Something To Live By

Everyone,

I came across this today. Although I am still taking the week off, I thought you might enjoy this..

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS .

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

Amazing People, part three

Okay,


I am running a bit behind. I haven't had the best week this week. Being in Virginia has been fun and different, but I guess the changes are getting to me. I'm just not myself. As a result, I think they be going to take a break for a week. But I have decided to finish this week out strong. Ironically, this post is is one of encouragement- which I could use right now.

Today's post features music artist, Renée Blonde. What's so special about Renée? Like me, she believes in the power of music to inspire and motivate people. Not only that but she is doing something she loves- something no one ever thought she would do again. You see, there's something I haven't told you. Renée is also paralyzed from the neck down. The rest of her remarkable story can be accessed on the today's Christian woman at:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2001/mayjun/2.36.html

Amazing People, continued.

Okay everyone,

Since I took Friday off, I have decided to extend my Amazing People Series until Wednesday. This got me thinking I still haven't finished my series on Grown-up Girlfriends. In fact, I had almost forgotten about it. I do intend on finishing this series, I just don't know what kind of impact it's having . After all, it's just my notes. Just a heads up.

Anyway, it's already been a long day. Our Internet and cable had been out virtually all day; although the Internet is back up my television is still acting weird. As a result, I have decided to take the easy route and highlight another person I had previously talked about not too long ago.

His name is Patrick Henry. Despite being born with multiple abnormalities, his parents choose not to treat him any differently. Though unable to see, he still participated in his high school marching band with the help of his father who pushes his wheelchair through the the formations while Henry played the trumpet. Henry's story touched the lives of millions when he was featured on extreme makeover a few years back. He continues to do so, inspiring millions to reach for the stars and no matter what the circumstance. For more information or a look back at my previous post featuring Henry, please go to:

http://alifewithoutlimitsrollinintothefuture.blogspot.com/2008/02/encouragement-patrick-henry.html

Also, for more information about Henry himself, please go to:

http://www.patrickhenryhughes.com/

Please note I do not know him personally

Encouragement: Amazing People Doing Amazing Things, Despite Their Disability

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry if yesterday's post was in any way offensive to my readers. I had just heard a lot about the article in recent news media and figured something had to be said. Living with a disability is not as bad as the survey makes it out to be. Sure, a disability can make things difficult; but that's a big part of life. It can help you build character and make you look at yourself in a totally different light.

As promised, I have decided to highlight some of my favorite people who are out there in the world doing amazing things despite their disability. The first two of which is Joni Erickson Tada. I'm sure many of you have heard me mention her before, that's because she has been such an inspiration to me. To make a long story short, Joni was paralyzed in a diving accident. Despite the paralysis, she continues to serve as a positive role model throughout her community and around the globe. She speaks to thousands as a motivational speaker, using her disability to point out the real source of life, Jesus Christ. She also travels the world supplying undeveloped countries with wheelchairs.

For more information on her other missions, you can see some of my previous posts at:

Http://alifewithoutlimitsrollinintothefuture.blogspot.com/2007/02/encouragement-of-day.html

Speaking out.. Sometimes We Don't Give Life Enough Credit

Okay,

First off, I have passed by the subject several times thinking this is just minority opinion. After all, not everyone believes that having a disability (physical or otherwise) is the end-all of life, right? According to all the media attention, it speaks with a negative perception of disability. In other words, people seem to prefer death over disability. Being a communications major, I question the validity of such a survey- how it was done, how many people were surveyed, how the survey was distributed etc.

On a personal level, I can't help but be appalled. After all, it is people like me that the media is speaking of. They are not giving the power of the human spirit or life itself enough credit. Yes, sometimes it would be easier to give up; but think about who you would be leaving behind. Now, some people may say, I have no one. I once heard a saying that went something like this, "Never forget you are someone in this world, because you mean the world to someone. " That's absolutely true. People are impacted by you, by me whether we realize it or not. To dismiss that fact would be a great disservice.

I'm sorry but I can't help but think it's articles like these that help to encourage the public view. It's hard enough having to deal with the realities of a disability, but to be pitied for it. That's makes it twice as difficult. You see, having a disability is more of a inner battle then an outer one. Every day is a conscience choice to live my life, despite my fears, insecurities but most importantly, my feelings. I choose to live for something bigger than myself. In my case, it's my faith. For some, it may also include family and friends. So, if any of my readers ever happen to encounter a difficult situation, please give yourselves a chance. Don't give up. Life is worth living. No matter the circumstance.

To my disabled friends, let's keep living proving the article wrong. Everyone on this earth can make a difference. In fact, I think I'm going to make this week a perfect example. For the rest of the week, I am going to feature people who are disabled that have made a difference with their lives. Some of them have been featured before on this blog, but I think this is so important.

Sincerely,

Debbie

___________

Below is another person's view on this controversial article

Please feel free to take a look

http://fatjacksrants.blogspot.com/2008/07/us-perception-of-disability-not-good.html

Disability dolls.. a good thing or a bad thing?

Okay,



So there has been a lot of debate over the introduction of "disability dolls" . On the one hand, I think we do need more representation of disability out in the world. On the other hand, I'm not sure if this is the kind of representation we need- pointing out our differences instead of our similarities.

Let me know what you think

http://fibrofog.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/disability-dolls-a-blessing-or-a-curse/

Encouragement: Two Approaches Towards The Same Goal of Change

So,

I didn't really feel like writing today. Partially because I didn't know what to write about; let alone I have all of these links that I have saved that don't relate. My solution is to take you on a little trip down memory lane and then try to connect these two links of stories together

As I've said before, change has always been difficult for me. Take now for instance. I am living in Virginia away from everything I know and love. Of course, my family is here. But the reality is, I have to start all over here. New friends, new job etc. Looking back, I thought it would be different. Exciting, adventitious and refreshing. But through experience, I have learned it's not always like that. In fact, changes can bring on the most challenging times of your life. On the other hand, change can sometimes bring growth and understanding.

Here are two other examples:

http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/06/24/mom-challenges-stereotypes-about-spinal-cord-injuries/
http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&vid=44331b58-e099-4e9a-ac50-45cb64d7a324&fg=rss

Jesus Christ is in everything

Okay,

So it's a Sunday and I couldn't help writing a post early. I feel like I should have gone to church today, but I can't. We don't have a church here yet; I know at some point we will though. That's good because I need somewhere to belong right now. I thought about this yesterday while reading a blog of my friends and trying to catch up on the hundreds of e-mails I had.

One of the earlier blog posts caught my attention. It was "Finding Jesus Christ in Cerebral Palsy ." That is a very bold statement. It's not a statement really but a declaration. The author continues by saying that as he got older he began to stop wishing to be healed and saw his circumstance for what it was.. a gift from God. Using 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10, he supports his assertions by saying every circumstance - even his disability- is a unique experience that is meant to bring glory to God. That struck me. I had always been told that while I was growing up. I believe that too; it's just that as you get older, the world tries to get a hold of you. It's a constant struggle to remain focused. Another verse that pertains to this topic is 2nd Corinthians 12:9 which says,

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Having said that, I am also reminded of an old college saying,: "... that in all things Christ must have preeminence ."


http://lifefaithdisability.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/christ-in-cerebral-palsy/

Fourth of July celebrations

Greetings From Virginia,

OK, so I'm back. Not up to full capacity, but I'm back. At least the Internet is up and running, so I can write and catch up on things- like this blog, e-mails, etc. I am grateful, I just wish my TV were acting up. Oh well, we can't always get EVERYTHING we want.

Anyway, enough rambling.

Today being the fourth of July, I am spending it with my family- everyone including my brother and nieces- at a neighborhood block party.

I was going through my mass of e-mails and conveniently found this. The most recent blog carnival whose topic is celebrations. I thought it was appropriate.

http://pipecleanerdreams.blogspot.com/2008/06/disability-blog-carnival-celebrations.html

Enjoy your weekend.

See you next week.

Debbie