Updates to the website

Hello everyone,

I am just stopping by to catch up on my posts. I'm sad to report that there is nothing new on the disability front lately. However, you may have noticed I have recently added some new websites to the sidebar. These are interesting and informative websites for people looking for more information regarding disabilities. Feel free to take a look.

Thanks for following my blog,

Debbie

New blog Carnival

Everyone,

The new blog Carnival is here. This 50th edition features articles articles centering around the theme of "I am". As you can probably guess, these articles cover a variety of topics, such as coping with a disability as a teenager etc.

As always, the Carnival outdoes itself. Feel free to see for yourself.

http://wheelchairprincess.com/blog/2008/11/27/i-am-hosting-the-50th-disability-blog-carnival/

The meaning of Thanksgiving

Okay,


If I'm being completely honest, the meaning of Thanksgiving is kind of lost for me this year. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my family and friends as well as the many other blessings God has bestowed upon me. It's just that this year I'm stuck in a place I'm not so familiar with. Both literally and metaphorically.



In spite of it all, I am reminded of God 's promises. They are actively at work in your lives as well as mine. Sometimes they're just difficult to recognize. Unlike humans, His promises are tried and true. On the other hand, human promises are easily broken or dismissed. That being said, believers try to stay stand firm in their faith, knowing that God is ultimately in control. This is not always a easy task; as a result, we sometimes get complacent, forgetting that sometimes we need to forcefully live by faith.

Capturing disability through video

Okay,


During the campaign for president, I'm sure you noticed the rush to highlight this disability issues through video. Some organizations plan to continue this momentum.. In the coming months, the United Cerebral Palsy hopes to showcase videos of people with disabilities. This was their first installment and preview of what's to come:

http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/10/capturing-disability-through-video.html

Follow-up

Okay,

Since my last post was on the power of discouragement, I figured this would be a good follow-up. Recently, disability blog carnival posted its 48th edition. This one entitled: Lists. Some topics include ways to recognize that you are not taking your disability seriously and many more

If you are looking for a laugh, this may be a good place to go

http://ihatestairs.org/disability-blog-carnival-no-49-lists/

Back to reality

Everyone,

Even though I am about a week behind on my posts, I figure it is better late than never. Some days are harder than others to remain positive. I'm not just talking about my disability. After all, look at the economy. People are wondering what the future holds. In times like these, it's easy to get discouraged. Believe me, I know.

That being said, I wanted to share a little story with you. This story tells of the courageous life of Dorothy Williams, a British missionary sharing the message of God's love in the 1930s. It came in part of a devotional I received from Joni and Friends . During one of her missionary journeys, she noticed that her colleagues who are nurses, seem to be in distress. She inquired why.

' "Oh, Mum, I am feeling much afraid today,"

This was Dorothy's response:

"Dearie, look at these shiny instruments on your tray." The British missionary picked up the pointiest one, then added, "The devil has a tray of instruments, too, and the shiniest and sharpest is his tool of discouragement - it's sharp because he uses it so often." The student nurse smiled, blushed, and then went on her way with fresh resolve.

Striking, right? But Dorothy is so right. Discouragement is simple, but it can have a huge impact. On a personal level, it can affect a person's self-esteem. On the other hand, it can stop us from doing so much. After all, much of our human actions are impacted by the way we feel rather than what we know we should do.

Think about that the next time you are discouraged. I certainly will

A Parent's Prayer

Greetings,
I know I haven't been writing much lately. Since returning last Wednesday from Ohio, our whole family has been battling colds. You know what they say, "When it rains, it pours." Well, that couldn't be more true. I know that things will be different though with both my mom's mom (my grandmother) as well as my Great Aunt gone. But they both lived great lives, true testaments to the power of a humble faith and love.


Lately, I have constantly reminded how life is short. Looking back, I kind of wish I had gotten to know them a little bit better- for the person they were etc.. But I can't. I can only move forward, making the best out of every opportunity that's given to me. That being said, let's move on to today's posts. Now that I think about it , it kind of fits with the message I had for today- "Making The Most Out Of Every Opportunity . "


Last Sunday, Extreme Makeover featured two stories of people/families with disabilities making the most out of their situation. The primary recipient is the Martinez family. Growing up, Dawn (the mother) always had a hard for caring for children. Naturally, after graduating, she decided to become a nurse caring for those dying of cancer. On the personal front, Dawn was happily married and eager to start a family of her own with her high school sweetheart, Emmanuel. Soon, they were married and gave birth to their first child- a daughter- they named Ell. Soon after, they were blessed with news that they were going to have more children- twins. However, both boys presented challenges straight from birth.

Evan was born with a genetic disorder which displays itself in the number of mental and physical disabilities. Alex, on the other hand, was born with several facial and skeletal problems that will require many surgeries in the future to correct. Currently, the family lives in a two-story house, which limits the the family's mobility.

In the episode, Ty Pennington points out that this week is about the way you look at people, especially people that have more difficulties than you do in life. ".. He [the father] doesn't see that they've got special needs as much as he sees their potential. What we've got to do now is give them a space to raise their children, let them dream and reach their full potential "

During the build, thousands of people with disabilities came to help, including Sam Malek. Despite having cerebral palsy, Sam owns a coffee shop called More than coffee. Not only does he serve coffee, but this 17 month establishment strives to employ people with a variety of disabilities.

"This is what God called me to do, I'm trying to change the world as they say. one cup at a time, one person at a time.. cause there's always someone else in need," said Malek.

The team was so touched by this story that they decided to remodel the shop as well. Upon
futher explanation, Malek hopes to increase the interaction between his employers and the community.

Truth is, I could go on and on about this episode. There were so many good quotable quotes and I don't think I could do it justice. I'm hoping they may have this episode on ABC.com pretty soon for you to check out on the web. Because it was worth watching.

Surprised by disability article

Everyone,

As previously posted, I will be heading out of town later this weekend. I seriously debated not posting anything for the rest of the week because my heart is not really in it. But then, I was reminded about several articles I had saved on the impact a disability has on one's faith. It seems quite appropriate considering what I'm going through. In this article, disability gives people a reason to hope. After all, look at the many times that God used his power to heal the sick, blind and deaf. People who in those times, many considered useless or unholy. I am reminded of one such healing, where God specifically tells a man healed of leprosy to tell no one
of the miracle. But the man can't help himself, he has so overcome with emotion. The end result is amazing in itself, a man is healed and the impact is global. People come from nowhere to hear of the miracle and of the person that performed it.

Check out Mark 1:4o-44 for more about this miracle as well as the many more that follow

Another important thing to note is that when Jesus reappeared to the disciples as well as doubting Peter after his resurrection, the scars of the crucifixion still remain as a testament to the miracle that just occurred. For those people that have faith, we each have scars. Those are a constant reminder of who we once were, sinners headed to an uncertain fate. That is, if it weren't for God and his amazing Grace.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting read.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/october/15.100.html

Check out one person's response to the article at:

http://blessingsandglory.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/surprised-by-disability/

Your opinion is needed!

Dear Friends,

I know it seems like I have just returned, but I have to go out of town again this weekend. One of my dear aunts passed away. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time. That being said, I will be running behind on my regular posts for next week. That is, if I feel up to doing them at all. When you are faced with difficulties such as these, it really makes you think about the sanctity of life. Questions like, "Are you doing all you can to present a positive perspective in your life?"or "What am I doing here?" constantly come to mind. I know it was all in God's timing and that she was ready to go, but it was just so unexpected for all of us. That being said, I am going to say what I always say to my readers. Please, think of this day for what it is. A gift from God. Where are you going to do to help someone out today?

But there is another reason for this post. I recently came across a way to make my blog a podcast and I was wondering whether my readers would like that. Your opinion is needed very much.

Again, thanks for your prayers,

Debbie