Welcome Back Readers~
This June, Sony Pictures Animation's The Star premiered on Netflix; this animated story of Jesus Christ's birth is told from a very unique perspective- an animal's point of view. While many animals join in on the adventure, the story is told primarily from the perspective of a donkey named Bo. Bo is looking for his purpose on this earth; he has dreams of becoming part of the King's caravan. In order to achieve his goal, he escapes from his owner's shed; unfortunately for him, the owner is close behind. Somehow, though, Bo finds solace in Mary's house. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Mary has been told by the angel Gabriel that she is to give birth to Jesus. This part of the story is biblically accurate, with Mary questioning "Why her?:; In the end, she accepts it saying "Let it be as you have said." Joseph is surprised by Mary's news but takes it in stride after going to God in prayer. As they decide to travel to Bethlehem, the two debate bringing Bo. Long story short, they decide not too. Finally, Bo is free to escape and join the caravan.
Or so he thinks..
When Herod's dogs arrive to find Mary, Bo must warn them. And so the journey begins..
On the surface, this storyline is very entertaining with stars like Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey lending their voices; although the major plot gets somewhat lost. For example, Herod did not send his dogs to search for the child; instead, he enlisted the help of the three wise men. Going a little bit farther; it did not show them being warned in a dream not to go back and report to Herod
On a brighter note, I liked how mainstream and Christian singers joined forces in the making of this soundtrack. My favorite songs were On a brighter note, I liked how mainstream and Christian singers joined forces in the making of this soundtrack. My favorite songs were "Mary, Did You Know?" By Zara Larson, "His Eye is On The Sparrow" by Casting Crowns, and "Carol of the Bells" by Pentatonix.
For more information about this movie, please go to:
https://www.eonliws/893035/the-star-s-oprah-winfrey-gina-rodriguez-kelly-clarkson-and-more-pose-with-their-movie-charactersne.com/ne
https://www.amazon.com/Star-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B0767PM65C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529526096&sr=8-1&keywords=the+star+soundtrack
https://www.facebook.com/TheStarMovie/
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Encouragement Wednesday:Samuel J. Comroe: Comedian With Tourette Syndrome Impresses Crowd - Amer...
Hey Folks~
It occurred to me while ago that I designated Wednesday's for encouragement blogs. This segment appeared on America's Got Talent last night and features Samuel J Cornroe - a comedian with Tourette's Syndrome. Instead of minimizing his disability, he features it in his act. Samuel has a family who has a 50% chance of being diagnosed with the condition; he wants to show her that anything is possible despite one's condition. Personal note: I have also added this man's routine to my YouTube channel. I will continue to update you on his progress throughout the show.
For more information, please go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQycwL74X7o
https://twitter.com/samueljcomroe?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/agt/videos/vb.10646929759/10156021876639760/?type=2&theater
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It occurred to me while ago that I designated Wednesday's for encouragement blogs. This segment appeared on America's Got Talent last night and features Samuel J Cornroe - a comedian with Tourette's Syndrome. Instead of minimizing his disability, he features it in his act. Samuel has a family who has a 50% chance of being diagnosed with the condition; he wants to show her that anything is possible despite one's condition. Personal note: I have also added this man's routine to my YouTube channel. I will continue to update you on his progress throughout the show.
For more information, please go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQycwL74X7o
https://twitter.com/samueljcomroe?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/agt/videos/vb.10646929759/10156021876639760/?type=2&theater
(
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Michael Ketterer: Father Of 6 Scores Golden Buzzer From Simon Cowell - A...
Welcome Back Readers~
Every year America's Got Talent seems to have its share of inspirational stories; 2018 is no different. Last night AGT featured father of six Michael Ketterer. Ketterer works as a pediatric mental health nurse from Orange County California. Originally, he hadn't planned on having such a big family until fate stepped in. After a difficult first pregnancy,the couple gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Sofia; the doctors warned that if they wanted to have more children they would most likely encounter the same experience. So Michael and Ivy decided it would be just the three of them.. That is until Sofia began having dreams which had three little boys and them; it was then that they looked into the idea of adoption. After three years of getting certified, they were called about three brothers from a difficult upbringing. That's how there family began growing. After a year and a half, the couple receives another call, another little boy was available. By this time, they thought they were done for sure. Wrong again. God had other plans.
Because of Michael's background as a pediatric nurse, the next call was a special one. This one involved a little boy with cerebral palsy. But Michael still wasn't sure about it. So he asked God to give him a sign. On his way home one night, Michael saw a literal featuring a father pushing his son with CP through a marathon.
And that was it. He knew.
For more information about this amazing contestant and his family, please go to:
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2018/06/05/americas-got-talent-knoxvilles-michael-ketterer-audition/670516002/
echo pause
https://www.facebook.com/WFLANewsChannel8/videos/10156005412924760/
Every year America's Got Talent seems to have its share of inspirational stories; 2018 is no different. Last night AGT featured father of six Michael Ketterer. Ketterer works as a pediatric mental health nurse from Orange County California. Originally, he hadn't planned on having such a big family until fate stepped in. After a difficult first pregnancy,the couple gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Sofia; the doctors warned that if they wanted to have more children they would most likely encounter the same experience. So Michael and Ivy decided it would be just the three of them.. That is until Sofia began having dreams which had three little boys and them; it was then that they looked into the idea of adoption. After three years of getting certified, they were called about three brothers from a difficult upbringing. That's how there family began growing. After a year and a half, the couple receives another call, another little boy was available. By this time, they thought they were done for sure. Wrong again. God had other plans.
Because of Michael's background as a pediatric nurse, the next call was a special one. This one involved a little boy with cerebral palsy. But Michael still wasn't sure about it. So he asked God to give him a sign. On his way home one night, Michael saw a literal featuring a father pushing his son with CP through a marathon.
And that was it. He knew.
For more information about this amazing contestant and his family, please go to:
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2018/06/05/americas-got-talent-knoxvilles-michael-ketterer-audition/670516002/
echo pause
https://www.facebook.com/WFLANewsChannel8/videos/10156005412924760/
Monday, May 28, 2018
My Very Own YouTube Channel
Dear Readers,
For a couple months now, I have toyed with the idea of creating a YouTube channel where audiences could actually put a name to my words as I write my blog. This would allow me not only to get to know my readers on a more intimate platform, but put something out more often. I'll admit it's not as easy for me to speak on recording as it is for me to write. But hopefully you will appreciate my effort and come to me with more questions or comments this way. I don't pretend to know it all when it comes to having a disability, but hope to be a help to those on their personal walk of self-discovery. Either way, I'm here if you want to talk. I have no specific plan for these videos except to say they will inspire and challenge you on your road - whether you have a disability or not.
I will be continuously updating this as people become more involved. I look forward to seeing what God does with this..
God bless,
Debbie (a.k.a. Rollin Debbie)
For more information on this channel, please go to:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVS_NHAx_sZl5_DkAH9xVCA?view_as=public
For a couple months now, I have toyed with the idea of creating a YouTube channel where audiences could actually put a name to my words as I write my blog. This would allow me not only to get to know my readers on a more intimate platform, but put something out more often. I'll admit it's not as easy for me to speak on recording as it is for me to write. But hopefully you will appreciate my effort and come to me with more questions or comments this way. I don't pretend to know it all when it comes to having a disability, but hope to be a help to those on their personal walk of self-discovery. Either way, I'm here if you want to talk. I have no specific plan for these videos except to say they will inspire and challenge you on your road - whether you have a disability or not.
I will be continuously updating this as people become more involved. I look forward to seeing what God does with this..
God bless,
Debbie (a.k.a. Rollin Debbie)
For more information on this channel, please go to:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVS_NHAx_sZl5_DkAH9xVCA?view_as=public
Saturday, May 26, 2018
My Last Days - Season 3 Trailer
Welcome Back Readers~
I heard about "My Last Days" when asking Alexa to turn on my lights one morning. While the premise of this show may seem morbid at first; it's really not. This show features real people dealing with terminal diagnoses in very unique ways. Rather than focusing on their death, these people concentrate on living every day as if it was their last. This allows them to follow their passion with no apologies and excuses. Take for example choreographer Miranda Davis, who is just 33 and expected to die by the age of 40; this is after her seventh diagnosis of a series of complex and rare disorder.
Then there is Anthony Carbajal, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 26; unfortunately, the diagnosis runs in the family- his mom and grandma both had it in their lives. But he hasn't allowed the diagnosis stop him from pursuing his dreams of photography. He has his camera attached to his wheelchair.
"This wheelchair is making me a better photographer. In a weird way, I'm grateful for that. I started paying attention to the present moment.." he said
This medical docudrama airs on Fridays at 8 PM on the CW.
For more information on this series, please go to:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/MY-LAST-DAYS-An-Uplifting-Docuseries-Created-by-JANE-THE-VIRGIN-Star-Justin-Baldoni-Returns-to-The-CW-Today-20180524
http://variety.com/2016/tv/reviews/tv-review-my-last-days-justin-baldoni-1201838783/
I heard about "My Last Days" when asking Alexa to turn on my lights one morning. While the premise of this show may seem morbid at first; it's really not. This show features real people dealing with terminal diagnoses in very unique ways. Rather than focusing on their death, these people concentrate on living every day as if it was their last. This allows them to follow their passion with no apologies and excuses. Take for example choreographer Miranda Davis, who is just 33 and expected to die by the age of 40; this is after her seventh diagnosis of a series of complex and rare disorder.
Then there is Anthony Carbajal, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 26; unfortunately, the diagnosis runs in the family- his mom and grandma both had it in their lives. But he hasn't allowed the diagnosis stop him from pursuing his dreams of photography. He has his camera attached to his wheelchair.
"This wheelchair is making me a better photographer. In a weird way, I'm grateful for that. I started paying attention to the present moment.." he said
This medical docudrama airs on Fridays at 8 PM on the CW.
For more information on this series, please go to:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/MY-LAST-DAYS-An-Uplifting-Docuseries-Created-by-JANE-THE-VIRGIN-Star-Justin-Baldoni-Returns-to-The-CW-Today-20180524
http://variety.com/2016/tv/reviews/tv-review-my-last-days-justin-baldoni-1201838783/
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Breaking Stereotypes; Young Man Spreading Alopecia Awareness
Welcome Back Readers
I was watching Home And Family as I usually do and came across this inspiring interview with Jesse London As a child, Jessie was diagnosed with alopecia. For those of you that are unfamiliar, this is a auto immune disease that makes your hair fall out. Now there are three types of alopecia, but the type we are talking about here is alopecia Areata, which involves all of the hair on the body. It is important to note this condition is not contagious and can happen to anyone; it is not a discriminate of age, race or ethnicity.
You can just imagine the Jesse’s reaction, right? Not. Immediately, he wants to have in the assembly raising awareness about condition; he even has been asked to speak at other schools. Jesse has even gone as far as writing a comic book on the condition in the hopes of making it seem less scary and more acceptable.
“Everyone who is different in any kind of way, they shouldn't hide their difference, and they should embrace their difference, and they shouldn't feel ashamed of it."
This young boy reminds me of verse in I Timothy that says," “ Don’t let anyone look down on you) because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
For more information on this cause, please go to:
https://www.projectjesse.com/
https://childrensalopeciaproject.org/
I was watching Home And Family as I usually do and came across this inspiring interview with Jesse London As a child, Jessie was diagnosed with alopecia. For those of you that are unfamiliar, this is a auto immune disease that makes your hair fall out. Now there are three types of alopecia, but the type we are talking about here is alopecia Areata, which involves all of the hair on the body. It is important to note this condition is not contagious and can happen to anyone; it is not a discriminate of age, race or ethnicity.
You can just imagine the Jesse’s reaction, right? Not. Immediately, he wants to have in the assembly raising awareness about condition; he even has been asked to speak at other schools. Jesse has even gone as far as writing a comic book on the condition in the hopes of making it seem less scary and more acceptable.
“Everyone who is different in any kind of way, they shouldn't hide their difference, and they should embrace their difference, and they shouldn't feel ashamed of it."
This young boy reminds me of verse in I Timothy that says," “ Don’t let anyone look down on you) because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
For more information on this cause, please go to:
https://www.projectjesse.com/
https://childrensalopeciaproject.org/
Monday, May 14, 2018
My Experience Racing at the Semper Fi 5K With The Help of Ainsley's Angels
Dear Readers,
If you are familiar with my blog, you may remember how I first mentioned my encounter with Ainsley's Angels at the 2016 Ability Expo in Virginia. As well as offering information, they allowed me to "test ride," one of their actual chairs. While my runner and I took a short jog around the building, I felt free. If you've been in a wheelchair for a considerable amount of time, you may understand what I mean- always having something up against your back to support you. Though I was supported in the race chair, I was able to feel the air against my face and back. For just a moment, I felt like a runner with the wind of against my face; albeit, my partner. I was borrowing my partner's legs. But I wasn't just a person with a disability anymore; I wanted more of this feeling..
So I signed up on a email list to be notified about upcoming races
It wasn't until this April that the races happened to be in our area. It was then that I contacted the event organizer for our area (Katy). Unfortunately, she was unable to get a runner for this race, but she would definitely have a chair for the next race. In the meantime, she wanted to learn more about me and my disability to properly match me with a team. My dad emailed her the specifics of my disability as well as other info.
Now we waited.
Finally, Katy emailed us back and said there was a chair available for me in the next race. She said it would be slightly more tilted than the other chair I had been in so I would be able to see more of the race. I was ecstatic. But how was I going to record the race for my friends who were unable to attend. It was then that I looked into getting a GoPro; for those of you unfamiliar with GoPro, this is a very small camera able to record or take pictures of action events, such as surfing, etc.. It can be attached to one's body and left running to record the actual event itself. What's unique about the GoPro is that it can be remotely controlled by a cell phone using Bluetooth interface. In other words, those that are disabled and unable to press buttons on a camera can control a camera just as easily through a app.
But that's another story for another time.
So it was a go. I was set to race in the Semper Fi 5K. This race was in an effort to raise money for a fund in the same name, which supports those who are wounded during the war and need help adjusting when they return home as a civilian. So, on Saturday, my parents and I got up at 5 AM in order to drive and meet the group at East Potomac Park by 715 a.m. In all there were 12 teams, one for each disabled person, and 22 runners that pushed the racing chairs. My chair had a flag that said "Team Debbie" and my team runners were Amy and Jackie. Amy is a schoolteacher and Jackie is a Intel analyst and retired from the Army. Before the race started, every chair was tested and taken for a test run. They secured me with a chest strap and I was ready to go. As it turned out, this was Jackie's first race with the Angels as well as mine; we both had to get used to how Phoenix (our chair) moved as well as felt. When everyone arrived, we decided to take a picture around the Reflection Pool by the Lincoln Memorial. (See below)
As our team arrived at the starting line, I was filled with anticipation. Would I get that feeling again? Would I temporarily forget about my spasms and remember who I was doing this for? Not only to feel that freedom without my wheelchair, but to support those wounded in war. After all, they sometimes find themselves in similar circumstances- in wheelchairs, wearing prosthetics and coping with their new circumstances. As I listened to the Star-Spangled banner, I thought about this and became deeply moved. Thanks to their sacrifice, I live in a country where I have my freedom. I'm not just talking about physical freedom here, but religious freedom as well.
But I digress.
I don't remember if there was a gun to signal the beginning of the race, but next thing I know we were off. Amy decided to run first pushing my wheelchair along as Jackie ran beside me. A gentle breeze kept me cool as the pavement pounded beneath my chair; even though I was sitting down, I felt like I was running. I tried my best to take in the scenery, but we were going pretty. During the race, I heard an occasional spectator yell "Go Team Debbie" as we sped past. Occasionally, I had the opportunity to speak to Jackie about my future plans as she ran beside me. (see below)
At around Mile #1, a motorcycle policeman passed us; they were there with Park officials to make sure all the runners were safe.I believe it was then that Jackie took over for Amy and Amy walked beside me. I was quiet for a bit as I tried to take in the scenery around me. As we reached the turn around point, I was surprised as a man with racing prostatics sped past. "That's who I'm doing this for people like him- injured in war." I thought. Whoever this man was, he was not letting anything stop them.
Reaching the final lap, Amy and Jackie decided to swap over bridge. (My apologies if you guys swapped more and I didn't notice. I was just trying to enjoy the scenery and take it all in). Another thing I really liked about racing with the Angels is that fellow racers didn't look at me as someone with a disability, they looked at me as a fellow runner and cheered me on! There was a camaraderie there. We crossed the finish line in record time about 25 minutes as the song "The Eye of the Tiger" played. (See below)
If you are familiar with my blog, you may remember how I first mentioned my encounter with Ainsley's Angels at the 2016 Ability Expo in Virginia. As well as offering information, they allowed me to "test ride," one of their actual chairs. While my runner and I took a short jog around the building, I felt free. If you've been in a wheelchair for a considerable amount of time, you may understand what I mean- always having something up against your back to support you. Though I was supported in the race chair, I was able to feel the air against my face and back. For just a moment, I felt like a runner with the wind of against my face; albeit, my partner. I was borrowing my partner's legs. But I wasn't just a person with a disability anymore; I wanted more of this feeling..
So I signed up on a email list to be notified about upcoming races
It wasn't until this April that the races happened to be in our area. It was then that I contacted the event organizer for our area (Katy). Unfortunately, she was unable to get a runner for this race, but she would definitely have a chair for the next race. In the meantime, she wanted to learn more about me and my disability to properly match me with a team. My dad emailed her the specifics of my disability as well as other info.
Now we waited.
Finally, Katy emailed us back and said there was a chair available for me in the next race. She said it would be slightly more tilted than the other chair I had been in so I would be able to see more of the race. I was ecstatic. But how was I going to record the race for my friends who were unable to attend. It was then that I looked into getting a GoPro; for those of you unfamiliar with GoPro, this is a very small camera able to record or take pictures of action events, such as surfing, etc.. It can be attached to one's body and left running to record the actual event itself. What's unique about the GoPro is that it can be remotely controlled by a cell phone using Bluetooth interface. In other words, those that are disabled and unable to press buttons on a camera can control a camera just as easily through a app.
But that's another story for another time.
So it was a go. I was set to race in the Semper Fi 5K. This race was in an effort to raise money for a fund in the same name, which supports those who are wounded during the war and need help adjusting when they return home as a civilian. So, on Saturday, my parents and I got up at 5 AM in order to drive and meet the group at East Potomac Park by 715 a.m. In all there were 12 teams, one for each disabled person, and 22 runners that pushed the racing chairs. My chair had a flag that said "Team Debbie" and my team runners were Amy and Jackie. Amy is a schoolteacher and Jackie is a Intel analyst and retired from the Army. Before the race started, every chair was tested and taken for a test run. They secured me with a chest strap and I was ready to go. As it turned out, this was Jackie's first race with the Angels as well as mine; we both had to get used to how Phoenix (our chair) moved as well as felt. When everyone arrived, we decided to take a picture around the Reflection Pool by the Lincoln Memorial. (See below)
As our team arrived at the starting line, I was filled with anticipation. Would I get that feeling again? Would I temporarily forget about my spasms and remember who I was doing this for? Not only to feel that freedom without my wheelchair, but to support those wounded in war. After all, they sometimes find themselves in similar circumstances- in wheelchairs, wearing prosthetics and coping with their new circumstances. As I listened to the Star-Spangled banner, I thought about this and became deeply moved. Thanks to their sacrifice, I live in a country where I have my freedom. I'm not just talking about physical freedom here, but religious freedom as well.
But I digress.
I don't remember if there was a gun to signal the beginning of the race, but next thing I know we were off. Amy decided to run first pushing my wheelchair along as Jackie ran beside me. A gentle breeze kept me cool as the pavement pounded beneath my chair; even though I was sitting down, I felt like I was running. I tried my best to take in the scenery, but we were going pretty. During the race, I heard an occasional spectator yell "Go Team Debbie" as we sped past. Occasionally, I had the opportunity to speak to Jackie about my future plans as she ran beside me. (see below)
At around Mile #1, a motorcycle policeman passed us; they were there with Park officials to make sure all the runners were safe.I believe it was then that Jackie took over for Amy and Amy walked beside me. I was quiet for a bit as I tried to take in the scenery around me. As we reached the turn around point, I was surprised as a man with racing prostatics sped past. "That's who I'm doing this for people like him- injured in war." I thought. Whoever this man was, he was not letting anything stop them.
Reaching the final lap, Amy and Jackie decided to swap over bridge. (My apologies if you guys swapped more and I didn't notice. I was just trying to enjoy the scenery and take it all in). Another thing I really liked about racing with the Angels is that fellow racers didn't look at me as someone with a disability, they looked at me as a fellow runner and cheered me on! There was a camaraderie there. We crossed the finish line in record time about 25 minutes as the song "The Eye of the Tiger" played. (See below)
As we waited for the others to finish, I took a lot of pictures to memorialize my first race. I got my team's phone numbers and email addresses so that I would be able to keep contact with them in the future. Not only did I have the opportunity to participate in my first 5K race, but I have developed so many friends in the process. The first being that of Katy (the event coordinator); without her, none of this would have been possible. Thank you Katy for your tireless work on our behalf making sure that we have every opportunity to participate and gain a new sense of freedom in these events. (See below)
Another big round of applause goes to the many volunteers that offer to race in these events. Without them, people like me would not be able to participate in these events. To my team (Amy and Jackie), thanks for letting me borrow your legs for the day; you will never know what it meant to me being able to feel that air in my face as you raced your hearts out. For once, I didn't have to worry about being seen as a person in a wheelchair, I was just a person. Even though we just met, you took time to get to know me and treated me like a friend. Your friendship means the world to me.I know I can only speak on my experience, but I'm sure other participants may have similar experiences that they can't always express. Just know we appreciate your time and effort trying to make it the best experience for all of us.
Thank you everyone!
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