If you ever think God doesn't exist, you may rethink it after this clip!

Hey Guys,

I'm not a scientist, but when a friend showed me this clip I was amazed at the  length that God went to remind us of the price He paid for us  on  cross!
Take a look...

Encouragement: With Christmas coming, we have a unique opportunity

Welcome Back Everyone~

Recently I've been reminded how important the Christmas season is to Christians as well as the community at large. Not only does it provide us with a unique opportunity to be renewed in the true spirit of the season, but spread the Good News to others!  As Christians, we tend to forget that sometimes... After all, it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this life and lose sight of what truly matters most-God's Gift to us.The Father sent His Only Begotten Son to be born of a virgin, knowing the ultimate price Jesus would make for our sins. 

What an amazing sacrifice that is!

The shocking truth is, we don't always live like it is.  But we should.Jesus loved us enough to give his own life and that calls for a response -not one of obligation rather  rather than an attitude of gratitude for what we've been given. Let me put it another way, becoming a Christian is a lot like receiving a organ from someone on donor registry. Recipients are usually keenly aware of the gift they've been given and no longer  take the days on this earth for granted.

Likewise, we are  no longer living of our own will, but thanks to the life-saving procedure of someone else. God doesn't want us just to go through the motions of living, but wants us to enjoy our life free from the bondage of sin.  Essentially, we too are living on "borrowed time" as well.

That doesn't mean this life will be easy.. Take it from me, it's not! There will be times when you question yourself (or God for that matter) as to the decisions you made and whether you're heading down the right path. But stay steadfast, knowing that wherever you're going; God is with you.

Below are the lyrics to Hillsong's "Mighty to save". I especially like the second verse



Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender (I surrender)

(Chorus:) (2x)
Savior
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net]
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

(Bridge:) (2x)
Shine Your light &
Let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus

(Chorus)
You're the Savior
You can move the mountains
Lord You are mighty to save
You are mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
You rose & conquered the grave
Yes You conquered the grave

(Bridge:)

Encouragement: Hero Dog Awards 2012 is tonight on Hallmark Channel!

Dear Friends,

I realize it's been a while since I posted some type of encouragement on this blog. That being said, I thought I would like to share the amazing role that pets play in our lives. Whether they are real life heroes or not, they still provide us with unconditional love. Take time to honor them by watching the 2012 Hero Awards which airs tomorrow (Thursday) at 8 o'clock on the Hallmark Channel!

What's Next For Me??

Welcome Back Readers ~

I'm sure I'm not the only person to pose the question at the beginning of this post at least once during their lifetime. After all, it's completely natural to wonder where this journey called life will take you or what the future holds. This seems to be a central theme weaved throughout the circumstances of the last few months…

But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself…

Over the course of my one-month absence from this blog, I underwent surgery to straighten my right arm. Readers may recall that I had this same type of reconstruction on my other side, where the doctor chiseled out some of the bone in my elbow and stretch out the arm (including the muscles and the nerves) to just about a 90° angle. This time, though, was quite a bit different. When the doctor went to stretch out my skin and nerves in between my elbow, the skin broke. This left him with no other option but to take some from another part to repair it. That being said, the outcome has been positive despite having to deal with the open sore as an additional part of the healing process.

At the same time, changes continued to take place in other aspects of my life as well. My personal care agency struggled to find aides that were capable of lifting me and accommodating me in terms of my needs: so much so, that one of them actually hurt their back while working for me one day. On a positive note, I was still at my parent's place recovering and they were able to provide a reliable backup in the interim. It also allowed me the unique opportunity to figure out where God is leading me- whether it be switching to a new agency or staying with the one I had. In the end, I chose the former and am in the process of waiting to see how many hours the new agency can provide; either way, I believe God knows what the future holds for me and will work out everything according to His Plan.

What's my point? Unplanned or planned, these events had the same effect on me- leaving me nervous and anxious with the uncertainty of each and every outcome…

That much goes without saying…

 
However, we tend to forget the unique opportunity that trials offer us- not only building our character but teaching us the dependability of God if only we'd trust Him! In Psalms 46, David goes even further portraying his relationship with God as a intimate one using words like "refuge" and "strength" in the description. I'm
not saying this is easy; hey I'm still learning this very important lesson myself.. But if we would learn this, it would make this journey called life a lot less stressful!

What do you say??

Conjoined Twins 'Abby & Brittany'

Okay Folks~

So I've been meaning to post about this show for a while now... It stars conjoined twins Abby and Brittany as they encounter the daily trials and tribulations of having  such a unique disability. The Learning Channel does a interesting job of balancing the fun aspects of life with the realities of getting a job in today's society where people tend to look at the outward appearance of people rather than their abilities.. Join me as the continue to share their experiences with the world on Tuesday @10 and 10:30 PM on TLC

Some 2012 Olympians Step into the Spotlight for More Than Just Talent!

Everyone has those moments that they will never forget of the Olympics.. For example, there was the time the Magnificent Seven won the gold in Women's Gymnastics during the last Olympics.. Or the time where Keri Strug landed on a injured ankle during her vault to help secure the victory..

These are all moments that make you want to stand up and cheer for the
Olympians and make me especially proud to be an American! However, there are moments that surpass these and challenge you to be better than you are. I had one of those while watching the Women's All-Around Gymnastics Final. Not only was I surprised at how Jordan Weibercheered for her teammate, Aly from the stands even though she may have wishedshe could be there also... Such camaraderie and compassion, I have never seenthroughout a competition!

But even more important, the courage it takes to stand firm for what you believe while being in the spotlight. At this point, you probably know who I am talking about-Gabby Douglas. When she could have taken all the praise for winning gold, she gave all the credit to God, saying "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never
forget the good he does for me. The glory up to Him, and the blessings fall
down on me."

For more on other Olympians' view as to how she was able to accomplish this, please feel free to go to:http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20612225_20618005,00.html
or
http://www.watchgmctv.com/news/christian-olympians-2012-summer-games
for more information



As well as

Personal Update On My Life; My Opinion on Sundance Channel's Push Girls

Welcome back Everyone~
I know I haven't been around lately; but late has certainly kept me busy. I find myself on the phone most of the time in an effort to keep up my independence; however, my parents have needed to help out more than I like ... I'm grateful, but I know that things are getting tougher for them and they have other things they would like to be doing.

Thus, the constant battle continues..

Speaking of battle for independence, I came across this interesting show on Sundance called Push Girls featuring several women in wheelchairs. Unlike me, most of their injuries were caused by car accidents and other situations. Although the show is very much focused on disability advocacy and knowing oneself, I was slightly put off by it. I don't know why. Maybe it's because on the first show, they seemed to really focus on the physical appearance of the people.... And not really their struggle. As Tiphany Put it somewhat like this, "Most People consider the disabled not really concerned with how they look, having food on their clothes..."

I don't know about you, but I'm offended by this.. I like to consider myself attractive, in a modest sort of way.. In terms of the food, well, sometimes I can't help it. That's the way it is with CP!

Anyway, maybe you can catch an encore of the show and let me know what you think! For more information, you can go to their website at: www.SundanceChannel.com/pushgirls

Keep Running...

Grief is a funny thing, isn't it?

One day you may think you have it under control; the next you're struggling to find your bearings...

I experienced a little of that this Sunday as our church explored Hebrews 12:1-3 in conjunction with our study of 1 Timothy.In this passage, we are encouraged to continue the race set before us and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus-a tradition passed on throughout the generations from grandmothers to mothers and so on.In fact, it even goes as far as to say "they are cloud of witnesses" watching to see how we endure the trials of this life. Depending on how you take this, it can be an encouragement or ove overwhelming weight to carry.

Which brings to the pictures of my grandparents above. In the first picture is my grandmother (on my mom's side) holding one of her grandchildren. The second is that my dad's parents. Each of them were amazing example of faith in action, despite having to deal with severe and unexpected illnesses and blindness.

I sometimes wonder, though, whether I have held up to their legacy. I guess I won't know until I see them again!

How are you feeling today?? Focused on your disability?? Holly's Heart will make you think twice!!

Welcome Back Readers~

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately..   We have a lot going on around our house, including going to Baltimore to get the new van-so I can finally get around-and having guests visit. Anyway, I'm not really making excuses for not writing: however I have been doing a lot of thinking and writing that here would have been counterproductive....

Let's just say it's a constant struggle trying to keep everything together and running smoothly. From roommate issues to agency difficulties, something is always there reminding me I have a disability..

So, on this Friday, I just happened across this video! What do you think about Holly's point? If we have God in our lives, should we or should we not struggle with identity issues? That's what's on my mind today!

Saying goodbye to "Old Betsy"

Our family said goodbye to the van - which we lovingly referred to as " Old Betsy" - this week. To make a long story short, it was totaled after my dad and I were involved in a car accident a few weeks ago. We are both fine, only suffering minor bruises.

Where does that leave us then? You guessed it- searching for a new van! If you are a disabled reader, you probably know what a difficult process that can be; not only do you have to look for a vehicle that fits the measurements of your wheelchair ( which is not an easy task, considering in Virginia it is preferred that you point straight forward ) but you have to figure out transportation in the meantime.I guess I'm lucky in that I have a wheelchair at both my apartment and my parent 's, so when I come to visit it's not that difficult. But still. One can't help but feel guilty that they have to carry me to the car whenever I want to go anywhere .

The latest bit of news is that paperwork needs to be signed on the new vehicle we
found; it will take 2 to 3 days for the vehicle to be driven down from Pittsburgh. Then, it's another full day in the shop getting the lock down installed

What Would You Do? - Autistic Child Defended in Cafe

Welcome Back Everyone~

I know I haven't been on this blog much lately, but life has kept me on my toes. I won't bore you with the details-except to say that my dad and I were in a car accident... We're both okay, but I'm still trying to make sense of the whole thing in my head. Anyway, April is autism awareness month. With that in mind, I gave across this What Would You Do clip

It's that time again... (Autism Awareness Month)

Welcome Back Folks~

It's that time again.. Not only is April the month of my birthday but it's also Autism Awareness Month. Apart from autism campaigns such as Autism Speaks, this disability is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. I encourage you to look to look at my previous posts and the link below to find out more information and stay informed about the cause!

http://www.joniandfriends.org/blog/autism-awareness-month/

Encouragement: Forgetting Something??

Okay Folks~

So it occurred to me that I have neglected this blog for way too long... I'd be lying if I said it wasn't because the chaos of life has gotten to me-because it has! I find myself paying bills daily and making sure my Avon is taken care of; it's exhausting! That being said, I am beginning to realize I've lost myself.. But more importantly, I have lost God and his picture for my life in on this.

I know he's God-capable of doing whatever he knows I need. But I've forgotten something.. He has the character of a Father as well and he wants me to abide in His Word daily to remember my significance.

After all, I'm His child-above everything else! Nothing else matters. This music video reminds me that he knows my future because he's already created it. He's there...



I'm just trying to find my way back to that premise-where God and my faith is all that matters in this life!

Every life is meaningful!

Okay Folks~I'm not sure whether I mentioned this movie trailer before, but I figured since my church and I are participating in the 40 Days for Life that this would be a good fit. Although a controversial issue, October baby shows the long-term impact abortions can have. In the movie, a young girl travels in search of mother after struggling with identity issues. On a side note, you may recognize some actors from previous Sherwood pictures.. Opening in theaters today, I would encourage everyone to see this movie and appreciate the value of life!

This Week's Theme: "Power of Your Love" By Hillsong



  Welcome Back Friends~

First off, let me assure you that I'm alive and well; lately I've found myself in a crux of not knowing what to say and not saying anything at all....

I know that's not a good excuse, but my life has been a roller coaster this past couple of months.  Last time I checked in here, I was adjusting to living in my own apartment quite nicely.  There were a few rough patches in terms of roommate personalities and so on, but we survived.

Now, I find myself fighting a battle of a different nature.  I will spare you the details-only I will say that this struggle once again reminds me that I am a disabled person.  Not the independent young woman I would like people to see me as.. That being said, I am trying to remain positive-knowing that God has everything under control; I need only to trust in him that everything will work out according to his purpose!

Anyway, I think the video above says it perfectly:

 "Lord, I come to You, let my heart be changed, renewed
 Flowing from the grace that I've found in You
Lord, I've come to know, the weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away by the power of Your love

Hold me close, let Your love surround me
Bring me near, draw me to Your side
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You, your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lord, unveil my eyes, let me see You face to face
 The knowledge of Your love, as You live in me
 Lord, renew my mind as Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day, by the power of Your love

Hold me close, let Your love surround me
Bring me near, draw me to Your side
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You, your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Hold me close, let Your love surround me
Bring me near, draw me to Your side
And as I wait, I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You, your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
And I will soar with You, Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love"

Whitney Houston Funeral

Dear Friends,

This post has been in the making for a while now: not because I wanted to talk about Whitney Houston or her problems, but simply because Rev. Marvin Winans eulogy touched my heart. I'm not suggesting you watch the whole thing, however his remarks begin at the 3 hour mark when he begins his sermon on Mark 6-8. His premise focusing on the priorities of Christians today. For example, he goes on saying that faith is actively expecting God to work in your life. But in order to do this, Matthew also says that you must seek first his kingdom AND his righteousness then everything else will be given to you according to God's perfect will. One final note that I just realized watching it back.. He said something like this: "you can never put God first and then he would forget you in the end. He will never forget you!

Valentine's day is for everyone!

Dear Readers,


Okay, so I know I'm one day late in writing this Valentine's Day post. But then again it's never too late to celebrate the message of love with all the special people in our lives. I've been thinking about this a lot lately; just because of the holiday itself-but because it's around this time I realize most of my friends are scattered around the globe.

Though it's been a difficult journey, my friends (both old and new) have always had my back. As I've said many times before, they have played instrumental roles in making me the person I am today. They're both supportive and accepting while spurring me on to grow in ways I never imagined; much in the same way as Paul mentored Timothy in the Bible.

Ironically, you'd think it had been an other way around- considering Paul's current situation (sitting in a jail cell, awaiting his final days). But instead he spent days writing a final letter to encourage him. He recalled seeing the same faith in Timothy as he had seen in generations before him (Timothy 's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois). Because of this, there is no doubt for Paul that it will be passed on. He does issue a warning, however, underlining the importance of keeping the passion going for the Ministry.

2 Timothy 6-8 says, "For this reasonI remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."

Where am I going with all of this? Not only do we need relationships for fun and recreation, but we also need down to encourage our personal growth. So next time you wonder why God has placed someone in your life, he might just be challenging you...

PS. I love all my friends.. you know who you are!

Starfield - Remain ( with lyrics )

Okay Folks~
So I realize I haven't written much on here lately. Despite having my own apartment and being blessed, I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything. I know Jesus is still around, but the little things seem to chip away at me-stealing my joy-about the whole situation. Our church has been playing this song a lot lately; it says a lot about God guarding our hearts always.. I'm trying to hold on to that promise!

Reminiscing: How Far I've Come.

Welcome Back Readers~

I was reminded this weekend about how far I've come since the early years of special education. For those of you who are new, special education can be classified in several ways: 1) a group of people with various disabilities in a specific classroom who are attempting to mainstream into the public school system..2) a type of education specially designed to assist in the learning process of a specific person etc..

In this case, I am talking about the first classic definition. I myself was put into a classroom which we lovingly named "Room 54: where are you" in which I learned the necessary skills to succeed in the regular classes. I was among friends with dwarfism, ADHD, CP, and other disabilities. In this class, not only to learn academically but some social skills that I would need to survive in the outside world.

A recent movie on CBS called A Smile As Big As the Moon starring John Corbett also illustrated the experience I had. In this movie, the group bonds over trying to learn the necessary skills in order to attend Space Camp. It also highlights the difficulties I faced while trying to mainstream myself into the public school. The movie will re-air on Sunday or Saturday (I'm not sure which) on the Hallmark Channel for those of you who have the channel. I would encourage you to watch it if you have a child going through the mainstream proces or just someone with a disability!

My New Apartment

Welcome Back~

So it's been a little longer than I planned in writing this blog; but it's been a transition on my end. I went from having several hours on my own plan and write to having almost full-time care and supervision. I don't blame the state though, they're doing what they think is best. It's just one of those times where I don't really appreciate the label of a quadriplegic...

Still, it's hard to deny see God's hand at work through it all; hence, Sundays sermon called "Trust In Transition"-something I still have difficulty doing. Anyway, I will post some pictures when I get a chance...

Encouragement: New Year, New Chapter!

Hello Again, Friends ~

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a month since I had time to write on this blog. The truth is, our family had been through a lot during this time that writing here has been the furthest thing from my mind. Now that things have called down somewhat, though, I feel I owe you an explanation for my absence.

To begin with, there was the unexpected death of my sister-in-law's mother that reminded me how fragile life can be. Her example gives me yet another reason to believe that living a Christian life boldly has the capability to change the lives of the ones around you, but those of complete strangers. It also got me in touch with some classic hymns that I'd practically forgotten about from childhood; there's one in particular that come to mind. The title is: Because He Lives, Lyrics Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The chorus lyrics are as follows:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives."

Sometimes it's hard enough to remember that we don't control our situations; But God does. Well, the same goes for our future. God loves us so much that he's invested himself in you and me and what bigger sacrifice can there be than that? I'm just sayin'!

As many of you know, I'm also beginning a new chapter in my life as I have decided to rent an apartment with a friend of mine from church. The next few weeks will be an adjustment for me as I deal with new challenges both financially and emotionally. Still, I know God has some lessons for me to learn in terms of my independence otherwise he wouldn't have placed such an opportunity in my midst. Whatever happens, I will rest on the promises laid for me in this hymnal and Bible verses such as Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you.. To give you a future and a hope"

Anyhow, as I make such an adjustment over the next few days, please don't be disappointed if I don't write on here as often as I should-at least in the beginning anyway. You see, I'm not scheduled to have Internet until Tuesday of next week at my new place; but you can be sure that I will keep you updated on my new adventures. Being away from the blog this past week has taught me how lucky I am to have a voice in order to speak my mind despite having a disability. But let me explain why; along with being busy this week, I had a sickness that caused me to lose my voice..

As a result, I was not able to use my voice recognition software to write or use the computer. This experience gave me a glimpse of what it must have been like for people with disabilities with an high intelligence who were unable to use their hands. I am lucky that technology has made such advances to help people in my circumstance.