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"