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!