Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Okay, I was fooling myself if I thought I was going to get all of the posts up for Christmas. I still have a lot to do, but I don't think I'll get it done by tomorrow! (December 25) For that reason, I want to wish you a wonderful day with you family and friends. I will be spending the day with my family. But before I go, I wanted to share this website with you. It explores the miracles that can happen over Christmas if you just believe.

http://oregonfaithreport.com/2009/12/real-life-christmas-miracles-bring-inspiration/

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, Debbie

Encouragement: Music Changes lives

Hey Guys~

So I've decided to finish this week and start fresh in the new year. In reality, I know I've not kept this up to date and I'm over a month behind. But I figured you'd rather see something than nothingSo here we go.

In previous posts, I've discussed the power of music in people's lives. Recently, I was "introduced" to someone who feels the same way I do . Her name is Erin Breedlove. Like me, she has cerebral palsy but is breaking boundaries despite her disability. Now, her CP is much less severe than mine. Still, she is doing great things for her cause. She believes that music has the power to change and influence people beyond what they thought they were capable of doing. This is also known as music therapy. Read more of her story at:
Http://www.empowerpeoplechangelives.com/

The importance of communication

Happy Monday..

It's hard to believe it's just a week or so before Christmas. (Okay, so I realize it's really after the fact). I help everybody has taken advantage of the time with family and friends. I certainly have had a interesting Christmas this year. I am blessed to be what I am, with the abilities I have. Not everyone is so lucky though. But thanks to a new communication device, a boy is now able to communicate through the use of assistive technology. I kind of related to this story because of the way voice recognition has opened new doors for me over the years..

http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/01/02/321734kspnsecondvoice_ap.html&destination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/01/02/321734kspnsecondvoice_ap.html&levelId=1000

Travel Tips

Welcome back,

I know what you're thinking.. I've been going through a lot lately and I don't feel as if I'm in the best place right down to continue this blog. That being said, I'm taking a break from providing any personal opinions or views for a while. I can only hope that God will help me through this difficult time. Maybe I'm having my midlife crisis early.. who knows?

Anyway, in light of the holiday season, I came across this website and on it would be helpful.

http://www.electricwheelchairnews.com/blog/wheelchair-electric/14-ways-to-make-traveling-with-a-disability-easier

By now, this is old news... But better late than never

Hey,
I hope everybody enjoyed their Christmas, making memories with family and friends. I certainly did. This time of the season reminds me of what is important-love and family values. That's the only thing that truly last forever.

But now it is time to get back to business. Over the Christmas break, I came across this news article. It's regarding the real-life savant portrayed in the movie "Rain Man"; he recently passed away.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/12/22/rain-man-dies/6545/

For those of you who don't know, "Rain Man" was a popular movie in the 1980s. It started Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. Here is a brief synopsis of the story provided by the Internet movie Database: "Rain Man (1988) the story of a young man who regains his humanity through the unexpected love of a brother he never knew he had--until now. Charlie Babbitts father passes away, leaving him only the car that caused their estrangement, and some prized rose bushes. Using his cunning, Charlie traces the remainder of the inheritance, a trust fund, to an institution for the mentally challenged--Wallbrook. There, Charlie discovers the existence of a brother that he'd never known. Charlie abducts Raymond, an autistic savant, from the institute in the hopes of ransoming him for at least half of the $3,000,000 trust fund. Raymond's fear of flying forces a cross-country road trip, during which the two brothers reconnect. Charlie learns that he'd actually known his brother when he was young, mispronouncing his name as "rain man," but Raymond had burned young Charlie badly in hot water and, for this reason, was forced to live at Wallbrook--all but forgotten. By the time the two reach Los Angeles, Charlie's love for his brother has rekindled the humanity within himself. He's left mystified by the enigma that is his brother and grows from the experience, even turning down Dr. Bruners offer to walk away for $250,000. "

This movie with my first experience in terms of understanding disabilities other than my own. I was eight years old and fascinated with how much a disability can impact relationships.

Faith, Hope, and Love: a Wonderful Testimony

Welcome back~

In preparing for this season, I came across this wonderful blog post. It illustrates the power and influence that our loved ones have in our lives even though they may not be with us. This post also reminded me of my grandparents. May they rest in peace. I know I will see them again someday. Anyway, please feel free to take a look:
Http://continuousdelights.blogspot.com/2009/12/12-pearls-of-christmas-faith-hope-love.html

It's Okay to Ask for Help

Okay,

Christmas is widely recognized as "The Season of Giving", a time where people feel the urge to give back to the world around them. Because after all, we are connected and trying to make it despite our circumstances. All too often, we forget this feeling shouldn't be limited to this season; but it should be carrying out throughout the year. That's the only way we are going to survive this-together.

In the spirit of the season, I came across this blog. Not only does it feature someone with a different disability than my own-multiple sclerosis-but it proves something.. it's okay to ask for help!

http://msandfaith.blogspot.com/2009/12/hope-brought-back-beth.html

Christmas is coming..

Hey Guys~

December has almost come and gone; I'm just now getting to the posts for this month. How bad is that? Although, I'm kind of glad that I haven't been distracted by the activities of the year. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season and that should be my focus right now. I have been blessed with a lot of unique opportunities, such as being a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding and having several friends visit me.

In an effort to maintain this Christ-like focus, I came across this website that I thought I would share with my readers. I hope you enjoy..

http://www.lorilaws.com/2009/12/i-lift-up-my-hands.html