Encouragement: My Reflections on "The Note"

Hey Everyone,

I am taking a break on my regular encouragement series featuring Patrick Henry to talk about a movie that has been close to my heart the last couple of months. I don't want my readers to get the wrong impression, this post is not meant for entertainment purposes; although some can obviously be found.

As I'm sure you've noticed, living every day to the fullest has become a common theme through my blog. Learning this is so important because it allows us to take each day at face value. Every day, we make vital choices that determine what road our life is going to take. Where are our priorities in life? How are the priorities going to affect our future as well as those of others? As humans, we often forget every day should be considered a gift from God- a second chance to reevaluate our lives.

This is the subject of one of my favorite movies on The Hallmark Channel. Based on the book by Angela Hunt, this movie stars Genie Francis and Ted McGinley. The premise of the story is a simple one. After a fatal crash of an airplane, a burnout journalist is given a unique gift when she finds a note left by one of the deceased passengers. Felt that she was given this note for a purpose, she goes on a unforgettable journey- hoping to reunite the note with its intended recipient. In the process, the note gives her a topic to write about for her column, "The Heart Healer ." Not only did she find the note touches all whom come in contact with it, but causes her to question the choices in her younger years, including an unforgivable secret she has buried.

I hope in the short synopsis then you can understand why I shared it with you. Of course, I love the movie because it has writing in it; but, it also serves as a constant reminder that life is a gift and it should not be wasted. Recognize your talents and use them to make a difference. But most of all, it's people that matter. People need to be reminded that there is such a thing as "Second Chances". Jesus Christ first showed us this idea by dying on the cross for us so that we might be able to spend Eternal Life with him in heaven!

In truth, I don't know what I would say if I only had a few more minutes left on this earth . I don't think anyone would. But as I get older, I realize there will come on down when I will leave this earth .. That's why it's so important that nothing is left unsaid.



If you love someone, tell them .

We need each other.. to listen, to understand, to care. That's the only way we are going to make it through this world. But we also need God.

For more information on the book, please go to:

http://www.amazon.com/Note-Women-Faith-Fiction/dp/B002B55XJU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254340618&sr=8-3

For more information on the Hallmark Hall Of Fame movie, please go
http://www.amazon.com/Note-Michael-Barbuto/dp/B001D7T6A4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1254340618&sr=8-1

Personal Reflections:

Welcome Back Readers,

It's the beginning of another week and I continue to be amazed at how fast the time passes. There never seems to be enough time for everything ; something always remains unfinished everyday and I wonder if I will be able to finish tomorrow. But I guess that is something everyone struggles with. Priorities and how to manage one's time wisely so that at the end of the day, you will have no regrets.

Regrets. Everybody has them in one form or another . We wouldn't be human if we didn't. After all, no one is ever promised an easy life.. Despite the fact that this is how the Christian life is characterized, it's not true. In times of difficulty, the question of "Where is God?" is often asked. As hard as it is to believe, he's right there! Ready and willing to help you through any situation that arises if you will just allow him too. Notice that I said through and NOT around! The struggles of this life are meant to help build character and teach us lessons that we wouldn't have learned otherwise.

I 've been running this race as a Christian for a while now, and I still can't seem to wrap my mind around this lesson at times. At times, I find myself becoming bitter with my circumstance; this can block whatever blessings God may have for me that day. I often wonder if this is just a stage of life I'm going through or if it will fade with time and God's grace and mercy. I have been reading Joni Eareckson's new book, A Lifetime Of Wisdom: Embracing the Ways God Heals You and surprisingly she says anger is sometimes good when it points you to God. He would rather have someone who is open and honest with Him rather than a polite and etiquette- acceptable prayer. That's what makes it a relationship with God, instead of what people refer to as "religion".

This is a topic that has laid heavy on my heart for a while now. I apologize if it doesn't really make sense, I should have written about it earlier so that I could have gotten all my ideas down. But I tend to shy away from post of a personal nature because of the simple fact that potential employers could see my writing.

Stayed tuned for Wednesday as I highlight one of my favorite movies, "The Note" and how it relates to encouragement as well as this idea of second chances.

Thanks for reading,
Debbie

I don't usually feature celebrities on my blog, but I thought the opening quote and perspective was inspiring !

Hello Everyone,

One down, one to go and I will be all caught up. Let's see how long I can stay up to date and accurate this time.I plan on something a little personal for my next blog post, so be sure to stay tuned.

Anyway, I came across this website while attempting to clean out my e-mail inbox of all the Google alerts in regards to disability and cerebral palsy. The opening quote is what hit me first. It said: "A champion never looks at what he is going through, only what he is going to." This quote is by John Riccio, a actual athlete with CP.This is really worthwhile to look at :

http://www.paulsedillo.com/2009/08/a-champion-never-looks-at-what-he-is-going-through-only-what-he-is-going-to-john-riccio.html

Encouragement: From Yet Another Mother

Dear Readers,

I find myself behind yet again. As a result, I have decided to postpone the continuation of Patrick Henry until I get caught up (which shouldn't take me long because I intend on getting caught up today). That means you will have a lot of reading and exploring to do from my website.

In closer inspection, I have come to realize I don't have many perspectives other than my own on this website. I have added some mother's perspectives, such as the one from To the Max. But not much other than that. I am doing my best to broaden my horizons and provide a wide range of perspectives, not only for myself but for you. This will give my readers a diverse number of opinions and outlooks on various situations. That being said, I would like to introduce another blog you. This one is entitled: Living with Faith. It is written by a 31-year-old mother who has a child with CP.

Go Ahead and take a look. A word of warning though. When you load the webpage, she has music on it that is somewhat loud. You may want to turn down your speakers. Chuckle.

http://livingwithfaith04.blogspot.com/2009/09/lucky-me.html

Reality TV Show To Feature person Person with Asperger's Disease

Welcome back,

Reality TV has done it again. On the 15th season of The Amazing Race, disability issues will take center stage. This time, with a contestant with Asperger's Disease

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/09/21/the-amazing-race/5453/

Funny clip

So,

I came this website in the process of researching for another post. While I don't agree with her methods of keeping tabs on human interactions with people of different disabilities. This gives a pretty accurate portrayal of what we go through every once in a while.
Sometimes when you get in these situations you can't help but laugh.

http://thedealwithdisability.wordpress.com/

Encouragement: Patrick Henry: A Closer Look At Passion

Hey Guys~

As I continue to read more about Patrick Henry and his life, I can't help but think him blessed more than most. Why? He knows what loves and has the gumption to stick with it; not many people do. But John Patrick Hughes says, "Sometimes it feels as if your passion has dried up and disappeared; when life seems to be just another day- up in the morning, stumbling through the routine, and falling into bed at night."

But not for his son. He still possesses a zest for life, uncommon in most adults. This "childlike enthusiasm" can be seen in every aspect of his life. I don't mean childlike in terms of youthful abandon or immediate gratification. This type of passion is different. "It's the passion we are born with and display when very young mass for, doing something because we love it and for no other reason," John Henry explains.

How is it possible to maintain this type of passion throughout your life?

I wish I had some long philosophical explanation for you; but it's quite simple. Patrick Henry values his time. While a majority of his time is spent coping with the realities of his disability, he doesn't allow that to cloud his perspective or the perspective of this family.

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that a lot of these lessons are a part of a common theme. That being said, I can't help but feel I am repeating myself over and over. As a result, I have decided to document exactly where I am in the audio book so I don't have to go looking for it over and over again.

Audio book disk 2 part 19

The importance Of Sacrifices

Welcome Back~



I hope everybody enjoyed their weekend; I decided to take September 11 off as a tribute and memory to those who gave their lives in order to save this country as we know it. That got me thinking a lot about the importance of sacrifices. Not only in terms of personal sacrifices, but the ultimate sacrifices. The ones that are done for others with no regard for one's safety or well-being. Personally, I can't imagine the type of courage it took to band together in an effort to foil the plans. Just imagine how many lives were saved in the air as well as on land. That whole day, people stepped up to become heroes by risking their lives. Firefighters, paramedics, or just your average "Joe" .

But then again, that's what America is about- what it's founded on. Not only did it take many trials and triumphs to get and maintain the freedom that we have and enjoy. But let's not forget the first and most important sacrifice- Jesus on the cross

Encouragement: The Source of Strength

So,

I'm sorry I'm more than a week behind .It's been one of those days that have left me speechless. Don't worry, nothing disastrous happened. I just have been given a lot to think about in terms of my future and how the world values have changed. Not to get too politically motivated, but I worry about my health care after my parents are gone. While I got my pump taking care, I got to hear one doctor's perspective and it was a scary one. I just hope people are well informed before they make decisions that could change the world.
Other than that, I feel like my mind is on overload today. I really don't know what else to say other than giving me a lot to think about on on a personal and emotional level

That being said, I thought this blog post was quite fitting for today
http://wwwourunexpectedjourney.blogspot.com/2009/08/hell-give-you-strength-when-you-need-it.html#comment-form

Monday

Welcome Back~

It's the beginning of another week and I find myself behind again. But at least I have something to show for it. I finally finished another chapter to my book.. Lately, I find myself distracted by that things on Facebook. I've also opened myself up to some new opportunities, such as becoming involved in Avon for another source of income. But I haven't really gotten into it that much because our family difficulties right now.

Anyway, I came across this website a while back and found it enlightening. It just shows you can find the face of God anywhere, especially in the eyes of a child .

http://exemplifyonline.com/weekend-word/weekend-word-september-5/

A Unique Look at the Football Season

Hey Guys~

As most of you can probably imagine, I am not a football fan. This is more than just because of the obvious reasons. After all, it just involves young men in suits getting tackled. What's the fun in that? Although, I have to admit the team does look kind of strapping in their uniforms; so it may have some benefits after all.

Still, it's not very often that we get to see a softer side to football. But I was quite surprised after looking over this article.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2009/09/tim-tebow-does-pregame-warmups-while-pushing-boy-in-a-wheelchair.html

Encouragement: The Value Of Disabilities In Different Countries

Okay,

So I realize I'm a bit behind. I don't know how many of my readers have been following me in regards to my series on Patrick Henry's book, I Am Potential. I will do my best to resume the series with the next two weeks. I just have tried finishing writing chapter 4 in my book than that has kept me busy. Look in this way, that gives you extra time to catch up on the review if you want to continue along with us. Again, the reviews are labeled under Patrick Henry .

For now, I found this article an interesting one. It shows how different countries are striving to find a useful place in their society.

http://videosfromindia.smashits.com/view/9378/differently-abled-children-showcase-their-talents