Encouragement: President Signs disability diagnoses bill into law

Hi Guys,

Here's an update on some recent legislation related to disability issues. It's official- the disability diagnosis bill is now a law. Signed on October 8, 2008, the bill is renamed Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act . The law gives the Department of Health and Human Services permission to create a grant program to gather information about down syndrome as well as other prenatal and postnatal diagnosed diseases. This information will be shared with anxious parents who encounter such a diagnosis.

For more information, please go to:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2008/10/president_signs_disability_dia.html

New season of Little People, Big World

Hello everyone,

As promised, I have something new planned for today's post. But I have a few things to say first. Over the past few months, a lot has changed for me. A new home, living arrangements, and new friends etc. It's all been quite difficult for me honestly. I have tried to continue the routine I had in Michigan, so that something remained the same in my life. But it didn't seem to help. It wasn't until today that it dawned on me. I didn't have something on a daily basis reminding me of how lucky I was. I had forgotten about one of my favorite shows Little People, Big World. Granted, I had my routine of my devotional and my Christian music, but I now realize all three work great together just for me.

Many of you may remember me talking about the show before. The premise: Despite being diagnosed with dwarfism, the Roloff family strives to live a normal life. Throughout past seasons, they have remodeled their home, started a new organization and overcame disasters. Now they are at it again.

You can look forward to the fourth season that starts tonight at eight on TLC. Check your local listings for channels

Back on track

Everyone,

I realize it's been a while. Since returning from vacation, I have been relaxing a lot more. I really haven't come across anything disability news worthy until now. I hope that changes soon, but for now I am going to try and put the enjoyment back in writing for this blog. I'm not making any promises though. It would help me a lot if my readers would point me in the right direction to some interesting articles.

This recent disability story should hold you excited readers until Monday. In Rockville Maryland, a new park was dedicated to the memory of Mattie Stepanek. This young man was well known for his inspiring poetry and writing skills. Although diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, he didn't let that stop him from being a peace maker to all he came in contact with. Even though he died in 2004, his memory still lives on.

On a personal note, I think this story was meant to be shared because I just happened to be watching the news and that came on. I have many of Mattie's books and they are inspiring. He was such a wise and courageous young man with so many lessons to teach. To read more about his story, here are three websites to get you started:

http://www.mattieonline.com/
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=mattiestepanek
http://www.wowzone.com/mattie.htm

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Citation for TV Program: "Fox 5 News at 6" News segment, . Fox channel 5 WTTG Washington, News at 6:00: pm, October 18, 2008

Encouragement: Contentment & Happiness

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "
Philippians 4: 12- 13

Everyone,

The above verse comes from today's sermon at the church we attended. I found it particularly helpful considering my recent move to Virginia and the current economic crisis. You may remember is that the is and important to be reminded about where true contentment lies. For many, this inner peace is connected to a job, a relationship or something else.

But in times like these, we are forced with difficult questions or situations that test the foundation of such contentment.

That being said, where is your true contentment?

Mine centers around the peace I have in Jesus Christ. I will admit I don't always live in it; I'm human and as humans we can to want to take control of the situation. But, the inner peace is something for me to come back to.

Reflections On Vacation

07

Hi there everyone~

Above are just some of the pictures taken from our beach vacation two weeks ago. For our family, the week's rest was a amazing time of renewal and refreshment. It was the most exhilarating experience to be able to wake up every morning hearing the ocean's waves lap on the beach. For the first time in a great while, I was at peace. Once again, I was reminded about what's really important in life.

Time.

Time to admire and appreciate God's beauty.

Time to be able to spend with family and friends.

It is times and scenes like these that renew my sense of wonder. How could God, someone so powerful, create Earth just for us? Why us? Why not keep the beauty to himself? To be honest, I don't know all the answers and I won't know many of them until I arrive in heaven. I only know that my God is a compassionate who created us for companionship as well as to serve as examples of his ultimate power and mercy.

Encouragement: Good News For Parents Of Children With Disabilities

Everyone,

So I continue to run behind on my posts for this week. It always figures that once you finish a task, something else arises. Such is life, I guess. I am trying to roll with the punches. Anyway, on to the bulk of today's post, I was checking my e-mail in a effort to "de-clutter" one aspect of my life and search for new topics when I was pleasantly surprised. It turns out the Senate is in the process of passing (or have passed) a new bill that helps parents in the life changing diagnosis of having a child with a disability. The bill ensures that they will receive the best prenatal and postnatal care; they will also be connected with the necessary emotional, physical, and social supports needed to raise someone with a disability.

Feel free to take a look for yourself:
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/09/24/senate-passes-diagnosis-bill/

Another autism webpage

So,

I took another Friday off; I guess I haven't been up to writing much lately. I don't know if I ever can put into words the amount of adjustment moving to another state takes. After all, it's been almost 2 months and I'm still feeling some of the effects. But the least I have a vacation to look forward to next week. That's right, my family and I are heading to the beach and finally taking a vacation- the first of which since we moved. Anyway, that's the reason there will not be any posts for next week.

Today's post is going to be a short one. In actuality, I am still playing catch-up for the rest of the week. That being said, I came across this website looking at autism. I thought I would share with you. Despite my short analysis, it looks like a comprehensive website that explores all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment.

Feel free to check it out for yourself.

The website can be accessed simply by going to:

http://autism.expertinforeview.com/uncategorized/autism-an-incurable-developmental-disability