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"

Whitney Houston Funeral

Dear Friends,

This post has been in the making for a while now: not because I wanted to talk about Whitney Houston or her problems, but simply because Rev. Marvin Winans eulogy touched my heart. I'm not suggesting you watch the whole thing, however his remarks begin at the 3 hour mark when he begins his sermon on Mark 6-8. His premise focusing on the priorities of Christians today. For example, he goes on saying that faith is actively expecting God to work in your life. But in order to do this, Matthew also says that you must seek first his kingdom AND his righteousness then everything else will be given to you according to God's perfect will. One final note that I just realized watching it back.. He said something like this: "you can never put God first and then he would forget you in the end. He will never forget you!

Valentine's day is for everyone!

Dear Readers,


Okay, so I know I'm one day late in writing this Valentine's Day post. But then again it's never too late to celebrate the message of love with all the special people in our lives. I've been thinking about this a lot lately; just because of the holiday itself-but because it's around this time I realize most of my friends are scattered around the globe.

Though it's been a difficult journey, my friends (both old and new) have always had my back. As I've said many times before, they have played instrumental roles in making me the person I am today. They're both supportive and accepting while spurring me on to grow in ways I never imagined; much in the same way as Paul mentored Timothy in the Bible.

Ironically, you'd think it had been an other way around- considering Paul's current situation (sitting in a jail cell, awaiting his final days). But instead he spent days writing a final letter to encourage him. He recalled seeing the same faith in Timothy as he had seen in generations before him (Timothy 's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois). Because of this, there is no doubt for Paul that it will be passed on. He does issue a warning, however, underlining the importance of keeping the passion going for the Ministry.

2 Timothy 6-8 says, "For this reasonI remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."

Where am I going with all of this? Not only do we need relationships for fun and recreation, but we also need down to encourage our personal growth. So next time you wonder why God has placed someone in your life, he might just be challenging you...

PS. I love all my friends.. you know who you are!