Weakness

Okay,

So I've been thinking a lot about weaknesses this week. Not only because my family is going through a lot right now, but because I'm questioning my purpose. Are things ever going to settle down in Virginia? Am I ever going to find a place where I fit in here? I mean, my parents are fitting in great into their role as grandparents. But me? I struggle as a aunt, trying to find different ways to connect with the girls despite my disability. It really doesn't help that I have little to no friends down here. If I did, it wouldn't matter to me how much time we spent with the kids. I could do my own thing if I wanted. They are grandparents, they deserve to act like it! But sometimes, I can't help but feel left out. Let's face it, that's part of the reason why we moved out here, so they could be grandparents.

Anyway, in many respects, I feel weak. I wonder when my time will come to be settled; with a job, an apartment, a love, etc. Not to sound ungrateful, because I'm not. But it's high time my life get started again. But then I remember an important verse. 2 Corinthians 12:9

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"

Encouragement: Disability Pride And Power

Hey Guys,

Today's Encouragement post shows how having an disability can give people a second chance at life. This webpage also highlights how far we have come as a society, learning to value an individual based on what they can do rather than what they can't.

Take a look..

Http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2009/09/disability-pride-and-power.html

Until next time,
Debbie

In the news: "Mermaid" Girl dies At Age 10.

Welcome Back~

As many of you may know, Shiloh Pepin recently died at the tender age of 10 years old. Known as "The Mermaid Girl", she was born with a rare condition that fused her legs together. To read more about her story, go here:
http://www.centredaily.com/lifestyle/story/1586008.html

The campaign for disability and employment

Hello again,

During this very difficult time, it is hard for anyone INCLUDING the disabled to find a job. In this new public service announcement, this simple idea takes center stage. It highlights a variety of a people with disabilities, sharing what they can do to help support businesses in a variety of different ways.

The commercial is a real eye-opener.

Please take a look

http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2009/10/campaign-for-disability-employment.html

Encouragement: View of A Caregiver.

So,

I realize that Wednesday's "encouragement" posts have changed in the last couple of weeks. In all honesty, I have completely forgotten about finishing my review of Patrick Henry's book I am Potential. It's so easy for me to get distracted these days; I have a lot going on in my life. You wouldn't believe that because I spend most of my time on my computer, but I do. It doesn't help the situation that my voice recognition software has become unreliable.. at any time it could choose to freeze up on me, along with a host of other computer problems.

Still, I try to remain optimistic. I am hoping to get back to my Patrick Henry book review next week. If I don't, please readers, send a e-mail to remind me. I don't do this blog for myself, I do it for you and I don't know what type of information you want or need regarding disabilities unless you tell me. I'm not perfect, no one is

Anyway, I came across this blog while sorting through some e-mail. It provides an interesting perspective, that I wouldn't have otherwise thought of. The perspective of a caregiver. This blog features a caregiver of a person with Asperger's (sp?) Syndrome.

http://www.caregiver.jlchrls.com/

I'm sorry to say but I often forget to thank the people in my life that make my independent living possible

Disability at work

Hey Guys,
Even though I don't have a job, I thought this was hilarious. These are how you know you're disabled to work

http://cripwheels.blogspot.com/2009/10/disability-at-work.html

A Guy's Perspective

Dear Readers,

I came across this website as part of my Google Alerts. Honestly, I was quite surprised; not only because this was the first guy's perspective on having a disability. Sure, I've had stories of young boys growing up, but never teenagers. I will be reading this blog for a while.

http://wheelchairjunkie.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/cerebral-palsy-as-steroids/

Encouragement: Dog Helps Paralyzed Boy Surf

So,

I came across this one article that shows another positive of service dogs. Kind of entertaining, don't you think?

http://www.gnn.com/article/patrick-ivison-and-dog-ricochet-surf-to/720774?icid=mainaimdl5link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fpatrick-ivison-and-dog-ricochet-surf-to%2F720774

Another ministry abroad

Welcome Back,

As I'm writing this, I continue to be behind on posts. It's Saturday and I'm just now starting on the week. I know I haven't written much lately as I explained on previous blogs; my health issues have made it difficult for me to have enough energy and patience to write. In writing, I feel like I have a certain amount of responsibility to you my readers to provide the most positive, up-to-date disability news and tips.

I don't feel as if I've been living up to that lately in terms of my personal life. A lot has been going on with me, causing me to wonder once again that the purpose of my life as well as this blog. I know everybody is prone to doubts; they can provide a defining moment in a person's life to which direction they should go. A sort of crossroads. If I'm being honest, I find myself there once again- trying to remember who I am and who God is. Don't get me wrong, I still believe in God, but our relationship has changed. I'm to blame for that; I know I'm the one that moved. But now I'm trying to change that, I want to get to know him better than I do now.

For the past couple of months since we moved, I've noticed a difference in my perspective. Not only am I a lonely in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense as well . The yearning and fire in my life has kind of gone out. I'm strong enough to know that something is missing in my life, but I don't know what to .

That's some of what has been going on with me lately. Despite everything, God is doing great things in the lives of my friends and family. For instance, I talked to my friend Christel in the Panama; they are doing well as part of the Lutheran ministry there . Her husband recently traveled to Peru to check on the country's status.

Many of you may remember that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month . Tomorrow, (10/18), my mom will be participating in the Annual Walk in Ohio. When she gets back, I will update you with how much money was raised. I think my grandmother would be pleased knowing that her daughter is doing this.

Anyway, it's interesting to know that strides that are being made in a effort to share the news of Jesus Christ. A while back, I came across this website that shows how the Ministry is growing across the country

Take a look..

Http://leslieburch.blogspot.com/

Not feeling well

Hey Guys,

I realize this is the first time in weeks I've written on this blog ; I apologize. I just really haven't felt up to it. I've had persistent stomach problems for a while now and can't seem to get a handle on it. I've been to several doctors and they say my condition is quite normal for someone with a disability. I've tried my best to get more water and fiber into my diet because that is a contributing factor. But in the end, I always come back to feeling bad again.

These digestive problems are to be expected though; it's a downside to taking baclofen, I guess. My lack of exercise may have something do with it too. But come on, who has the time to measure out 15 grams of fiber and drink two bottles of water. According to the doctors, that's the normal amount a person should have to maintain good digestion. I'm no dietitian, but that's a lot of fruits and fiber bars.

That being said, I am not at my best. But I intend on catching up with some posts this weekend.

Encouragement: Resiliency

Hey Guys,

It's Wednesday, time for an "Encouragement Post". As you may have noticed, I talk a lot about resiliency on this blog. Resiliency is the ability to pick yourself up when you're down, to keep going despite the severity of life's circumstances and always believe in yourself no matter what.

I came across this website which provides another Outlook on resiliency
http://resiliencyfirst.com/2009/10/05/believing-in-your-resilience-will-set-you-apart/

The importance Of the Church

Welcome Back Everyone~

Since moving here, I have found it hard to connect with people outside my family. I realize this may have a lot to do with not being as familiar with the area as I'd like, but I really do feel like I'm missing something. Coming from a household with many different preferences, it has been difficult finding a church we can all agree on. However, I realize its importance in our lives. Not only because the church is supposed be a source of emotional support, but it's also food for the soul. I pray I never lose sight of the yearning in my spirit then tells me that things are supposed to be different than they are.

That being said, I thought this article was very interesting. It's about a church specifically devoted to parents of people with disabilities. The idea is cool, but I don't know how I feel about it. After all, the diverse perspectives sometimes help us out..
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/09/14/church-2/4919/

Confusion

Welcome back,

As I write this, I realize I am another two weeks behind. I am sorry for this; it seems like I have too much on my plate right now. For the last two weeks, I have had a lot more time to myself for things such as my book writing etc. because my personal assistant was on vacation. I was able to finish chapter 4 of my book. So it seems to be coming along pretty smoothly. Although with all of that time, I found myself more distracted by Facebook.

My personal life has also been busy. My family has encountered some difficulties that have kept my mind unfocused and worried. Please keep us in your prayers

Anyway, I am back and going to try this again. For a while, my posts will just include links until I get back into the swing of things. As with previous posts, I have discussed the importance of representation in terms of disability in the media. While I find it necessary and inspirational, some people think it can be taken to the limit.

Take for example this blogger,

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/10/05/disability-as-entertainment-so-you-think-i-cant-dance/