found worth repeating. I have heard a few people say,"wow, you want to adopt, not everyone is called to do that" (interjection: I have never had this all figured out nor will I ever and only by the grace of Jesus my savior can I do anything without screwing up royally) With that said I think it is fair to say that God is pro-adoption #1. Jesus was adopted, this means he entrusted a human(Joseph) to raise his only son who was not biologically his. #2. He calls us to care for the orphans and widows (James 1:27 #3. Jesus adopted us into his family, taking away a heart of stone and giving us a new heart. Then he goes as far to say we are co-heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17)WOW. just to recap that, God, the maker of the universe says that he adopts us and puts us into the same category as Jesus. #4. The Lord says children are a blessing from God (Deuteronomy 28:11.) If abortion ended today, would their even be enough people willing to adopt these children and ask the lord to give them love, patience, and wisdom to raise the child. It is sad to admit but the Christian community has dropped the ball a little bit on this topic. If we truly believed scripture when it says children are a blessing, we should be beating down doors trying to foster and adopt children that are waiting. We have out of fear or laziness or maybe both left this community issue up to the lost and so they came up with their own solution. Just kill the baby. Why do we act surprised? God please give us a heart like yours for the hurting and fatherless. Also it is worth noting that no earthly parent is entirely what a child needs whether adoptive or biological only God the father is the perfect dad and he is who we look to.