Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Born This Way: Official Series Teaser - Tuesdays 10/9c | A&E
Welcome Back Readers~
Sorry I haven't been updating this blog as much as I'd like; I've been trying to get my resume back out there and see what new employment opportunities are out there for people like me. It's hard though when you have limited capabilities and can't work outside the home that easily..
Anyway, I recently came across a new Arts and Entertainment (A & E) reality show featuring a cast of Down syndrome adults trying to overcome stereotypes by living as normal life as possible. In this series, audiences will hopefully gain a new perspective on the struggles those with down syndrome have and; it will also highlight their perseverance as they strive to live independently, get married and pursue their dreams!
I will definitely be watching and cheering them on; I hope you will be also..
Friday, November 6, 2015
The Importance of Positive Messages In the Media
Dear Readers,
Initially I began reading article and watching its video because of the young man in the wheelchair, but nothing inspired me more than Mr. Roger's speech on the influential power of the media at the end. He's right though; they have a unique opportunity to make a difference in this world.. The choice is up to them whether it's positive or negative!
Initially I began reading article and watching its video because of the young man in the wheelchair, but nothing inspired me more than Mr. Roger's speech on the influential power of the media at the end. He's right though; they have a unique opportunity to make a difference in this world.. The choice is up to them whether it's positive or negative!
http://www.petzoid.com/mr-rogers-message/
Friday, October 9, 2015
War Room - Official Trailer
Welcome Back Readers~
Shortly after it opened, I had the opportunity to go see the movie
"War Room." Like other films produced by the Kendrick brothers, it
carries a faith-based message meant to encourage and uplift audiences to
consider their relationship with the Lord; in this case, believers are
persuaded to take a closer look at their prayer life and its influence on daily living. By following the characters of Tony and Elizabeth Jordan and Miss Clara, significant differences in their perspectives emerge - one based on on attitude of self-reliance, the other dependent on the Lord. Things quickly take a positive turn when an unlikely friendship is formed between the two women. A review from IMDb website explains it even better, saying:
" Filled with heart, humor, and wit, WAR ROOM follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a couple who seemingly have it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. With guidance from Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. As the power of prayer and Elizabeth's newly energized faith transform her life, will Tony join the fight and become the man he knows he needs to be? Together, their real enemy doesn't have a prayer."
Leaving the theater I was both challenged and inspired. What kind of prospective was I portraying to those around me - one of self-reliance or faith? If I'm honest, this is something I struggled with during my recent employment. On the one hand, having a job allowed me the opportunity to provide for myself and feel independent. On the other hand, I sometimes got so busy that I took for granted WHO provided it for me. This is a result of humanity and sinful nature- that we choose to rely on ourselves rather than the One that CREATED us. Being a Christian doesn't mean our life will be perfect and free of difficulty; it just means that we will strive to show God's character and point the way to HIM!
Now this process doesn't happen overnight; nor is it something we can do ourselves. True transformation only occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, revealing our weakness and convicting us of our sin. That's only one reason why it is so important to pray. Here are a few others:
" Filled with heart, humor, and wit, WAR ROOM follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a couple who seemingly have it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. With guidance from Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. As the power of prayer and Elizabeth's newly energized faith transform her life, will Tony join the fight and become the man he knows he needs to be? Together, their real enemy doesn't have a prayer."
Leaving the theater I was both challenged and inspired. What kind of prospective was I portraying to those around me - one of self-reliance or faith? If I'm honest, this is something I struggled with during my recent employment. On the one hand, having a job allowed me the opportunity to provide for myself and feel independent. On the other hand, I sometimes got so busy that I took for granted WHO provided it for me. This is a result of humanity and sinful nature- that we choose to rely on ourselves rather than the One that CREATED us. Being a Christian doesn't mean our life will be perfect and free of difficulty; it just means that we will strive to show God's character and point the way to HIM!
Now this process doesn't happen overnight; nor is it something we can do ourselves. True transformation only occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, revealing our weakness and convicting us of our sin. That's only one reason why it is so important to pray. Here are a few others:
- Prayer allows us to get to know, love, and worship God more fully.
- Prayer can help us understand God's Will and change our lives. As I said before,, this doesn't occur overnight but happens by the Holy Spirit's leading. According to the book The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies, " As we pray, God reveals His will and ways to us, and then starts to align our hearts and minds with His. We don’t ask Him to configure Himself around the way we want to live. No, we bring ourselves up under His authority. In other words, the more time we spend getting to know Jesus, the more we learn to trust Him. It is because of the renewing of our minds, not by our own strength (Romans 12)."
- Prayer can help us to accomplish his purposes by pointing others to Him. Once again, this cannot be done through our own strength, for it says in John 15:5: "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." Therefore, we must seek to know him first and he will provide everything else!
"War Room" is based on the following book The Battle Plan for Prayer: From Basic Training to Targeted Strategies by Stephen and Alex Kendrick for those interested in finding out more information on prayer and how to strengthen your walk with the Lord. It is full of wonderful resources to many to explain in just one blog (I am still reading the Kindle version of the book myself) ,
Sunday, August 30, 2015
"Who I AM" (60 seconds, subtitles)
Dear Readers~
Although I have several basic blogs over the last couple months, many of them have lacked substance. For that, I have to apologize. Over the last two months, I have struggled with yet another real-life scenario ... unemployment. That's right folks. I got laid off.
It's ironic because almost 4 months ago I wrote about the importance of finding one's mission field and using the gifts and talents you've been given to support those around you. Now I can't help but feel I'm back at square one. That's not to say I didn't love and appreciate what I did using my talent of writing to improve understanding on exactly what it takes to make technology accessible to those with disabilities. The job also offered the unique platform on which I shared my experiences working with technology on a daily basis. More important though, it gave me a reason to wake up in the morning.
Even though I spent a majority of time teleworking, my coworkers went above and beyond making me feel a part of the team. They looked past my disability and saw my potential and for that I will always be grateful. I believe everyone with a disability should have the same opportunity.
That being said, I strongly applaud the public service announcement that has aired over the last several months that emphasizes opportunities for the disabled. People with disabilities need to be seen for more than their limitations. We have so much more to give society; we just need to be given the chance to succeed!
Although I have several basic blogs over the last couple months, many of them have lacked substance. For that, I have to apologize. Over the last two months, I have struggled with yet another real-life scenario ... unemployment. That's right folks. I got laid off.
It's ironic because almost 4 months ago I wrote about the importance of finding one's mission field and using the gifts and talents you've been given to support those around you. Now I can't help but feel I'm back at square one. That's not to say I didn't love and appreciate what I did using my talent of writing to improve understanding on exactly what it takes to make technology accessible to those with disabilities. The job also offered the unique platform on which I shared my experiences working with technology on a daily basis. More important though, it gave me a reason to wake up in the morning.
Even though I spent a majority of time teleworking, my coworkers went above and beyond making me feel a part of the team. They looked past my disability and saw my potential and for that I will always be grateful. I believe everyone with a disability should have the same opportunity.
That being said, I strongly applaud the public service announcement that has aired over the last several months that emphasizes opportunities for the disabled. People with disabilities need to be seen for more than their limitations. We have so much more to give society; we just need to be given the chance to succeed!
Friday, May 15, 2015
God Works In Mysterious Ways
Welcome Back, Readers~
If you've read my blog, you'll probably recognize the name of Karen Kingsbury. She's best known for her ability to write"Life-Changing" fiction; with her uncanny talent to write realistic and relatable characters first as well as, her storylines, her books provide a basic foundation of the Christian faith and how to began a relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is no surprise then that we can see God working in other aspects of her life as well. In a recent interview God's presence is shown in a very unique way
http://www.today.com/video/woman-shares-godwink-moment-with-rod-stewart-445439043895/
Hope this video inspires you as much as it inspires me...
If you've read my blog, you'll probably recognize the name of Karen Kingsbury. She's best known for her ability to write"Life-Changing" fiction; with her uncanny talent to write realistic and relatable characters first as well as, her storylines, her books provide a basic foundation of the Christian faith and how to began a relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is no surprise then that we can see God working in other aspects of her life as well. In a recent interview God's presence is shown in a very unique way
http://www.today.com/video/woman-shares-godwink-moment-with-rod-stewart-445439043895/
Hope this video inspires you as much as it inspires me...
Friday, May 8, 2015
Where Hope Grows Official Trailer 1 (2015) - Danica McKellar Movie HD
Hello There Readers,
Premiering May 15th, Where Hope Grows centers around the unlikely friendship of former baseball player and a grocery clerk with Down Syndrome. Starring David DeSanctis and Kris Polaha, this movie attempts something different by giving a person with a disability (Down syndrome) a protagonist role while showing the realities their trials they struggle to overcome on a daily basis.
"I had no idea what it was going to be like working with the down syndrome community. David really shattered any stereotype I had," says Polaha a Hallmark Home and Family interview.
Down syndrome occurs to about 1 in 1000 babies each year; despite this, many are able to read and write. In fact 20% of people are able to do paid work. This just proves that you can't judge a book by its cover.
"It's taught me just to when I see someone with down syndrome just to walk up and treat them with dignity and respect," says Polaha.
When DeSanctis was asked about his friends reaction to the movie, he just replies ".. That all of my friends came up to be and said 'you're my role model'
Apart from the message of hope and redemption, David hopes that his lead character reminds parents to allow their children to pursue their dreams.
"... Just make the impossible be possible!"
Since I have a close family friend with down syndrome who just happens to work at a grocery store, this movie strikes a chord with me as well. Stay strong,Tyler. You don't know what a positive impact your positive and persevere spirit is having on those around you!
Premiering May 15th, Where Hope Grows centers around the unlikely friendship of former baseball player and a grocery clerk with Down Syndrome. Starring David DeSanctis and Kris Polaha, this movie attempts something different by giving a person with a disability (Down syndrome) a protagonist role while showing the realities their trials they struggle to overcome on a daily basis.
"I had no idea what it was going to be like working with the down syndrome community. David really shattered any stereotype I had," says Polaha a Hallmark Home and Family interview.
Down syndrome occurs to about 1 in 1000 babies each year; despite this, many are able to read and write. In fact 20% of people are able to do paid work. This just proves that you can't judge a book by its cover.
"It's taught me just to when I see someone with down syndrome just to walk up and treat them with dignity and respect," says Polaha.
When DeSanctis was asked about his friends reaction to the movie, he just replies ".. That all of my friends came up to be and said 'you're my role model'
Apart from the message of hope and redemption, David hopes that his lead character reminds parents to allow their children to pursue their dreams.
"... Just make the impossible be possible!"
Since I have a close family friend with down syndrome who just happens to work at a grocery store, this movie strikes a chord with me as well. Stay strong,Tyler. You don't know what a positive impact your positive and persevere spirit is having on those around you!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Mission Field
Dear Readers,
Wow, it's hard to believe a year since my last post on this disability blog. What can I say? Work has kept me busier than I ever imagined. I'm up at nine in the morning (usually) talking nonstop until lunch and then I take a break and resume until 5 PM. That's one busy day for a disabled person. Not that I mind of course. I'm actually using my writing talents and experiences improve the lives of people in similar circumstances
Still.
Wasn't that what was happening with this blog? Changing lives through my personal experiences as well as sharing articles of faith and disability. It's not like I had forgotten about this blog, I certainly hadn't. In fact, I came here every once in a while just to check on things and try to put pen to paper (or voice to computer- in my case.) Nothing. I wondered what this meant.
Until recently..
Our church has been doing a sermon series "What's next?" It centers around the ministry of the disciples after Jesus ascends into heaven. (Acts 3) Even though He left them physically, Jesus equips them with the Holy Spirit and sends them out to make disciples. They each do this in a unexpected way- by meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the people around them. This can be seen in the miracle of the lame beggar. Peter says to him in Acts 3:6- 10:
"Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."
I guess what I'm trying to say is I got so busy with work that I forgot this unique "mission field". Here within the pages of this blog where I share articles of faith and personal experiences. It is here that I hope you find glimpses of God through my trials and triumphs. This is what I was originally called to do even before my job came along. Yes, originally this was to give potential employers a chance to look at my writing and see what I'm capable of doing but it quickly became so much more than that.
I just forgot for a while.
But I'm back now.
I may not post as frequently but if anyone is struggling and wants to talk, I'm available
in closing, show the people around you how much you care about them and if you believe show it. It might just make a world of difference!
Wow, it's hard to believe a year since my last post on this disability blog. What can I say? Work has kept me busier than I ever imagined. I'm up at nine in the morning (usually) talking nonstop until lunch and then I take a break and resume until 5 PM. That's one busy day for a disabled person. Not that I mind of course. I'm actually using my writing talents and experiences improve the lives of people in similar circumstances
Still.
Wasn't that what was happening with this blog? Changing lives through my personal experiences as well as sharing articles of faith and disability. It's not like I had forgotten about this blog, I certainly hadn't. In fact, I came here every once in a while just to check on things and try to put pen to paper (or voice to computer- in my case.) Nothing. I wondered what this meant.
Until recently..
Our church has been doing a sermon series "What's next?" It centers around the ministry of the disciples after Jesus ascends into heaven. (Acts 3) Even though He left them physically, Jesus equips them with the Holy Spirit and sends them out to make disciples. They each do this in a unexpected way- by meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the people around them. This can be seen in the miracle of the lame beggar. Peter says to him in Acts 3:6- 10:
"Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."
I guess what I'm trying to say is I got so busy with work that I forgot this unique "mission field". Here within the pages of this blog where I share articles of faith and personal experiences. It is here that I hope you find glimpses of God through my trials and triumphs. This is what I was originally called to do even before my job came along. Yes, originally this was to give potential employers a chance to look at my writing and see what I'm capable of doing but it quickly became so much more than that.
I just forgot for a while.
But I'm back now.
I may not post as frequently but if anyone is struggling and wants to talk, I'm available
in closing, show the people around you how much you care about them and if you believe show it. It might just make a world of difference!
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