Similarities Versus Differences

Welcome Back Readers~

On the brink of a New Year, I came across this video from Godvine. Instead of focusing on the differences of her brother, who has a disability.. She focuses on their similarities! What is that saying, "And a child shall lead us,"?? How true..
http://www.godvine.com/Brother-With-Down-Syndrome-fb-gv-4188.html

Encouragement: Susan Boyle diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome

Hello Everyone~

In one of my recent posts from last week, you may remember I featured a review on Max Lucado's A Christmas Candle . The movie featured world renown singer Susan Boyle as one of the townspeople with the  voice of an angel.

 Boyle was first recognized for her talent on Britain's Got Talent.where she sang "I dreamed a dream" from the famous musical Les Miserables. She has been very open about her struggles with bullying as a child and difficulty knowing how to interact with people. Now she understands why..

to read more about this story, please go to:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/12/5-surprising-revelations-from-susan-boyle/

Carrie Underwood in the Sound Of Music Live!

Welcome Back Readers~

I found this video courtesy of NBC.com; I don't know about you, but I enjoyed the live version of this beloved musical.. It was a reminder of much simpler time where you could sit in front of the TV with your family and not have to worry about the content. As I tweeted to Carrie Underwood, "She shined for Jesus, no matter what the stage.."

Hope you enjoy this on your Monday workday!

Debbie

Amy Grant - Grown-Up Christmas List

Dear Readers~

As the Christmas season approaches, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life.We fix up our houses with lights and buy presents for our loved ones; but in the end, none of that matters!. It's what we do for Jesus Christ that lasts forever. (I probably have put this video on here before, but I feel like it's important that we remind our human needs are more valuable than the material)

Encouragement: The Christmas Candle movie

Welcome Back Readers~

This weekend I had the opportunity to see Max Lucado's A Christmas Candle brought to the screen. This story follows a town down on their luck in the 1800s- their hope mistakenly put in the in the miracle of a candle. In the meanwhile, a new pastor tries to convince the town that their faith is in the wrong place... This movie reminded me about the importance of a daily prayer life; I would highly  recommend it

God Forbid

Greetings Readers~

This Sunday, one of our pastors preached on the story of The Prodigal Son and this song came to mind. If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you probably realized I struggle a lot in my life. Not only because of my disability, but with my faith as well. It's a constant battle to stand up for what I believe in and stay firm in it. Too often, Christians find themselves (myself included) comfortable in their walk with God. But that's not what causes the most spiritual growth and someone. It's remembering our past as sinners and God's ultimate sacrifice in spite of all we have done.

Like the Prodigal Son, we have each squandered our inheritance and come back expecting the worst. Instead, God doesn't give us what we deserve, but what he wants us to have. He restores us to himself and makes us each sons and daughters..

As Romans 5:8 says:

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

What then should be our response? Well, we should appreciate God, and be thankful for his unfailing love and grace towards us-
not thinking it's something that we deserve or should expect.. It's a gift from God!. Not because of our good deeds; we are, after all, sinful... No matter how high we like to think of ourselves

"Healed By Grace" film trailer

Welcome Back Readers~

This weekend I had the opportunity to watch. Healed. By Grace- the unique story of a young woman's struggle to become a dancer. But when the unexpected happens, Riley is faced a difficult choice. Should she dwell over the past or focus on the future and the plans God. God has for her life? This movie shows how Christians need to be keenly aware of how they interact with family, friends or people in the world in general. We are Gods, ambassadors, after all!

Encouragement:Disability Awareness is the focus of one college this week.

Welcome Back Readers~

I found this link while looking through my email this weekend; it reminded me of how my college did their best to educate its students on how to accommodate people with disabilities. Not only did they do a walk through of the campus to increase its accessibility, but they allowed me to speak on several occasions to the Diversity Council on campus as well as a group of special education students studying to become teachers....
thttp://unknews.unk.edu/2013/11/15/disability-awareness-week-will-highlight-abilities/

Ever wanted to be a superhero as a kid? For one boy, his dream comes true with a little help from some friends...

Dearest Readers~

I came across this story a few weeks ago, but it didn't come to light until a few days ago. As many of you know, the Make-A-Wish foundation is known for making kids with terminal illnesses dreams come true.. But for one little boy dream, they needed a little help. You see, all of his life Miles has been battling leukemia like his favorite superhero Batman. So it seems fitting that he would want to be a superhero in real life. As part of the effort, thousands of people in San Francisco took part in scenarios where he got to rescue people in distress and battle the "Riddler"

It's not very often that we see goodwill in action, but when we do, it's amazing to see!

Jeremy Camp's "Overcome"

Dear Readers~

 As the weekend draws to a close, I am reminded that my security rests in the hands of the Lord. As Christians, our faith and eternal value rests in Jesus and His act on the cross. While we may struggle on our day to day walk, we are positionally "covered" by God's Grace. He who was sinless died in our place.. 

Encouragement: Florida teen wows judges on X Factor

Dear Readers

I've had this link in my email for it while now. Recently, the X Factor TV show has returned to NBC for an all-new season; as always, the show is in search of new talent in four categories, including boys, girls as well as the group. Judge Demi Lovato is in charge of mentoring the girls this year. Rion Paige is one special girl, not only because of her voice, but her inspirational my story. You see, she was born with curved hands because of the way her joints are and is virtually blind out of one eye. But she refuses to let that stop her from following their dreams. So far,Rion has survived the four chair challenge; she will definitely be one to watch out for in the future..

http://www.uptv.com/blog/florida-teen-wows-judges-on-x-factor

Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling"

Hello Everyone~

In my previous post, I explained the tireless journey that it took me to get a job. At first, I did my best to thank God for the opportunity on a daily basis; over time, it's newness wore off and a routine was put into its place.. I am happy to say that didn't last long!

Eventually, I recognized the error of my ways and wanted to find a way of reconnecting with God.. Jesus was, after all, though one responsible for granting the the blessing in the first place.. I had nothing to do with it.

As Christians, we have a tendency to become too involved in the affairs of this world and forget where our citizenship really lies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we shouldn't care about people. We should; God calls us to be "a light" in the midst of the darkness. Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling" is one of the audible books I've downloaded in an effort to restore and repair my spiritual relationship with Jesus. Each day, it gives me a reminder of how I am important in my Father's eyes.

I have always been His Child covered by Jesus and his Ultimate Sacrifice on the cross. But my relationship with him will always be a work in progress

That is, until he comes again and completes his final work in me!

A Note from the Career Girl

Dear Readers,

A little over three months have gone by since my last post; I'm happy to report that during that time, I've become gainfully employed. This isn't to say the process has been easy- as I've found it difficult to adjust to early morning schedules and long work days. Still, I wouldn't change a thing. Not only for the chance of a paycheck, but because I am making a difference with this stuff. I am producing on a daily basis...

Nothing could have prepared me for this stress that working could bring, though. In the beginning, I felt unstoppable- ready and willing to take on whatever task I've been given. Over time, things shifted. If I'm being honest, I think it's because I lost touch with WHO had blessed me with the job in the first place.

That being said, my advice is: Don't take for granted the opportunities that may come your way. Better yet, don't forget about the person who sent them.. Jesus cares about you!. He is deeply invested in your life as long as you allow it

Encouragement: Guidance for This Journey Called Life; Reflections from Psalm 25

Welcome Back Readers~

During last week's sermon at our church, I couldn't help but think of Matthew West's song "The Moment Of Truth". In the third verse, we are reminded that in our moments of doubt we should always go back to the moment where God revealed himself to us. In Psalms 25, David does the same by approaching God's throne and talking openly about his problems; instead of focusing on his circumstances, David changes his perspective by focusing on God's Might and power. Think on this as you guys encounter life's difficulties today...

 

Matthew West's "The Moment Of Truth"

 You got your hand on the door
And you're ready to walk out
Well, the fight that you had filled your mind up with all this doubt
And you're losing your mind and losing your faith
And you can't remember why you fell in love in the first place

Go back, go back to the moment of truth
When she walked down the aisle and you first said, "I do"
When this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Go back, go back to the moment of truth

You got your hand on a habit
And you can't seem to let it go
It used to be your escape now it's out of control
And now it's you in the mirror
But you don't recognize your face
And you're looking for a reason not to throw it all away

Just go back, go back
To the moment of truth
With three words, "It's a girl"
And she looks just like you
When this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Go back, just go back to the moment of truth

You got your hand on the Bible
But your heart feels like stone
'Cause you think that you've made too many mistakes to come home
And you're losing your will and you're losing your faith
And now you wonder if you even believed in the first place

Just go back to the moment of truth
When you first talked to Jesus
And He reached out for you
He's still reaching, He's still reaching out for you
So when this life makes you wonder what have you got to lose
Just go back, just go back
To the moment of truth

Entering Another Stage Of Life..

Hey Guys~

Recently, a disabled friend of mine got married and entered a new stage of life. I wish her and her husband all the best as they encounter the joys and challenges of marriage. Still, I am at a loss; once again, knowing that this may inevitably change the framework of friendship. in the meantime, I am also struggling with feelings of inadequacy. But I have to believe God has a plan for me and somewhere out there, He is molding my husband to be the man he has to be in order to take on the responsibility of caring for someone that is disabled. That being said, I would like to dedicate the following song and devotional to all those people caring for the disabled, as well as husbands taking care of wives with disability


Can I Borrow Your Hands Song and Devotional

God bless and Happy Friday!
Debbie

Update on Nick Vujicic and His Incredible Love Story

Welcome Back Readers~

      Many of you may recognize the name Nick Vujicic from some of my previous posts; born with no arms or legs, this amazing man continues to motivate those around him to look past their shortcomings or disabilities and dream. Now this young man's Fairytale has come true-with God's help-a loving wife and baby on the way. To find out more about this story, you can look at the clip below. I would suggest also putting the closed captioning feature on the clip because the volume quality is pretty low.. Hope you enjoy!

Season 2 of the Push Girls

  Welcome Back Readers ~   

  Tonight is the premiere of the second season of Push Girls, an original series on the Sundance Channel. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this show, it follows four wheelchair-bound friends on their quest towards a happy and fulfilling life full of passion and love- all while living on their own. FYI: Most of the cast were injured in car accidents causing them to be either paraplegics or quadriplegics. In this episode, we find Angela (the model) struggling to restart her career as well as interview and train a new personal care assistant; that way, her "auntie" can go back to work as a massage therapist. We also catch up with Auti Angel as he deals with marriage difficulties of her own and the breaking up of her dance crew, Colors In Motion.

New episodes can be seen on the Sundance Channel on Mondays at 10 PM. Repeats of the show can be found during the week as well!

Encouragement: Lessons from The Real World... Lending A Helping Hand on the Metro

Welcome Back Readers ~

I came across  this inspirational  story that  was featured  last night on the news It's nice to know  that there are still  people in this world  that care!

 

Over 43 years working on the job, O. J Richardson has made it his priority to help people as they navigate their way through the Metro Station in Downtown DC. But none are more special than the students at St. Coletta in Southeast DC. You see, they have a variety of disabilities ranging from autism to physical impairments;  as part of   outstanding  learning curriculum, they are  taught how to use  maps  and   distinguish between  the different   routes.

 Richardson helps out whenever he can. He says, "My mother instilled in us the right way to go!" In helping to teach these lessons now, they are not only gaining knowledge for the future; but they are gaining confidence in their ability to remain independent as well. 18-year-old Ricky Thomas Byers puts it best when he says, "[I want to] got my own place [and] call my own shots.."

 

 Citation  for TV Program: "Monitoring Metro " Fox channel 5 WTTG DC, News at 10pm, May 22, 2013

A Closer Look At Autism With the New "Colored My Mind" Documentary

Dear Readers,|

As the weekend begins, I am overwhelmed with the number of disabled stories being reported on Fox 5.The first segment featured a documentary on Autism;. The documentary attempts to shed light on this sometimes misunderstood disorder by creating a open-ended discussion and sharing four different mothers'experiences. The second story was entitled  "Prom Promises"; this is a unique program that allows disabled students to attend prom like any other student- that is, with the help of some Lee High School students. For more information on any of these inspiring stories, you can follow the links below

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless,
Debbie

– –
The Official Website of The Color My Mind Documentary-http://www.coloredmymind.com/

The Official Trailer of Colored My Mind can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNgbEHy03tg


"Prom Promises" Segment -
http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/22157521/disabled-students-get-a-prom-of-their-own-in-springfield#axzz2SGzKtVm1 hey sorry will listen to

Birthday reflections/This Is Our Time Trailer

Welcome Back Readers~

Approximately two weeks ago I turned 33.. Unlike most birthdays, this one was quieter than most-with a simple family gathering at Outback Steakhouse with a few balloons.

The older I get, the more I realize that birthdays offer us a unique opportunity to take stock of our lives and make changes. Questions like Am I doing all I can to portray God's Love to those around me or Have I done enough in using my God given talents to further His kingdom always seem to be at the top of the list.

I'll be honest these are hard questions to answer, especially when you feel like you don't measure of to those around you. But that's the beauty of God, we each matter to him and are uniquely created for the task set before us as Christians. After all, doesn't it say in Corinthians 12:12-21 :

    " Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body"

 

That being said, we shouldn't doubt our purpose or standing in terms of God's grand design! We have each been put on this earth for a reason... Though we might not see His Calling in our lives yet, it's there; whether it be to simply act as a light in the darkness of your workplace or testify to those in other countries. It's all important because it points the way to the cross..

This is the main message I got from Pureflix's This Is Our Time. And even more than that it reminded me of the amazing Christian friendships I have maintained from college. I love you guys..

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGVWWsxvh_Y

America The Beautiful

Dear Readers

It's been a tough week for all of us. My heart goes out to all of those affected by the Boston tragedy; I'm praying they you find peace through this difficult time! Remember that you are not alone and that we are grieving with you as a nation as well..

With that, I come to the topic of today's post-America The Beautiful. In this time of difficulty, I think it's easy to get bogged down by the negativity in the news. I get it, I really do. But it's in these times that we're presented with a unique opportunity. We can either take this opportunity and waste it by focusing on ourselves or we can help our fellow citizens-those that are hurting or in need of help.

 So in the midst of life's daily struggles, I will always remember how blessed I am to live in America. Freely able to express myself, I am allowed to talk on topics of faith without fear of prosecution.

Each day is a new day. Let's not waste them.

God bless you all,
Debbie 

More Than Meets the Eye: the Story of Joan Brock

Welcome Back Readers ~

When people ask me "What's it like not being able to walk?", I really don't know what to say. Hwas born this way, so I don't know any different..

On the other hand, Joan Brock could give you a different answer. Not only did she work with the blind; but one day she woke up blind herself! Doctors then diagnosed her with a extremely rare case of accelerated muscular degeneration. Determined to maintain as normal life as possible, she returns to work. But then life deals another blow as her husband is diagnosed with cancer and dies shortly after. She is forced to adjust to life as a single mother until a high school friend enters her life.

For more information on the Joan Brock story and the Lifetime made-for-TV movie, you can go to:

http://www.allyourtv.com/pressreleases/lifetime/2003/april/04102003morethanmeets.html

 

 

Or you can view the movie online at:

http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/more-than-meets-the-eye-the-joan-brock-story/video/more-than-meets-the-eye-the-joan-brock-story

 

Encouragement: Your Love Will Always be enough!

Welcome Back Readers ~
The following lyrics from Hillsong's "Forever Reign" came to me as I went to sleep on Monday night. Like many people, I had spent the night watching the season finale of the Bachelor and got caught up in seeing Sean's fairytale unfold...
Every girl wants to find Mr. Right and live happily ever after. It's perfectly natural, but we must not forget God in the process. His love will always be enough to sustain us through the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

This is something I had to remind myself of today!

 

"Forever Reign"

You are good You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting

(Oh) I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Bridge
My heart will sing no other Name
Jesus Jesus

 

Encouragement:Purple Shoes and Pink Shoelaces

Dear Readers,

Many of you may recognize my next guest contributor -my father- as he has written for me here before. He has a very unique perspective being the parent of a disabled person. I would ask that you pay careful attention to his story; it not only applies to  coping with news of a unexpected disability, but how  powerful words can be! 

Without further ado...

Purple Shoes and Pink Shoelaces

 “I’d get purple shoes with pink shoelaces,” the doctor said with a dry tone of indifference. He continued, “Your daughter won’t walk anyhow”.    My wife was shaken. 

We had just moved to Baltimore in 1982 from Ann Arbor, Michigan and immediately began locating new doctors to care for our 2-year-old daughter, Debbie, who had just been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  My wife, Barbara, and I were just beginning to realize the potential impact of raising a daughter with serious disabilities.  High on the list of medical concerns was the need for a good orthopedist to advise us of the affects our daughter’s disability would have on her motor development and muscle tone.   My wife took our daughter to a highly recommended orthopedic surgeon who examined our daughter. After his examination, my wife asked with concern,  “Should we see about getting special shoes?”   The doctor had blurted out his careless reply and his words cut deeply. The thoughtlessness in his response had revealed to her the prospect of a disability no one had yet predicted for our daughter. No one had ever told us Debbie might never walk.
After recovering from the incident, we began looking for an orthopedist that could help us deal with our daughter’s physical needs but in a more compassionate manner.  We both took Debbie to a second orthopedist.  After the doctor completed examining her, we again asked about a need for special shoes. The doctor answered, “Because she won’t be bearing weight on her feet right now, you don’t have to worry about special shoes. I think you should buy the prettiest little pair of shoes that you can find.” His compassion and concern for our pain was evident, and we left the doctor’s office encouraged.
Barb and I later discussed how both doctors had said essentially the same thing, but the critical difference was in the way it was said, and the compassion and sensitivity in it’s delivery.
The Scriptures indicate that the way we say things, as well as the content of our words can have a significant impact on others.  “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing  (Proverbs 12:18).  Our words can be pleasant and bring healing to others (Proverbs 16:24). Carefully spoken, they can be a work of beauty (Proverbs 25:11).  Not only our spoken words, but also our silence can speak much compassion, rather than a rash remark. This silence of self-control and compassion is a sign of wisdom (Proverbs 10:19).
Because our sinful nature is not inclined toward compassion and interest in others, we must rely on the Spirit of God to control our mind and tongue – if our speech is to bring healing and beauty. Untamed by the Spirit, our speech can be like a spark that starts a destructive fire, or a toxic poison that destroys a life.  Rather than spreading healing and beauty, untamed conversation can bring hurt and pain (James 3:1-10). In fact, James indicated that the control of our conversation is one outward measure of our inward spirituality (James 1:26). Paul encouraged Timothy to display his faith in this sequence:  “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12, emphasis added).  Paul recognized that Timothy’s conversation was the first visible evidence of his inward spiritual condition.
Let us today commit our tongue and the conversation of our lives to bringing healing and beauty to others  – revealing to them the love of God expressed by our lives.  This will bring blessing to others, and it will bring joy to us!
     “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23).

My Take on Missions

  Hey Everyone~

This week our focus is Missions back at CBC (my church). Until my teens, I didn't quite grasp the idea of being a "missionary" in my everyday life. I'd always thought of the job being for a select few-those willing to leave everything behind and follow God's Calling for their lives. I now realize how wrong I was..

 As Christians, we tend to shift the responsibility of ministering to others; thinking that we are not qualified or capable of completing the task. But that's simply not true. While God has elected missionaries to go to foreign countries to preach the Gospel, He has given us the talents and tools necessary to reach people right where we are today. Sharing my faith through my blog is my gift- being able to show His Love and Presence in my life through my trials and tribulations of having CP. It is my hope and prayer that through each post people can not only see my heart but that it makes God even more real!

   I know you may asking, "But what if I'm not good at it?" My answer is quite simple: no one is.. That's when His Power shows its brightest as it says in 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." Still it's hard to rest in that fact knowing how inadequate I sometimes feel-but that's what it's funny.. Jesus does not ask us to do it alone! That's why he sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within his disciples (that includes all Christians) after His Ascension and until he comes again.

While Jesus mostly talked in parables during his time on earth, the commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is more desperate. He says to "go and make disciples of all nations"; going even farther, it says they should baptize them and teach others the ways past down to them by the Lord himself. No longer is it a request, but a command. Now that doesn't mean it should be done of obligation, God would rather it be done out of a thankful heart-grateful for the things God has done in my life and that he will continue to do.
Take that to heart as you conclude this week. Open your heart to the opportunities the next week will bring. You might be surprised!

Happy Monday!

Welcome Back Everyone~

I just happened to come across this story while flipping through my television channels today.. 21-year-old  Dee Dee Sullivan strives to live   her life to the fullest, despite having a very w rare disease called ostegensis imperfecta (a.k.a. brittle bone disease). Approximately 1 in 20,000 birth have this disease; to put this in perspective, in the US alone there are 20 to 50,000 people that suffer from this

To hear more of Dee Dee's amazing story, please go to

http: //www.jeffprobst.com/posts/episode/2866_The_Girl_With_Brittle_Bones/index.html

Encouragement: Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story | Blog

Welcome Back Readers~

I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to Joni Eareckson Tada next book entitled Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story. She has always been pretty open about how her diving accident changed the way she looked at life; it was through that experience that she found herself looking upwards to a newfound relationship with Jesus Christ. However, little is known about her budding romance with Ken. Along with stories of her marriage and antidotes on her struggle with cancer, I hope she also tackles how to deal with feelings of inadequacy while you wait for God to bring the right person into your life...Anyway,the book is due in stores April! Take a look at the book trailer below:

oni & Ken: An Untold Love Story | Blog | Joni and Friends

American Idol Season 12 Inspirations

It's that time again.. American Idol preliminary auditions have ended and some amazing talents have began to emerge. Not only that, but some of these contestants have inspiring stories to go along with them! Take for example the story of  Kayden Stephenson, the 16-year-old living with cystic fibrosis; he realizes that life is short and to take every opportunity as it comes.

Then there's Micah Johnson..He suffered severe nerve damage during surgery to remove his tonsils; As a result, he has undergone speech therapy and has a impairment when he speaks. Miraculously, you don't notice it when he sings...
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvEln8PnbHA

Last but not least there's Matheus Fernandes.. Matheus Is a perfect example of why you should not judge anyone simply on looks. After enduring years of bullying in school just because of his stature, he is ready to step out in courage and show off his voice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5CfvUYQog8

My problem with Windows 8

Welcome Back Readers~      

My apologies for not posting on this blog as regularly as I have in the past. Currently, I am in a state of transition from my two-bedroom apartment to a one-bedroom apartment in the same community; not only that, I've had to deal with a new (yet unreliable) computer back at my parent's place... Which brings  me to  the title of today's  post:  ""My Problem  with Windows 8".  

    In my opinion,  Windows 8 is not as  easy  as it  claims  to be. For starters, users of the system are asked to create n Microsoft password and then forced to merge their information on certain apps on the computer such as Skype. This may be fine for those of you who use one primary computer, but otherwise it seems like a more complicated process-keeping track of passwords. Upon further reflection, merging accounts does not change your access of Skype on other computers.

It also poses difficulty for those using Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 or 11. The software is not yet compatible to control the Metro interface and some of the Global commands no longer work. Worse yet, the newest version isn't compatible either-take heart, the company is aware of the problem and looking for solutions.

Aside from the basic Windows options, users should be aware that Internet Explorer has a propensity to crash when entering dictation into search fields. This was a major source of contention for me since I am unable to restart the voice recognition by hand myself upon system reboot; this is because things like the "start" button have been removed and the ability to create startup routines have been made EXTREMELY difficult. The only way to stop th computer from crashing was for me to start using Microsoft Firefox instead.

Although my dad was able to deal with most of these problems on his own or with the help of technical experts, Windows 8 has been an extreme disappointment. What was supposed to be a unique Christmas surprise turned into a frustrating experience for both me and my father.

I will keep you, my readers, up-to-date with any changes being made to the Windows 8 system. Luckily, I am still able to use Windows 7 on my desktop computer at the apartment and only have to cope with Windows 8 on my laptop at home!

What Do You Say after Tragedy Strikes??

Greetings,

 

 

Happy New Year to my readers... May God continue to bless you through reading this blog as much as I have been blessed by writing it. Through life's ups and downs, he has revealed his faithfulness to me if only I trust Him! This can be a difficult task especially  considering  the  recent  events  that   happened   in Newtown Connecticut;   I find myself  asking,  "Why would someone want to do something like this?"

 

I don't know the answer to that question; nor do I claim to understand what the parents of those innocent children are feeling.. But God does! He feels their pain just as anyone would and wants nothing more than to wipe away the tears.   I sincerely believe  that Jesus  was holding those children  in  His hands  as he  carried  them  up  to  heaven  that fateful  day. This begs us to question once again, "Why would He allow such a tragedy in the first place?”

God is merciful; but that doesn’t mean sin and free will don’t have free reign in this world. They do. Every day we have a choice to make- whether we use our God-given talents to help others or serve ourselves. It’s strange though, considering the gift which was originally meant to bring us closer to our Creator has only divided us!

Food for thought..